Medicinal Mushrooms & Mental Health

In this study, I-Chen et al. (2020) sought to explore the benefits and consequences of using H. erinaceus mycelia (EAHE) capsules (350 mg/capsule; containing 5 mg/g erinacine A active ingredient) three times daily to treat patients with mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). After a 3-week no-drug screening period; participants randomized in two groups (treatment or placebo) underwent a 49-week double-blind intervention. Data collected during the study included ocular and cognitive parameters, biomarker analysis, and neuroimaging. The results showed that the EAHE group scored higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living score (IADL), and had greater contrast sensitivity. On the other hand, the placebo group showed a marked reduction in the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument Score (CASI), lower levels of biomarkers like calcium, albumin, apolipoprotein E4, hemoglobin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and marked increases in alpha1-antichymotrypsin and amyloid-beta peptide 1–40 during the study. Additionally, neuroimaging revealed marked differences in brain tissue diffusion values between participants of the two groups compared to baseline readings. The participants did not suffer from any side effects except for four individuals who could not complete the study because of experiencing side effects such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. The authors conclude that using three 350 mg EAHE capsules is a potentially beneficial intervention with good safety profiles, and carries prospects of neurocognitive gains. [NPID: Early Alzheimer’s Disease, Erinacine A, Hericium erinaceus, mycelia, mushroom, cognitive decline]

Hericium Erinaceous (H.Erinaceous, Lion's Mane) is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms across the world. This popularity may be attributed to the benefits and applications it has in treating several illnesses. Inspired by a lack of studies that investigate the effects of H.Erinaceous in humans, Younis (2020) conducted this online survey to study the prevalence and uses the mushroom has in treating different diseases, to speculate the consequences of use, and to study the effective dosing taken by participants who utilize a dedicated internet portal for H.Erinaceous consumers. A questionnaire employing the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to investigate the points of view and advantages of use reported by 97 study participants regarding H.Erinaceous intake. The study showed that participants reported the highest rating for advantages of use and contentment at a dose of 2-3 tablets (3 grams) twice/day to enhance memory and cognitive properties, and that around 69.9% of study participants did not disclose using mushrooms with their doctors. The author concludes that additional studies are necessary to outline the potential benefits and consequences of using the mushroom in both short-term and long-term therapy. [NPID: Hericium Erinaceous, Lion's Mane, medicinal mushrooms, numeric rating scale]

Among various medicinal mushroom species, the genus Ganoderma has many members that are known to reduce stress and anxiety. Research on their efficacy, however, is insufficient to date. This compelled Singh et al. (2016) to investigate the anxiolytic properties of four Ganoderma members, namely, G. applanatum, G. brownii, G. lucidum, and G. philippii. Dried, powdered mushroom extracts were developed with several solvents, including petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and distilled water, and tested for their anxiolytic potential through experiments observing the behavior of Swiss albino mice undergoing the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) model. Through testing different solvents and concentrations of preparations against the effect of a standard anxiolytic medication (Diazepam), the authors identified that the methanol extract of G. lucidum showed notable anxiolytic activity that was comparable to Diazepam. Upon further experimentation, the authors propose that a specific fraction of the methanol extract (n-butanol fraction) possesses a significant antianxiety activity, potentially due to its content of aromatic organic compounds and plant pigments (i.e., phenols and flavonoids). The authors conclude that the n-butanol fraction from the methanol extract of G. lucidum presents a potential resource for novel antianxiety agents. [NPID: Anxiolytic potential, Ganoderma, medicinal mushrooms, anxiety, animal study]

This 2021 review covers clinical studies on medicinal mushrooms, the characteristics of their bioactive components, and the mechanisms by which these compounds induce their effects. Medicinal mushrooms can exhibit a broad range of pharmacological activities, including anti-allergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidepressant-like, digestive, and antidiabetic effects. Some of the compounds in medicinal mushrooms can inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that may produce free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Some components may be toxic to cells too (cytotoxic). But medicinal mushrooms can potentially protect the liver, bones, neuronal structure and function from damage, help reduce blood pressure, and preserve kidney function. Thus, the study of mushroom compound and extract use in medicine (mycotherapy) has been growing. The scientific community needs to continue conducting robust clinical studies and to propose safe and genetically pure supplements. [NPID: mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, edible mushrooms, mycotherapy, supplements, alternative medicine, antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, blood pressure]

This 2019 trial was conducted to find out whether consumption of the medicinal mushroom, hericium erinaceus, can improve cognitive functions. The subjects were given supplements containing the fruiting body of H. erinaceus for a period of 12 weeks. The participants later underwent several psychological tests including the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Benton visual retention test, and the standard verbal paired-associate learning test. The Mini Mental State Examination alone indicated that H. erinaceus significantly enhanced cognitive function and protected the consumer against cognitive deterioration. The study proposes that several of the mushroom components such as hericenones can influence brain neural networks and benefit cognition. The authors state that H. erinaceus is safe and a convenient method for dementia prevention. [NPID: cognition, dementia, psychology, mushroom, medicinal mushrooms, edible mushrooms, supplements]

This 2019 study found that consuming tetragonia tetragonoides kuntze (TTK) extract can ameliorate the development of depressive-like symptoms in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Tetragonia tetragonoides (pall.) kuntze (TTK) is a groundcover found along coastal areas of the Korean peninsula. It is used to improve women’s health and treat gastrointestinal diseases. To determine the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like effect of tetragonia tetragonoides kuntze (TTK) extract, this study analyzed the mRNA expression levels of tryptophan hydroxylases (TPH-1 and TPH-2) and serotonin transporter (SERT). In addition, the scientists monitored the reuptake activity of serotonin in RBL-2H3 cells. This study checked whether TTK extract can regulate the blood levels of serotonin and enhance depressive-like symptoms in OVX female rats fed 0.5, 1, and 2% TTK. The serum levels of serotonin of OVX female rats increased after the 1% and 2% TTK treatments. The forced swimming test showed reduced immobility times in the OVX female rats after the 1% and 2% TTK treatments. These results indicate that TTK may significantly inhibit depressive-like symptoms by increasing serotonin levels and regulating the serotonin reuptake activity. Individuals suffering from depression during pre- or/and postmenopausal periods (via modulation of serotonin synthesis and metabolism) may benefit from TTK. [NPID: tetragonia tetragonoides kuntze, TTK, depression, antidepressant, serotonin]

Since Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom that has demonstrated interesting biological activities, this 2020 study examined whether the aqueous extract of G. lucidum (AEGl) reduces the behavioral disorders caused by alcohol. Seventy Wistar rats were exposed to 5 binges of ethanol or distilled water. Twenty-four hours after the last binge administration, these rats were given the aqueous extract of G. lucidum (AEGl) or distilled water for 3 consecutive days. It was after this treatment protocol that various tests such as the open field, elevated plus maze, forced swim, and step-down inhibitory avoidance tests were conducted. The G. lucidum extract stimulated the recovery of the short-term memory damage, as well as the anxiety-producing and depressive effects induced by alcohol bingeing. AEGI ameliorated changes in behavior in this model of motor, cognitive and psychiatric-like disorders induced by binge drinking. This mushroom extract represents a useful tool as a food supplement in the management of disorders with alcohol-related origins. [NPID: alcohol, mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, medicinal mushrooms, binge drinking, ethanol]

Since Griflola frondosa (GF) is a medicinal mushroom that may be of interest in mood disorder therapy, this 2017 study examined the antidepressant action of GF in a sample of mice. The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) since AMPA receptors are the central mediator for the treatment of depression. In this animal-model study, CD-1 mice were given food containing either GF or Pleurotus ostreatus (PO). The tail suspension test involved sticking the tail of the mice in such a way that the mouse cannot escape or hold on to nearby surfaces. Treatments with 20%, 33% or 50% of GF-containing food significantly decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. The 33% of GF-containing food seemed to have significantly stronger antidepressant effects compared with 33% of PO-containing food. GYKI 52466, a specific blocker of the AMPA receptor, was able to inhibit the antidepressant activity of GF-containing food. In conclusion, GF demonstrated its potential as a safe medical food supplement for patients with depression. [NPID: depression, antidepressant, AMPA, Griflola frondosa, GF, mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, edible mushrooms]

The aim of this 2021 study was to test the CNS depressant, anxiolytic, and analgesic action of Ganoderma applanatum, a medicinal mushroom used in several health disorders. Two extracts of G. applanatum were prepared by dissolving in distilled water or ethanol. These G. applanatum extracts were named AEGA (aqueous extract of G. applanatum) and EEGA (ethanol extract of G. applanatum). The open field method, rotarod method, tail suspension method, and hole cross method were used to analyze whether AEGA or EEGA can slow down brain activity (central nervous system depressant effect). At both 200 and 400 milligrams per kilogram, AEGA and EEGA showed significant CNS depressant effects against all 4 tests used for CNS depressant activity. The elevated plus-maze test and hole board method revealed anxiolytic potential, while the acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate method, and tail immersion test were employed to examine analgesic action. Both doses of AEGA and EEGA demonstrated analgesic potential and anxiolytic ability. It can be concluded that AEGA and EEGA (2 extracts of G. applanatum) may act as CNS depressants, anxiolytics, and analgesics. [NPID: anxiety, analgesic, Ganoderma applanatum, mushroom, medicinal mushrooms, edible mushrooms, CNS depressant]

This 2013 article focuses on the potential health benefits provided by edible mushrooms such as hericium erinaceus. H. erinaceus has already established itself as a top candidate to promote brain and nerve health. There are several other mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa and Sarcodon scabrosus that have shown promise in enhancing neuronal health. However, the number of mushrooms examined is very low relative to the 2000+ existing species of edible and/or medicinal mushrooms identified. Indigineous mushrooms used in traditional medicines such as Lignosus rhinocerotis and Ganoderma neo-japonicum are being assessed. The question posed by the author here is whether these edible and medicinal mushrooms can be used to tackle the health issues experienced by the currently aging population, who may suffer from age-related neurodegenerative disorders in the future. The number of people aged 65 and over is projected to be greater than 80-90 million by 2050. If these health problems are to be controlled, scientists will need to understand the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the stimulation of neurite outgrowth. Although it may be difficult to extrapolate results seen in current studies into what may happen in the human brain, the daily consumption of mushrooms appears to improve cognitive ability in older people. [NPID: mushrooms, alternative, hericium erinaceus, edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, health, aging]

This 2010 study investigated the impact of the edible mushroom hericium erinaceus on menopause, depression, sleep quality, and indefinite complaints. These mushrooms are believed to affect brain function and the autonomic nervous system since its components hericenones and erinacines can trigger the production of nerve growth factor. This trial conducted by Nagano et al. recruited and randomized thirty female subjects to either receive H. erinaceus (HE) cookies or placebo cookies for 4 weeks. Compared to scores at baseline, the depressive severity and the number of indefinite complaints were significantly lower after consuming the H. erinaceus (HE) cookies. With regards to the Indefinite Complaints Index, the average scores in the "concentration", "irritating" and "anxious" sections were generally lower in the HE group than in the placebo group. These results indicate that Hericium erinaceus holds the potential to reduce depression and anxiety through a mechanism other than enhancing synthesis of nerve growth factors. [NPID: mushrooms, edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, depression, anxiety, alternative, hericium erinaceus]

This 2018 animal study tested the impact of Hericium erinaceus (HE) on anxiety and depressive behaviors using male C57BL/6 mice. The rodents were given either the mushroom (H. erinaceus) extract or saline once a day for 4 weeks. Open field tests measure general activity levels, whereas tail suspension tests can assess stress levels in mice. These assessments were carried out 30 minutes after the last dose of H. erinaceus. The forced swim test, which evaluates susceptibility to negative mood, was undertaken 2 days later. Daily consumption of Hericium erinaceus showed anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. After treatment with H. erinaceus, specific cells in the dentate gyrus (area in the brain that is critical in learning and memory) grew larger compared with the saline group. This therapy appeared to enhance development of new neurons (called neurogenesis). Overall, this study demonstrates that chronic treatment with Hericium erinaceus extract can have anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, possibly by increasing new cell growth in the hippocampus. [NPID: mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, anxiety, depression, hippocampus]

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]

This 2017 study looks at edible and medicinal mushrooms and their potential abilities to reduce fatigue (including tiredness caused by physical or psychological stress). There is a demand for effective remedies other than pharmaceutical drugs or therapies. Mushrooms have been largely used as health foods up to now, but many studies have indicated that edible and medicinal mushrooms can exert antifatigue effects. It is likely that mushrooms can reduce fatigue through its influence on the body’s functional systems including the muscular, cardiovascular, hormone, and immune system. Polysaccharides, peptides, nucleosides, phenolic compounds, and triterpenoids are bioactive components of mushrooms suspected to contribute to the antifatigue impact of mushrooms. Further research is needed to identify the active ingredient responsible for the antifatigue effects, and to determine the mechanism of action. Moreover, additional human trials are warranted since most studies so far have been conducted on animals. [NPID: fatigue, tiredness, mushrooms, psychology, foods, supplements, alternative medicine, remedies]

Since mushrooms contain vitamin B12, nerve growth factor, and antioxidants (many of which are believed to help reduce anxiety), the aim of this 2021 study was to investigate how eating mushrooms correlate with depression in the United States. The study coordinators hypothesized that mushroom consumption would be linked with a lower risk of depression among adults. Data was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. Among the ~25,000 participants, around 5.2% ate mushrooms, while the weighted prevalence of depression was 5.9%. The results showed that those in the middle tertial for mushroom consumption had lower odds of depression than people who ate no/little mushroom (those in the lowest tertial). In fact, those in the middle tertial for mushroom intake were 69% less likely to have depression than those in the lowest tertial. But interestingly, those who ate the most mushrooms (those in the highest tertial) did not differ much in terms of depression risk when compared with subjects in the lowest tertial for mushroom consumption. In conclusion, individuals who eat mushrooms were less likely to have depression than individuals who do not consume mushrooms, although this relationship was not dose dependent. Admittedly, a limitation of this study was the lack of specification of the mushroom type eaten by the respondents. [NPID: mushrooms, health, nutrition, vitamins, anxiety, depression, antidepressants, Americans, USA, US, diet, vegetables]