Neurotropic and trophic action of lions mane mushroom Hericium erinaceus Bull Fr pers Aphyllophoromycetideae extracts on nerve cells in vitro
Moldavan, M., G.; Gryganski, A., P.; Kolotushkina, O., V.; Kirchhoff, B.; Skibo, G., G.; Pedarzani, P.
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 9(1): 15-28
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1521-9437 Accession: 032518553
The neurotropic and trophic effect of extract obtained from the edible and medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus on nerve cells was studied. Spike reactions of hippocampal neurons during application of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies extract were studied on rat brain slices in vitro, using whole-cell patch clamp recording. Spike activity was inhibited in a concentration-dependent, reversible manner in 34%-90% of studied neurons by extracts obtained with ethanol, ether, or broth. Extract suppressed the excitation of neurons caused by L-glutamic acid application. The assumption is made that the H. erinaceus extract contains substances that may activate receptors that cause an inhibition of spike activity. The inhibitory effect of extract was not induced by GABA and serotonin receptor activation or activation of M- and N-cholinoreceptors. Inhibition of spike activity was caused by hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane during extract application. The hyperpolarization was accompanied by an increase of apamin-sensitive Ca-activated K+ current (I-AHP) and apamin-insensitive, slow Ca-activated K+ current (sI(AHP)), but it was not caused by an increase of inward rectifier K+ current (I(ir)) or by changes of hyperpolarization-activated cationic currents (I(h)). The effect of the extract was observed in the presence of tetrodotoxin, suggesting that the extract acts postsynaptically. Extract application did not suppress biochemical processes in cell respiratory circuits. The extract did not affect the regenerating abilities of the neurons and glial cells of the cerebellum and hippocampus. It was demonstrated that the H. erinaceus extract concentrate exerted neurotropic action and improved the myelination process in the mature myelinating fibers, did not affect nerve cell growth in vitro, and did not evoke a toxic effect or nerve cell damage.