Sterols from Hericium erinaceum and their inhibition of TNF-α and NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells
– Wei Li & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell cultures)
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This scientific article describes a study that examined the anti-inflammatory effects of sterols isolated from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceum, an edible mushroom used in traditional medicine. The researchers isolated 14 different sterols and tested their ability to inhibit the production of two pro-inflammatory molecules, TNF-α and NO, in macrophage cells. The results showed that some of the isolated compounds had significant inhibitory effects on the production of TNF-α and NO, suggesting they could have useful anti-inflammatory properties.

However, these results are based on in vitro experiments, and further studies are needed to assess their relevance in animal and human models.

Composition and antioxidant activity of water-soluble oligosaccharides from Hericium erinaceus – Yiling Hou & Al.
Experiment: Biochemistry
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This study investigated the water-soluble oligosaccharides (small polysaccharides) found in the mushroom Hericium erinaceus. The researchers extracted and purified these oligosaccharides to obtain a main fraction called Hericium erinaceus oligosaccharide (HEO-A). They then analyzed the composition and properties of this fraction, discovering that it consists of xylose and glucose and has a molecular size of about 1877 Da. They also found that this oligosaccharide fraction had antioxidant properties, making it a potentially beneficial food for health and a natural source of antioxidant compounds.

Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities – Noorlidah Abdullah & Al.
Experiment: Biochemistry
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This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and antihypertensive effects of edible mushrooms used in traditional medicine. The mushrooms were extracted by boiling them in water for 30 minutes. The results showed that Ganoderma lucidum, Schizophyllum commune, and Hericium erinaceus have high antioxidant potential. The mushrooms also showed an inhibitory effect on the ACE enzyme, which could be beneficial for heart health. However, further research is needed to understand the effects of these mushrooms on human health.