therapeutic action: neuroprotection

Erythropoietin restrains the inhibitory potential of interneurons in the mouse hippocampus

Researchers studied how a protein called erythropoietin (EPO) affects brain cells called interneurons in the hippocampus, a region important for memory and learning. They found that EPO treatment reduces the inhibitory activity of certain interneurons, which makes the brain’s excitatory neurons more active. This change in brain balance could potentially help treat psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism that involve imbalanced brain activity.

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Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction to Obtain Erinacine A and Polyphenols with Antioxidant Activity from the Fungal Biomass of Hericium erinaceus

Researchers developed an efficient ultrasonic extraction method to obtain beneficial compounds from the lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), particularly a substance called erinacine A and antioxidants. The optimized process uses 80% ethanol and takes 45 minutes, producing extracts rich in antioxidants that can protect cells from damage. These extracts showed promise in protecting brain cells and could potentially help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

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The Biological Activity of Ganoderma lucidum on Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Interplay between Different Active Compounds and the Pathological Hallmarks

Reishi mushroom, used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, contains over 400 bioactive compounds that show promise in protecting the brain from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The mushroom’s components work through multiple pathways to reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and protect neurons from damage. While laboratory and animal studies show encouraging results, human clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment.

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Isolation and Antioxidant Mechanism of Polyphenols from Sanghuangporous vaninii

Researchers found that a medicinal mushroom called Sanghuangporous vaninii grown on mulberry sawdust in China contains exceptionally high levels of polyphenols—powerful antioxidant compounds. They isolated and purified a particularly potent polyphenol mixture called HNMS3, which contains 33 different compounds. Through advanced molecular analysis, they discovered that HNMS3 works by activating eight key proteins in the body to fight oxidative stress, making it potentially beneficial for brain health and preventing nerve degeneration.

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ELAV/Hu RNA-binding protein family: key regulators in neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases

ELAV/Hu proteins are molecular machines that control how cells read and use genetic instructions. Found mostly in the brain and nervous system, these proteins help manage which genes get turned on or off, which is crucial for proper brain development and function. When these proteins go wrong, they can contribute to serious diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and autism, making them promising targets for new treatments.

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Neuroprotective properties of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins in 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists studied how Bcl-2 proteins might protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease by controlling calcium levels in nerve cells. They injected modified Bcl-2 proteins into the brains of mice engineered to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms and found that these proteins helped preserve the connections between nerve cells and reduced harmful amyloid plaque buildup. A special version of Bcl-2 that worked primarily on one type of calcium channel was surprisingly most effective at reducing amyloid plaques, suggesting this specific mechanism could be important for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

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Impact of a Formulation Containing Chaga Extract, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: NMR Metabolomic Insights into Cellular Energy

A new supplement formula combining Chaga mushroom extract, Coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid was tested on nerve cells in the laboratory. The formula increased the cells’ energy production and protected them from harmful oxidative stress. This could potentially help people with conditions like fibromyalgia and neurodegenerative diseases that involve mitochondrial dysfunction.

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Cerebral Hypoxia-Induced Molecular Alterations and Their Impact on the Physiology of Neurons and Dendritic Spines: A Comprehensive Review

This review explains how low oxygen levels in the brain damage nerve cells and their connection points (dendritic spines) through a cascade of molecular changes. The brain normally has protective mechanisms, but severe or prolonged hypoxia overwhelms these defenses, leading to memory loss and cognitive problems. Several molecular pathways and supporting cells called astrocytes and microglia can help protect neurons. Understanding these protective mechanisms may lead to new treatments for brain conditions caused by low oxygen, such as stroke.

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Construction of a genetic linkage map and detection of quantitative trait locus for the ergothioneine content in tamogitake mushroom (Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus)

Researchers created the first genetic map of tamogitake mushrooms to identify genes controlling ergothioneine content. Ergothioneine is an antioxidant compound that provides health benefits like fighting inflammation and protecting brain health. They found one key genetic marker that reliably predicts which mushrooms will have high ergothioneine levels, enabling farmers to selectively breed mushrooms with enhanced health benefits.

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Application of Medicinal Mushrooms for the Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injury: A Systematic Review

This review examined whether medicinal mushrooms can help repair nerve injuries that often cause pain and disability. Researchers found that four types of mushrooms—particularly Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)—contain natural compounds that promote nerve healing and regeneration. These mushrooms appear to work by activating specific cellular pathways that help nerve cells survive and regrow. While animal studies show promising results, human clinical trials are needed before these mushroom-based treatments can be recommended for nerve injury patients.

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