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Hericium erinaceus Ethanolic Extract with Antioxidant Properties on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in a Zebrafish Model of Cognitive Impairment

Summary

This research investigated how lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) extract could help protect against memory loss and cognitive decline. Using zebrafish as test subjects, scientists found that the mushroom extract helped improve memory and reduce anxiety-like behaviors through its antioxidant properties and effects on brain chemistry. Impact on everyday life: – Could lead to natural treatments for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease – Demonstrates the potential of medicinal mushrooms for brain health – Offers a possible preventive approach for maintaining cognitive function with aging – Shows promise for reducing anxiety and improving mental well-being – Highlights the importance of antioxidants for brain health

Background

Hericium erinaceus is a rare fungal species used in traditional Chinese medicine that shows potential benefits for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The mushroom contains bioactive compounds like erinacine and hericenone that can stimulate nerve cell growth and regeneration by acting on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein.

Objective

To investigate whether ethanolic extract from H. erinaceus fungal biomass enhances cognitive function via action on cholinergic neurons using a scopolamine-induced zebrafish model of memory impairment.

Results

The H. erinaceus extract improved memory and reduced anxiety-like behavior in scopolamine-treated zebrafish across multiple behavioral tests. The extract showed dose-dependent effects on increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPX, GSH) while decreasing acetylcholinesterase activity and markers of oxidative stress (MDA, protein carbonyls) in brain tissue. The highest doses (1 and 3 mg/L) showed the strongest cognitive-enhancing effects.

Conclusion

H. erinaceus extract obtained via ultrasonic extraction demonstrates significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in a zebrafish model of cognitive impairment. The extract could repair memory and behavioral disorders produced by scopolamine and may have beneficial effects for treating Alzheimer’s disease through its antioxidative and cholinergic mechanisms.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof7060477
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