Lion’s mane mushroom improves memory and nerve growth

The University of Queensland have found the active compound from an edible lion’s mane mushroom that improves memory and boosts brain cell growth

Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute said the team had identified new active compounds from the lion’s mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, which can improve brain cell growth and memory, according to pre-clinical trials.

“Extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells,” Professor Meunier commented.

“Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.

“Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons.

“Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain.”

Lion’s mane mushroom to treat and protect against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders

In fact, the study’s co-author, UQ’s Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol, said the discovery may even lead to treatment against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our idea was to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources that could reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, resulting in improved memory formation,” Dr Martinez-Marmol said.

‘Uravelling the molecular mechanism of lion’s mane mushroom compounds’

Dr Dae Hee Lee from CNGBio Co, which has supported and collaborated on the research project, explains that the properties of lion’s mane mushrooms have been used to treat ailments and maintain health in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity.

“This important research is unravelling the molecular mechanism of lion’s mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory,” Dr Lee said.