For decades, scientists believed the adult brain was largely fixed.

While people could learn new skills and form new memories, the underlying structure of the brain was thought to change very little after childhood.

Today, that view has changed dramatically.

Modern neuroscience has revealed that the brain possesses a remarkable ability known as neuroplasticity — the capacity to adapt, reorganise and form new neural connections throughout life.

This discovery has transformed our understanding of learning, memory, behaviour and healthy ageing.

Scientists now recognise neuroplasticity, sometimes referred to as brain plasticity or neural plasticity, as one of the defining characteristics of the human brain.

In recent years, a growing body of research has focused on one unexpected area of study: mushrooms.

From functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane to psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, researchers around the world are investigating how compounds derived from fungi may interact with the brain in ways that were once poorly understood.

Among these, psilocybin has attracted particular attention.

Recent studies suggest it may influence large-scale brain networks, cognitive flexibility and patterns of neural connectivity, raising fascinating questions about how adaptable the adult brain may be.

So what exactly is neuroplasticity?

Why are scientists studying psilocybin?

And where do functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane fit into the wider conversation?

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganise and form new neural connections throughout life.

Sometimes called brain plasticity or neural plasticity, it is one of the reasons humans can continue learning and adapting long after childhood.

Every time you learn a skill, develop a habit, form a memory or respond to a new experience, your brain is changing.

Neuroplasticity is influenced by learning, movement, sleep, social interaction and environmental experiences. Researchers are also exploring whether certain natural compounds may play a role in supporting processes linked to brain adaptation.

Neurons communicate through vast and complex networks. These networks strengthen, weaken and reorganise themselves based on how they are used.

The more frequently certain pathways are activated, the stronger they may become. Pathways that are used less often may weaken over time.

This process underpins many aspects of everyday life, including:

• Learning and education
• Memory formation
• Adaptation to change
• Behavioural development
• Emotional resilience
• Cognitive flexibility
• Healthy ageing

The discovery of neuroplasticity fundamentally changed neuroscience.

Instead of viewing the brain as a fixed organ that stopped developing in adulthood, researchers now understand it as a dynamic system that continually adapts in response to experience, behaviour and environmental influences.

Why Is Neuroplasticity Important?

One reason neuroplasticity has captured scientific attention is because it sits at the centre of so many important human experiences.

Learning a language.

Mastering a musical instrument.

Developing a new habit.

Changing a long-held behaviour.

Recovering from a challenging experience.

All of these involve changes within neural pathways.

Researchers are increasingly interested in understanding what influences these processes and how the brain responds to different environments, experiences and biological compounds.

This has led scientists to investigate everything from exercise and sleep to meditation, nutrition and naturally occurring compounds.

Among the most intriguing areas of investigation is the relationship between fungi and the brain.

Why Are Scientists Studying Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are among the most fascinating organisms on Earth.

Neither plant nor animal, fungi belong to an entirely separate biological kingdom.

Beneath forests and fields, fungal networks connect ecosystems in ways scientists are still working to understand. At the same time, researchers continue to discover unique compounds within mushrooms that are unlike those found elsewhere in nature.

Over the past decade, advances in neuroscience have encouraged scientists to investigate whether certain mushroom-derived compounds may influence pathways associated with brain function and adaptability.

Importantly, researchers are studying two very different categories of mushrooms.

Research Area	What Scientists Are Investigating
Neuroplasticity	How the brain forms and reorganises neural connections
Cognitive flexibility	How people adapt to new information and experiences
Brain networks	How different regions of the brain communicate
Healthy ageing	How biological systems change over time
Gut-brain connection	Interactions between the microbiome and the nervous system
Bioactive compounds	Naturally occurring compounds found within fungi
Mental wellbeing	How psychological states may be influenced by different interventions

Functional Mushrooms and Psychedelic Mushrooms Are Not the Same

One of the most common misconceptions is that all mushrooms being studied for brain health are psychedelic.

They are not.

Functional Mushrooms

Examples include:

• Lion’s Mane
• Reishi
• Chaga
• Cordyceps
• Turkey Tail
• Maitake
• Shiitake

These mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and do not produce hallucinations or altered states of consciousness.

Many have a long history of traditional use and are commonly consumed as foods, teas, extracts and powders.

Psychedelic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms contain compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin.

These compounds can temporarily alter perception, cognition and consciousness.

Researchers are currently studying psilocybin under carefully controlled clinical conditions to better understand how it interacts with the brain.

Although both belong to the fungal kingdom, they represent entirely different categories of mushrooms.

Feature	Functional Mushrooms	Psychedelic Mushrooms
Examples	Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail	Psilocybin-containing species
Psychedelic effects	No	Yes
Alter perception	No	Yes
Cause hallucinations	No	Yes
Used in daily wellness routines	Yes	No
Research focus	Nutrition, bioactive compounds, wellbeing	Neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry
Legal status in the UK	Widely available	Controlled substances
Examples at Medshrum	Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake	None

What Recent Psilocybin Research Reveals

In recent years, psilocybin research has generated significant scientific interest.

A growing number of studies have explored how psilocybin may influence brain organisation, neural connectivity and cognitive flexibility.

For example, Human Brain Changes After First Psilocybin Use reported measurable changes in brain organisation following administration, while Psilocybin Triggers an Activity-Dependent Rewiring of Large-Scale Cortical Networks explored how psilocybin may influence communication between large-scale brain networks.

In a 2026 study involving healthy adults who had never previously used psychedelic substances, researchers used advanced brain imaging before and after psilocybin administration.

The findings identified measurable changes in brain organisation alongside increases in psychological insight, cognitive flexibility and wellbeing one month later.

Other studies suggest that psilocybin may temporarily alter communication between different brain regions, influencing how information flows across large-scale neural systems.

Researchers are particularly interested in these findings because they offer new insights into the brain’s capacity for adaptation and change.

The most fascinating aspect may not be the compound itself.

It may be what these studies reveal about the remarkable flexibility of the human brain.

Question	Lion’s Mane	Psilocybin
Is it psychedelic?	No	Yes
Can it make you hallucinate?	No	Yes
Available as a food supplement in the UK?	Yes	No
Used daily by many people?	Yes	No
Subject of neuroscience research?	Yes	Yes
Associated with neuroplasticity research?	Yes	Yes
Alters consciousness?	No	Yes
Suitable for everyday use?	Yes	No

Cognitive Flexibility and the Adaptive Brain

Alongside neuroplasticity, researchers often discuss a concept known as cognitive flexibility.

Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to adapt thinking patterns, shift perspectives and respond to changing circumstances.

In simple terms, it is the mental ability to move beyond familiar ways of thinking when faced with something new.

Modern neuroscience increasingly views cognitive flexibility as an important component of learning, adaptation and resilience.

Recent findings published in Lago et al. (2026), Frontiers in Neuroscience reported associations between psilocybin administration, cognitive flexibility and changes in large-scale brain organisation.

Additional research, including Psilocybin Rewires the Brain for Weeks, Study Finds, continues to explore how alterations in connectivity may persist beyond the immediate experience.

Neural Pathways: The Brain’s Living Network

Neuroplasticity is often described through the language of neural pathways.

These pathways are networks of connected neurons that allow information to travel throughout the brain.

The more a pathway is used, the stronger it may become.

Learning to ride a bicycle, speak a language or play an instrument all involve the gradual strengthening of neural pathways through repetition and experience.

Researchers continue to investigate how experiences, environments and biological compounds influence these interconnected networks.

Where Does Lion’s Mane Fit Into This Conversation?

Alongside psilocybin research, Lion’s Mane has become one of the most discussed functional mushrooms in relation to brain health.

Unlike psilocybin, Lion’s Mane is not psychedelic.

Researchers have investigated naturally occurring compounds within Lion’s Mane, including hericenones and erinacines, because of their potential interaction with pathways associated with nerve growth and brain function.

One area of particular interest involves nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth, maintenance and survival of certain neurons.

This growing area of research has contributed to Lion’s Mane becoming one of the most widely discussed functional mushrooms in relation to brain health. Researchers have investigated naturally occurring compounds including hericenones and erinacines because of their potential interaction with pathways associated with nerve growth and nervous system function.

A 2026 review noted that hericenones, found primarily in the fruiting body, and erinacines, found primarily in the mycelium, have attracted scientific interest because of their relationship with nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis and neuronal function.  

While research continues to evolve, interest in Lion’s Mane reflects a broader scientific curiosity about how natural compounds interact with the brain and nervous system.

Research in this area continues to evolve, and scientists are still exploring the relationship between Lion’s Mane compounds and biological pathways associated with the nervous system.

Interest in Lion’s Mane continues to grow. A recent placebo-controlled clinical trial, The Impact of Supplementation With Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Extract on Cognitive Functioning, investigated whether Lion’s Mane supplementation may influence attention, memory and other aspects of cognitive performance in healthy adults. The study reflects the growing scientific interest in Lion’s Mane and its bioactive compounds, including hericenones and erinacines, although further research is needed to better understand potential effects and underlying mechanisms.  

Why Is Lion’s Mane Receiving So Much Attention?

Unlike psilocybin, Lion’s Mane is a functional mushroom that does not alter perception or consciousness. Instead, scientific interest has focused on its unique compounds and how they may interact with biological pathways associated with the nervous system. As public interest in brain health, learning, cognitive performance and healthy ageing continues to grow, Lion’s Mane has become one of the most researched and discussed functional mushrooms available today.

As interest in neuroplasticity grows, Lion’s Mane has become one of the most widely discussed functional mushrooms among researchers, health practitioners and consumers alike.

For those interested in learning more, explore our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Guide and Best Lion’s Mane Supplement UK Review.

Why Public Interest in Mushrooms Continues to Grow

The growing fascination with mushrooms is not driven by scientific studies alone.

Many people are becoming increasingly interested in:

• Lifelong learning
• Brain health
• Cognitive performance
• Healthy ageing
• Daily wellbeing habits
• Resilience and adaptability
• Connection with nature
• Longevity research

Mushrooms sit at the intersection of many of these conversations.

They represent both ancient traditions and cutting-edge science.

As neuroscience continues to uncover new insights into the adaptive nature of the brain, curiosity about mushrooms shows little sign of slowing down.

Neuroplasticity, Mushrooms and the Future of Brain Research

As research into neuroplasticity continues to expand, scientists are increasingly exploring how lifestyle factors, nutrition, sleep, exercise and naturally occurring compounds influence the brain’s ability to adapt.

While many questions remain unanswered, recent studies have reinforced the idea that the adult brain is far more flexible than previously believed.

Whether researchers are investigating cognitive flexibility, neural pathways, nerve growth factor or large-scale brain networks, the central theme remains the same: the human brain is constantly changing.

This shift in understanding is one of the most important developments in modern neuroscience and continues to fuel interest in both psilocybin research and functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane.

Key Takeaways

1. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections throughout life.

2. Functional mushrooms and psychedelic mushrooms are entirely different categories of fungi.

3. Lion’s Mane does not contain psilocybin and is not psychedelic.

4. Recent research has increased scientific interest in how mushrooms interact with the brain.

5. Scientists continue to explore how compounds derived from fungi influence biological systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganise and form new neural connections throughout life.

What does neuroplasticity mean?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s capacity to change in response to learning, experiences and environmental influences.

Is neuroplasticity the same as brain plasticity?

Yes. Brain plasticity and neural plasticity are alternative terms for neuroplasticity.

Why is neuroplasticity important?

Neuroplasticity underpins learning, memory, adaptation, behavioural development and healthy ageing.

What are neural pathways?

Neural pathways are networks of connected neurons that allow information to travel throughout the brain.

What is cognitive flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt thinking patterns, shift perspectives and respond effectively to changing situations.

Are functional mushrooms psychedelic?

No. Functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga and Cordyceps do not contain psilocybin and do not produce psychedelic effects.

Can functional mushrooms cause hallucinations?

No. Functional mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are not hallucinogenic.

Is Lion’s Mane the same as psilocybin?

No. Lion’s Mane is a functional mushroom. Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in certain mushroom species.

Why are scientists studying mushrooms and neuroplasticity?

Researchers are investigating mushroom-derived compounds because fungi contain unique molecules that may interact with biological pathways associated with brain function and adaptability.

Does Lion’s Mane increase neuroplasticity?

Researchers continue to investigate compounds found within Lion’s Mane and their interaction with pathways associated with nerve growth and nervous system function. Research is ongoing.

What is nerve growth factor (NGF)?

Nerve growth factor is a protein involved in the growth, maintenance and survival of certain neurons. It plays an important role in nervous system development and function.

What is the difference between neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility?

Neuroplasticity refers to changes within neural networks and brain organisation. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to adapt thinking patterns and respond effectively to changing situations.

Is Lion’s Mane still being studied?

Yes. Researchers continue to investigate Lion’s Mane in laboratory and human studies, including its bioactive compounds and their relationship with nervous system function.

The Future of Mushroom Research

The fungal kingdom remains one of the least understood areas of life on Earth.

Scientists continue to discover new compounds, new species and new insights into how fungi interact with the natural world.

At the same time, neuroscience is revealing just how adaptable the human brain truly is.

Whether researchers are investigating neuroplasticity, cognitive flexibility, neural pathways, nerve growth factor or compounds found within mushrooms, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:

The brain is far more dynamic than scientists once believed.

And the intersection between fungi and neuroscience is emerging as one of the most fascinating frontiers in modern science.

As research continues, our understanding of both the brain and the fungal kingdom is likely to deepen in ways we are only beginning to imagine.

About the Author

Michelle Simpson is the co-founder of Medshrum, a UK functional mushroom company specialising in Soil Association certified organic mushroom extracts. She has spent several years researching functional mushrooms, extraction methods and emerging scientific developments within the field. Her work focuses on making complex mushroom and wellness topics accessible, evidence-based and easy to understand.

Scientific References

Human Brain Changes After First Psilocybin Use (Nature Communications, 2026)

Psilocybin Triggers an Activity-Dependent Rewiring of Large-Scale Cortical Networks

Short-Term and Late-Term Effects of Psilocybin on Symptoms in Major Depression

Psilocybin Rewires the Brain for Weeks, Study Finds

Transient Multidomain Functional Improvement in Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease Following High-Dose Psilocybin-Containing Mushroom Administration: A Case Report (Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2026)

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Nutritional Profile, Bioactive Compounds and Applications (2026)

The Impact of Supplementation With Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Extract on Cognitive Functioning. Ongoing clinical trial investigating the effects of Lion’s Mane supplementation on attention, memory and cognitive performance in healthy adults.

Explore More

• Explore Medshrum’s Soil Association certified organic Lion’s Mane tincture

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom Guide

• Best Lion’s Mane Supplement UK Review

Or browse our collection of Soil Association certified organic mushroom extracts and powders, crafted using triple extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction for quality, transparency and consistency.