Request for proposals - Genetic risk factors for Lion’s mane side effects

Aim of Funding
This funding seeks to identify genetic factors that may predispose individuals to adverse reactions from the lion’s mane mushroom supplement (Hericium erinaceus). We invite small-scale, crowdsourced genetic testing studies that recruit participants who have self-reported negative side effects—such as gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions, or neuropsychiatric symptoms—following lion’s mane consumption.

Eligible research approaches include, but are not limited to:

Collection and genotyping of saliva or buccal samples via direct-to-consumer or research-grade platforms.
Analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy-number variations, or relevant haplotypes.
Correlation of genetic markers with specific symptom profiles and severity.
Data aggregation and statistical modeling to identify potential genetic risk factors or biomarkers.

Rationale
Lion’s mane mushroom is widely marketed for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, yet a subset of users report adverse effects that are poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that individual genetic variation can influence supplement metabolism, immune response, and neural receptor interactions. Crowdsourced genetic studies offer a cost-effective, scalable strategy to uncover heritable risk factors, inform personalized supplement guidelines, and enhance consumer safety.

By funding targeted, small-scale investigations, ResearchHub aims to catalyze preliminary insights into the genomics of supplement intolerance, laying the groundwork for larger confirmatory studies and personalized wellness recommendations.

Funding

Up to $100,000 USD (inclusive of participant recruitment incentives, genotyping fees, and data analysis).
Total budget may be allocated to multiple individual grants.

Disclaimers and Open Science Commitment

Preregistration: All applicants must preregister their study protocol on ResearchHub prior to award disbursement.
Open-Access Data Sharing: Awardees agree to deposit de-identified genotype and phenotype data in an open repository (e.g., ResearchHub Data Archive) within six months of project completion.
Preprint Encouragement: Researchers are encouraged to submit a preprint of their findings to ResearchHub Preprints.
Progress Updates: Awardees should provide brief monthly progress reports; ResearchHub will acknowledge updates with community “ResearchCoin” tips.

Questions
For inquiries, please contact Tyler Diorio at tyler@researchhub.com.

Request for proposals - Genetic risk factors for Lion’s mane side effects

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