Erinacines A–I

Moderate

Mechanism of Action

Erinacines are cyathin-type diterpenoids produced exclusively by the mycelium of H. erinaceus. Erinacine A is the most potent, stimulating NGF biosynthesis via upregulation of NGF gene expression in astroglial cells. Erinacines cross the blood-brain barrier and promote both NGF and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) synthesis. Erinacine A also demonstrates neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis.

Research Notes

Lion's ManeMushroom

Kawagishi et al. (1994, Tetrahedron Letters) identified erinacines A–I from liquid-cultured mycelium, showing potent NGF-stimulating activity. A 2018 double-blind RCT (Li et al., Journal of Biomedical Science) using erinacine A-enriched mycelium (350 mg × 3/day, 49 weeks) in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease showed significant cognitive improvements on MMSE, IADL, and CASI scores versus placebo. These compounds are found ONLY in mycelium cultures, not in fruiting bodies.

Found In 1 Herb

Lion's Mane

Mushroom

3D Molecular Structure

Cyathin diterpenoids

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Erinacines A–I

Cyathin diterpenoidsModified terpenes with diverse biological activities

Representative pattern: C₁₀H₁₆O

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Hydrogen

Live Research

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