Short summary
A study investigated the effect of extracts from H. erinaceus (edible mushroom) on cancer cells and found that two extracts reduced the spread of cancer to the lung and reduced the formation of tumor nodules.
How did they do it?
The study used CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells to test the inhibition of cell migration to the lung and found that hot water and microwaved 50% ethanol extracts strongly reduced cancer cell death through apoptosis and also inhibited metastasis by 66% and 69% respectively. These extracts reduced the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase-type plasminogen activator and down-regulated the signaling molecules ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK.
Conclusion
The study concluded that hot water and microwaved 50% ethanol extracts of H. erinaceus (Lion’s Mane Mushroom) are effective in reducing metastasis of cancer cells to the lung, through inducing apoptosis and down-regulating expression of matrix metalloproteinases, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, and signaling molecules. H. erinaceus has potential as a health-promoting functional food.
Properties of H. erinaceus
- Inhibited metastasis of cancer cells to the lung
- Induced apoptosis
- Reduced expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase-type plasminogen activator
- Down-regulated signaling molecules ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK
- Potential as a health-promoting functional food
Genus, Species and Common Name of H. erinaceus
| Genus | Hericium |
| Species | erinaceus |
| Common Name | Lion’s Mane Mushroom |
Publication: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf400916c
Publish date: May 13, 2013
