Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as “Lion’s Mane,” holds a central place in modern functional mycology. Beyond its recognized neurotrophic properties, contemporary research highlights its significant role in cellular regulation. This page lists key studies exploring its ability to modulate division cycles, promote apoptosis (programmed cell death), and support the body’s endogenous defenses. Within an integrative oncology framework, Hericium stands as a valuable biological partner in preserving the balance of the cellular microenvironment and limiting abnormal proliferation mechanisms.

Isolation and structural characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Hericium erinaceus fruiting bodies and its arrest of cell cycle at S-phage in colon cancer cells –  Jing-Yu Liu & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse)
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Summary: This study isolated and characterized a unique novel polysaccharide, named HEFP-2b, from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus. Research demonstrates that this compound exerts a significant influence on the proliferation of colon oncological cells by inducing a cell cycle arrest at the S-phase. By hindering the ability of target cells to divide and multiply, this polysaccharide proves to be a major subject of study for understanding cellular regulation mechanisms. Hericium erinaceus thus confirms its potential as a biological resource in the field of integrative oncology.

Anticancer potential of Hericium erinaceus extracts against human gastrointestinal cancers – Guang Li & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse) et in vitro (cell culture)
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Summary: This study evaluated the potential of Hericium erinaceus (HE) extracts on various oncological cell lines of the gastrointestinal system (liver, colon, and stomach). The results demonstrate that specific extracts (HTJ5 and HTJ5A) exert a significant inhibition of cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Researchers observed notable efficacy combined with reduced toxicity to the organism compared to conventional standards. These data position Hericium erinaceus as a promising complementary resource for metabolic and cellular support within the framework of integrative oncology.

A Polysaccharide Isolated from Mycelia of the Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes) Induced Apoptosis in Precancerous Human Gastric Cells – Mingxing Wang & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse)
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Summary: This study focused on EP-1, a polysaccharide isolated from the mycelium of Hericium erinaceus, and its effect on gastric cell lines. Researchers observed that EP-1 selectively induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in precancerous cells, while sparing healthy cells. This mechanism is linked to the modulation of specific genes (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3). These findings suggest that Hericium erinaceus could play a key role in preventing abnormal cellular progression and stands as a valuable partner in integrative oncology for gastric health support.

Isolation and identification of aromatic compounds in Lion’s Mane Mushroom and their anticancer activities – Wei Li & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse)
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Summary: This study isolated and identified specific aromatic compounds within Hericium erinaceus. Researchers highlighted that two of these molecules, hericerin A and isohericenone J, exert significant antiproliferative potential by reducing the growth of oncological cell lines. The study also reports that these compounds promote apoptosis (programmed cell death). These findings confirm the molecular complexity of Hericium erinaceus and its interest as a nutritional and biological partner for supporting cellular functions in integrative oncology.

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) mushroom extracts inhibit metastasis of cancer cells to the lung in CT-26 colon cancer-tansplanted mice – Sung Phil Kim & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse)
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Summary: This study explored the ability of Hericium erinaceus extracts to modulate the spread of colon oncological cells to the lungs. Researchers observed that the extracts (hot water and ethanol) induce apoptosis and reduce the formation of lung nodules by 50% to 55%. The identified mechanism involves decreasing the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes, which are responsible for degrading the extracellular matrix, thereby blocking cell migration and invasion. These findings demonstrate that Hericium erinaceus has significant potential as a functional food to support the organism during complex regulatory processes in integrative oncology.

Composition and Mechanism of Antitumor Effects of Hericium erinaceus Mushroom Extracts in Tumor-Bearing Mice – Sung Phil Kim & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse)

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Summary: This study analyzed the impact of Hericium erinaceus extracts on colon tumor models. Researchers observed a significant reduction in tumor size along with a decrease in blood vessel density (angiogenesis) within the targeted tissues. The data suggest that these extracts work by stimulating endogenous defenses, particularly through macrophage activation and the modulation of the immune response. These properties make Hericium erinaceus a valuable ally for supporting the organism and regulating the tumor microenvironment in integrative oncology.