Hericium erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus is a tooth fungus species found on hardwood trees in North America and Eurasia, recognized for its fleshy, dangling spines. It is famous for its potential medicinal benefits as an edible mushroom, with active constituents like hericenones and erinacines that have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. These bioactives stimulate neurotrophin production (e.g., nerve growth factor NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF) and modulate signaling pathways related to cell survival and neuroinflammation. While extensively researched for effects on the brain and immune system, it is not a molecular or receptor target; rather, it is a source of bioactive compounds that may act on various molecular targets in humans.

Other names

lion's mane mushroombearded tooth fungusbearded hedgehogyamabushitake (Japanese)hóutóugū (Chinese)noru gungdeng-i beoseot (Korean)

The fungus is not itself a drug target; its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects are mediated by its secondary metabolites, which influence pathways such as neurotrophin signaling, anti-cytokine effects, and oxidative stress pathways