The main ingredient in Mental Clarity is Lion's Mane, an edible mushroom also known as Hericium Erinaceus. Extracts of other mushrooms, including Oregon Polypore (Ganoderma Oregonense) and Cordyceps Sinensis (often used in Chinese traditional remedies) are also included.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus), according to Japanese research, produces compounds called Erinacenes which, states the brand’s website, stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) –a protein that plays a role in neuron genesis and maintenance as well as in the transmission of nerve signals. A lack of NGF is also thought to be associated with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. NGF is too large a molecule to enter the blood-brain barrier, but a competitor’s website claims that Lion’s Mane also contains NGF-generating compounds that can penetrate this barrier.

In addition to 860 mg of Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus), Mental Clarity also includes 80 mg each of Oregon Polypore (Ganoderma Oregonense), Cordyceps Sinensis, Pearl Oyster (Pleuratus Ostreatus) and Reishi Mycelium (Ganoderma lucidum). The company does not provide details about these additional mushroom-based ingredients, but they presumably represent the additional “nerve tonic” mushrooms credited with complementing the benefits of the primary ingredient.

Mental Clarity makes powerful claims based on what sounds like compelling science, but both its ingredients and its website fail to back them up. While Japanese research has shown that Lion’s Mane can produce compounds called Erinacines—compounds known to promote the synthesis of NGF—any evidence that this occurs within this formula is not explored or explained on the website. The claims that NGF stimulates the regrowth of neurons to regenerate brain function, though intriguing, are also unsubstantiated. The mushrooms are, however, grown under impressively rigorous and controlled conditions to ensure the integrity of the ingredients.

• Certified organically grown ingredients
• Website does cite a study
• Unique approach to cerebral wellbeing

• Compelling, but unsubstantiated claims
• Ingredients are listed, but not fully explained
• Company does not offer a free trial of its product
• Only one customer testimonial provided, at time of print

Due to the paucity of evidence backing up the claims made by Mental Clarity—and linking its benefits to the research cited—we would feel considerably more confident steering a potential consumer towards a natural supplement strengthened by a proven track record, multiple customer testimonials and a website that actually cites studies and explains the mechanisms of the formula.

The mineral form of Lithium, when combined with a mineral carrier like Oronate, has actually been shown to deliver benefits right to the brain, resulting in documented elevations in mood and a sense of mental wellbeing.