There is some evidence to suggest that certain compounds found in mushrooms, such as ergothioneine and hericenones, may have neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects in the brain, which could potentially lead to improvements in cognitive function and memory. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to determine the specific types and doses of mushrooms that may be most beneficial for memory enhancement.
The active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and memory has been discovered by researchers at The University of Queensland. According to Professor Frederic Meunier of the Queensland Brain Institute, the team discovered new active compounds in the mushroom Hericium erinaceus.
In pre-clinical trials, researchers discovered that lion’s mane mushrooms improve brain cell growth and memory. “We wanted to scientifically determine the potential effect on brain cells of extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms, which have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries,” Professor Meunier said.
Our goal was to find bioactive compounds from natural sources that could enter the brain and regulate neuron growth, resulting in improved memory formation.
Dr. Martinez-Marmol
“Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of Hericium erinaceus compounds on cultured brain cells, and we discovered that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons.”
“We discovered that the mushroom extract and its active components significantly increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and form new connections with other neurons in the brain,” the researchers write.
Dr. Ramon Martinez-Marmol of UQ, a co-author, stated that the discovery could be used to treat and protect against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. “Our goal was to find bioactive compounds from natural sources that could enter the brain and regulate neuron growth, resulting in improved memory formation,” Dr. Martinez-Marmol explained.
Dr. Dae Hee Lee of CNGBio Co, which has supported and collaborated on the research project, stated that the properties of lion’s mane mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments and maintain health since antiquity.
“This important research is unraveling the molecular mechanism of lion’s mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, particularly memory,” Dr. Lee said.
While some studies have suggested that certain compounds in mushrooms may have cognitive benefits, there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence that mushrooms can “magnify memory” or boost nerve growth. More research is needed to fully understand the potential cognitive effects of consuming mushrooms.
