Hericenones and Erinacines: Lion's Mane's Signature Compounds Explained

Two names come up again and again in lion's mane articles: hericenones and erinacines. This guide explains what they are, where they come from, and what researchers know so far.

What Are Hericenones?

Hericenones are a group of compounds found mainly in the fruiting body of lion's mane, the white, shaggy part you see and eat. They were first reported by Japanese researchers in the early 1990s, and several types (such as hericenones C, D and E) have since been identified. Chemically, they combine an aromatic ring structure with a fatty-acid chain.

What Are Erinacines?

Erinacines are a different family of compounds found mainly in the mycelium, the thread-like network that grows inside wood or a growing medium. Because the mycelium isn't usually eaten as food, erinacines are mostly encountered in mycelium-based supplements.

Why the Difference Matters

Whether a product is made from the fruiting body or the mycelium changes which compounds it contains. Some mycelium products are grown on grain and ground up together with it, so much of the material may be grain starch. Checking the label for the source is the simplest way to know what you're getting.

Where Does the Research Stand?

Most research on hericenones and erinacines has been done in cells and animals. A review by Li et al. (2018) summarizes this body of work. A small number of human studies on lion's mane have been published, but they are small and short and used different materials, so the effects of these compounds as part of a normal diet are not yet established.