Mushrooms and the Brain: From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Modern Science

It goes without saying that the brain is the most important and complex organ in the organism. This is true for all animals but in humans the brain represents the highest expression of evolution .

An extraordinary biological machine that allows us to think, remember, create and interact with the world. Every emotion, decision and movement arises from intricate neurological processes that occur within this sophisticated structure, thanks to electrical impulses transmitted by billions of interconnected neurons.

The bark prefrontal , in particular, is the area of ​​the brain that distinguishes us as humans, performing key functions such as language, managing emotions and regulating social behavior. It is also the area that develops the latest in the fetus and continues to develop and improve throughout growth, up until adolescence.

Functional Mushrooms for Brain Health

It is becoming clear how important brain health is to our overall well-being and quality of life . Maintaining brain function requires a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and effective stress management strategies.

Among the many natural resources available to us to support brain health, medicinal mushrooms are gaining more and more attention due to their wealth of unique bioactive compounds. Although Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has recognized their extraordinary properties for centuries, today, more and more modern studies are turning their attention to the powerful neuroprotective and adaptogenic properties that medicinal mushrooms demonstrate. These mushrooms not only promote neuronal protection and regeneration , but can also help improve cognitive function, offering a valuable natural ally for brain health .

Lion 's Mane (Hericium erinaceus ), for example, is a mushroom known for centuries to improve mental well-being, strengthen memory and promote concentration. Several studies have more recently demonstrated its ability to promote the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth, survival and plasticity of neurons. This property is due in particular to the two most famous bioactive compounds of Lion's Mane: hericenones (extracted from the fruiting body) and erinacins (from the mycelium). The polysaccharides present in this mushroom also seem to promote neuronal differentiation and promote the survival of nerve cells.

 

A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body: The Gut-Brain Axis

A little-known aspect of brain health is the close relationship between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis .

This bidirectional connection , which has become of great interest in the scientific and medical community in recent years, is based on a communication network involving the central nervous system (CNS), the endocrine nervous system (ENS) and the immune system. CNS and ENS, through the vagus nerve and a complex network of chemical signals, can influence intestinal motility and the composition of the microbiota . At the same time, the intestinal microbiota , a community of billions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters , which in turn regulate mood, memory, and cognitive abilities . In addition, the microbiota influences the immune system and inflammation levels, elements that can impact brain function. When the microbiota is in balance, the brain benefits from better mood regulation , a greater ability to concentrate and reduced exposure to chronic inflammatory states that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

In this context, medicinal mushrooms also offer valuable support for maintaining the health of the gut-brain axis . Thanks to their bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, triterpenes and beta-glucans , mushrooms can help reduce intestinal inflammation and modulate the immune response. In addition, their prebiotic action helps promote a healthy microbiota , indirectly improving cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Bibliography:

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• Cazzavillan S. Mushrooms for Health. Macro Editions. 2024.

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• Margolis KG, et al. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Motility to Mood. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(5):1486-1501.

• Ren Y, et al., Polysaccharide of Hericium erinaceus attenuates colitis in C57BL/6 mice via regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation-related signaling pathways and modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, J. Nutr. Biochem. 57 (2018) 67-76.

• Sabaratnam V, et al. Neuronal health - can culinary and medicinal mushrooms help? J Tradit Complement Med. 2013;3(1):62-8.

• Teffer K, et al. Human prefrontal cortex: evolution, development, and pathology. Prog Brain Res. 2012;195:191-218.