Scientists at the University of Queensland have isolated the active component of a mushroom that may be consumed and found that it improves memory and stimulates the formation of nerve cells.
Hericium erinaceus is a kind of fungus, and according to Professor Frederic Meunier of the Queensland Brain Institute, the team has discovered novel active chemicals derived from the mushroom. The Lion’s Mane Fungus is a variety of edible mushroom that is indigenous to North America, Europe, and Asia. The common name for this mushroom is the Lion’s Mane Mushroom. In addition to being prized for its one-of-a-kind taste and consistency, it is used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system and enhance digestive health.
In pre-clinical studies, researchers found that lion’s mane mushrooms improved both the proliferation of brain cells and memory. These so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms were utilized in traditional medicine in Asian nations for millennia, but this time researchers sought to evaluate scientifically the possible impact that they may have on brain cells using extracts from these mushrooms.
In the course of preclinical research, it was discovered that the lion’s mane mushroom had a substantial influence on the expansion of brain cells and the improvement of memory. The neurotrophic effects of chemicals derived from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells were investigated in the laboratory, and to our surprise, we discovered that the active compounds stimulate neuron projections, which include the extension of neurons and their connection to other neurons.
Through the use of super-resolution microscopy, we were able to determine that the mushroom extract and its active components significantly increase the size of growth cones. Growth cones are of utmost significance for brain cells because they allow these cells to sense their surroundings and form new connections with other neurons in the brain. Dr. Ramon Martinez-Marmol of the University of Queensland is a co-author on the study and he said that the finding has potential applications that might cure and protect against neurodegenerative cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Dr. Dae Hee Lee of CNGBio Co., a company that has funded and participated on the study project, the qualities of lion’s mane mushrooms have been utilized to cure diseases and to preserve health in classic Chinese medicine since ancient times.
