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Searching for a Longevity Food, We Bump into Hericium erinaceus Primordium Rich in Ergothioneine: The ‘Longevity Vitamin’ Improves Locomotor Performances During Aging

Summary

This research investigated how an extract from lion’s mane mushroom primordium, rich in a compound called ergothioneine (the ‘longevity vitamin’), could help prevent age-related decline in physical movement. The study found that mice given the mushroom extract maintained better mobility in old age and showed reduced signs of cellular stress in their brains. Impacts on everyday life: • Suggests a natural supplement option for maintaining physical mobility in aging populations • Offers potential preventive approach to age-related decline rather than just treatment • Could help improve quality of life for elderly individuals • Provides evidence for incorporating medicinal mushrooms into healthy aging diets • May lead to development of new natural therapies for age-related conditions

Background

Aging is characterized by progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to decline in physical and cognitive functions due to brain changes like atrophy, oxidative stress, and reduced antioxidant mechanisms. These hallmarks contribute to the aging process and increase vulnerability. With the recent increase in the global geriatric population, healthy aging has emerged as a crucial issue requiring identification of risk factors and novel therapeutic strategies, including natural substances that may prevent or reverse aging effects.

Objective

To investigate the preventive effects of Hericium erinaceus primordium extract, which is rich in ergothioneine (the ‘longevity vitamin’), on locomotor decline during aging in mice. The study aimed to evaluate both behavioral outcomes and underlying molecular mechanisms related to oxidative stress.

Results

The H. erinaceus primordium extract contained high levels of ergothioneine (1.30 ± 0.57 mg/g). Treated mice showed significantly improved locomotor performances compared to controls, particularly in resting time and total distance traveled at 23 months of age. The treatment group demonstrated decreased expression of oxidative stress markers COX2 and NOS2 in cerebellar tissue, along with increased p53 levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress and improved cellular protection.

Conclusion

H. erinaceus primordium extract rich in ergothioneine shows promise as a valuable intervention to prevent and partially recover locomotor decline while lowering oxidative stress during aging. The neuroprotective and preventive effects appear attributable to its high ergothioneine content, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in geriatric care to improve elderly quality of life.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Preclinical Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/nu14061177
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