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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) Exerts Anxiolytic Effects in the rTg4510 Tau Mouse Model

Summary

This research investigated how Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements affect mice with features of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that while the mushroom didn’t improve memory or daily activities, it did significantly reduce anxiety-like behaviors in the mice. This is important because anxiety is a common symptom in Alzheimer’s disease that affects quality of life. Impacts on everyday life: • Lion’s Mane supplements might help reduce anxiety in Alzheimer’s patients • The mushroom appears safe for long-term consumption as a dietary supplement • Natural alternatives like Lion’s Mane could provide anxiety relief without pharmaceutical side effects • Caregivers might find this as a helpful addition to care routines • The findings support traditional uses of medicinal mushrooms for mental health

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) significantly impairs cognitive and behavioral function, with tau and beta-amyloid proteins being major contributors. While Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has shown neurocognitive benefits in healthy and transgenic mice, its effects on mice with tau pathology had not been previously explored.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effects of Hericium erinaceus supplementation on cognitive and non-cognitive behaviors in the rTg4510 tau mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers hypothesized that H. erinaceus would decrease anxiety-like behaviors, increase locomotor activity, decrease spatial memory deficits, and improve performance in activities of daily living.

Results

Tau mice given H. erinaceus showed significantly shorter latencies to enter the center of the open field (p < 0.05) and spent significantly more time in the open arms of the elevated zero maze (p < 0.001) compared to tau control mice. Mice supplemented with H. erinaceus made more head dips in the elevated zero maze (p < 0.05), indicating anxiolytic effects. However, no improvements were observed in spatial memory tasks or activities of daily living measures.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that H. erinaceus supplementation has significant anxiolytic effects in the rTg4510 tau mouse model but does not improve spatial memory or activities of daily living. These findings provide additional support for the anxiolytic properties of H. erinaceus and suggest its potential therapeutic benefit for anxiety in Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Published in:Behavioral Sciences,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/bs12070235
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