Array of Metabolites in Italian Hericium erinaceus Mycelium, Primordium, and Sporophore

Author: mycolabadmin
2019-09-27
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Summary

This research analyzed the beneficial compounds found in different growth stages of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) from Italy. The study helps improve the production of standardized supplements by identifying which growth stages produce the most beneficial compounds. Impact on everyday life: • Better quality control for Lion’s Mane supplements • More effective natural supplements for brain health • Improved understanding of how cultivation methods affect medicinal properties • Potential for more standardized natural treatments for cognitive decline • Support for sustainable production of medicinal mushroom products

Background

Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal mushroom containing various bioactive molecules with therapeutic properties. The fungus has been widely reported to have beneficial effects on the central nervous system, various cancer cell lines, depression, diabetes, lipedema, and cognitive decline during aging. About 70 different secondary metabolites have been isolated from both sporophore and mycelium, including high-weight metabolites like polysaccharides and low-weight metabolites such as polyketides, phenols, and terpenoids.

Objective

To analyze and compare different growth stages of H. erinaceus (mycelium, primordium, and sporophore) sampled in Tuscany, Italy, to detect and quantify the concentration of target bioactive metabolites erinacine A and hericenones C and D. The results aim to suggest optimization strategies for future dietary supplements.

Results

Erinacine A was detected in mycelium at 105 μg/g. Hericenones C and D were found in wild type sporophores (760 μg/g and 100 μg/g respectively) and cultivated sporophores (1560 μg/g and 188 μg/g respectively). The primordium contained only hericenes. Hericenes were present in all growth stages. Cultivated sporophores showed approximately double the concentration of hericenones compared to wild type specimens.

Conclusion

The study revealed different metabolite profiles across growth stages of H. erinaceus, with the first-ever analysis of primordium stage metabolites. The H.e.2 strain showed better potential for sporophore cultivation while H.e.1 was superior for mycelium production. Cultivated sporophores demonstrated higher bioactive compound content than wild specimens. This methodological approach provides necessary steps for developing standardized dietary supplements with higher bioactive metabolite content.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Laboratory Analysis,
Source: 10.3390/molecules24193511