5. May Fight Cancer

Lion’s mane has several unique compounds that may help fight cancer in mice and lab studies, though researchers aren’t sure how this translates to humans.

“Lion’s mane mushrooms have shown anticancer effects in laboratory and animal studies, but more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness in people,” says Ednie.

6. May Help Manage Diabetes

“Lion’s mane mushrooms may help lower blood sugar, improve insulin levels, and reduce diabetic complications such as nerve pain — these effects have been seen mainly in animal studies,” says Ednie.

However, people with diabetes who are taking medication to control their blood sugar should approach lion’s mane with caution. Lion’s mane may interact with other diabetes treatments, causing blood sugar levels to dip, Richard says.

In addition, most of the research in diabetes has been done in animals and test tubes — more studies in humans may show if lion’s mane can help with diabetes.

7. May Help Reduce Cholesterol Levels

“Lion’s mane mushrooms may help reduce heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, preventing cholesterol oxidation and possibly reducing blood clot risk, but these effects have been shown mainly in animal and lab studies,” says Ednie. “There is not enough evidence from human trials yet to confirm these benefits.”

Despite these findings, Michelle Routhenstein, RDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Entirely Nourished in New York City, doesn’t recommend using lion’s mane to prevent or treat heart disease. “It’s not supported by human studies, and the safety and side effects haven’t been studied either,” she says, adding that there are safer, more effective ways to prevent heart disease through your diet, under the care of your primary physician.