Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential—A Narrative Review

Author: mycolabadmin
2025-04-09
View Source

Summary

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a powerful medicinal fungus that shows promising benefits for brain health, immune function, and overall wellness. Research shows it contains unique compounds that can protect nerve cells, reduce inflammation, and fight harmful microbes. This natural supplement may help improve memory, reduce anxiety, and support digestive health. Key impacts on everyday life: – May help protect against age-related cognitive decline and memory loss – Could provide natural support for anxiety and depression symptoms – Shows potential as a natural antibiotic alternative for fighting infections – May help improve digestive health and reduce inflammation – Can be easily incorporated into daily diet as a food supplement or functional ingredient

Background

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion’s mane mushroom, has gained increasing scientific interest due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds and diverse health-promoting properties. The growing interest in natural products with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties is driven by scientific advancements and shifting consumer preferences toward safer and more sustainable health solutions.

Objective

This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and therapeutic potential of H. erinaceus, with a particular focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. The review seeks to explore the bioactive compounds found in H. erinaceus, particularly its polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, with special emphasis on their neuroprotective properties.

Results

The chemical composition of H. erinaceus includes polysaccharides, terpenoids (hericenones and erinacines), and phenolic compounds, which exhibit potent antioxidant effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The mushroom shows promising antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Its capacity to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis has highlighted its potential in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in cognitive function and potential benefits for gastrointestinal health.

Conclusion

Despite promising findings in preclinical and clinical studies, several critical research gaps remain. While H. erinaceus shows significant potential for therapeutic applications, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and antimicrobial treatments, larger clinical trials are needed for validation. Standardization of extraction methods and bioactive compound quantification remains a key challenge. Future research should focus on defining optimal dosages, long-term safety, and potential pharmaceutical interactions.

Published in:Nutrients,
Study Type:Narrative Review,
Source: 10.3390/nu17081307