The goal of this study is to determine whether supplementation with Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) extract enhances selected cognitive functions in healthy, actively working, middle-aged women. We aim to investigate a broad spectrum of cognitive functions to identify which, if any, are affected both immediately and after prolonged supplementation with Hericium erinaceus extract.
Our main research questions are as follows:
- Can Hericium erinaceus extract supplementation modify cognitive status?
- Is there an immediate effect on cognition following a single intake of Hericium erinaceus extract?
- Does prolonged supplementation with Hericium erinaceus extract influence cognitive functioning?
- Which cognitive functions are affected, and will the patterns differ between immediate effects and those observed after long-term supplementation?
- Will participants report subjective cognitive enhancement?
Our main hypotheses are as follows:
- A single dose of Hericium erinaceus extract will produce an acute effect, improving attention 45 minutes after intake.
- An eight-week supplementation period with Hericium erinaceus extract will produce a chronic effect, improving long-term memory.
- The investigators will compare Hericium erinaceus extract with a placebo (a visually identical substance that contains no active ingredients) to determine whether the extract effectively enhances cognitive functioning.
Participants will:
- Take a Hericium erinaceus extract or placebo capsule daily for 2 months.
- Visit SWPS University for baseline assessments before beginning supplementation (T0), a follow-up assessment 45 minutes after the initial intake (T1), and additional assessments at 1 week (T2) and 2 months (T3).
- Complete neuropsychological testing and questionnaires during the T1, T2, and T3 visits.
- Maintain their usual dietary habits throughout the study.