Érinacines: What is it and where does it come from?

Erinacin is a natural compound with neuroprotective properties, extracted from a curious mushroom called hydne hedgehog or more commonly lion's mane.

Long ignored outside Asian borders, this fascinating mycelium is today proving to be an invaluable source for neurological well-being.

But what exactly is erinacin and why does it deserve our attention?

French Mush gives you an update in this article.

The origin of the hedgehog hydne

A treasure of European forests

Hedgehog hydne, scientifically named Hericium erinaceus, is a mushroom that traditionally grows in European forests, although it is better known in Asia where its medicinal properties have long been appreciated.

Aspect et identification

This mushroom is easily recognizable thanks to its unique appearance: a mass of creamy white hair truly resembling a lion's mane.

It is this singularity which has earned it numerous evocative nicknames, but it is above all for its richness in bioactive compounds such as erinacin that it is today attracting the attention of scientists.

Erininacins: key compounds for neuroprotection

Exceptional molecules

Erinacins are compounds found exclusively in the mycelium of Hericium erinaceus.

They have a complex structure which gives them exceptional neurotropic properties.

Mechanisms of action

Studies have shown that erininacins stimulate neuron regeneration by increasing the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).

NGF plays a crucial role in the survival, development and function of sensory and sympathetic neurons.

Neurological benefits of erinacins

Protection against neurodegenerative diseases

Erininacins are particularly promising in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

They can help prevent neuronal degeneration and even promote the repair of damaged nerve tissue.

Effects on cognition

By stimulating the synthesis of nerve growth factor, erinacins may improve cognitive abilities, including memory and learning.

This opens the door to their potential use in treatments aimed at increasing mental performance.

Application and consumption of hedgehog hydne or Lion’s Mane

Forms of consumption

Hedgehog hydne can be consumed in several forms:

• In the form of food supplements, such as capsules .
• Powder to dilute in drinks such as smoothies.

Recommended dosages

It is important to follow the dosages we recommend when consuming supplements containing erinacins.

These recommendations are mentioned on each of our products, allowing you to adapt your dosages according to your forms of consumption.

Additionally, the French Mush team strongly recommends that you consult a healthcare professional if you have a medical history, or allergies potentially related to mushrooms.

Sources :

 

An unusual strain of human keratinocytes which do not stratify or undergo terminal differentiation in culture

J Cell Biol. 1988 Nov 1; 107(5): 1927–1938. doi: 10.1083/jcb.107.5.1927

 

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Brandalise F, Roda E, Ratto D, Goppa L, Gargano ML, Cirlincione F, et al. Hericium erinaceus in neurodegenerative diseases: From bench to bedside and beyond, how far from the shoreline? J Fungi (Basel) [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Mar 12];9(5):551. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/9/5/551

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Kushairi, Naufal, et al. “Lion’s mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. suppresses H2O2-induced oxidative damage and LPS-induced inflammation in HT22 hippocampal neurons and BV2 microglia.” Antioxidants 8.8 (2019): 261.

Kawagishi H. Chemical studies on bioactive compounds related to higher fungi. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Mar 12];85(1):1–7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33577664/