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Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in gastrointestinal disorders: Hericium erinaceus in chronic atrophic gastritis

Summary

Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) shows promise for treating chronic stomach inflammation and preventing gastric cancer. Studies indicate it can reduce stomach pain, improve endoscopic findings, and fight harmful bacteria like H. pylori. Its active compounds work by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and promoting cancer cell death, offering a natural complement to conventional treatments.

Background

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a progressive condition following the Correa cascade that can lead to gastric carcinogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine has been explored as a therapeutic approach for CAG. Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus in TCM, shows potential for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Objective

This invited commentary reviews available evidence on Hericium erinaceus in the context of chronic atrophic gastritis, examining its potential clinical and histological improvements, antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori, and antineoplastic role in gastric carcinogenesis.

Results

Clinical data showed 63% of H. erinaceus-treated CAG patients experienced significant improvement in upper abdominal pain versus 36% in placebo group, with endoscopic improvements in 52% versus 8%. Preclinical studies demonstrated antioxidant activity, anti-H. pylori effects, and antineoplastic mechanisms mediated by erinacines S and A through FAK/AKT/PAK1 pathway modulation.

Conclusion

H. erinaceus demonstrates promising potential as a complementary therapeutic approach for chronic atrophic gastritis through anti-inflammatory, anti-H. pylori, and antineoplastic mechanisms. Further clinical and in vivo studies are needed to establish its pathophysiological mechanisms and translational potential as a nutraceutical intervention.
  • Published in:World Journal of Gastroenterology,
  • Study Type:Invited Commentary/Literature Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40495939, DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i20.106615
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