•  A double-blind, placebo-controlled study gave either Lions Mane, or a placebo, to subjects with minor cognitive impairment, every day for 16 weeks, with assessments done at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. The group given Lions Mane showed significant improvement in cognitive scores, increasingly as Lions Mane use continued, however, 4 weeks after stopping Lions Mane the scores decreased significantly, supporting the belief that Lion’s Mane improves cognition.
• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated the cognitive and mood effects, both acute and chronic, of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s mane) in 41 healthy adults aged 18–45. Participants received Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) or a placebo. Results showed that a single dose improved performance speed on the Stroop task (a psychological test) after 60 minutes. Additionally, a trend towards reduced subjective stress was noted after 28 days of supplementation. The study concluded, the findings tentatively suggest that Hericium erinaceus may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults. However, they did caution against bold ambitious interpretation's, considering the small sample size.
• A study on Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s mane) identified new compounds, NDPIH and hericene A, which promote neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons. NDPIH was shown to enhance axon outgrowth and neurite branching even without serum, suggesting strong neurotrophic activity. While partly linked to BDNF signaling, NDPIH also activated ERK1/2 signaling independently of TrkB. Mice fed with Hericium erinaceus extract and hericene A showed increased neurotrophin expression and improved hippocampal memory. These findings indicate that hericene A enhances cognitive performance through a novel neurotrophic pathway.
• One double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 50- to 80-year-old men and women with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were given either Yamabushitake (Lion's Mane) or a placebo for 16 weeks, followed by a 4-week observation period. The Lion's Mane group took four 250 mg tablets three times daily, showing significantly improved cognitive function scores at weeks 8, 12, and 16 compared to the placebo group. Scores "decreased significantly" after stopping the supplement, further suggesting it was the Lion's Mane providing the boost. The study concluded: The results obtained in this study suggest that [Lion's Mane] is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment.
• One study explored the link between these declines and developed an integrated frailty index combining physical and cognitive measures. Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane mushroom) was tested for its effects on memory in aging mice. After two months of supplementation, the mushroom reversed age-related memory decline. Additionally, it showed positive effects on brain cell growth in the hippocampus and cerebellum, indicating its potential for improving cognitive health in frail individuals.

 

Bacopa, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is a natural herb that has become one of the most popular nootropic supplements. It has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognitive abilities and improve memory. This supplement is derived from the leaves of the Bacopa plant, which is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. It contains active compounds called bacosides, which are believed to be responsible for its cognitive-enhancing effects. Research has shown that Bacopa can have a positive impact on brain function. Studies, which we reference below, have demonstrated its ability to improve memory, attention, and mental performance. It is believed to work by enhancing the communication between brain cells, promoting the growth of new nerve cells, and protecting the brain from oxidative stress. One of the key benefits of Bacopa is its potential to enhance memory and learning. It has been shown to improve both short-term and long-term memory, making it a valuable supplement for students, professionals, and individuals looking to maintain cognitive function as they age. In addition to its memory-enhancing properties, Bacopa may also have mood-boosting effects. It has been found to reduce anxiety and improve mood, potentially due to its ability to modulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some studies supporting Bacopa's efficacy are referenced below:

• One double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study tested the effects of Bacopa monnieri on healthy and elderly subjects. The study split 48 subjects into two separated groups, all 65+ years old (mean age of 73.5), giving them either 300 MG of Bacopa monnieri extract per day, or placebo, for 12 weeks. The results showed that the Bacopa group had significantly better results compared to the placebo group, including better word recall, better memory scores, better attention, increase in focus, decrease in depression, and decrease in anxiety, with no side effects reported. The study concluded that Bacopa monnieri has the potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance in the elderly.
• One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study took 60 healthy elderly volunteers (mean age 62.62 years) and gave them either 300 mg or 600 mg of Bacopa monnieri or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks. The study assessed working memory, cognitive function, and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) at baseline, every four weeks during the study, and four weeks after the intervention. The results showed significant improvements in attention, cognitive processing, and working memory in the Bacopa groups compared to the placebo group. Specifically, Bacopa decreased N100 and P300 latencies and suppressed AChE activity. No serious adverse effects were reported, and the supplement was well-tolerated. The study concluded that Bacopa monnieri can safely enhance cognitive performance in healthy elderly individuals.
• One study compared the anti-anxiety effects of Bacopa to an anti-anxiety medication, known as Lorazepam. The study gave subjects either Bacopa (a range of three different dosages) or Lorazepam. The study found that even the lowest dosage of Bacopa used delivered anti-anxiety effects on par with Lorazepam, while the higher two doses delivered stronger results. Additionally, Lorazepam is known to decrease cognition, with potential side effects including drowsiness, confusion and forgetfulness. Bacopa, on the other hand, is known to do the opposite: increase focus and memory, especially the latter. 
• One study investigated the cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects of Bacopa monnieri in an Alzheimer's disease model using rats. The rats were divided into groups and given either 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg of Bacopa monnieri extract orally for a period of three weeks, surrounding the administration of a neurotoxin to induce Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The rats were then tested for spatial memory using Morris water maze test and had their neurons evaluated. The results showed significant improvements in spatial memory and a reduction in neuron loss among the Bacopa-treated rats compared to the control group (the rats without Bacopa). The study concluded: "These findings suggest that Bacopa monnieri is a potential cognitive enhancer and neuroprotectant against Alzheimer's disease".
• One double blind, placebo controlled study was done on random, healthy human subjects. Bacopa Monnieri was given at 300 MG everyday, or placebo, with neuropsychological tests done pre-study, at the 5 week mark, and at 12 weeks. The study found that the group taking Bacopa significantly improved speed of visual information processing, learning rate, memory consolidation, and state anxiety when compared to placebo, with maximum results at the 12 week mark. The study concluded:  “B. monniera may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory.”
• One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study took 60 medical students, giving them either 300 MG of Bacopa or placebo for 6 weeks. Baseline biochemical and memory tests were completed prior to the 6 weeks, and repeated after. The study concluded “Statistically significant improvement was seen in the tests relating to the cognitive functions with use of Bacopa monnieri.” 
• One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study took 98 random healthy subjects over 55 years old, split into two groups, and given either 300 MG/day of Bacopa extract, or identical placebo. Neuropsychologic and subjective memory assessments were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. According to the assessments, Bacopa significantly improved verbal learning, memory acquisition, and delayed recall, leading the study to conclude “Bacopa significantly improved memory acquisition and retention in healthy older [adults]. This concurs with previous findings and traditional use.”
• This study is a meta-analysis that aimed to investigate the effects of Bacopa monnieri on cognitive performance or memory. The study searched several databases from inception date to June 2013, and included only randomized, placebo-controlled human intervention trials on chronic ≥ 12 weeks dosing of standardized extracts of Bacopa monnieri without any co-medication. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias assessment and Jadad's quality scales. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, using 518 subjects. The meta-analysis of 437 eligible subjects showed improved cognition by shortened Trail B test and decreased choice reaction time. The overall quality of all included trials was low risk of bias and quality of reported information was high. The study concludes that Bacopa monnieri has the potential to improve cognition, particularly speed of attention