Caffeine vs Lion's Mane

for cognition

Stronger evidence: Caffeine

Stronger effect: Caffeine

Safety: Caffeine carries a minor interaction; Lion's Mane has none recorded.

For cognition, Caffeine has the stronger evidence grade.

Caffeine

grade A high certainty

reliably improves alertness, reaction time, and vigilance

40–200 mg, adults

Lion's Mane

grade C low certainty

early, small studies suggest a modest cognitive effect

~1 g/day, adults
sources: PMID:00000020 · PMID:00000010