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Investigating the Neuroprotective, Hepatoprotective, and Antimicrobial Effects of Mushroom Extracts

Summary

This study examined four types of edible mushrooms to see if they could protect against aging and fight harmful bacteria. Researchers gave mice an aging-inducing substance and then treated them with mushroom extracts. The mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), helped prevent brain and liver damage, reduced inflammation, and showed antibacterial effects against multiple bacterial strains. These findings suggest mushrooms could be useful natural supplements to promote health and combat age-related decline.

Background

Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits including antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Aging is characterized by cellular decline and autophagy dysfunction. This study investigates four medicinal and edible mushrooms for their neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects.

Objective

To investigate the neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties of extracts from Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Agaricus bisporus. The study evaluated bioactive compounds, protective effects against D-galactose-induced aging, gene expression related to neurodegeneration and inflammation, and antimicrobial activity.

Results

All mushroom extracts effectively mitigated oxidative stress. Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum showed strongest neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. All extracts decreased liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) and demonstrated immunomodulatory effects with upregulated IL-2/IL-4 and downregulated IL-6. Hericium erinaceus showed highest upregulation of neurodegeneration-related genes and telomere length. All extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity, with Agaricus bisporus most effective against Lysinibacillus odyssey (MIC: 1.95 mg/mL).

Conclusion

These four edible and medicinal mushrooms possess neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties with potential applications in promoting health and combating age-related decline. Hericium erinaceus demonstrated the most pronounced anti-aging effects through gene expression modulation and telomere preservation. Further research is needed to fully understand mechanisms and optimize therapeutic applications.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Experimental In Vivo Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms26178440; PMID: 40943361
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