Mushroom renaissance: new clinical trials reveal fungi's potential for brain regeneration

Functional mushrooms outperform caffeine in boosting cognition, says biotech CEO

At the HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Europe in Tallinn, Estonia, Eric Puro, CEO and Chairman of KAAPA Biotech, unveiled groundbreaking research showing how certain mushroom species can stimulate neurogenesis – the creation of new brain cells – potentially revolutionizing approaches to cognitive health and aging.

Speaking to a packed audience on Friday, Puro revealed the results of the first human clinical trials comparing lion's mane mushroom to caffeine, demonstrating superior and cumulative cognitive benefits over time.

"What we found is that lion's mane is incredibly helpful for short-term memory and cognition. It's also really good at improving mood and lowering depression," Puro explained. "But the most interesting outcome was that over that couple weeks study, the benefit on cognition was a little bit better every day, while with caffeine, we saw the opposite effect."

Nature's neurological powerhouses

Puro, whose company operates Finland's largest medicinal fungi facility, highlighted three mushroom species with particularly potent neurological and health benefits: lion's mane, chaga, and reishi.

The research focused heavily on lion's mane mushroom, which contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines that can cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the body's production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

"We start to have neurodegeneration as we age," Puro told attendees. "NGF and nerve cells start to decline after age 30. Lion's mane is incredible at helping support neurogenesis and cognition in our brains."

Beyond brain health: fungi's broader potential

The presentation also showcased research on chaga mushroom, traditionally harvested from birch trees across Northern Europe. New studies suggest it contains exceptionally high antioxidant levels that influence stem cell regeneration and mitochondrial function.

"We noticed two major indications that were really exciting. We saw that in human cell lines, chaga was affecting stem cell regeneration and mitochondrial function – two critical areas of our health that really dictate how well we age," Puro said.

Reishi mushroom was highlighted for its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality through supporting the parasympathetic nervous system, with specific compounds called ganodermic acids and lucidonic acids playing key roles.

Quality concerns in the mushroom market

A significant portion of Puro's presentation addressed the importance of quality control in mushroom supplements. He presented comparative data showing substantial differences in bioactive compound levels between products on the market.

"Functional mushrooms just blew up, they're everywhere. How you choose which supplier you work with or what brand you're buying is really critical to whether you're going to have a positive experience," he warned.

The presentation revealed that many products contain inadequate levels of ergosterol, described as "the cholesterol of a mushroom" and a key marker of authentic mushroom content.

Breaking the chitin barrier

One of the most significant revelations was about bioavailability challenges with mushroom supplements. Puro explained that mushrooms have cell walls made of chitin, which human digestive systems struggle to break down.

"Our guts are not good at digesting chitin. We're not good at opening up that cell wall, taking out those bioactives and being able to actually absorb and use them," he said.

KAAPA Biotech has developed a patented extraction process called NORD Release, which Puro claimed significantly increases bioavailability compared to traditional water extraction (5% bioavailability) or alcohol-based dual extraction (50% bioavailability).

The future of fungal medicine

The summit presentation also included announcements of several ongoing human clinical trials, including studies on nerve cell regeneration with lion's mane and investigations into chaga's effects on stem cell regeneration and mitochondrial function.

"For us, being able to actually deliver pharmaceutical grade clinical trial evidence is paramount," Puro emphasized. "When I get anecdotal evidence from people using our products in Spain and their Parkinson's and Alzheimer's symptoms are going down, I can align that with actual human clinical evidence."

As the functional mushroom market continues to expand globally, this research represents a significant step toward legitimizing fungi as serious contenders in the fields of cognitive enhancement and healthy aging. With human clinical data now backing centuries of traditional use, these humble organisms may soon become central to mainstream approaches to brain health.

Frequently asked questions

What did the lion's mane trial compare?

Eric Puro, chief executive and chairman of KAAPA Biotech, presented results from the first human clinical trials comparing lion's mane mushroom with caffeine for cognitive effect. His company operates Finland's largest medicinal fungi facility.

How does lion's mane act on the brain?

Puro pointed to hericenones and erinacines, compounds that can cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the body's production of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. That is the proposed route to neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells.

Why does mushroom supplement quality vary so much?

Puro showed comparative data with substantial differences in bioactive compound levels between products on the market, and explained the bioavailability problem: mushroom cell walls are made of chitin, which has to be broken down before the compounds inside become available.

About the event

This recap is part of the HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Europe series, recorded in Tallinn on 14 and 15 June 2025. Read the summary of the whole event or join the next edition, HOLOLIFE Summit 2026 Amsterdam, on 14 and 15 November 2026.