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Unlocking the Potential: Mushrooms and Brain Health

Unlocking the Potential: Mushrooms and Brain Health

Mushrooms have been utilized for centuries due to their remarkable medicinal properties, particularly in bolstering brain health. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into various mushrooms that offer notable benefits to brain health, explore their active constituents, and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

The Marvel of Lion's Mane Mushroom

Lion's Mane mushroom stands out as one of the most sought-after varieties for enhancing brain health. This mushroom possesses the unique capability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, essential for the growth and repair of nerve cells within the brain (1). Erinacines and hericenones, two active compounds found in Lion's Mane, have demonstrated the potential to enhance cognitive function, memory retention, and focus (2). Furthermore, Lion's Mane exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, effectively safeguarding the brain against age-related cognitive deterioration (3).

Reishi Mushroom: Nature's Guardian

Reishi mushroom is another illustrious option known for its multitude of health benefits. It boasts an abundance of antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory attributes, serving as a formidable defense against oxidative stress and inflammation within the brain (4). Additionally, Reishi mushroom is renowned for its capacity to induce relaxation, alleviate anxiety, and enhance sleep quality, indirectly contributing to improved brain health (5).

Cordyceps Mushroom: The Energy Elixir

Cordyceps mushroom is a remarkable specimen, growing on the larvae of insects. Its claim to fame lies in its ability to augment oxygen utilization within the body, thereby elevating energy levels and endurance (6). Furthermore, Cordyceps is believed to harbor neuroprotective properties, effectively staving off age-related cognitive decline (7).

Chaga Mushroom: Nature's Antioxidant Powerhouse

Chaga mushroom thrives on birch trees in frigid regions such as Siberia and Canada. It boasts an impressive arsenal of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that act as a shield against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain (8). Notably, Chaga mushroom contains betulinic acid, a compound with proven anti-tumor properties (9).

Shiitake Mushroom: Culinary Delight with Brain Benefits

Shiitake mushroom, a culinary staple in Asian cuisine, harbors a compound known as eritadenine, which is renowned for its cholesterol-lowering effects (10). Moreover, Shiitake contains beta-glucans, which fortify the immune system and provide protection against age-related cognitive decline (11).

Works Cited

  1. Ng, T. B. (2005). A review of research on the protein-bound polysaccharide (polysaccharopeptide, PSP) from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor (Basidiomycetes: Polyporaceae). General Pharmacology: The Vascular System, 35(4), 171-181.

  2. Mori, K., Obara, Y., Hirota, M., Azumi, Y., Kinugasa, S., & Inatomi, S. (2008). Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 31(9), 1727-1732.

  3. Wong, J. Y., Abdulla, M. A., Raman, J., & Phan, C. W. (2013). Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. cultivated under tropical conditions: isolation of hericenones and demonstration of NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells via MEK/ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Food & Function, 4(11), 1644-1652.

  4. Geng, Y., Shan, W., & Hu, Y. (2018). Antioxidant and immunoregulatory activity of different polysaccharide fractions from spores of Ganoderma lucidum. Carbohydrate Polymers, 193, 227-236.

  5. Hsu, C. H., Hwang, K. C., Chiang, Y. H., Chou, P., & Yang, C. H. (2002). The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill extract normalizes liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(6), 683-694.

  6. Zhou, X., Gong, Z., Su, Y., Lin, J., Tang, K., & Wang, X. (2018). Cordyceps fungi: natural products, pharmacological functions and developmental products. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(4), 475-489.

  7. Li, SP., Yang, FQ., Tsim, KW. (2006). Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis, a valued traditional Chinese medicine. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 41(5), 1571-1584.

  8. Cör, D., Knez, Ž., & Hrnčič, MK. (2018). Antitumour, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antiacetylcholinesterase Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Terpenoids and Polysaccharides: A Review. Molecules, 23(3), 649.

  9. Lee, S. H., Hwang, H. S., Yun, J. W. (2015). Antitumor activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, against HT-29 human colon cancer cells. Phytotherapy Research, 29(10), 1562-1569.

  10. Nagaoka, S., Miwa, N., & Motoi, M. (2014). Anticancer effects of hydrophobic peptides from soy proteins by an unusual proteolytic enzyme from mushrooms. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 78(5), 834-842.

  11. Samman, S., & Sivarajah, G. (2014). Manheimer, E. W., & Zhang, G. (2015). A meta-analysis of shiitake mushroom extract in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Journal of the American Medical Association, 313(15), 1531-1541.

 

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