The Use of Mushrooms in the Improvement of Neurological Activity and Cognitive Function
Faculty Mentor
Jadwiga Najib
Major/Area of Research
Pharmacy
Description
Introduction: With the aging population rising, the prevalence of chronic health- related diseases, particularly neurodegenerative conditions, is increasing. Existing pharmaceuticals provide limited benefits, emphasizing the urgent need for preventative agents that not only impede further neurodegeneration but also facilitate neural regeneration. Mushrooms, renowned for their culinary appeal, harbor various compounds with potential neuroprotective properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic exploration. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of select mushroom compounds on cognitive function.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Keywords including mushrooms, cognitive function, brain activity, mental status, neuroprotective, and neuroregenerative were employed. Selection criteria were based on mushroom popularity and publicly available data. Multiple mushrooms were evaluated, focusing on their potential benefits in enhancing neurological activity and cognitive functions. Several studies were reviewed, including trials on Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Ganoderma lucidum Spore Powder (GLSP), Cordyceps sinensis, and their respective impacts on cognitive function and neurological health.
Results and Conclusion: Lion’s Mane supplementation significantly prevented short-term memory deterioration and improved cognitive functions, suggesting its potential for neural regeneration in adults. Additionally, acute and chronic administration of Lion’s Mane exhibited cognitive and mood-enhancing effects in young adults. GLSP showed promising results in reducing weekly seizure frequency and enhancing the quality of life in epilepsy patients, while combined treatment with memantine demonstrated improved cognitive and behavioral abilities in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Cordyceps sinensis supplementation enhanced exercise performance and wellness in various age groups, indicating its potential for promoting muscle regeneration and stem cell recruitment. Overall, mushrooms and their bioactive compounds offer a promising avenue for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, warranting further research and clinical exploration in combating cognitive diseases associated with aging.
The Use of Mushrooms in the Improvement of Neurological Activity and Cognitive Function
Introduction: With the aging population rising, the prevalence of chronic health- related diseases, particularly neurodegenerative conditions, is increasing. Existing pharmaceuticals provide limited benefits, emphasizing the urgent need for preventative agents that not only impede further neurodegeneration but also facilitate neural regeneration. Mushrooms, renowned for their culinary appeal, harbor various compounds with potential neuroprotective properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic exploration. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of select mushroom compounds on cognitive function.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Keywords including mushrooms, cognitive function, brain activity, mental status, neuroprotective, and neuroregenerative were employed. Selection criteria were based on mushroom popularity and publicly available data. Multiple mushrooms were evaluated, focusing on their potential benefits in enhancing neurological activity and cognitive functions. Several studies were reviewed, including trials on Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Ganoderma lucidum Spore Powder (GLSP), Cordyceps sinensis, and their respective impacts on cognitive function and neurological health.
Results and Conclusion: Lion’s Mane supplementation significantly prevented short-term memory deterioration and improved cognitive functions, suggesting its potential for neural regeneration in adults. Additionally, acute and chronic administration of Lion’s Mane exhibited cognitive and mood-enhancing effects in young adults. GLSP showed promising results in reducing weekly seizure frequency and enhancing the quality of life in epilepsy patients, while combined treatment with memantine demonstrated improved cognitive and behavioral abilities in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Cordyceps sinensis supplementation enhanced exercise performance and wellness in various age groups, indicating its potential for promoting muscle regeneration and stem cell recruitment. Overall, mushrooms and their bioactive compounds offer a promising avenue for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, warranting further research and clinical exploration in combating cognitive diseases associated with aging.