Substance from the "grandfather's beard" improves memory and neuronal growth

Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered an unusual active compound in the hedgehog mushroom.

comb from the order Russula.It accelerates nerve growth and improves memory. Laboratory tests and preclinical trials have shown that this mushroom extract promotes the development of nerve cells and connections between them in culture from brain cells.

Scientists measured neurotrophic effectscompounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells. Experiments have shown that active compounds promote the projection of neurons (growth and spread of axons), their expansion and connection with other nerve cells.

Growth of nerve cells in the presence of blackberry extract. Video: University of Queensland

Biologists have used ultrahigh microscopypermission to study how these active substances affect the nervous system. They placed cultures of brain cells under an ultra-high-resolution microscope and exposed them to an extract from urchin. The analysis showed that the active components of the mushrooms increase the size of the growth cones. These are areas of the brain cells that help them "explore the environment" and make new connections.

Scientists have been able to isolate two main substances,N-dephenylethylisohercerin and hericene A, which are part of the fungi and are responsible for these effects. The authors of the work believe that these active substances can be used to treat and protect against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Hedgehog comb. Image: Lebrac, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Hericium erinaceus is an edible mushroom from the familyhericium order russula. The rounded fruit of this mushroom, covered with "thorns", resembles a hedgehog hanging on a tree. Because of the unusual shape, the hedgehog is called "grandfather's beard" or "lion's mane." In the wild, these mushrooms are found in North America, Europe and Asia. On the territory of Russia, they are most common in Primorye, the Khabarovsk Territory and the Amur Region and in the foothills of the Caucasus.

Blackberry extract has been used to strengthenthe immune system and improve digestion in Chinese medicine, but until now it was not known how this medicine works and what are the results of its application.

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