Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential-A Narrative Review

Abstract

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion's mane mushroom, has gained increasing scientific interest due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds and diverse health-promoting properties. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and therapeutic potential of H. erinaceus, with a particular focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. A structured literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies published in the last two decades focusing on H. erinaceus' bioactive compounds were included. The chemical composition of H. erinaceus includes polysaccharides, terpenoids (hericenones and erinacines), and phenolic compounds, which exhibit potent antioxidant effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, H. erinaceus shows promising antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, with potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The mushroom's capacity to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis has highlighted its potential in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Advances in biotechnological methods, including optimized cultivation techniques and novel extraction methods, may further enhance the bioavailability and pharmacological effects of H. erinaceus. Despite promising findings, clinical validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials, the standardization of extraction methods, and the elucidation of pharmacokinetics to facilitate its integration into evidence-based medicine. The potential of H. erinaceus as a functional food, nutraceutical, and adjunct therapeutic agent highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies.

Keywords: bioactive compounds; monkey head mushroom; natural antimicrobials; polysaccharides; pom-pom mushroom; terpenoids.

Figure 1

Scientific classification of lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). Image created by the authors.

Figure 2

Chemical structures of key bioactive compounds identified in Hericium erinaceus, including hericenones, erinacines, and other relevant molecules. These compounds are associated with the mushroom’s neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Figure 3

Modulation of signaling pathways and inflammatory mediators by erinacines and hericenones produced by Hericium erinaceum. (A) NF-κB signaling pathway, where bioactive compounds produced by H. erinaceus inhibit the phosphorylation of IκBα, preventing NF-κB activation, which leads to the increased production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and nuclear translocation. (B) H. erinaceus also acts in the inhibition of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), where hericenones inhibit COX-2, reducing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, and suppress iNOS expression, leading to reduced nitric oxide (NO) production. (C) H. erinaceus contributes to anti-inflammatory effects by activating the Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2) pathway, which enhances the expression of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

Figure 4

Forms in which Hericium erinaceus has been incorporated into dietary supplements and functional foods [60,191,193,196,197].