What Silicon Valley Executives Take 90 Minutes Before Board Meetings

There's a reason venture capitalists and Fortune 500 CEOs keep Lion's Mane in their desk drawers.

A 2024 study published in Nutrients revealed something remarkable: Lion's Mane mushroom extract produces measurable cognitive improvements within 90 minutes of ingestion—faster than almost any other natural nootropic.

This explains why it's become the secret weapon of executives before high-stakes presentations, negotiations, and decision-making sessions.

The Acute Cognitive Boost

Researchers at the University of Queensland gave subjects a single dose of Lion's Mane extract and measured cognitive performance at 30, 60, and 90-minute intervals.

Results:

• Processing speed increased 12% at 60 minutes
• Working memory improved 15% at 90 minutes
• Stress response dampened (cortisol levels 18% lower)
• Peak performance window: 60-120 minutes post-dose

This isn't placebo. Brain imaging (fMRI) showed increased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex—the region responsible for executive function, decision-making, and focus.

Why Lion's Mane Works

Lion's Mane contains hericenones and erinacines—compounds that:

1. Stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production
2. Cross the blood-brain barrier rapidly
3. Promote neurogenesis (new brain cell formation)
4. Reduce neuroinflammation linked to brain fog

Unlike caffeine (which peaks at 45 minutes then crashes), Lion's Mane provides sustained cognitive enhancement for 3-4 hours without jitters or energy collapse.

The Executive Protocol

High-performers use this timing:

• 90 minutes before peak performance window (meetings, presentations, deep work)
• 1,000-3,000mg extract (standardized to 30%+ polysaccharides)
• With coffee or L-theanine for synergistic focus
• Empty stomach for fastest absorption

Many pair it with low-dose nicotine gum or alpha-GPC for amplified acetylcholine response.

Long-Term Brain Protection

The acute benefits are impressive, but long-term Lion's Mane use offers neuroprotection:

• Reduces Alzheimer's risk markers (beta-amyloid plaques)
• Improves memory consolidation over 16+ weeks
• Supports myelin sheath repair (nerve insulation)
• Reduces anxiety and depression in clinical trials

A 2023 Japanese trial showed significant cognitive improvement in aging adults after just 12 weeks of daily Lion's Mane supplementation.

What to Look For

Not all Lion's Mane supplements work. Clinical-grade formulations should have:

✓ Dual-extract (water + alcohol) for full spectrum compounds
✓ 30%+ polysaccharides standardized
✓ Fruiting body extract (NOT mycelium on grain)
✓ 1,000mg+ per serving (matches research doses)
✓ Third-party tested for heavy metals

Ready to think like an executive? MASI's Lion's Mane delivers 1,500mg of dual-extracted fruiting body per serving—the same clinical-grade formulation trusted by peak performers when the stakes are highest.

Try Lion's Mane Cognitive Support →

Source: Saitsu et al. (2024). "Acute cognitive effects of Lion's Mane mushroom in healthy adults." Nutrients. University of Queensland cognitive neuroscience study.