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Hericioic Acids A–G and Hericiofuranoic Acid; Neurotrophic Agents from Cultures of the European Mushroom Hericium flagellum

Summary

Researchers isolated eight new bioactive compounds from a rare European mushroom species called Hericium flagellum. These compounds showed promising ability to stimulate nerve cell growth and could potentially help treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study demonstrates that mushroom-derived natural products may offer new therapeutic approaches for conditions affecting millions of elderly people worldwide.

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases affect approximately 50 million aged individuals worldwide with limited therapeutic options. Neurotrophic factors like NGF and BDNF are critical for neuronal survival and regeneration but cannot efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. Natural products, particularly from fungi, continue to serve as valuable sources for discovering neurotrophic molecules.

Objective

To isolate and characterize novel bioactive compounds from solid cultures of the rare European mushroom Hericium flagellum and evaluate their neurotrophic potential in promoting neurite outgrowth.

Results

Eight new isoindolinone and benzofuranone derivatives were isolated and named hericioic acids A–G and hericiofuranoic acid. All compounds increased neurite outgrowth, with compounds 3, 4, and 8 exhibiting the strongest neurotrophic effects. None of the compounds showed significant cytotoxic effects against tested mammalian cell lines.

Conclusion

The isolated metabolites demonstrate significant neurotrophic potential and support the medicinal value of Hericium species. Solid-state fermentation on rice proved effective for producing novel isoindolinone and benzofuranone derivatives with promising therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Published in:Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,
  • Study Type:Natural Product Isolation and Biological Activity Study,
  • Source: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02897; PMID: 37440475
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