‘Magic’ mushrooms go mainstream, but science urges caution

Adaptogenic and nootropic mushrooms are having a moment, with lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps popping up in coffees, chocolates and “mood-boosting” drinks. Mentions of lion’s mane have more than tripled on social platforms in two years, and Google searches for “mushroom coffee” are up 1,000% since 2022. The appeal is strongest among younger, wellness-focused consumers looking for energy, focus and stress relief. But scientists are far less convinced. While some mushroom compounds show promise in lab studies and animal models, there’s little clinical evidence they deliver the advertised benefits in humans.