Life Cykel Lion's Mane Extract - [REVIEW]

Life Cykel is fast becoming one of the most popular medicinal mushroom growers and producers in the world - with no product more popular than their Lion's Mane mushroom liquid extract.

Lion's Mane mushroom is a powerhouse in the medicinal mushroom world - having been traditionally used for thousands of years to help improve focus, clarity and creativity as well as support immunity and gut health. Modern science also supports many of these traditional uses - uncovering various potential Lion's Mane benefits to areas such as the brain with numerous studies showing its ability to help improve cognition and provide neuroprotective effects.

Today I will take you through my experience with the Life Cykel Lion's Mane liquid extract after having taken it at various different points in time over the last few years. I'll run you through all of the key details, processes, uses and science behind it - as well as what I personally like about the company and the proud ct, as well as what I think could be improved.

Let's go!

Life Cykel Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract - A Comprehensive Review:

What I Like About It:

1.) A Double Liquid Extract

I find liquid extracts are simply much easier to use and more convenient to take (as opposed to powder extracts).

Don't get me wrong, I stir medicinal mushroom powder into my coffee most mornings - but if I'm in a rush, not in the mood for a hot drink or simply don't want the taste of my drink altered - the Life Cykel liquid extracts make life a lot easier. 

Not to mention they are full spectrum double liquid extracts (i.e. a water & alcohol extraction) that use both the mushroom fruit and mycelium for maximum potency and effectiveness. The use of water and alcohol in the extraction process means that water-soluble compounds (e.g. polysaccharides like beta-glucans) and alcohol-soluble compounds (e.g. antioxidants such as triterpenoids) are retrieved.

2.) Made in Australia & USA

All Life Cykel mushroom extracts are made in either Australia or the United States with the raw mushrooms being grown in these countries too.

I personally have no issues with medicinal mushrooms from other countries on principle (as long as they are independently tested), however, I know many people that do. 

3.) Great Ethics, Practices & Policies

Life Cykel is one of only a small handful of medicinal mushroom producers that I use and endorse due to the consistent quality of their extracts, and commitments to the planet and their customers.

Some of the company highlights include:

• Free shipping available 
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Operate with a circular economy and earth-first ethos, great customer service
• Transparent independent 3rd party testing that's easy to find

What I Think Could Be Improved:

They've opted to use a variety of the Hericium genus called Hericium coralloides. This is the 'coral tooth mushroom' and differs from the Hericium erinaceus which is the classic Lion's Mane mushroom. This particular species is studied far less than the classic lion's mane variety and contains a different set of compounds than the erinaceus variety. I have reached out and am still waiting to hear back as to the reasoning for this choice. 

Also - the liquid extract does use an alcohol base which I see some people pushing back against, but it's a tiny fraction and personally, doesn't bother me but may be something to consider.

In Summary

Pros:

• A liquid extract that is simple and convenient to take
• Made in the US and Australia to very high standards

Cons:

• Using Hericium coralloides instead of Hericium erinaceus
• There is alcohol in the liquid extract which may be a consideration for some

What Is Life Cykel Lion's Mane?

Life Cykel Lion's Mane is a double-liquid extract derived from both the mycelium and mushroom fruiting bodies of the Lion's Mane mushroom. It is their most highly-rated and reviewed product with close to 1200 reviews on their website alone giving an average of a 4.8 star rating. 

Life Cykel is using a unique double extraction process and patented formula for their liquid Lion's Mane (and all of their other liquid extracts) that is infused with Australian native Kakadu Plum. This acts as a natural flavour enhancer and may possibly contribute a small amount of Vitamin C.

Life Cykel as a brand and company is widely recognised for its commitment to producing ethical, effective and high-quality products - so much so that it is the brand of choice of many well-known high performers such as Joe Rogan and a number of high-level athletes and world champions including Gilbert Burns, Thalison Soares, Cody Garbrandt, Owen Wright and many more.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Life Cykels Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract?

Lion's Mane Mushroom, known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus, has been the subject of extensive research due to its impressive array of potential health benefits.

When consumed as an extract, as in Life Cykel's product, these benefits can be delivered in a concentrated, bioavailable form. Here are the top four scientifically recognised benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom, each substantiated by authoritative scientific resources:

1. Cognitive Health Enhancement: Lion's Mane has been linked to improved cognitive health in various scientific studies. It is believed to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), supporting brain health and potentially enhancing memory and concentration. This study in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms provides further insights into its potential cognitive benefits: Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Lion's Mane.

2. Neuroprotective Effects: In addition to cognitive health, Lion's Mane is recognized for its potential neuroprotective effects. Research has found that compounds in Lion's Mane, especially erinacines and hericerins, may encourage neuronal growth and protect against neuronal damage associated with diseases like Alzheimer's. More can be learned from this research paper in the Journal of Biomedical Science: Neuroregenerative Potential of Lion's Mane.

3. Immune System Boost: Lion's Mane also has the potential to boost the immune system. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that polysaccharides from Lion's Mane had immunomodulatory effects, stimulating the body's immune response. The study can be accessed here: Immunomodulatory Effects of Lion's Mane.

4. Gut Health Support: Lion's Mane may support gut health by reducing inflammation and encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explores this effect: Lion's Mane and Gut Health.

Lion's Mane mushroom extracts can be good for a number of different things which is why it's continuing to gain popularity as a dietary supplement.

Always be aware that any supplement of any kind can have side effects for some users and while scientific research has uncovered promising results, further research is needed. It is crucial to remember that these supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your diet.

How To Best Use It?

Life Cykel Lion's Mane extract is incredibly easy to take - the easiest method being to just simply squeeze 2 ml under your tongue with the dropper. You can taste the alcohol however the flavour is slightly sweet from the Kakadu plum.

If you don't like the flavour at all, it mixes easily in tea, smoothies or even cooking without altering the flavour much at all. 

Lion's mane is a great one to take 30 minutes before doing any kind of 'deep work' that requires strong focus and concentration. Keep in mind that everyone responds differently to all supplements though - some people 'feel' the effects quite quickly while others may have a much more subtle response. 

Where Can I Buy Life Cykel Lion's Mane Extract?:

The buttons and banners in this article will take you straight to the Life Cykel website so you can order with them directly.

Before you do that though, we are lucky enough to have one of the best discounts available anywhere with Life Cykel.  

To get it -  join our email list and you’ll receive a code for a minimum of 10% off your entire order with Life Cykel.  Alternatively, if you’d prefer to buy in person, you will likely find it stocked in your nearest health food store.

Other Customer Reviews:

As we mentioned, this is the highest-rated product from Life Cykel and these are some of our favourite comments from other verified buyers:

• "I honestly cannot believe the difference this extract has made in my life. I have recommended it to so many people. Try it you won't be disappointed." - Nadia M.
• "I love this stuff. It’s definitely improved my focus and brain fog which helped my depression. It’s also kicked in my REM sleep and helped me function more throughout my morning. Nothing but positivity from here." - Joshua A.
• "I have ADHD (high functioning) but noticeable and hard to manage with my job as a science teacher. 3 weeks into using this extract I have noticed a state of calm in my mind, I can coordinate my thoughts easier and have a noticeable increase in attention span, this has helped me greatly in day-to-day life and I plan to keep using this." - Michael B.Read more about review stating Helped my ADHD brain immensely.

The Best Alternatives & Complements:

Here is another great Life Cykel product to consider, as well as a few other great brands that produce a different style of extract 

1.) Life Cykel's 'Biohacker Kit'

Life Cykel's BioHacker kit comes with Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail & Shiitake liquid extracts. This gives you the full suite of their medicinal mushroom range and allows you to tailor your routine to truly target the benefits you're after. This is a great one to have on hand if you want to start exploring how medicinal mushrooms can potentially help you. 

2.) SuperFeast Lion's Mane Powder

SuperFeast is my other favourite Australian producer and their Lion's Mane powder extract is brilliant. They operate with different sourcing principles than Life Cykel and the powder is obviously different to use than a liquid - but it's a great product.

Read our full review of SuperFeast Lion's Mane Powder.

3.) Teelixir Lions Mane Powder

Teelixir is another great Australian medicinal mushroom producer that utilises Di Dao sourcing practices and undertakes rigorous "gold standard" testing on all of their products, Teelixir has fast become one of Australia's most respected and well-reviewed producers of Lion's Mane as well as many other mushrooms, superfood extracts and other supplements.

Read our full review of Teelixir's Lion's Mane Powder.

Final Thoughts:

I believe Life Cykel's Lion's mane mushroom is one of the best extracts available anywhere.

It's easy to use, tastes great, is produced to a super high standard and comes from a brilliant company. The science and studies supporting Lion's Mane is growing day by day and personally, I notice a slight cognitive boost when using it before undertaking work sessions. 

FAQ:

What is a lion's mane double extract?

A double extract is a method of extracting water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds from lion's mane mushrooms to obtain the maximum amount of beneficial substances.

Does this lion's mane mushroom extract contain alcohol?

Yes, the Life Cykel lion's mane mushroom extract is alcohol-based

Where are Life Cykel's lion's mane mushrooms grown and processed?

Life Cykel cultivates their lion's mane mushrooms in both Australia and the USA.

What is meant by "full spectrum" when referring to lion's mane mushroom extract?

"Full spectrum" means that the extraction process captures a wide range of active compounds present in lion's mane mushrooms, resulting in a more potent and effective product. This is achieved by using a double extract (water and alcohol) as well as using the mycelium and fruiting body.

Can lion's mane mushroom extract be used as a flavouring?

Yes, lion's mane mushroom extract can be used as a flavouring in various dishes and beverages. 

How can lion's mane mushroom help in "biohacking" your life?

Life Cykel often likes to talk about the topic of 'biohacking'. Lion's mane mushroom is often considered a natural nootropic, which means it may enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and creativity. By incorporating lion's mane mushroom into your routine, you can potentially optimize your mental performance and reach your state of 'flow'.