Active compounds in lion’s mane mushroom improve nerve growth and memory

In a recent study published in Journal of Neurochemistryscientists at the University of Queensland found that the active compounds from edible mushrooms Hericium erinaceus, It can promote nerve growth and enhance memory.

study: Helicerin derivatives activate panneurotrophic pathways in central hippocampal neurons that converge on ERK1/2 signaling that enhances spatial memory. Image Credit: Lubomir Dajc / Shutterstock.com

What are Neurotrophins?

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins associated with neuronal survival, development, function, and maintenance. These proteins aid in dendritic branching by modulating binding specificity for tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) and p75 neurotrophin receptors.

The mammalian neurotrophin family consists of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin 4/5 (NT4/5), and neurotrophin 3 (NT3). BDNF, among other neurotrophins, is highly expressed in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, BDNF plays an important role in the proper functioning of neurons in hippocampal and cortical regions of the brain associated with memory acquisition and learning.

Disorders of the BDNF pathway are associated with several diseases, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Rett’s syndrome and Huntington’s disease. As a result, neurotrophins are often targeted for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Nevertheless, exogenous neurotrophin-based treatments have failed in clinical trials due to poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) ​​permeability and off-target effects. As a result, scientists have investigated alternative plant-based interventions that can boost endogenous BDNF levels and enhance TrkB activity.

Mushrooms for neurological treatment

traditionally, H. Erinaceus, Also known as the lion’s mane mushroom, it has been used to treat cancer and stomach pain. but, H. Erinaceus It is a nootropic fungus with a pronounced neurotrophic profile due to bioactive compounds such as helicerin, erinacin, alkaloids, steroids and polysaccharides.

both in vitro and live Studies related to nerve injury have revealed that helicenone and erinacin can successfully cross the BBB and elicit neuroprotective effects.

Extracts from these so-called “lion’s mane” mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effects on brain cells. is. ”

In the current study, researchers at the University of Queensland found that H. Erinaceus The extract may affect TrkB-dependent central nervous system function.

Neurotrophic effects of H. erinaceus extracts

Main compounds of H. Erinaceus Extracted, purified and identified. Their function in neuronal morphology and TrkB signaling in hippocampal neurons was then evaluated.

nevertheless H. Erinaceus It contains 20 of the 24 known diterpenoids, and 4 aromatic compounds were purified in the current study. These include N-de phenylethyl isohelicerin (NDPIH), helicene A, coralrosin A, and 4-[3′,7′- dimethyl-2′,6′-octadienyl]-2-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzyl alcohol.

crude purification H. Erinaceus Both extracts exhibited BDNF-like neurotrophic activity. in vitro cultured hippocampal neurons and live A paradigm model of learning. Furthermore, these extracts promoted neurite outgrowth and improved memory.

Previous studies have shown that Sangorosin A induces NGF and BDNF expression in astrocytes, whereas helicenone induces NGF secretion from PC12 cells. NGF and BDNF supplements have also been used to promote nerve survival and axonal regrowth after spinal cord injury.

based on them in vitro and live In their experiments, the authors claimed that their study was the first to report pro-BDNF signal-enhancing activity H. Erinaceus And helicene A is the active ingredient responsible for its neurotrophic function. More specifically, helicene A promoted neuritogenesis and enhanced memory at concentrations as low as 5 mg/kg/day.Furthermore, consistent with previous studies, the current study revealed the presence of polysaccharides H. Erinaceus An extract that exhibited neurotrophic activity.

Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy analysis of cells treated with H. Erinaceus The extract exhibited an enlarged growth cone morphology. This growth is essential for brain cells to sense their environment and develop new connections with other neurons in the brain.

In particular, dietary supplements H. Erinaceus Crude extracts significantly increased recognition memory. Moreover, supplementation with 20- to 50-fold lower concentrations of purified helicene A similarly enhanced recognition memory.

live Experiments in rodents treated with H. Erinaceus Crude extracts revealed increased levels of BDNF and TrkB downstream activating effector. Mechanistically, helicene A acted through an unknown complementary pathway to increase ERK1/2 signaling.

Conclusion

Helicene A from H. Erinaceus was found to be a potent bioactive compound that enhances memory through a novel signaling pathway related to the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In the future, further studies are needed to validate the findings reported in this study.