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Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Molecular and Biochemical Changes After Traumatic Brain Injury

Summary

This research investigated how two medicinal mushrooms – Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor) – could help protect the brain after traumatic injury and prevent the development of Parkinson’s disease. The study found that these mushrooms, especially when used together, reduced brain inflammation and oxidative stress while protecting neurons from death. This suggests they could potentially be used as natural supplements to prevent long-term brain damage after injury. Impacts on everyday life: – These mushrooms could be used as dietary supplements to protect brain health after head injuries – The findings suggest natural ways to potentially prevent Parkinson’s disease development – The research supports the traditional use of medicinal mushrooms for brain health – The combination of mushrooms was more effective than either alone, suggesting benefits of combining natural compounds – This provides evidence for using natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements for brain protection

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health issue that can lead to structural and functional brain impairments. TBI has been identified as a risk factor for neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease (PD). The injury causes blood-brain barrier breakdown, disrupted homeostasis, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation – factors that can persist and create conditions favorable for PD development.

Objective

To investigate how treatment with medicinal mushrooms Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor, alone and in combination, affects the molecular, biochemical and cellular changes that occur in the brain after trauma and increase PD risk. The study aimed to evaluate their potential neuroprotective effects in preventing TBI-related neurodegenerative processes.

Results

Treatment with H. erinaceus and C. versicolor, especially in combination, reduced neuroinflammation markers (GFAP, Iba-1), prevented oxidative stress through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, restored dopaminergic markers (TH, DAT), reduced α-synuclein accumulation, and improved behavioral outcomes. The mushrooms showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects across multiple brain regions including the midbrain, cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates for the first time that H. erinaceus and C. versicolor, particularly when combined, can provide neuroprotection by modulating specific molecular mechanisms linking chronic TBI to PD development. The mushrooms act by reducing neuroinflammation spread and oxidative stress, limiting α-synuclein accumulation and PD progression. This suggests potential use as nutritional supplements for preventing TBI-related neurodegeneration.
  • Published in:Antioxidants,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/antiox10060898
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