Role of Hericium Erinaceus as a Probiotic Stimulant

Lion's Mane mushroom ( Hericium erinaceus ) is gaining scientific interest for its potential health benefits, particularly its bioactive compounds and probiotic-stimulatory properties. This study investigates the chemical composition and probiotic-enhancing effects of various extracts prepared from Lion's Mane mushroom, including aqueous, ethanolic, and mixed solvents. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 15 bioactive compounds across the extracts. Notably, the aqueous extract demonstrated the highest capacity to stimulate the growth of Lactobacillus strains, highlighting its potential as a natural enhancer for probiotic formulations. The study has unveiled a treasure trove of properties with significant implications for future healthcare formulations. Additionally, the mushroom extracts displayed significant anti-inflammatory properties, as demonstrated by an albumin denaturation assay, with the highest percentage inhibition recorded at 63.09%. This characteristic could offer relief to chapped nipples and also a wide range of inflammatory conditions, hinting at its potential for future pharmaceutical applications. Docking studies on linoleic acid and cathepsin D protein revealed promising therapeutic interactions, supported by a favourable dock score of -6.06 and the observation of a hydrogen bond between the ligand and protein. This research underscores the diverse potential of Lion's Mane mushroom, spanning from probiotic growth stimulation to anti-inflammatory, thereby contributing valuable insights to the understanding of this remarkable fungus used in traditional foods in many countries.