[#2002-02] The Inducer of the Synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor From Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Hirokazu Kawagishi et al.

Abstract

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is closely related to Alzheimer’s dementia, and studies have suggested that the disease may be pre­vented or its symptoms may be improved when NGF is given into the brain directly. However, since NGF is a protein it usually can­not pass through the blood-brain barrier. Recently, researchers have targeted on the substances that could pass through the blood-brain barrier and induce NGF synthesis in the brain. Some compounds with lower molecular weight have been found to have such bioac­tivity. Among these bioactive compounds, hericenones and eri­nacines, which were isolated from an edible mushroom called as Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), showed remarkable activity of stimulating the synthesis of NGF. They could be developed as a dietary supplement or medicine to be used for treating Alzheimer’s dementia. This article offers an introduction to the isolation method, bioactivity assay and chemical structure analysis of heri­cenones and erinacines.