Stacking Lion’s Mane: What the Science Says About the Stamets Stack and Beyond
If you’ve spent any time in the functional mushroom community, you’ve probably heard about “stacking” — combining Lion’s Mane with other supplements or microdoses of psilocybin, often following the popular Stamets Stack formula. Fans of this method claim benefits for focus, mood, creativity, and brain health. But how much of this is backed by science, and how much is still anecdotal?
Let’s unpack the evidence on Lion’s Mane, psilocybin, and niacin — both individually and together — and explore some legal, safe stacks you can try today.
What Is the Stamets Stack?
Created by mycologist Paul Stamets, the stack combines:
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – known for supporting nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain health.
Psilocybin – a psychedelic compound studied for neuroplasticity and mental health.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) – believed to boost blood flow and help deliver mushroom compounds to the brain.
It’s typically taken in a microdosing schedule (e.g., 4–5 days on, 2–3 days off) at doses low enough to avoid a psychedelic experience. While widely discussed, there are no published clinical trials on the stack as a whole — most findings come from research on the individual ingredients.
The Science on Each Ingredient
🧠 Lion’s Mane
Supports neurogenesis: Compounds like hericenones and erinacines stimulate NGF, which helps grow and repair nerve cells.
Cognitive benefits: A 2009 clinical trial showed improvements in mild cognitive impairment after 16 weeks of Lion’s Mane supplementation.
Mood support: Small studies and user reports suggest reduced anxiety and depression.
Extra perks: Anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and gut-friendly properties.
🌿 Psilocybin (Microdosing)
Mental health: A large 2022 Nature Scientific Reports study found microdosers reported lower anxiety, depression, and stress scores.
Brain flexibility: Animal studies suggest psilocybin can encourage neural plasticity and help “reset” brain patterns.
Anecdotal boosts: Many microdosers claim improved creativity, focus, and emotional balance.
💓 Niacin
Better circulation: Expands blood vessels, possibly helping active compounds reach the brain.
Brain support: Plays a role in DNA repair and cell energy metabolism.
Caution: High doses (common in the stack) can cause flushing and, in rare cases, increase cardiovascular risks.
Do They Work Better Together?
Theoretically, yes:
Lion’s Mane promotes neuron growth.
Psilocybin encourages brain rewiring.
Niacin may help deliver both more effectively.
In practice, we only have indirect evidence — like the 2022 Nature study where microdosers using Lion’s Mane and niacin with psilocybin reported better mental health outcomes than those microdosing psilocybin alone.
Still, without direct trials, we can’t say for certain if the stack’s benefits are additive or synergistic.
Legal, Safe Stacks You Can Try Now
If psilocybin isn’t legal where you live, Lion’s Mane still pairs beautifully with:
Reishi – calming and immune-supportive.
Chaga – rich in antioxidants.
Ashwagandha or Rhodiola – stress-busting adaptogens.
Omega-3s – anti-inflammatory brain fuel.
These stacks are supported by preliminary research, widely available, and safe for daily wellness routines.
Bottom Line
Lion’s Mane stands out as a scientifically supported, non-psychoactive way to support brain and mood health. While the Stamets Stack is intriguing and backed by a growing body of anecdotal evidence, the jury’s still out on its full potential until more rigorous studies are done.
For now, focusing on safe, legal mushroom stacks can give you many of the same cognitive and wellness benefits — no legal headaches required.
