While studying an edible mushroom whose medicinal properties have been used in traditional preparations in China, researchers from the University of Queensland discovered that the mushroom supports the growth of neurons in the human body and improves memory. The species in question has the scientific name Hericium erinaceus but is better known by the popular name lion’s mane.
Scientists already knew about the use of the mushroom in Asian countries, where it has been used since ancient times to maintain health and cure diseases, but they decided to identify the effects of its use on brain cells. Preclinical tests conducted in the laboratory, but not on human subjects, have already shown an impact of lion’s mane on neuronal growth.
The lion’s mane and the neurons
The studies observed the neurotrophic effects of compounds derived from the fungus on laboratorygrown brain cells. It literally found that neural projections were amplified, which helped neurons expand more easily and connect to other neurons. This was possible using superresolution microscopy, collecting neurons from 40 laboratory mice used in the study.
More specifically, the H. erinaceus extract and its active components have greatly increased the growth of brain cells, which is particularly important for brain cells to perceive their surroundings and make new connections with other neurons. According to the team responsible, this could have practical application in the fight against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Since the disease negatively affects the memory of patients, the neural lengthening restored by the lion’s mane principle of action could at least slow down the progression of the pathology by facilitating the preservation of such brain functions. The scientists’ idea was to identify natural bioactive compounds that could reach the brain and help regulate the growth of neurons, and H. erinaceus was good at fulfilling this function.
The next steps in the study, published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, will assess the ability of compounds to successfully mediate these brain activities and whether it will really be possible to harness this benefit in patients with neurodegenerative diseases presumably clinical trials with human volunteers.
Source: Journal of Neurochemistry