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

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively explored with various naturally derived compounds as a potential therapeutic agent for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). In addition to the aspects discussed in the reviewed article, this invited commentary explores the initial available evidence on a fungus from TCM, Hericium erinaceus , in the context of CAG. Initial clinical data suggest the potential of this fungus in inducing clinical and histological improvements in patients with CAG, as well as a marked antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori infection. Preclinical cellular evidence also indicates an antineoplastic role in gastric carcinogenesis, mediated by two components: Erinacine A and S. Further evidence is needed to propose this fungus as a potential complementary therapeutic approach for CAG.