ERINACINAS: Why are they important in neuroprotection?
The Erinacins are bioactive compounds fungus derivatives Hericium Erinaceus, also known as León's hair. Although it is originally from Japan, where it is known as Yamabushitake, it is also found in China, where its common name is Hou Tou Gu. This edible fungus has recently gained popularity in Europe and the United States where new scientific studies on compounds such as Erinacins are published.
Show this is that media such as National Geographic either Esquire They already have articles in which their growing importance is collected. This increase in popularity is due to the results of scientific research that relate the Hericium With a series of health benefits, especially those related to the brain.
For more information about León's hair, do Click here.
Hericium: a bioactive compound factory
He Sporophore of H. Erinaceus contains an exceptionally large amount of molecules structurally different and potentially bioactive, including about 70 different secondary metabolites. These bioactive compounds can be subdivided into large kinds of substances: polysaccharides, Terpenoid, sterols, etc. Among them, Erinacins, derived from benzyl alcohol extracted from mycelium and sporophore, have attracted scientists by their Nootropic effects.
Erinacinas, specific hericium components
The Hericium Erinaceus He has been at the Japanese researcher's research center Hirokazu Kawagish for more than 35 years. This scientist has dedicated his expertise to the study of bioactive compounds that are found in higher fungi.
Thanks to its efforts, significant progress has been made with the discovery of 15 compounds With a remarkable activity Nervous growth stimulating (via NGF). Of them, six are identified as Herithenonas (designated from C to H), while nine are ERINACINAS (designated from A to I, see later).
"The Erinacinas were the first NGF stimulators isolated in nature."
These molecules of ERINACINA have been identified and classified in the class of Diterpenoides, which serve as construction blocks for biologically significant compounds such as retinol, retinal and fitol, known for its effects antimicrobials and anti -inflammatories. They are characterized by their unique chemical structure and their Neuroprotective properties.
The mechanism of action of the Erinacins
The Neuroprotective effects Erinacins are attributed to their multifaceted mechanisms of action, which include properties Antioxidants, anti -inflammatory and neurotrophic. Erinacin exercises an antioxidant activity by eliminating free radicals and attenuate oxidative stress, characteristic of neurodegenerative pathologies. In addition, these compounds modulate the inflammatory routes inhibiting production of Pro -inflammatory cytokines, thus attenuating Neuroinflamation and preserving neuronal integrity.
Promising clinical studies
Numerous Clinical Studies Results converge in the idea that Mushroom fungus of León It could have a positive impact on brain capacity (see the following figure).
In fact, there is a correlation between its consumption and a significant improvement of certain brain functions. More specifically, the bioactive elements Present in this mushroom, such as Erinacin, they seem to play a role in accompanying these brain disorders.
Chronology of the articles published on the effects of H. Erinaceus In clinical studies (adapted from Brandalise et al., 2023)
Summary: Perspectives for the use of Erinacins
Despite the promising advances of hericium research in general and erainacin in particular for brain health, it is essential to underline that In -depth clinical studies are still needed to fully validate its efficacy and safety in humans.
It is crucial to recognize that existing studies are often focused on excerpts from León's mane, but these extracts may vary in composition and concentration From one product to another. In addition, the processes of extraction and purification They can also influence the quality and biological activity of the Erinacins present in these products.
For consumers interested in the potential benefits of Erinacins, it is advisable to choose products manufactured by companies that strict quality criteria follow And, preferably, that they have been subject of specific clinical studies About the final product. These studies will allow the efficacy to better know, the Optimal dose and the possible side effects associated with the use of these products.
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