The University of Queensland researchers have identified the substance in an edible mushroom that stimulates nerve growth and improves memory.
The team had discovered new active compounds from the mushroom Hericium erinaceus, according to Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute.
In pre-clinical studies, scientists have found that lion’s mane mushrooms enhance memory and brain cell growth. Picture UQ.
“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.”
Co-author, UQ’s Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol said the discovery had applications that could treat and protect 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 Ramon Martinez-Marmol, UQ
Dr Dae Hee Lee from CNGBio Co, which has supported and collaborated on the research project, said the properties of lion’s mane mushrooms had been used to treat ailments and maintain health in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity.
“This important research is unraveling the molecular mechanism of lion’s mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory,” Dr Lee said.
