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Antioxidative Activities of Micronized Solid-State Cultivated Hericium erinaceus Rich in Erinacine A against MPTP-Induced Damages

Summary

Researchers tested a processed form of Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) to see if it could protect against Parkinson’s disease-like damage in mice. The mushroom mycelium was specially processed to break down cell walls and increase its effectiveness. When given to mice exposed to a Parkinson’s-causing toxin, the mushroom treatment restored dopamine levels and reduced harmful oxidative stress in the brain and liver in a dose-dependent manner.

Background

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons partly due to increased reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Hericium erinaceus is a traditional medicinal mushroom with known antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The present study evaluated micronized mycelium of H. erinaceus enriched in erinacine A for protective effects against MPTP-induced neurodegeneration.

Objective

To evaluate the neuroprotective and antioxidative activities of micronized Hericium erinaceus mycelium in mice treated with MPTP, a neurotoxin that induces Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms. To assess whether erinacine A plays a pivotal role in antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Results

Micronized HEM recovered dopamine levels in mouse striatum in a dose-dependent manner and restored tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced in brains and livers of HEM-treated groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase were elevated after HEM administration.

Conclusion

Micronized Hericium erinaceus mycelium cultivated via solid-state fermentation showed excellent antioxidant efficacy and neuroprotective effects against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. The results suggest HEM has potential therapeutic applications for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders involving oxidative stress.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37110620, DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083386
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