Characterization of α-glucosidase inhibitory constituents of the fruiting body of lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) – Seul Ki Lee & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell cultures)
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Researchers studied the antidiabetic properties of lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus). They isolated 10 compounds, including 4 new ones, that inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. The most active compounds were erinacenol D, 4-[3′,7′-dimethyl-2′,6′-octadienyl]-2-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzyl alcohol, hericene A, hericene D, and hericenone D. Molecular modeling was used to understand how these compounds interact with α-glucosidase.

The results suggest that lion’s mane mushrooms could be a potential natural treatment for diabetes. However, further research is needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lion’s mane mushrooms in humans.

Antihyperglycaemic and organic protective effects on pancreas, liver and kidney by polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus SG-02 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice – Chen Zhang & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (mus musculus – mouse)
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Polysaccharides (complex sugars) from Hericium erinaceus (HEPS) may help treat diabetes and its complications. In a study on diabetic mice, HEPS reduced blood glucose levels and markers of organ damage (pancreas, liver, kidneys). HEPS also improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which help protect cells from damage. These results suggest that HEPS could be an effective natural treatment for diabetes and its complications.
However, further research is needed to confirm these results and determine the safety and efficacy of HEPS in humans.

Erinacerins C-L, isoindolin-1-ones with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from cultures of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus – Kai Wang & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (Cell cultures)
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This scientific article describes a study that led to the discovery of new compounds, called erinacerins C-L, in the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. The researchers determined the structure of these compounds and tested their inhibitory activity against the enzyme alpha-glucosidase. The results suggest that these compounds could be used to treat diseases related to alpha-glucosidase, such as type 2 diabetes. However, further research is needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of erinacerins C-L (1-10) in humans.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats – Bin Liang & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (ratus norvegicus – rat)
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This study examined the effects of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus (AEHE) in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The results showed that administration of AEHE for 28 days led to a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and a significant increase in insulin levels in diabetic rats. AEHE also improved lipid disorders and increased antioxidant activity in the liver. The results suggest that AEHE may have hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Protective Effect of Ethanol Extracts of Hericium erinaceus on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain in Rat – Zhang Yi & Al.
Experiment: in vivo (ratus norvegicus – rat)
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This study showed that extracts of Hericium erinaceus (HEE) can relieve neuropathic pain (nerve pain common in diabetics) in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats received HEE orally for 6 weeks. After treatment, the diabetic rats experienced less pain and their blood sugar levels decreased. The researchers believe that HEE may also act as antioxidants.
This study is encouraging, but more research is needed to confirm these results in humans.

NGF-withdrawal induces apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells in vitro – D. Pierucci & Al.
Experiment: in vitro (cell cultures)
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The withdrawal of nerve growth factor (NGF) induces apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells in vitro

A study showed that removing NGF, a substance that helps pancreatic beta cells survive, can induce apoptosis, or cell death, in these cells. The study was conducted on human and mouse pancreatic beta cell cultures.

Researchers found that removing NGF inhibited a cellular signaling pathway that helps beta cells survive (the PI3K/AKT/Bad pathway). NGF withdrawal also activated another signaling pathway involved in apoptosis, the JNK pathway.

The results suggest that NGF is important for the survival of pancreatic beta cells. NGF withdrawal could be a contributing factor to the development of type 1 diabetes, a disease in which pancreatic beta cells are destroyed.

Since Hericium erinaceus activates NGF production, it is very likely that it has a protective effect on the pancreas. Of course, further studies are needed to demonstrate this.