In the ongoing quest to tackle a brain-altering disease such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a new hope might have surfaced in a humble medicinal mushroom known for its cognitive benefits—Hericium Erinaceus, also called the Lion’s mane. A recent study sheds light on this mushroom’s therapeutic potential, revealing that its polysaccharide-enriched extract may significantly alleviate symptoms of AD and protect nerve cells from apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways.
Alzheimer’s and its urgent need for alternatives
Researchers are continuously finding ways to explore alternatives to counter this deadly brain-altering disease. AD, accounting for over 60% of dementia cases worldwide, is marked by progressive cognitive decline and poor prognosis. If left untreated, it can lead to fatal complications like pulmonary embolism and even infections. The study titled “The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model” shows that one of the key pathological features of AD includes neuronal apoptosis, heavily associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly an overload of intracellular calcium and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular death.Animal and cellular models have become crucial in testing potential interventions. In this study, researchers used PC12 cells—a type of rat pheochromocytoma cell line known for mimicking neuronal behavior—as well as a mouse model induced with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms through d-galactose and aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) administration.
Lion’s mane: Mushroom with medicinal might
Hericium Erinaceus is no stranger to the world of traditional medicine, often used for its antitumor and antioxidant effects. However, its neuroprotective capabilities are increasingly catching scientists’ interest. This miracle mushroom is known to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and support cholinergic neuron development.
Other benefits of Lion’s mane
- It supports mental health by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression
- It helps to improve sleep and also reduces irritability
- It fights oxidative stress and protects cells from aging
- It protects against gastric ulcers and stomach inflammation
Key findings
In l-glutamate-induced PC12 cell models, HE showed a marked ability to reverse nuclear apoptotic changes. At concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL over 24 and 48 hours, HE stimulated the transformation of PC12 cells into neuron-like shapes, similar to the effect of NGF. The treated cells developed axons and polygonal morphology, with an increase in β-tubulin III expression—a key marker of neuronal differentiation. Notably, HE improved cell viability by mitigating mitochondrial damage and reestablishing membrane potential, thereby preventing apoptosis triggered by oxidative stress and calcium overload.The outcomes of this research underscore HE’s potential to interfere with denigrative processes underlying Alzheimer’s, notably by targeting the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway.Our scientists have progressed so much that they are now turning to nature’s most overlooked resources, such as fungi, for answers to some of the most complex diseases in nature, like Alzheimer’s.
