Not all mushrooms are healthy. However, a certain edible type of mushroom can help one boost their memory, according to a new study.
Lion's Mane Mushroom For Brain Cell Growth
Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered a certain compound from lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that can enhance the growth of brain cells and improve memory, EurekAlert! reported.
Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute had identified active compounds from the mushroom during pre-clinical trials.
According to Meunier, extracts from lion's mane mushrooms have been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. The researchers wanted to determine their potential effect on brain cells using scientific methods.
The lion's mane mushroom had a significant effect on the growth of brain cells and memory improvement based on their preclinical research.
Surprisingly, the neurotrophic effects of isolated compounds from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells revealed that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and interconnecting neurons.
Using super-resolution microscopy, the team of researchers discovered that the mushroom extract and its active components significantly increase the size of growth cones, which are essential for brain cells to sense their environment and form new connections with other neurons.
Dr. Ramon Martinez-Marmol of the University of Queensland stated that the discovery could be used to treat and prevent neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Martinez-Marmol explained that their goal was to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources that could reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, resulting in enhanced memory formation.
Dr. Dae Hee Lee of CNGBio Co, who supported and collaborated on the research project, added that the properties of lion's mane mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments and maintain health since antiquity.
This essential research elucidates the molecular mechanism of lion's mane mushroom compounds and their effects on brain function, specifically memory.
Death Cap the Deadliest Mushroom
While lion's mane mushrooms are safe to consume, the public has been warned to avoid death cap as it is the deadliest fungus. Death cap caused 90% of facilities from a mushroom.
New research published bioRxiv revealed that the death cap has quickly spread in parts of North America. Apparently, the dangerous species does not require a mate to reproduce.
They can produce spores using the chromosomes of a single individual. They were able to reproduce sexually and asexually in the United States for at least 17 and possibly 30 years. Its diverse reproductive strategy enables it to expedite its accelerated spread resulting in a fungal invasion.
Prior to the study, nobody knew that death cap is among those mushrooms that can reproduce via sexual and asexual spores. The spread of the death cap poses a grave threat to humans and animals.
In 2016, 14 human poisonings were reported in San Francisco and were attributed to death cap mushrooms. So, it's important for one to make sure that the mushroom they are about to consume is safe.
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