Can lion’s mane extract help against nervous system diseases?

Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered an active substance in lion’s mane mushroom (Na-de-phenylethylisohericerin (NDPIH)) that stimulates the growth of nerve cells. If human trials confirm the laboratory results, the active ingredient in the mushroom could help fight certain neurological diseases in the future.

Laboratory tests

“Extracts from the lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for centuries. We wanted to scientifically determine their potential effects on brain cells,”. – said Professor Frederic Meunier of the Queensland Brain Institute.

Previous research in chemical analysis has shown that the fruiting body of the lion’s mane mushroom typically contains aromatic and diterpene skeletons as active components. Of the 24 known diterpenoids, 20 have been identified. The main active substances are diterpene hericenones and phenolic hericenes A-C, hericenols. In addition, the polysaccharides β-glucans, which are common in medicinal mushrooms, are significant.

The researchers tested the extract of the lion’s mane mushroom on laboratory cultures of nerve cells. The mushroom extract was added to the cell culture to study the behaviour and growth of the nerve cells.

How did the mushroom extract work?

“Using a high-resolution microscope, we found that the active components of the mushroom extract greatly increased the size of the growth cones,”. – said Professor Meunier. These bumps appear on the surface of nerve cells. They are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment. This allows them to make new connections with other nerve cells. Growth cones are located at the end of nerve cells. They are responsible for the growth of axons and dendritic branches of nerve cells. Axons and dendritic branches are the communication channels of nerve cells. They allow communication with other nerve cells. They form a network that ensures the functioning of the nervous system.

The growth of nerve cells plays an important role in the development of the juvenile brain and in the learning process in later periods. If this process is impaired, brain development can be disrupted. Over time, it can lead to cognitive impairment, learning difficulties and Alzheimer’s disease.

The effect induced by lion’s mane extract is also of great interest because the stimulation of growth cones on nerve cells can be a major aid in the repair of damaged nerves. This could be achieved not by using drugs but by bioactive compounds from natural sources.

Encouraging results

The results suggest that crude and purified extracts of the lion’s mane mushroom have significant neurotrophic activity. This may lead to significant neurite outgrowth and improved memory.

Obviously, further research is needed to better understand the effects of lion’s mane mushroom extracts. However, the current data suggest potential benefits on nervous system function, neuronal growth. The combination of the chemicals in this mushroom has the potential to improve cognitive function, enhance neuroprotection, increase neuroplasticity and reduce the ageing processes in the nervous system. These results are based on laboratory and animal experiments, and scientific evidence of the effect on the human brain remains to be seen.

Source: GombaForum