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Hericium erinaceus, a Medicinal Fungus with a Centuries-Old History: Evidence in Gastrointestinal Diseases

Summary

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, is showing promising potential for treating various digestive system diseases. This medicinal mushroom contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation, protect against stomach damage, fight certain cancers, and promote healthy gut bacteria. While more research in humans is still needed, laboratory and animal studies suggest it could be a valuable natural therapeutic option. Impacts on everyday life: – May provide a natural supplement option for managing digestive disorders – Could help protect against stomach damage from medications or other causes – Shows potential as a complementary treatment for inflammatory bowel conditions – May help maintain healthy gut bacteria balance – Could offer preventive benefits for gastrointestinal cancers

Background

Gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent and associated with significant epidemiological and economic burden, costing over $130 billion annually in the US alone. While many conditions require pharmacological treatment, there is growing interest in natural complementary therapies. Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Chinese medicine that has shown potential therapeutic benefits for various digestive diseases.

Objective

This review aims to analyze all available evidence on the digestive therapeutic potential of Hericium erinaceus and examine the possible underlying molecular mechanisms of its effects on gastrointestinal disorders.

Results

H. erinaceus demonstrated multiple beneficial effects including: anti-inflammatory properties in gastritis and IBD models, antineoplastic activities against gastric and colorectal cancers, gastroprotective effects through modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress, antimicrobial activity against H. pylori, and positive modulation of gut microbiota. The mushroom’s polysaccharides and erinacine compounds were identified as key active components mediating these effects.

Conclusion

While H. erinaceus shows promising therapeutic potential for various gastrointestinal disorders through multiple mechanisms, more clinical studies in humans are needed. Future research should determine optimal extracts, dosing, safety profiles, and specific patient populations that may benefit from H. erinaceus as either a therapeutic agent or nutritional supplement.
  • Published in:World Journal of Gastroenterology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i20.3048
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