Applied Food Sciences (AFS) has introduced MycoThrive Lion’s Mane, a functional ingredient that has been recently clinically studied for its ability to improve cognitive performance and emotional well-being.
MycoThrive Lion’s Mane is expected to advance the natural supplements sector, catering to individuals interested in functional mushrooms to enhance mental acuity and mood.
The ingredient, formerly known as Nordic Lion’s Mane, is said to be a potent new addition to Applied Food Sciences’ lineup of functional ingredients.
It is part of the MycoThrive line, which features a line of functional mushrooms. Alongside lion’s mane, the lineup includes cordyceps, chaga, reishi, maitake, and shiitake.
In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study, 40 healthy adults underwent an evaluation to assess the acute effects of 1000mg of lion’s mane mushroom extract on cognitive performance and mood.
The study compared the effects of a single 1000mg dose of MycoThrive Lion’s Mane extract with a 650mg dose of guayusa extract (AmaTea Max) and a placebo.
Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments including tasks like Go/No-Go, Serial-Sevens, and N-Back at baseline, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes post-ingestion.
Subjective measures for cognitive perception and mood were also evaluated.
According to the results, participants who received MycoThrive Lion’s Mane showed immediate improvements in working memory, attention, concentration, and reaction time, beginning as early as one hour after ingestion.
These improvements were statistically significant compared to the placebo group.
Additionally, participants reported enhanced mood scores, particularly feelings of happiness, indicating a positive impact on emotional well-being.
Applied Food Sciences CEO Loretta Zapp said: “After extensive research on the science of fungi, we developed a love for mushroom ingredients and took on the challenges of creating consistent mushroom extracts standardised to their active compounds.
“Although the mushroom category is growing in the US, much still needs to be discovered about the scientific and quality aspects.
“Therefore, we are thrilled to enter this space with significant investment by offering our innovative line of MycoThrive mushroom ingredients and conducting the clinical studies needed to bring more validation to the market.”
The study’s findings will support the use of MycoThrive Lion’s Mane in cognitive-enhancing products.
