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Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus.

  • 2019-08-01
  • Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan) 40(4)
    • Yuusuke Saitsu
    • Akemi Nishide
    • Kenji Kikushima
    • Kuniyoshi Shimizu
    • Koichiro Ohnuki

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Methods
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparative study, 12 weeks of supplements containing fruiting body of H. erinaceus
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
12 weeks
Funding
Unclear
Hericium erinaceus has been recognized as medical mushroom since ancient time, but its scientific evidence for human health has been still uncertain. In this study, we tested a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparative study to evaluate the improvement of the cognitive functions by taking supplements containing fruiting body of H. erinaceus for 12 weeks. We performed three kinds of tests: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Benton visual retention test, and Standard verbal paired-associate learning test (S-PA). MMSE alone showed that oral intake of H. erinaceus significantly improved cognitive functions and prevented from the deterioration. We speculate that various chemical compounds, including hericenones, in the mushroom have multiple effects to the brain neural networks and improve cognitive functions. Oral intake of H.erinaceus is safe and convenient method for dementia prevention so far.

Research Insights

  • Lion's Mane→Improved Cognitive Function

    MMSE alone showed that oral intake of H. erinaceus significantly improved cognitive functions and prevented from the deterioration.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    not specified
  • Lion's Mane→Improved Verbal Paired-Associate Learning

    We performed three kinds of tests: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Benton visual retention test, and Standard verbal paired-associate learning test (S-PA).

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not specified
  • Lion's Mane→Improved Visual Retention

    We performed three kinds of tests: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Benton visual retention test, and Standard verbal paired-associate learning test (S-PA).

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not specified
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