Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds

Hericenone C attenuates the second phase of formalin-induced nociceptive behavior by suppressing the accumulation of CD11c-positive cells in the paw epidermis via phosphorylated P65

Hericenone C is one of the most abundant secondary metabolites derived from Hericium erinaceus, under investigation for medicinal properties. Here, we report that Hericenone C inhibits the second phase of formalin-induced nociceptive behavior in mice. As the second phase is involved in inflammation, in a mechanistic analysis on cultured cells targeting NF-κB response element (NRE): luciferase (Luc)-expressing cells, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NRE::Luc luciferase activity was found to be significantly inhibited by Hericenone C. Phosphorylation of p65, which is involved in the inflammatory responses of the NF-κB signaling pathway, was also induced by LPS and significantly reduced by Hericenone C. Additionally, in mice, the number of CD11c-positive cells increased in the paw during the peak of the second phase of the formalin test, which decreased upon Hericenone C intake. Our findings confirm the possibility of Hericenone C as a novel therapeutic target for pain-associated inflammation.

Unearthing the therapeutic benefits of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for humans: Emerging sustainable bioresources of 21st century

Global interest in mushroom farming techniques has grown in the last few years. Despite not making up a large amount of the human diet at the moment, the nutritional worth of mushrooms has prompted their usage. The three main segments of the global mushroom industry are wild, culinary (edible), and medicinal mushrooms. The quality food that mushrooms provide can be utilized to build agricultural ecosystems that are more sustainable for increasing productivity and enhancing the effectiveness of resource usage. This is mostly because mushrooms can be utilized for the recycling of biomass and remains from crop production. Culinary-medicinal mushrooms are becoming more and more important because of their nutrient density, dietary value, and health advantages. Given its many bioactive components, which include polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and secondary metabolites, mushrooms have been utilized extensively as health foods. These mushrooms exhibit pharmacological activities and possess prebiotic and antibacterial capabilities. This review provides information on the latest advancements in the sustainable cultivation of mushrooms, particularly with nontraditional substrates, and their potential therapeutic uses. Furthermore, some of the newest developments and difficulties in the production of mushrooms are explored.

The chemical structures, biosynthesis, and biological activities of secondary metabolites from the culinary-medicinal mushrooms of the genus Hericium: a review

Fungal phytochemicals derived from higher fungi, particularly those from the culinary-medicinal genus Hericium, have gained significant attention in drug discovery and healthcare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, biological activities, and pharmacological properties of monomeric compounds isolated from Hericium species. Over the past 34 years, 253 metabolites have been identified from various Hericium species, including cyathane diterpenes, alkaloids, benzofurans, chromenes, phenols, pyrones, steroids, and other miscellaneous compounds. Detailed investigations into the biosynthesis of erinacines, a type of cyathane diterpene, have led to the discovery of novel cyathane diterpenes. Extensive research has highlighted the biological activities and pharmacological properties of Hericium-derived compounds, with particular emphasis on their neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, immunomodulatory capabilities, anti-cancer activity, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial actions. Erinacine A, in particular, has been extensively studied. Genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of Hericium species have facilitated the discovery of new compounds and provided insights into enzymatic reactions through genome mining. The diverse chemical structures and biological activities of Hericium compounds underpin their potential applications in medicine and as dietary supplements. This review not only advances our understanding of Hericium compounds but also encourages further research into Hericium species within the realms of medicine, health, functional foods, and agricultural microbiology. The broad spectrum of compound types and their diverse biological activities present promising opportunities for the development of new pharmaceuticals and edible products.

Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Potential Anticancer Activity of the Polysaccharides of the Fungus Fomitiporia chilensis

Fomitiporia species have aroused the interest of numerous investigations that reveal their biological activity and medicinal potential. The present investigation shows the antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activity of acidic polysaccharides obtained from the fungus Fomitiporia chilensis. The acidic polysaccharides were obtained for acidic precipitation with 2% O-N-cetylpyridinium bromide. Chemical analysis was performed using FT-IR and GC-MS methods. The antioxidant capacity of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis was evaluated by scavenging free radicals with an ABTS assay. Macrophage proliferation and cytokine production assays were used to determine the immunomodulatory capacity of the polysaccharides. Anti-tumor and cytotoxicity activity was evaluated with an MTT assay in the U-937, HTC-116, and HGF-1 cell lines. The effect of polysaccharides on the cell cycle of the HCT-116 cell line was determined for flow cytometry. Fourier Transform-infrared characterization revealed characteristic absorption peaks for polysaccharides, whereas the GC-MS analysis detected three peaks corresponding to D-galactose, galacturonic acid, and D-glucose. The secreted TNF-α concentration was increased when the cell was treated with 2 mg mL-1 polysaccharides, whereas the IL-6 concentration was increased with all of the evaluated polysaccharide concentrations. A cell cycle analysis of HTC-116 treated with polysaccharides evidenced that the acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis induce an increase in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase, increasing the apoptotic cell percentage. Results from a proteomic analysis suggest that some of the molecular mechanisms involved in their antioxidant and cellular detoxifying effects and justify their traditional use in heart diseases. Proteomic data are available through ProteomeXchange under identifier PXD048361. The study on acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis has unveiled their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings underscore the promising therapeutic applications of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis, warranting further pharmaceutical and medicinal research exploration.

Biosynthesis and Assembly Logic of Fungal Hybrid Terpenoid Natural Products

In recent decades, fungi have emerged as significant sources of diverse hybrid terpenoid natural products, and their biosynthetic pathways are increasingly unveiled. This review mainly focuses on elucidating the various strategies underlying the biosynthesis and assembly logic of these compounds. These pathways combine terpenoid moieties with diverse building blocks including polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, amino acids, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, saccharides, and adenine, resulting in the formation of plenty of hybrid terpenoid natural products via C-O, C-C, or C-N bond linkages. Subsequent tailoring steps, such as oxidation, cyclization, and rearrangement, further enhance the biological diversity and structural complexity of these hybrid terpenoid natural products. Understanding these biosynthetic mechanisms holds promise for the discovery of novel hybrid terpenoid natural products from fungi, which will promote the development of potential drug candidates in the future.

A comprehensive review of natural product-derived compounds acting on P2X7R: The promising therapeutic drugs in disorders

BACKGROUND

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is known to play a significant role in regulating various pathological processes associated with immune regulation, neuroprotection, and inflammatory responses. It has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of diseases. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have gained attention as an important source for discovering compounds that act on the P2X7R.

PURPOSE

To explore the research progress made in the field of natural product-derived compounds that act on the P2X7R.

METHODS

The methods employed in this review involved conducting a thorough search of databases, include PubMed, Web of Science and WIKTROP, to identify studies on natural product-derived compounds that interact with P2X7R. The selected studies were then analyzed to categorize the compounds based on their action on the receptor and to evaluate their therapeutic applications, chemical properties, and pharmacological actions.

RESULTS

The natural product-derived compounds acting on P2X7R can be classified into three categories: P2X7R antagonists, compounds inhibiting P2X7R expression, and compounds regulating the signaling pathway associated with P2X7R. Moreover, highlight the therapeutic applications, chemical properties and pharmacological actions of these compounds, and indicate areas that require further in-depth study. Finally, discuss the challenges of the natural products-derived compounds exploration, although utilizing compounds from natural products for new drug research offers unique advantages, problems related to solubility, content, and extraction processes still exist.

CONCLUSION

The detailed information in this review will facilitate further development of P2X7R antagonists and potential therapeutic strategies for P2X7R-associated disorders.

Unveiling the Chemical Composition and Biofunctionality of Hericium spp. Fungi: A Comprehensive Overview

In recent years, research on mushrooms belonging to the Hericium genus has attracted considerable attention due to their unique appearance and well-known medicinal properties. These mushrooms are abundant in bioactive chemicals like polysaccharides, hericenones, erinacines, hericerins, resorcinols, steroids, mono- and diterpenes, and corallocins, alongside essential nutrients. These compounds demonstrate beneficial bioactivities which are related to various physiological systems of the body, including the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Extensive research has been conducted on the isolation and identification of numerous bioactive chemicals, and both in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed their antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, anticholesterolemic, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest scientific literature on the chemical composition and secondary metabolites profile of Hericium spp. through an introduction to their chemical characteristics, speculated biosynthesis pathways for key chemical families, potential toxicological aspects, and a detailed description of the recent updates regarding the bioactivity of these metabolites.

Polysaccharides from an edible mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, alleviate ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasomes and reestablish intestinal homeostasis

This study aimed to assess the effects of polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus fruiting bodies (HEFPs) on the inflammatory response to oxidative stress in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by ingestion of dextran sodium sulfate. The results indicated reduced oxidative damage in the HEFPs groups, as evidenced by significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels and significantly increased levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in colon homogenates, compared with those in the Model Control (MC) group. Additionally, compared with the levels in the MC group, the levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the positive-control (PC) and HEFPs groups were significantly lower, and that of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly higher. qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the colon expression patterns of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18 were consistent with the serum levels. Western-blotting results indicated significantly lower levels of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase 1 P20 in the HEFPs and PC groups than in the MC group. These findings suggest that HEFPs alleviate UC by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome/Caspase-1 pathway. Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiales, Parabacteroides, Oscillibacter, and Clostridium XlVa genera were more abundant in the gut microbiota of the HEFPs group than that of the MC group.

Complete mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms: features, evolution, and phylogeny

Edible mushrooms are an important food source with high nutritional and medicinal value. They are a useful source for studying phylogenetic evolution and species divergence. The exploration of the evolutionary relationships among these species conventionally involves analyzing sequence variations within their complete mitochondrial genomes, which range from 31,854 bp (Cordyceps militaris) to 197,486 bp (Grifolia frondosa). The study of the complete mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms has emerged as a critical field of research, providing important insights into fungal genetic makeup, evolution, and phylogenetic relationships. This review explores the mitochondrial genome structures of various edible mushroom species, highlighting their unique features and evolutionary adaptations. By analyzing these genomes, robust phylogenetic frameworks are constructed to elucidate mushrooms lineage relationships. Furthermore, the exploration of different variations of mitochondrial DNA presents novel opportunities for enhancing mushroom cultivation biotechnology and medicinal applications. The mitochondrial genomic features are essential for improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security through improved crop productivity, disease resistance, and nutritional qualities. The current knowledge about the mitochondrial genomes of edible mushrooms is summarized in this review, emphasising their significance in both scientific research and practical applications in bioinformatics and medicine.

ALSUntangled #73: Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has historically been used as traditional medicine in Asia and Europe for its potential benefits in fighting infection and cancer. It has gained interest in the neurodegenerative disease field because of its mechanisms of action; these include anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and promoting neurite growth demonstrated in various cell and animal models. A very small, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with mild cognitive impairment showed a temporary improvement in cognitive function; this finding has yet to be replicated. However, there have been no studies in ALS cell or animal models or in humans with ALS. Lion's Mane appears safe and inexpensive when consumed in powder or capsule, but one anaphylactic case was reported after a patient consumed fresh Lion's Mane mushroom. Currently, we do not have enough information to support the use of Lion's Mane for treating ALS. We support further research in ALS disease models and clinical trials to study its efficacy.

Exploiting Natural Niches with Neuroprotective Properties: A Comprehensive Review

Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are associated with neurodegeneration, promising strategies against neurodegenerative diseases are aimed to target multiple processes. These approaches usually avoid premature cell death and the loss of function of damaged neurons. This review focuses attention on the preventive and therapeutic potential of several compounds derived from natural sources, which could be exploited for their neuroprotective effect. Curcumin, resveratrol, ergothioneine, and phycocyanin are presented as examples of successful approaches, with a special focus on possible strategies to improve their delivery to the brain.

Erinacine S, a small active component derived from Hericium erinaceus, protects oligodendrocytes and alleviates mood abnormalities in cuprizone-exposed rodents

Hericium erinaceus mycelium extract (HEM), containing erinacine A (HeA) and erinacine S (HeS), has shown promise in promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into mature oligodendrocytes (OLs), crucial for myelin production in the central nervous system (CNS). The main aim of this study was to characterize the protective effects of HEM and its components on OLs and myelin in demyelinating rodents by exposure to cuprizone (CPZ), a copper chelating agent commonly used to induce demyelination in the corpus callosum of the brain. Rats were fed by CPZ-containing diet and simultaneously orally administered HEM, HeA, or HeS on a daily basis for three weeks. We found that HEM and HeS preserved myelin and OLs in the corpus callosum of CPZ-fed rats, along with reduced microglia and astrocyte activation, and downregulated IL-1β expression. Furthermore, post-treatment with HeS, in mouse models with acute (6 weeks) or chronic (12 weeks) CPZ-induced demyelination demonstrated oral administration during the final 4 weeks (HeS4/6 or HeS4/12) effectively preserved myelin in the corpus callosum. Additionally, HeS4/6 and HeS4/12 inhibited anxious and depressive-like behaviors in CPZ-fed mice. In summary, simultaneous administration of HEM and HeS in rats during short-term CPZ intoxication preserved OLs and myelin. Furthermore, post-administration of HeS not only inhibited demyelination and gliosis but also alleviated anxiety and depression in both acute and chronic CPZ-fed mice. This study presents compelling evidence supporting the potential of HeS as a promising small active compound for protecting OLs and preserving myelin in demyelinating diseases associated with emotional disorders.

Natural and engineered xylosyl products from microbial source

Glycosylation is a prevalent post-modification found in natural products and has a significant impact on the structural diversity and activity variation of natural products. Glucosylation is the most common type of glycosylation, whereas xylosylation is relatively rare. Despite their unique chemical structures and beneficial activities, xylosylated natural products from microorganisms have received little attention. This review provides, for the first time, a comprehensive summary of 126 microbial-derived xylosylated natural products, including xylosyl-cyathane diterpenes, xylosylated triterpenes, xylosyl aromatic compounds, and others. Among these compounds, xylosyl-cyathane diterpenes represent the highest number of derivatives, followed by xylosylated triterpenes. Xylosyl compounds from bacterial sources have less defined structural profiles compared to those from fungi. The characterization of xylosyltransferase EriJ from Basidiomycota extended the structural diversity of xylosyl cyathane diterpenes. This work provides a valuable reference for the research and use of xylosyltransferase for drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. Further work is needed to explore the potential applications of microbial derived xylosyl compounds and to develop novel xylosyl transferases. With the deepening of genomic sequencing of medicinal fungi, more biosynthesis of bioactive xylosyl compounds is expected to be elucidated in the future.

The ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Hericium

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mushrooms in the genus Hericium are used as functional food and traditional medicines for a long history in East Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and Korea. Some species of Hericium are called as monkey head mushroom (Houtougu) in China and Yamabushitake in Japan, which are traditionally considered as rare and precious health promoting food and medicinal materials for the treatment of dyspepsia, insomnia, chronic gastritis, and digestive tract tumors.

THE AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the ethnopharmacology and structural diversity of secondary metabolites from Hericium species, as well as the pharmacological activities of the crude extracts and pure compounds from Hericium species in recent years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the information was gathered by searching Scifinder, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar databases and other published materials (books and Ph.D. and M. Sc. Dissertations) using the keywords "Hericium", "Traditional uses", "Chemical composition", "Quality control" and "Pharmacological activity" (1971-May 2023). The species name was checked with https://www.mycobank.org/.

RESULTS

The traditional uses of Hericium species were summarized, and 230 secondary metabolites from Hericium species were summarized and classified into six classes, mainly focusing on their chemical diversity, biosynthesis, biological activities. The modern pharmacological experiments in vivo or in vitro on their crude and fractionated extracts showed that the chemical components from Hericium species have a broad range of bioactivities, including neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anticancer, α-glucosidase inhibitory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The secondary metabolites discovered from Hericium species are highly structurally diverse, and they have the potential to be rich resources of bioactive fungal natural products. Moreover, the unveiled bioactivities of their crude extracts and pure compounds are closely related to critical human health concerns, and in-depth studies on the potential lead compounds, mechanism of pharmacological effects and pharmaceutical properties are clearly warranted.

A review on SIRT3 and its natural small molecule activators as a potential Preventive and therapeutic target

Sirtuins (SIRTs) were originally characterized by yeast Sir2 as a lifespan regulator that is conserved in all three structural domains of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes and belong to histone deacetylases consisting of seven members (SIRT1-SIRT7). Surprisingly, SIRTs have been shown to play important regulatory roles in almost all cellular functions, including mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell growth, energy metabolism, neural function, and stress resistance. Among the SIRT members, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is one of the most important deacetylases that regulates the mitochondrial acetylation and plays a role in pathological processes, such as metabolism, DNA repair, oxidative stress, apoptosis and ferroptosis. Therefore, SIRT3 is considered as a potential target for the treatment of a variety of pathological diseases, including metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, age-related diseases and others. Furthermore, the isolation, screening, and development of SIRT3 signaling agonists, especially from natural products, have become a widely investigated objective. This paper describes the structure of SIRT3 protein, discusses the pathological process of SIRT3-mediated acetylation modification, and reviews the role of SIRT3 in diseases, SIRT3 activators and its related disease studies.

Hericium erinaceus Extract Exerts Beneficial Effects on Gut-Neuroinflammaging-Cognitive Axis in Elderly Mice

Ageing is a biological phenomenon that determines the impairment of cognitive performances, in particular, affecting memory. Inflammation and cellular senescence are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline. The gut microbiota-brain axis could exert a critical role in influencing brain homeostasis during ageing, modulating neuroinflammation, and possibly leading to inflammaging. Due to their anti-ageing properties, medicinal mushrooms can be utilised as a resource for developing pharmaceuticals and functional foods. Specifically, Hericium erinaceus (He), thanks to its bioactive metabolites, exerts numerous healthy beneficial effects, such as reinforcing the immune system, counteracting ageing, and improving cognitive performance. Our previous works demonstrated the capabilities of two months of He1 standardised extract oral supplementation in preventing cognitive decline in elderly frail mice. Herein, we showed that this treatment did not change the overall gut microbiome composition but significantly modified the relative abundance of genera specifically involved in cognition and inflammation. Parallelly, a significant decrease in crucial markers of inflammation and cellular senescence, i.e., CD45, GFAP, IL6, p62, and γH2AX, was demonstrated in the dentate gyrus and Cornus Ammonis hippocampal areas through immunohistochemical experiments. In summary, we suggested beneficial and anti-inflammatory properties of He1 in mouse hippocampus through the gut microbiome-brain axis modulation.

Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion's Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of guayusa extract and Nordic Lion's Mane (LM) on cognition. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we examined the effects of a single dose of 650 mg guayusa extract (AMT: AmaTea® Max) vs. 1 g Nordic-grown Lion's Mane (LM) vs. placebo (PL). Participants attended three testing visits consisting of neuropsychological tests (Go/No-go, N-Back, and Serial 7 s tasks) assessing performance, subjective assessments of cognitive perception, and vital signs. Each assessment was measured at baseline (pre-ingestion) and 1 and 2 h post ingestion. AMT significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s, total score, number of correct responses, total number of responses, and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time, but it reduced the percentage of correct responses in the No-go stimulus response during Go/No-go. LM significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time in Go/No-go. AMT improved mental clarity, focus, concentration, mood, and productivity at 1 and 2 h (p < 0.05); the ability to tolerate stress at 1 h; and had greater ratings than LM and PL for mental clarity, focus, concentration, and productivity. PL improved focus and concentration at 1 h from baseline (p ≤ 0.05). AMT and LM improved subjective ratings of "happiness compared to peers" and "getting the most out of everything" (p < 0.05); however, this occurred earlier in LM (i.e., 1 h post ingestion). AMT uniquely elevated blood pressure from baseline. AMT significantly improved cognitive performance and self-perceived cognitive indices of affect over a 2 h period and perceptions of happiness 2 h post ingestion. In comparison, LM helped improve working memory, complex attention, and reaction time 2 h post ingestion and perceptions of happiness over a 2 h period.

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Given the bioactive properties and limited work to date, Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane) shows promise in improving cognitive function and mood. However, much of the human research has concentrated on chronic supplementation in cognitively compromised cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

The current pilot study investigated the acute and chronic (28-day) cognitive and mood-enhancing effects of Hericium erinaceus in a healthy, young adult cohort.

DESIGN

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups design investigated the acute (60 min post dose) and chronic (28-day intervention) effects of 1.8 g Hericium erinaceus in 41 healthy adults aged 18-45 years.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed that following a single dose of Hericium erinaceus, participants performed quicker on the Stroop task (p = 0.005) at 60 min post dose. A trend towards reduced subjective stress was observed following 28-day supplementation (p = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings tentatively suggest that Hericium erinaceus may improve speed of performance and reduce subjective stress in healthy, young adults. However, null and limited negative findings were also observed. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further investigation in larger sample sizes is crucial, however the findings of this trial offer a promising avenue of interest.

Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus is a valuable mushroom known for its strong bioactive properties. It shows promising potential as an excellent neuroprotective agent, capable of stimulating nerve growth factor release, regulating inflammatory processes, reducing oxidative stress, and safeguarding nerve cells from apoptosis. The active compounds in the mushroom, such as erinacines and hericenones, have been the subject of research, providing evidence of their neuroprotective effects. Further research and standardization processes for dietary supplements focused on H. erinaceus are essential to ensuring effectiveness and safety in protecting the nervous system. Advancements in isolation and characterization techniques, along with improved access to pure analytical standards, will play a critical role in achieving standardized, high-quality dietary supplements based on H. erinaceus. The aim of this study is to analyze the protective and nourishing effects of H. erinaceus on the nervous system and present the most up-to-date research findings related to this topic.

Sarcodonol A-D from fruiting bodies of Sarcodon imbricatus inhibits HCoV-OC43 induced apoptosis in MRC-5 cells

Four new 26-carboxylated ergostane-type sterols (Sarcodonol A-D) were isolated from 70% ethanol extracts of dried fruiting bodies of Sarcodon imbricatus. Their chemical structures were elucidated using 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and confirmed by comparison with previously reported data. As far as we know, this is the first instance of isolating a 26-carboxylated ergostane-type sterol from nature. The determined antiviral efficacy of sarcodonol A-D (1-4) against HCoV-OC43 in MRC-5 cells confirmed that sarcodonol D (4) had significant antiviral activity. Notably, sarcodonol D (4) potently blocked virus infection at low-micromolar concentration and showed high SI (IC50 = 2.26 μM; CC50 > 100 μM; SI > 44.2). In addition, this research shows that the antiviral effect of sarcodonol D (4) via reduced apoptosis increased by viral infection is through mitochondrial stress regulation. This suggests that sarcodonol D (4) is a potential candidate for use as an antiviral treatment.

Comparative Genomic Analysis and Metabolic Potential Profiling of a Novel Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium rajendrae (Basidiomycota)

Hericium rajendrae is an emerging species in the genus Hericium with few members. Despite being highly regarded due to its rarity, knowledge about H. rajendrae remains limited. In this study, we sequenced, de novo assembled, and annotated the complete genome of H. rajendrae NPCB A08, isolated from the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi, China, using the Illumina NovaSeq and Nanopore PromethION technologies. Comparative genomic analysis revealed similarities and differences among the genomes of H. rajendrae, H. erinaceus, and H. coralloides. Phylogenomic analysis revealed the divergence time of the Hericium genus, while transposon analysis revealed evolutionary characteristics of the genus. Gene family variation reflected the expansion and contraction of orthologous genes among Hericium species. Based on genomic bioinformation, we identified the candidate genes associated with the mating system, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Furthermore, metabolite profiling and comparative gene clusters analysis provided strong evidence for the biosynthetic pathway of erinacines in H. rajendrae. This work provides the genome of H. rajendrae for the first time, and enriches the genomic content of the genus Hericium. These findings also facilitate the application of H. rajendrae in complementary drug research and functional food manufacturing, advancing the field of pharmaceutical and functional food production involving H. rajendrae.

Comprehensive Review of Nutraceuticals against Cognitive Decline Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Nowadays, nutraceuticals are being incorporated into functional foods or used as supplements with nonpharmacological approaches in the prevention and management of several illnesses, including age-related conditions and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nutraceuticals are apt for preventing and treating such disorders because of their nontoxic, non-habit-forming, and efficient bioactivities for promoting neurological well-being due to their ability to influence cellular processes such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death modulation, and neuronal survival. The capacity of nutraceuticals to modify all of these processes reveals the potential to develop food-based strategies to aid brain development and enhance brain function, prevent and ameliorate neurodegeneration, and possibly reverse the cognitive impairment observed in Alzheimer's disease, the most predominant form of dementia in the elderly. The current review summarizes the experimental evidence of the neuroprotective capacity of nutraceuticals against Alzheimer's disease, describing their mechanisms of action and the in vitro and in vivo models applied to evaluate their neuroprotective potential.

Unprecedented Neoverrucosane and Cyathane Diterpenoids with Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity from Cultures of the Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus

The culinary medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus holds significant global esteem and has garnered heightened interest within increasingly ageing societies due to its pronounced neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Within this study, two novel diterpenes, 16-carboxy-13-epi-neoverrucosane (1) and Erinacine L (2); three known xylosyl cyathane diterpenoids, Erinacine A (3), Erinacine C (4), and Erinacine F (5); and four lanostane-type triterpenoids, and three cyclic dipeptides (10-12), in addition to orcinol (13), were isolated from the rice-based cultivation medium of H. erinaceus. Their structures were determined by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and calculated NMR. Compound 1 marks a pioneering discovery as the first verrucosane diterpene originating from basidiomycetes, amplifying the scope of fungal natural product chemistry, and the intricate stereochemistry of Compound 5 has been comprehensively assessed for the first time. Compounds 2-5 not only showed encouraging neurotrophic activity in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells, but also significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in BV2 microglia cell cultures with IC50 values as low as 5.82 ± 0.18 μM. To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of these bioactivities, molecular docking simulation was used to analyze and support the interaction of 1 and 2 with inducible NO synthase (iNOS), respectively. In particular, compound 2, a cyathane-xyloside containing an unconventional hemiacetal moiety, is a compelling candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. In summation, this investigation contributes substantively to the panorama of fungal diterpene structural diversity, concurrently furnishing additional empirical substantiation for the role of cyathane diterpenes in the amelioration of neurodegenerative afflictions.

Enrichment Extraction and Activity Study of the Different Varieties of Hericium erinaceus against HCT-8 Colon Cancer Cells

Hericium erinaceus (HE), a widely utilized natural remedy and dietary source, has garnered significant attention for its therapeutic potential in various diseases. In this study, we employed supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology to isolate the bioactive compounds from HE's fruiting body. Comprehensive assessments of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities were conducted, along with in vitro investigations on the human colon cancer cell line (HCT-8). The SFE rate served as the evaluation metric, while the variables of extraction time, pressure, and temperature were systematically examined. By integrating the response surface center composite design, we successfully optimized the extraction process, yielding optimal parameters of 80 min, 30 MPa, and 35 °C, thus resulting in an extraction rate of 2.51%. These optimized conditions exhibited considerable antioxidant capacity, anticancer activity, and antibacterial potential. Furthermore, we employed graded alcohol extraction to refine the crude extracts, thereby confirming superior anticancer effects under a 70% alcohol precipitation. To elucidate the composition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to analyze the crude extracts and isolates of HE, facilitating a comparative analysis of six HE varieties. Our findings suggest that sterol derivatives hold promise as the active component against the colon cancer HCT-8 cell line. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of HE SFE in the development of functional foods or alternative drugs for colon cancer treatment, thus opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Vegan shrimp alternative made with pink oyster and lion's mane mushrooms: Nutritional profiles, presence of conjugated phenolic acids, and prototyping

The increasing demand for seafood is responsible for many environmental impacts, especially caused by aquaculture. Shrimp accounts for a substantial part of seafood production and therefore also for negative effects associated with it. This work aimed to develop a mushroom-based shrimp analogue with a texture similar to shrimp using the fruiting bodies of pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) and lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus). Three flushes of pink oyster mushrooms and a first flush of lion's mane mushroom were analysed regarding their nutritional composition and whether they are suitable shrimp alternatives. The two mushrooms are rich in proteins (∼32% and ∼26% w/w for the first flush of pink oyster and lion's mane, respectively). The protein content of pink oyster mushroom decreased and the dietary fibre content increased across the different flushes. The antioxidants in the mushrooms were extracted using different methods, whereby aqueous extracts mostly excelled in terms of antioxidant activity. Hydrolysis confirmed the presence of conjugated p-coumaric acid in both mushrooms and possibly conjugated caffeic acid in pink oyster. Texture analysis results of the prototypes were close to the values of fried shrimp. However, although the sensory qualities of the final prototypes were perceived as similar to shrimp, further improvements in the recipe are necessary to make the prototypes indistinguishable from shrimp.

Discovery of Novel Terpenoids from the Basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus through Genome Mining and Coculture Optimization

In our previous work, postredienes A-C, three unusual linear sesterterpenes with high antifungal activities, were isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus SY10 when cocultured with Trametes robiniophila SY636. However, their titers were low, and exploration of newly biosynthesized trace analogues is required. Herein, genome mining analysis predicted that 17 gene clusters are involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in P. ostreatus. Thus, coculture conditions for strains SY10 and SY636 were optimized using a single-factor test and Box-Behnken design. As a result, the titers of postredienes A-C were increased by over 2.5-fold, reaching 1.28 to 8.40 mg/L. Moreover, five new terpenoids, named postredienes D-H (1-5), were successfully isolated. Compound 1 exhibited activities against the human pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans comparable to those of amphotericin B. Compound 2 represents a novel sesterterpene with a five-membered ring at C-7. The absolute configurations of 1-5 were elucidated by making the methoxyphenylacetic acid esters and acetonide derivatives, combined with ECD and NMR calculation. Two potential gene clusters and relevant biosynthetic pathways for 1-5 were subsequently proposed based on real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. The current study provides new insights into the research of terpenoid biosynthesis genes in P. ostreatus and other basidiomycetes.

Deacylated Derivative of Hericenone C Treated by Lipase Shows Enhanced Neuroprotective Properties Compared to Its Parent Compound

Hericium erinaceus, a mushroom species commonly known as Yamabushitake in Japan, is known to have a stimulatory effect on neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). Hericenone C, a meroterpenoid with palmitic acid as the fatty acid side chain, is reported to be one such stimulant. However, according to the structure of the compound, the fatty acid side chain seems highly susceptible to lipase decomposition, under in vivo metabolic conditions. To study this phenomenon, hericenone C from the ethanol extract of the fruiting body was subjected to lipase enzyme treatment and observed for changes in the chemical structure. The compound formed after the lipase enzyme digestion was isolated and identified using LC-QTOF-MS combined with ¹H-NMR analysis. It was found to be a derivative of hericenone C without its fatty acid side chain and was named deacylhericenone. Interestingly, a comparative investigation of the neuroprotective properties of hericenone C and deacylhericenone showed that the BDNF mRNA expression in human astrocytoma cells (1321N1) and the protection against H₂O_2-induced oxidative stress was considerably higher in the case of deacylhericenone. These findings suggest that the stronger bioactive form of the hericenone C compound is in fact deacylhericenone.

Hericerin derivatives activates a pan-neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1/2 signaling enhancing spatial memory

The traditional medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus is known for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration through targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) neurotrophic activity. Here, we purified and identified biologically new active compounds from H. erinaceus, based on their ability to promote neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons. N-de phenylethyl isohericerin (NDPIH), an isoindoline compound from this mushroom, together with its hydrophobic derivative hericene A, were highly potent in promoting extensive axon outgrowth and neurite branching in cultured hippocampal neurons even in the absence of serum, demonstrating potent neurotrophic activity. Pharmacological inhibition of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) by ANA-12 only partly prevented the NDPIH-induced neurotrophic activity, suggesting a potential link with BDNF signaling. However, we found that NDPIH activated ERK1/2 signaling in the absence of TrkB in HEK-293T cells, an effect that was not sensitive to ANA-12 in the presence of TrkB. Our results demonstrate that NDPIH acts via a complementary neurotrophic pathway independent of TrkB with converging downstream ERK1/2 activation. Mice fed with H. erinaceus crude extract and hericene A also exhibited increased neurotrophin expression and downstream signaling, resulting in significantly enhanced hippocampal memory. Hericene A therefore acts through a novel pan-neurotrophic signaling pathway, leading to improved cognitive performance.

Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus with a centuries-old history: Evidence in gastrointestinal diseases

Hericium erinaceus is an edible and medicinal mushroom commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Several studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition, some components of this mushroom appear to possess strong antineoplastic capabilities against gastric and colorectal cancer. This review aims to analyse all available evidence on the digestive therapeutic potential of this fungus as well as the possible underlying molecular mechanisms.

Hericium erinaceus in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond, How Far from the Shoreline?

A growing number of studies is focusing on the pharmacology and feasibility of bioactive compounds as a novel valuable approach to target a variety of human diseases related to neurological degeneration. Among the group of the so-called medicinal mushrooms (MMs), Hericium erinaceus has become one of the most promising candidates. In fact, some of the bioactive compounds extracted from H. erinaceus have been shown to recover, or at least ameliorate, a wide range of pathological brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury. In a large body of in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies on the central nervous system (CNS), the effects of erinacines have been correlated with a significant increase in the production of neurotrophic factors. Despite the promising outcome of preclinical investigations, only a limited number of clinical trials have been carried out so far in different neurological conditions. In this survey, we summarized the current state of knowledge on H. erinaceus dietary supplementation and its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. The bulk collected evidence underlies the urgent need to carry out further/wider clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of H. erinaceus supplementation, offering significant neuroprotective applications in brain pathologies.

Biocatalytic characterization of Hericium erinaceus laccase isoenzymes for the oxidation of lignin derivative substrates

Mushroom laccases are biocatalysts that oxidize various substrates. To identify a novel enzyme involved in lignin valorization, we isolated and characterized laccase isoenzymes from the mushroom Hericium erinaceus. The laccase cDNAs (Lac1a and Lac1b) cloned from the mushroom mycelia consisted of 1536 bp and each encoded a protein with 511 amino acids, containing a 21-amino-acid signal peptide. Comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed high homology between the deduced amino acid sequences of Lac1a and Lac1b and those from basidiomycetous fungi. In the Pichia pastoris expression system, high extracellular production of Lac1a, a glycoprotein, was achieved, whereas Lac1b was not expressed as a secreted protein because of hyper-glycosylation. Biochemical characterization of the purified recombinant Lac1a (rLac1a) protein revealed its oxidizing efficacy toward 14 aromatic substrates. The highly substrate-specific rLac1a showed catalytic efficiencies of 877 s^-1 mM^-1, 829 s^-1 mM^-1, 520 s^-1 mM^-1, and 467 s^-1 mM^-1 toward 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), hydroquinone, guaiacol, and 2,6-dimethylphenol, respectively. Moreover, rLac1a showed approximately 10 % higher activity in non-ionic detergents and >50 % higher residual activity in various organic solvents. These results indicate that rLac1a is a novel oxidase biocatalyst for the bioconversion of lignin into value-added products.

Molecular insights into the pathogenic impact of vitamin D deficiency in neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are the major cause of disability, leading to a decrease in quality of life by impairing cognitive, sensorimotor, and motor functioning. Several factors have been proposed in the pathogenesis of neurobehavioral changes, including nutritional, environmental, and genetic predisposition. Vitamin D (VD) is an environmental and nutritional factor that is widely distributed in the central nervous system's subcortical grey matter, neurons of the substantia nigra, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. It is implicated in the regulation of several brain functions by preserving neuronal structures. It is a hormone rather than a nutritional vitamin that exerts a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. A growing body of epidemiological evidence suggests that VD is critical in neuronal development and shows neuroprotective effects by influencing the production and release of neurotrophins, antioxidants, immunomodulatory, regulation of intracellular calcium balance, and direct effect on the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. This review provides up-to-date and comprehensive information on vitamin D deficiency, risk factors, and clinical and preclinical evidence on its relationship with neurological disorders. Furthermore, this review provides mechanistic insight into the implications of vitamin D and its deficiency on the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Thus, an understanding of the crucial role of vitamin D in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative disorders can assist in the better management of vitamin D-deficient individuals.

High-efficient production of mushroom polyketide compounds in a platform host Aspergillus oryzae

BACKGROUND

Orsellinic acid (2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid, OA) and its structural analog o-Orsellinaldehyde, have become widely used intermediates in clinical drugs synthesis. Although the research on the biosynthesis of such compounds has made significant progress, due to the lack of suitable hosts, there is still far from the industrial production of such compounds based on synthetic biology.

RESULTS

With the help of genome mining, we found a polyketide synthase (PKS, HerA) in the genome of the Hericium erinaceus, which shares 60% amino acid sequence homology with ArmB from Armillaria mellea, an identified PKS capable of synthesizing OA. To characterize the function of HerA, we cloned herA and heterologously expressed it in Aspergillus oryzae, and successfully detected the production of OA. Subsequently, the introduction of an incomplete PKS (Pks5) from Ustilago maydis containing only three domains (AMP-ACP-R), which was into herA-containing A. oryzae, the resulted in the production of o-Orsellinaldehyde. Considering the economic value of OA and o-Orsellinaldehyde, we then optimized the yield of these compounds in A. oryzae. The screening showed that when maltose was used as carbon source, the yields of OA and o-Orsellinaldehyde were 57.68 mg/L and 15.71 mg/L respectively, while the yields were 340.41 mg/Kg and 84.79 mg/Kg respectively in rice medium for 10 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we successfully expressed the genes of basidiomycetes using A. oryzae heterologous host. As a fungus of ascomycetes, which not only correctly splices genes of basidiomycetes containing multiple introns, but also efficiently produces their metabolites. This study highlights that A. oryzae is an excellent host for the heterologous production of fungal natural products, and has the potential to become an efficient chassis for the production of basidiomycete secondary metabolites in synthetic biology.

The Addition of Reishi and Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder to Pasta Influences the Content of Bioactive Compounds and the Antioxidant, Potential Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties of Pasta

The influence of a 2.5% and 5% addition of dried Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushrooms on the content of bioactive compounds and some pro-health properties of pasta was studied. In samples subjected to gastrointestinal digestion, the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant, potential anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties were significantly higher. The qualitative–quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds performed using the LC-MS/MS technique indicated that the Reishi-enriched pasta was characterized by a higher content of syringic (R2.5 sample), while pasta supplemented with Lion’ Mane had a higher content of vanillin in relation to the control pasta. In the case of ethanolic extracts, samples supplemented with the Reishi mushrooms (R5 sample) were characterized by higher ABTS antiradical properties and a reducing power while the sample supplemented with Lion’s Mane (L5 sample) had a higher ability to inhibit lipoxygenase in relation to the control sample. In conclusion, the results suggest that Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushroom powder can be used for the fortification of semolina pasta, conferring slightly healthier characteristics of the product.

Increasing the production of the bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms: an omics perspective

Macroscopic fungi, mainly higher basidiomycetes and some ascomycetes, are considered medicinal mushrooms and have long been used in different areas due to their pharmaceutically/nutritionally valuable bioactive compounds. However, the low production of these bioactive metabolites considerably limits the utilization of medicinal mushrooms both in commerce and clinical trials. As a result, many attempts, ranging from conventional methods to novel approaches, have been made to improve their production. The novel strategies include conducting omics investigations, constructing genome-scale metabolic models, and metabolic engineering. So far, genomics and the combined use of different omics studies are the most utilized omics analyses in medicinal mushroom research (both with 31% contribution), while metabolomics (with 4% contribution) is the least. This article is the first attempt for reviewing omics investigations in medicinal mushrooms with the ultimate aim of bioactive compound overproduction. In this regard, the role of these studies and systems biology in elucidating biosynthetic pathways of bioactive compounds and their contribution to metabolic engineering will be highlighted. Also, limitations of omics investigations and strategies for overcoming them will be provided in order to facilitate the overproduction of valuable bioactive metabolites in these valuable organisms.

Hydrophilic Metabolite Composition of Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia of Edible Mushroom Species (Agaricomycetes)

Mushrooms have two components, the fruiting body, which encompasses the stalk and the cap, and the mycelium, which supports the fruiting body underground. The part of the mushroom most commonly consumed is the fruiting body. Given that it is more time consuming to harvest the fruiting body versus simply the mycelia, we were interested in understanding the difference in metabolite content between the fruiting bodies and mycelia of four widely consumed mushrooms in Taiwan: Agrocybe cylindracea (AC), Coprinus comatus (CC), Hericium erinaceus (HE), and Hypsizygus marmoreus (HM). In total, we identified 54 polar metabolites using 1H NMR spectroscopy that included sugar alcohols, amino acids, organic acids, nucleosides and purine/pyrimidine derivatives, sugars, and others. Generally, the fruiting bodies of AC, CC, and HM contained higher amounts of essential amino acids than their corresponding mycelia. Among fruiting bodies, HE had the lowest essential amino acid content. Trehalose was the predominant carbohydrate in most samples except for the mycelia of AC, in which the major sugar was glucose. The amount of adenosine, uridine, and xanthine in the samples was similar, and was higher in fruiting bodies compared with mycelia, except for HM. The organic acid and sugar alcohol content between fruiting bodies and mycelia did not tend to be different. Although each mushroom had a unique metabolic profile, the metabolic profile of fruiting bodies and mycelia were most similar for CC and HE, suggesting that the mycelia of CC and HE may be good replacements for their corresponding fruiting bodies. Additionally, each mushroom species had a unique polar metabolite fingerprint, which could be utilized to identify adulteration.

Medicinal Mushrooms: Past, Present and Future

The survival of Homo sapiens is continually under threat from agencies capable of inflicting calamitous damage to the overall health and well-being of humankind. One strategy aimed at combatting this threat is focused on medicinal mushrooms and derivatives thereof. Mushrooms themselves have been consumed as part of the human diet for centuries, whereas 'mushroom nutriceuticals' is a more recently adopted term describing mushroom-derived products taken as dietary supplements to enhance general health and fitness. Among the most extensively studied pharmacologically active components of mushrooms are polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes, triterpenes, lectins, and fungal immunomodulatory proteins. Medicinal mushrooms have been credited with a wide range of therapeutic properties including antitumour/anti-cancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering and genoprotective activities as well as protection against atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. This review examines the past, present and future of medicinal mushroom development including the two legs concept for the mushroom industry and the pyramid model summarizing the various human applications of mushrooms. It considers numerous issues the industry needs to address to exploit fully the opportunities presented by the continued increasing demand for medicinal mushrooms, and by the future overall expansion of the medicinal mushroom movement.

Anti-Aging and Neuroprotective Properties of Grifola frondosa and Hericium erinaceus Extracts

Nutrition has relevant consequences for human health and increasing pieces of evidence indicate that medicinal mushrooms have several beneficial effects. One of the main issues in Western countries is represented by the challenges of aging and age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders. Among these, Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects 10 million people worldwide and is associated with α-synuclein misfolding, also found in other pathologies collectively called synucleinopathies. Here, we show that aqueous extracts of two edible mushrooms, Grifola frondosa and Hericium erinaceus, represent a valuable source of β-glucans and exert anti-aging effects in yeast. Their beneficial effects are mediated through the inhibition of the Ras/PKA pathway, with increased expression of heat shock proteins, along with a consistent increase of both mean and maximal lifespans. These fungal extracts also reduce the toxicity of α-synuclein heterologously expressed in yeast cells, resulting in reduced ROS levels, lower α-synuclein membrane localization, and protein aggregation. The neuroprotective activity of G. frondosa extract was also confirmed in a PD model of Drosophila melanogaster. Taken together, our data suggest the use of G. frondosa and H. erinaceus as functional food to prevent aging and age-related disorders, further supporting the neuro-healthy properties of these medicinal mushroom extracts.

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

BACKGROUND

A growing body of research suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic features of neurodegenerative disorders. In recent years, the vitagene system has emerged as a potential target, as it has been shown to have a high neuroprotective power. Therefore, the discovery of molecules capable of activating this system may represent a new therapeutic target to limit the deleterious consequences induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, such as neurodegeneration. Lipoxins are derived from arachidonic acid, and their role in the resolution of systemic inflammation is well established; however, they have become increasingly involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Our study aimed at activating the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) redox system and increasing lipoxin A4 for the modulation of antioxidant stress and neuroinflammation through the action of two fungi in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's model.

METHODS

During the experiment, mice received Hericium erinaceus, Coriolus versicolor or a combination of the two (200 mg/kg, orally) concomitantly with rotenone (5 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days.

RESULTS

The results obtained highlighted the ability of these two fungi and, in particular, their ability through their association to act on neuroinflammation through the nuclear factor-kB pathway and on oxidative stress through the Nrf2 pathway. This prevented dopaminergic neurons from undergoing apoptosis and prevented the alteration of typical Parkinson's disease (PD) markers and α-synuclein accumulation. The action of Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor was also able to limit the motor and non-motor alterations characteristic of PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Since these two mushrooms are subject to fewer regulations than traditional drugs, they could represent a promising nutraceutical choice for preventing PD.

Ameliorating Effect of the Edible Mushroom Hericium erinaceus on Depressive-Like Behavior in Ovariectomized Rats

Estrogen deficiency during menopause causes a variety of neurological symptoms, including depression. The edible Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (HE), is a medicinal mushroom that has the potential for a neuroprotective effect and ameliorating neurological diseases, such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. HE contains phytoestrogens, including daidzein and genistein. However, the ameliorating effect of HE on menopausal symptoms is not well understood. Here we investigated the impact of methanol extract of the HE fruiting body on depressive-like behavior in postmenopausal model rats. The activation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) causes body weight loss and uterine weight gain. Body weight gain and uterine weight loss by estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized (OVX) rats were reversed with 17β-estradiol (E₂) but not with HE. Thus, the phytoestrogens in HE may hardly activate ERα. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is expressed in the brain, and activation of ERβ ameliorates menopausal depressive symptoms. Notably, depressive-like behavior in OVX rats evaluated in forced swim test was reduced by administration of not only E₂ but also HE for 92 d. Long-term activation of ERα increases the risk of breast and uterine cancers. HE, therefore, may be effective in treating menopausal depression without the risk of carcinogenesis caused by ERα activation.

Total Synthesis of Isohericerinol A and Its Analogues to Access Their Potential Neurotrophic Effects

The secondary metabolites from Hericium erinaceus are well-known to have neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Isohericerinol A (1), isolated by our colleagues from its fruiting parts has a strong ability to increase the nerve growth factor secretion in C6 glioma cells. The current work describes the total synthesis of 1 and its regioisomer 5 in a few steps. We present two different approaches to 1 and a regiodivergent approach for both 1 and 5 by utilizing easily accessible feedstocks. Interestingly, the natural product 1, regioisomer 5, and their intermediates exhibited potent neurotrophic activity in in vitro experimental systems. Thus, these synthetic strategies provide access to a systematic structure-activity relationship study of natural product 1.

Assessment of Cosmetic Properties and Safety of Use of Model Washing Gels with Reishi, Maitake and Lion's Mane Extracts

Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular every day. For this reason, this work investigates the properties of mushroom extracts, which are not as widely used in the cosmetics industry as plant ingredients. Water extracts of Grifolafrondosa (Maitake), Hericiumerinaceus (Lion's Mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) were tested for their antioxidant properties, bioactive substances content, skin cell toxicity, ability to limit TEWL, effect on skin hydration and pH, and skin irritation. Our research showed that Maitake extract contained the highest amount of flavonoids and phenols, and also showed the most effective scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals as well as Chelation of Fe2+ and FRAP radicals, which were 39.84% and 82.12% in a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, respectively. All tested extracts did not increase the amount of ROS in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The addition of mushroom extracts to washing gels reduced the irritating effect on skin, and reduced the intracellular production of free radicals, compared with the cosmetic base. Moreover, it was shown that the analyzedcosmetics had a positive effect on the pH and hydration of the skin, and reduced TEWL.

Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Ameliorates In Vivo Progression of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related disorder that affects the joints and causes functional disability. Hericium erinaceus is a large edible mushroom with several known medicinal functions. However, the therapeutic effects of H. erinaceus in OA are unknown. In this study, data from Sprague-Dawley rats with knee OA induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) indicated that H. erinaceus mycelium improves ACLT-induced weight-bearing asymmetry and minimizes pain. ACLT-induced increases in articular cartilage degradation and bone erosion were significantly reduced by treatment with H. erinaceus mycelium. In addition, H. erinaceus mycelium reduced the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in OA cartilage and synovium. H. erinaceus mycelium shows promise as a functional food in the treatment of OA.

Natural Compound 2-Chloro-1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene, Isolated from Hericium Erinaceus, Inhibits Fungal Growth by Disrupting Membranes and Triggering Apoptosis

In this study, 2-chloro-1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene (CDM), a natural product with anti-Candida albicans activity, was discovered from the Hericium erinaceus mycelium. The minimum inhibitory concentration of CDM was 62.5 μg/mL. Moreover, structural analogues of CDM obtained from chemical synthesis were applied to explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of CDM against C. albicans. It was found that methoxy groups, halogen atoms (except fluorine atoms), and methoxy-meta-position methyl groups in the structure of CDM were the key active groups. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-C. albicans mechanism of CDM. Experiments suggested that CDM destroyed the cell membrane of C. albicans, including the cytoplasmic membrane and mitochondrial membrane, and caused the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction, which ultimately led to apoptosis of C. albicans. In addition, CDM had no toxicity on human normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells exposed to a concentration of 125 μg/mL. Experiments showed that CDM reduced the damage of C. albicans to the visceral tissue of infected mice and improved the survival rate of mice. Our research provides a scientific basis for the discovery of effective and safe anti-C. albicans drugs from H. erinaceus.