Lion’s Mane Plus: Q+A with our Head of Nutrition, Isabelle

Isabelle Nunn, Head of Nutrition, shares a deep dive into our latest development in brain health and how its blend of unrivalled, potent ingredients can fuel focus, futureproof your cognitive health and even feed your imagination

 

1. Functional mushroom supplements are now available in abundance. What drove Wild Nutrition to develop Lion’s Mane Plus?

“Deadlines, digital distractions, and relentless schedules are now the norm for the majority of women we speak with. But so often stressful life stages are running alongside, like academic or career strain and hormonal transitions in motherhood and menopause, so focus becomes a real struggle. We saw the need for a solution that lightens both the mental and emotional load for true 360 mind support.”

2. So, what’s inside?

“Clarity and concentration require a steady mind and emotional balance. So, we’ve blended a potent dual extract Lion’s Mane with L-Theanine and a bank of B vitamins for mental performance alongside Safr’Inside™ Saffron and Magnesium to nourish the nervous system and support emotional wellbeing.”

3. Many Lion’s Mane supplements carry extraction ratios on the label. Why isn’t there one here?

“Extraction ratios can actually be misleading. They really just nod to the fact that the extract has been diluted in other inactive ingredients, like synthetic binders such as maltodextrin.”

“The crucial aspect to look for is the extraction process. From mushroom to capsule, this is the key step as it’s pivotal for preserving the mushroom’s integrity and therefore its beneficial compounds.”

4. How then is this Lion’s Mane extracted?

“We opt for dual extraction - concentrating two separate batches of Lion’s Mane fruiting body individually, which safeguards all of the bioactives. In addition, we avoid other processes like enzyme-hydrolysis, which can damage the mushroom’s integrity. By choosing this route, it obtains absolute potency, delivering a 612mg dose.”

5. What are these bioactives, and how can they help the mind?

“There are two key compounds at play, hericenones and beta-glucans. Research indicates that beta-glucans have the capacity to influence the gut-brain axis, affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and motivation. Hericenones can play a role in Nerve Growth Factor synthesis, supporting cognitive function and even memory formation.”

6. Does this mean that they can support brain longevity?

“Lion’s Mane Plus delivers optimal levels of both hericenones and beta-glucans. Combined with L-Theanine and a suite of Food-Grown® nutrients, consistent intake not only serves immediate mental performance but also your future brain health, too. Emerging evidence demonstrates that hericenones may even support the formation of new neurons and protect existing neurons from oxidative stress, which is a contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.”

7. Tell us more about the L-Theanine…

“We’ve specifically selected L-Theanine from high-quality Green Tea leaves cultivated by a renowned grower in China. It’s a natural multi-tasking amino acid because, alongside B vitamins, it can aid focus and alertness without the unwanted overstimulation that caffeine can cause. It’s equally recognised for its relaxing properties but doesn’t cause drowsiness.”

8. A pretty smart botanical. What makes the Safr’Inside™ Saffron so unique?

“Safr’Inside™ is the world’s richest Saffron extract, 10 times more potent than all other standard extracts. Extensively studied, five published scientific studies demonstrate its potential for mood, relaxation and mindset.”

 

9. And the other Food-Grown® nutrients?

“On top of the range of B vitamins, Folate and Magnesium, there’s Food-Grown® Zinc for cognitive function, which is 75% better absorbed than Zinc sulphate, and stomach-kind Food-Grown® Iron, which is 35% better absorbed than synthetic, isolated forms for robust energy support.” 

10. How long does it take to feel the difference?

“Consistency is key as it enables levels of the beneficial compounds and nutrients to build in the body. However, studies show that Safr’Inside™ Saffron can reduce heart rate variability in just 30 minutes, which in turn can lower stress levels. Not only helping to centre your mind and mood but also giving you the headspace to ideate.”

11. So, this formula is also a great creative aid?

“Investing in your brain health means investing in your potential. A still mind doesn’t just help sharpen focus for work or study; it helps you make the most of what brings you joy and allows your imagination to spark. The perfect conditions for creativity, whatever that looks like for you.”

12. Is it responsibly sourced?

“Respecting its natural environment, our Lion’s Mane is only ever grown on sawdust logs outdoors under shaded canopies to fully develop the nutrient-rich fruiting body, with two harvests achieved from each log to ensure minimal waste. And thanks to careful handling end to end, both the Lion’s Mane and Saffron extracts are certified organic.”

 

13. And what about purity assurance?

“Mushrooms are just like sponges, absorbing everything from their environment, which is why we exclusively use wholly organic Lion’s Mane that’s been third-party tested for heavy metals, pesticides and other impurities. As many as 10 tests verify Safr’Inside™ Saffron’s purity, safety, and effectiveness. As always, the formula is free of GMOs, and you won’t find any synthetic fillers or binders. Only organic mushroom powder is used to bind the extracts together.”

 

Mindset isn’t just mental - it’s nutritional. Sharpen your focus with 5 ways to nurture your brain. Why not nourish your cognition with our new brain-fuelling lunch recipe? Curious about your brain health? Speak to our nutritional experts over a free consultation today.