Lion's mane in the treatment of sciatic nerve damage: benefit and application

A study conducted by a group of scientists from Malaysia in 2014 showed that Hericium erinaceus extract stimulates the regeneration of the sciatic nerve in rats after its damage

The study included daily oral administration of the extract, analysis of activation of signaling pathways and gene expression in the spinal cord, and assessment of protein synthesis in the nerve. The results revealed increased immunoreactivity and protein synthesis activity, indicating a beneficial effect of the fungus Hericium erinaceus on nerve regeneration. This study indicates the potential

In the study, mice were administered an aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus at a concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight daily. This dosage was chosen based on previous experimental studies and literature data indicating its efficacy and safety for oral administration in experimental models.

Complex methods were used to analyze the activation of signaling pathways and gene expression in the spinal cord and to evaluate protein synthesis in the nerve. In particular, immunofluorescence staining was used to determine protein expression (the process in which proteins are synthesized in living organisms based on instructions encoded in genes), western blot (Western blot) for the analysis of protein markers, as well as polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) for measuring mRNA levels. These methods made it possible to investigate in detail the biological processes occurring at the molecular level as a result of the effect of the mushroom extract on nerve regeneration.

Positive changes in mice treated with an aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus began to be seen 7 days after the injury. These changes included the activation of important signaling processes and the upregulation of key molecules such as Akt, MAPK, c-Jun and c-Fos.

It was also noted that functional recovery of the injured limb began 7 days after injury, with full recovery of function observed at 10–14 days, which was 4–7 days earlier than in the control group.

Akt (also known as Protein Kinase B, PKB) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a key role in the regulation of cell survival, growth, and metabolism. Akt activation can protect cells from apoptosis (programmed cell death).

MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) are a family of proteins that act as molecular switches that are turned on or off by the addition of a phosphate group. They play a key role in transmitting signals from cellular receptors to DNA in response to external stimuli such as cytokines (proteins, (apoptosis), which helps in maintaining health and balance in the body.

c-Jun is part of AP-1 (Activator Protein-1), which is a special protein that helps to turn certain genes on or off in the cell, and thus affects processes such as cell growth, their specialization (differentiation) and programmed death Phosphorylation is a key mechanism for regulating the activity of many proteins in the cell.

c-Fos is another part of AP-1, like c-Jun, and helps control when and how certain genes are activated that affect a cell's ability to divide, specialize, or survive.The work of c-Fos can be triggered or activated in response to various stimuli, for example, when a cell grows, experiences stress, or when nerve cells are activated. This means that c-Fos begins to work actively in response to changes in the external or internal environment of the cell, helping

The conclusion of this study highlights the significant potential of Hericium erinaceus extract in stimulating the regeneration of the sciatic nerve in mice after injury. The positive changes observed one week after the start of treatment, including the activation of key signaling molecules and increased nerve regeneration, open new perspectives for the treatment of similar injuries in humans. Thus, the use of Hericium erinaceus extract may play an important role in the development of new treatments for nerve damage in humans, promoting faster and more efficient regeneration.

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