Hericium erinaceus and Alzheimer’s: new perspectives

Introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and current therapies

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative dementia and represents a growing health challenge. In 2022, about 55 million people were affected, and it is estimated that the number could reach 139 million by 2050.

Current treatments are only symptomatic and show limited efficacy: they temporarily improve memory and attention but do not alter the course of the disease. Hence the urgency of new therapeutic strategies. Among the emerging options, the mushroom Hericium erinaceus – also known as “lion’s mane” – stands out for its neuroprotective properties.

Hericium erinaceus: the medicinal mushroom

This mushroom grows on fallen or decaying trees and has been appreciated for centuries in Asian tradition both as food and as a remedy. Its beneficial action is linked to two groups of bioactive compounds:

Hericenones, isolated from the fruiting body;
Erinacines, extracted from the mycelium.

Erinacines, and in particular erinacine A, are able to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for the development and survival of neurons. This effect makes the mushroom a promising candidate for the prevention and slowing down of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties of Hericium erinaceus

Three clinical studies analyzed the effects of the mushroom on people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. The results showed significant improvements in cognitive tests. For example, scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Hasegawa Dementia Scale were higher in patients treated compared to placebo groups.

However, the benefits were closely linked to continuity of intake: in subjects who discontinued treatment, scores tended to return to initial levels. Some studies also observed greater autonomy in daily activities such as cooking or self-care, even if not all parameters reached statistical significance.

Biochemical evidence and associated biomarkers

Clinical studies also investigated several biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s progression:

Homocysteine (Hcy): levels were significantly reduced in treated patients, decreasing a known risk factor.
Albumin and BDNF: parameters important for neuronal protection remained more stable with mushroom intake.
APOE4: a tendency toward lower expression of the risk allele was observed, although data require further confirmation.

Overall, these results indicate that Hericium erinaceus could positively influence biological factors accompanying the progression of the disease.

Hericium erinaceus and Alzheimer’s: evidence from animal studies

Thirteen preclinical studies confirmed the mushroom’s effectiveness. In spatial memory tests, such as the Morris Water Maze, treated mice learned to orient themselves more quickly. Other experiments, such as the Novel Object Recognition, showed better ability to recognize and remember objects. Additionally, a reduction in anxious behaviors and an improvement in motor coordination were observed.

Reduction of amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau

Histological studies showed even more significant effects. In treated rodents:

the number and size of beta-amyloid plaques decreased, especially the non-compact and more toxic ones;
the amount of phosphorylated tau decreased, slowing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles;
activated glial cells, responsible for inflammation and neuronal damage, were fewer in number.

These results strengthen the idea that the mushroom does not act only on symptoms but directly affects pathological mechanisms.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Hericium erinaceus also proved to be a powerful modulator of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. In treated animals, free radical levels decreased and mitochondrial function improved. In addition, activation of the NF-kB pathway, which stimulates the production of inflammatory molecules, was inhibited. This suggests a protective action on multiple levels.

Dosages and safety of Hericium erinaceus

The dosages used in studies ranged between 1000 and 2000 mg per day. The mushroom proved generally safe, with mild and transient side effects such as minor gastrointestinal discomfort. This tolerability profile makes it particularly interesting for long-term use.

Therapeutic potential in Alzheimer’s treatment

If future data confirm current results, Hericium erinaceus – especially in forms enriched with erinacine A – could complement traditional therapies, offering an innovative approach capable not only of alleviating symptoms but also of acting on the disease’s pathological processes.