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Influence of short-term consumption of Hericium erinaceus on serum biochemical markers and the changes of the gut microbiota: A pilot study
The purpose of this 2021 study was to determine the benefits of consuming the medicinal and edible fungus Hericium erinaceus. Thirteen healthy adults were given H. erinaceus powder as a dietary supplement. Blood chemical indices were measured by routine hematological examination. The researchers then examined the changes in the bacterial communities living in the subjects’ gastrointestinal tract. Daily supplementation with H. erinaceus increased the alpha diversity (richness of gut bacteria species) within the gut microbiota community. After eating these mushrooms, the relative abundance of some short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria spiked, while the abundance of some pathobionts dropped. These gut microbiota modifications correlated with blood chemical indices such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (CREA). The study suggests that these gut microbiota alterations may be part of the physiological adaptations to the seven-day supplementation course of H. erinaceus. These changes might contribute towards enhancing health. [NPID: mushrooms, alternative medicine, Hericium erinaceus, supplements, supplementation, fungi, edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, gut microbiota]
Year: 2021
