Lion’s mane and cordyceps are two different mushrooms with two different research stories. Lion’s mane has been studied for thinking speed, stress and mood, in limited human research. Cordyceps has been studied mainly for energy and exercise endurance, with results that vary. Neither body of research proves that a finished gummy or drop works the same way, so the label, the amounts and what else you take matter most.
Disclosure: To be upfront, this site is under common ownership with Pilly Labs. We mention it so you can factor it in.
What is the difference between lion’s mane and cordyceps?
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is the mushroom people usually reach for when they want to think more clearly or steady their mood. Cordyceps is the one people usually reach for when they want energy or endurance. Pilly Labs, Kaffico and Flexies all sell lion’s mane or cordyceps products, in gummy, drop or coffee form.
| Question | Lion’s mane | Cordyceps |
|---|---|---|
| What it has been studied for | Faster performance on the Stroop task and a trend in subjective stress in a 2023 pilot; compounds and nerve growth factor described in a 2025 narrative review | Exercise endpoints, in a randomized trial and a 2025 meta-analysis |
| What the research says overall | “Clinical validation remains limited” (2025 review) | Findings vary across products, populations and outcomes |
| How a label words it | “Helps maintain normal cognitive function” (Adaptogen Vitality Gummies front label) | “Cellular energy support” (Cordyceps Energy Gummies page, which calls it seller positioning) |
What do the lion’s mane studies show?
The most direct human study in this set is a 2023 lion’s mane pilot trial published in Nutrients. It was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled, and it tested 1.8 g of lion’s mane in 41 healthy adults aged 18 to 45. After a single dose, participants performed more quickly on the Stroop task at 60 minutes (p = 0.005). After 28 days, there was a trend toward lower subjective stress (p = 0.051). The authors wrote that the findings “tentatively suggest” benefits to speed of performance and stress, noted that null and limited negative findings were also seen, and said the findings “should be interpreted with caution” because the sample was small.
Two limits matter for a bottle. The 1.8 g used in that trial is far more than the 100 mg of lion’s mane in the Energy & Cognition Drops, and the trial enrolled healthy young adults, not people with memory concerns.
A 2025 lion’s mane review is a narrative review. It describes the mushroom’s compounds, including polysaccharides, hericenones and erinacines, and says they can scavenge reactive oxygen species and prompt the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. It also says the mushroom can stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis. The review concludes that “clinical validation remains limited” and calls for large-scale clinical trials. A 2015 lion’s mane review gathers reports of effects in cells, animals and people, including on anxiety, cognitive function and depression, and it suggests more research to guide use.
Memory is a separate question. Studies of memory in older adults are covered on our lion’s mane memory studies (our research library) page.
On labels, the Adaptogen Vitality Gummies front label carries the wording “Helps maintain normal cognitive function*.” That is the maker’s statement. The research above used different amounts and different people.
What does cordyceps do in the research?
Cordyceps research centres on exercise and energy. Some exercise endpoints have been studied, in a randomized trial and a 2025 meta-analysis, and the findings vary across products, populations and outcomes. The PubMed records are a PubMed record on cordyceps and exercise and a second PubMed record on cordyceps and exercise. For the exercise evidence in more depth, read our cordyceps for athletic performance guide, and for doses and safety, our cordyceps human studies (our research library) page.
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page says the seller describes the role of cordyceps as “cellular energy support.” The page itself notes that this is seller positioning, not proof of a clinical outcome.
Which is better, cordyceps militaris or sinensis?
Studies use different species, preparations and doses, so no clean “which is better” answer comes out of them. Check the species on the label. The Adaptogen Immunity Drops label says it features Cordyceps militaris extract, “traditionally used to support vitality and active lifestyles.” The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page lists “Cordyceps Mushroom Extract” without naming a species, so ask the seller which species is in it before you order.
Can you mix cordyceps and lion’s mane?
Yes, they appear together in some products, so the practical question is how much of each you end up taking. The 10-Mushroom Gummies include both in a 250 mg total blend per two gummies, and the page says: “It does not state how much of each mushroom is in that blend.” The Energy & Cognition Drops list 100 mg of cordyceps and 100 mg of lion’s mane per 1 mL dropper.
Taking two products that both contain either mushroom means taking both amounts. Add up what you would take across every product, and ask a clinician before combining them if you take any medicine.
What not to mix with lion’s mane
- Blood thinners and blood-sugar medicines. The 10-Mushroom Gummies page says to ask a healthcare professional first if you use an anticoagulant, blood-thinning or blood-sugar medication.
- Sedatives and anti-anxiety medicines. The Reishi Relax Gummies page says to pause first if you take them, and that valerian and passionflower in that product “may cause drowsiness.” Anyone who must drive or operate machinery after use should also pause.
- Immunosuppressants. The Adaptogen Immunity Drops page says to consult your physician before use if you take immunosuppressant medications.
- Ginkgo. The Cordyceps Energy Gummies contain 25 mg of ginkgo leaf extract. The NCCIH ginkgo summary covers bleeding and drug-interaction concerns.
- Valerian. The NCCIH valerian summary covers sedatives, alcohol, pregnancy, surgery and long-term use.
If evening products are on your list, our reishi before bed guide covers timing and safety.
Who should avoid lion’s mane?
The 10-Mushroom Gummies page lists these groups, and the Adaptogen Vitality Gummies page gives similar advice.
- Anyone with a known mushroom allergy. The Adaptogen Vitality Gummies page says those individuals should not use that product.
- Pregnant or nursing people, and anyone under 18.
- Anyone living with a medical condition or taking medication, who should ask a healthcare professional first.
- People with a history of kidney stones or oxalate-related conditions. The 10-Mushroom Gummies page notes that Chaga contains oxalates.
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page also says to consult your healthcare provider before use if you have blood pressure concerns, blood sugar conditions or seizure disorders.
Is there a downside to taking lion’s mane?
The downsides are mostly practical:
- The human research is small and early. The 2023 pilot had 41 people, and the 2025 review says clinical validation remains limited.
- Many blends hide the split. The 10-Mushroom Gummies declare 250 mg total, and the Adaptogen Vitality Gummies withhold their amounts.
- Gummies carry sugar. The Cordyceps Energy Gummies list organic cane sugar and tapioca syrup among their other ingredients.
- Multi-ingredient formulas make it harder to tell which ingredient is doing what.
Why do I feel weird after taking lion’s mane?
Feeling off after a dose can come from several places, and the label is the first place to look. Check every ingredient in the product, not just the mushroom, along with any caffeine, sugar or sweetener, and any medicine you took at the same time. The Adaptogen Vitality Gummies page advises that if you have any adverse reaction, you should discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider. If the feeling continues or worries you, call your pharmacist or clinician and bring the bottle.
Is lion’s mane hard on your liver?
That is a question for your clinician or pharmacist, especially if you take medicines that affect the liver. Bring the full label of the product you are considering, including the other ingredients, so they can check it against what you take.
What do the labels declare, side by side?
Readwell Media, which owns this site, also owns Pilly Labs.
If you want an example of a cordyceps label with every amount printed, Cordyceps Energy Gummies is one. Its Supplement Facts list 200 mg of cordyceps and four 25 mg ingredients.
| Product | Format and serving | Declared amounts | What is not broken out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordyceps Energy Gummies | 1 gummy per serving; 30 servings | Cordyceps extract 200 mg; ginkgo leaf extract, GABA, L-glutamine and DMAE 25 mg each | Nothing; every active is listed |
| 10-Mushroom Gummies | 2 gummies per serving; 30 servings | 250 mg total extract blend of ten species, including lion’s mane and cordyceps | Amount for each species |
| Adaptogen Vitality Gummies | Serving size and count withheld | Names lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps extracts | All amounts |
| Mushroom Energy & Cognition Drops | 1 mL dropper; 30 servings | Lion’s mane 100 mg; cordyceps 100 mg; vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) 500 mcg; alpha GPC 25 mg; L-tyrosine 25 mg | Nothing; every active is listed |
| Adaptogen Immunity Drops | 1 mL dropper; 30 servings | 150 mg five-mushroom complex (chaga, reishi, maitake, shiitake, turkey tail); cordyceps (militaris extract) 50 mg | Amount of each species in the complex |
| Vitality Mushroom Coffee | 10 g dry serving | About 500 mg each of lion’s mane and chaga in the dry mix, per the listing | Caffeine per serving; the amounts that reach the cup |
The coffee amounts describe the dry mix. They do not measure what ends up in the cup. Ask the seller for the caffeine per serving before you order any coffee. Premium Mushroom Coffee’s amounts are not consistent across Pilly’s pages, so ask about those too.
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page says one gummy per serving, and its directions say to take one to two gummies in the morning. At two a day, the 30 servings last 15 days.
Which one fits your goal?
- Thinking and mood: read the lion’s mane section above first, then compare the lion’s mane labels.
- Energy and exercise: read the cordyceps section, then the Cordyceps Energy Gummies label.
- Both: the 10-Mushroom Gummies and the Energy & Cognition Drops both list the two mushrooms, but only the drops give each one an amount.
- Coffee instead of a supplement: Vitality Mushroom Coffee is the ground-coffee format, with the caffeine question to settle first.
To match a product to how your day really runs, our whole-person health goals guide covers the daily-life side.
How much does it cost, and how do refunds work?
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page lists a regular price of $47.99 USD, with shipping at $6.90 standard or free on orders over $99. Prices as of September 17, 2026; check today’s price at checkout. The Adaptogen Vitality Gummies page lists the same $47.99 price and shipping terms.
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page describes a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Opened or unopened products are eligible for a refund to your original payment method, with one refund per product per customer. Contact info@pillylabs.com to start. The page says you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
The page offers a “Subscribe Now and Save” option that says “Cancel anytime,” alongside a one-time purchase. Pilly’s product pages say one-time purchase is the default and subscriptions are optional. The page also notes that multi-packs are temporarily unavailable, so check bundle options at checkout.
Can you trust the seller, and how do you check?
Pilly Labs’ product pages describe the products as dietary supplements and carry the standard line that the statements “have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.” To check a bottle, read the Supplement Facts on the label you receive. The 10-Mushroom Gummies page says the physical label controls if product directions change. Keep your order confirmation, and contact the seller if something is not right.
Before you order: a checklist
- Compare: the mushroom named, the amount per serving, and whether the label breaks out each species.
- Track: the product, how many gummies or dropper units you take each day, the time of day, and any new symptom, written down.
- Bring to your clinician or pharmacist: the full label, every medicine and supplement you take, and the dose you plan to use.
- Ask the seller: which cordyceps species is used, the serving size (one gummy or two), sugar and sweetener content, and caffeine per serving for any coffee.
- Check at checkout: today’s price, shipping, subscription choice and the return window.
By the Integrative Health Evidence Guide Team