Hericium erinaceus in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond, How Far from the Shoreline?
Federico Brandalise & Al., Milano
Experiment: in vitro (cell cultures), in vivo (mouse) and clinical studies
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Hericium erinaceus: A Promising Mushroom Against Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Hericium erinaceus contains natural bioactive substances that may help protect the brain and improve memory. Animal studies support these benefits, suggesting positive effects against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or depression.
Preliminary human clinical trials also show encouraging results. However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this mushroom in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Above, a systematic review of over 120 of the most cited scientific articles on the subject is available for download.

Nerve Growth Factor-Inducing Activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 Human Astrocytoma Cells – Koichiro MORI & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (mouse)
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This study examined the effects of various edible mushroom extracts on the gene expression of NGF (nerve growth factor) in a human astrocytoma cell line, a type of astrocyte used in laboratory in vitro experiments. Results showed that only the Hericium erinaceus extract increased NGF protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. The Hericium erinaceus extracts also stimulated neurite growth in PC12 cells and increased NGF expression levels in mouse brains (in vivo). The authors conclude that Hericium erinaceus contains active components that could be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing NGF production. However, the identification of the specific molecules involved in these processes remains an open question.

Effects of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus on elderly hearing-impaired patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial  – Yin-Ching Chan & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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The scientific article “Effects of Hericium erinaceus enriched with erinacine A on elderly patients with hearing loss: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial” explores the impact of Hericium erinaceus, a mushroom, on age-related hearing decline. In a clinical trial involving 80 hearing-impaired patients aged 50–79, participants were divided into two groups. One group received Hericium erinaceus extracts (2000 mg/day), while the other received a placebo for eight months. Tests revealed significant improvements in hearing loss, particularly for high frequencies and speech recognition, as well as increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients aged 65 and older. These results suggest Hericium erinaceus treatment could benefit elderly individuals with age-related hearing issues.

Prevention of Early Alzheimer’s Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study – I.Chen Li & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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This study examined the effects of Hericium erinaceus extract capsules on patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Patients took the capsules for 49 weeks and were compared to a placebo group. Results showed significant improvements in cognitive abilities, vision, and daily activities in the mushroom group. Blood biomarkers and brain imaging also indicated positive changes, with minimal side effects. These findings suggest that Hericium erinaceus capsules may support brain function in mild Alzheimer’s patients.

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus – Yuusuke Saitsu & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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The results of this study showed that participants who consumed supplements containing H. erinaceus experienced significant improvements in cognitive functions compared to the placebo group. The authors speculate that the various chemical compounds present in the mushroom, including hericenones, may contribute to these cognitive improvements by influencing the brain’s neural networks. The study suggests that oral intake of H. erinaceus could be a safe and practical method for the prevention of dementia.

The researchers emphasized that further studies are needed to understand the specific mechanisms behind these cognitive improvements and to explore the effects on individuals with more severe cognitive disorders. The study adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the potential health benefits of H. erinaceus and its role in promoting cognitive health.

Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake – Mayumi Nagano & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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This study examined the effects of ingesting Hericium erinaceus, an edible mushroom, on menopause, depression, sleep quality, and indefinite complaints in menopausal women. The results showed that consuming Hericium erinaceus reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in the participants. The authors suggest that these effects may be related to a mechanism different from the increased synthesis of NGF (nerve growth factor) by Hericium erinaceus.

Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial – Koichiro Mori & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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This study examined the effectiveness of using Hericium erinaceus on a mixed group of Japanese men and women aged 50 to 80 years with mild memory impairment. The subjects were divided into two groups: one took Yamabushitake (the Japanese name for Hericium) in tablet form for 16 weeks, while the other group took a placebo. The results showed that the group taking Yamabushitake experienced significant improvement in their memory problems compared to the placebo group. No adverse effects were observed during the tests. The results of this study suggest that Yamabushitake is effective in improving mild memory impairment.

Hericerin derivatives activates a pan-neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1/2 signaling enhancing spatial memory. – Ramón Martínez-Mármol & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell cultures)
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In this study, researchers isolated two active compounds from this mushroom, NDPIH and hericene A, which seem to promote the growth of neurites and neurons, at least in cell culture. These compounds could be used to develop new treatments for neurological disorders.

Lion’s Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study – Snehlata Samberkar & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell cultures)
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This study examined the effects of the medicinal mushrooms Hericium erinaceus and Lignosus rhinocerotis on neuron growth in dissociated cells from the brain, spinal cord, and retina of chicken eggs. The results showed that extracts from these mushrooms stimulated neuron growth in all the tissue samples tested.

Neuroregenerative potential of lion’s mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review) – Kah-Hui Wong & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (ratus norvegicus – rat)
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This study examined the use of an aqueous extract from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus to promote functional recovery after an injury to the peroneal nerve in rats. The results showed that treated rats regained their ability to walk more quickly and showed better regeneration of nerves and muscles than the control rats. Immunofluorescence studies also showed that neurons in the treated rats expressed higher levels of certain proteins involved in nerve growth and cell survival. The results suggest that daily consumption of H. erinaceus could help nerve regeneration after injury.

Natural Compounds Such as Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress and Lipoxin A4 Expression in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson’s Disease in Mice – Marika Cordaro & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – Mouse)
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This scientific article presents a study on natural compounds extracted from mushrooms such as Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor, and their effect on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in mice. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by neurological problems such as oxidative stress and brain inflammation. The researchers tested the effect of these mushrooms on the brain’s inflammatory and antioxidant pathways to reduce the negative effects of the disease.

The results showed that these mushrooms act positively on inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, reducing oxidative stress and brain inflammation. This action helped prevent the death of dopaminergic nerve cells, which is typical in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, these mushrooms showed the ability to reduce Parkinson’s disease markers, such as the accumulation of α-synuclein protein, and to alleviate both motor and non-motor symptoms associated with the disease.

In summary, this research suggests that the combination of these mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor) may be beneficial in reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in Parkinson’s disease. This could represent a promising approach to prevent or lessen the symptoms of this disease. Further studies are needed to better understand the exact mechanisms of this beneficial action.

The Monkey Head Mushroom and Memory Enhancement in Alzheimer’s Disease – Yanshree & Al.
Esperimento: literature review in vitro, in vivo et clinical studies
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This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Hericium erinaceus (also known as Monkey Head Mushroom) on Alzheimer’s disease. The results from preclinical studies showed that extracts and bioactive compounds from Hericium erinaceus have beneficial effects in improving cognitive functions and behavioral deficits in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical studies conducted so far have shown results similar to those of preclinical studies. However, further research is needed to better understand the specific neuroprotective mechanisms and target sites of Hericium erinaceus in Alzheimer’s disease. In conclusion, Hericium erinaceus has therapeutic potential and could help improve memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

High molecular weight of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus against amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity – Jai-Hong Cheng & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell culture)
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This study examined the effects of polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus on toxicity caused by a protein called amyloid beta in nerve cells. The results showed that these polysaccharides have antioxidant and protective properties against amyloid beta-induced toxicity. The researchers concluded that these mushroom extracts could be used to prevent or treat cognitive disorders related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid β(25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice – Koichiro Mori & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – mouse)
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This scientific article studies the effects of Hericium erinaceus on learning and memory deficits caused by the beta-amyloid (25-35) protein in mice. The mice were exposed to this protein and also received a diet containing H. erinaceus for 23 days. The results showed that H. erinaceus prevented short-term memory and visual recognition disturbances caused by beta-amyloid (25-35). The results indicate that H. erinaceus could be useful in preventing cognitive disorders.

Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice – Federico Brandalise & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – Mouse)
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This scientific article describes a study that examined the effects of dietary supplementation with Hericium erinaceus on cognitive functions and neurotransmission in the brains of healthy mice. The results showed that supplementation with H. erinaceus improved recognition memory and increased excitatory currents in a specific area of the brain called the mossy fiber-CA3 synapse. The authors of the study conclude that H. erinaceus may have beneficial effects on neuronal functions even in healthy subjects.

Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial – Koichiro Mori & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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This study examined the effectiveness of using Hericium erinaceus on a mixed group of Japanese men and women aged 50 to 80 years with mild memory impairment. The subjects were divided into two groups: one took Yamabushitake (the Japanese name for Hericium) in tablet form for 16 weeks, while the other group took a placebo. The results showed that the group taking Yamabushitake experienced significant improvement in their memory problems compared to the placebo group. No adverse effects were observed during the tests. The results of this study suggest that Yamabushitake is effective in improving mild memory impairment.

Anti-fatigue activities of polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus – Jianqing Liu & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – Mouse)
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This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fatigue effect of polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus (HEP) in mice. The mice were divided into four groups: a control group, a group treated with a low dose of HEP, a group treated with a moderate dose of HEP, and a group treated with a high dose of HEP. The mice underwent a forced swimming test until exhaustion, and biochemical parameters related to fatigue were measured, such as blood lactic acid, urea nitrogen, glycogen, antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde. The results showed that HEP has significant anti-fatigue effects by reducing lactic acid, urea nitrogen, and malondialdehyde levels, as well as increasing glycogen levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. These results support the potential use of HEP in the field of sports nutrition.

Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea  – Fiona Limanaqi & Al.
Experiment: Literature review – in vitro, in vivo et clinical studies
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This scientific article examines the potential antidepressant effects of three medicinal herbs: Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus, and Rhodiola rosea. The authors analyzed evidence from animal and human studies to demonstrate that these herbs target key biochemical pathways involved in mental disorders, mimicking the mechanisms of conventional antidepressants with a higher safety margin. These herbs enhance synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, counteract oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. The authors emphasize that despite promising results, further research is needed to confirm and better understand the effects of these herbs on mental health.

Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder – Pit Shan Chong & Al.
Experiment: Literature review in vitro, in vivo et clinical srudies
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This text discusses the potential use of Hericium erinaceus to treat depression. Depression is a common mental health issue with serious consequences. Current antidepressants are not always effective and may cause side effects. Hericium erinaceus, a mushroom, has shown health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Certain organic molecules in this mushroom may promote nerve cell growth. While its antidepressant effects are not yet fully confirmed, this fungus could be a potential alternative for treating depression. This article reviews current knowledge on the topic.

Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain  – Sun Ryu & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – mouse)
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This study examined the effect of Hericium erinaceus extracts on anxiety and depressive behaviors in adult mice and their underlying mechanisms. Two groups of mice received either Hericium erinaceus extracts (20 or 60 mg/kg) or a control liquid daily for four weeks. Anxiety and depression tests were conducted after the final administration. Results showed that chronic administration of the extracts produced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The authors also found that the extracts activated the proliferation and survival of neurons in the hippocampus, suggesting that adult hippocampal neurogenesis may explain these effects.

Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects through Modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Mice – Chun-Hung Chiu & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – mouse)
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This study investigated the antidepressant effects of Hericium erinaceus (HE) mycelium enriched with erinacine A in mice subjected to repeated restraint stress. Mice received HE at doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day for four weeks. After two weeks of HE administration, all mice except controls underwent a 14-day stress protocol. Stressed mice showed behavioral alterations, such as increased immobility in tail suspension and forced swim tests, and elevated exploratory behavior. HE reversed these changes, particularly at 200–400 mg/kg. HE also activated BDNF/TrkB/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathways and blocked NF-κB signaling. These findings suggest HE enriched with erinacine A could alleviate depressive behaviors by modulating monoamine neurotransmitters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and BDNF pathways.

Effects of amycenone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and depression-like behavior in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration – Wei Yao & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (Mus musculus – mouse)
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This study examined the effects of amycenone, a compound derived from Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake), on inflammation and depressive behaviors in mice. Amycenone blocked increases in pro-inflammatory TNF-α and elevated anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels after inflammatory challenge. It also reduced depressive behaviors in specific tests. These results suggest amycenone may have antidepressant effects in inflammation-related depression and could serve as a preventive supplement.

Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake – Mayumi Nagano & Al.
Experiment: clinical study
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This study investigated the effects of Hericium erinaceus consumption on menopause-related depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and general complaints in menopausal women. Results showed reduced depression and anxiety symptoms. The authors suggest these effects may involve mechanisms distinct from increased NGF (nerve growth factor) synthesis.