Therapeutic Potential of a Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Persoon – A Comprehensive Review

Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Persoon, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom is an edible fungus with a long history of traditional therapeutic applications. Recent studies have highlighted the neuroprotective and regenerative properties, primarily attributed to two principal bioactive compounds in this mushroom – erinacines in the mycelium and hericenones found in the fruiting bodies. These molecules exhibit potential in the treatment and prevention of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) and associated disorders including peripheral nerve injury and depression. These compounds have been shown to promote neurotrophic growth factor (NGF, BDNF) synthesis, enabling downstream activation of the MAPK/ERK, PLC-γ, and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. This mushroom also demonstrated anti-inflammatory response by modulating cytokine levels, reducing pro-inflammatory mediators whilst also increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production, and preventing the formation of β-amyloid plaques, a hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease. This neurological cascade promotes neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, resulting in stabilisation and amelioration of cognitive and sensory symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders. Early evidence indicates good tolerability supporting its consideration as an alternative therapy, though long-term safety and interaction data are limited. This review synthesizes current evidence on the therapeutic potential and chemical constituents of H. erinaceus, highlighting experimental studies that demonstrate its efficacy in treating neurodegenerative disorders.