Effect of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus supplementation on cognition: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

Population aging has led to an increased interest in various dietary supplements in order to preserve cognitive function. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of Hericium erinaceus supplementation (HE) on cognitive function and serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY). An 8-week double-blind comparative study involved 33 subjects, randomly assigned to a HE group and a placebo (P) group. Anthropometric measurements and analyses of selected biochemical parameters were performed before and after the intervention. Simultaneously, faecal samples were collected to determine gut microbiota and chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) levels. Cognitive function was assessed using two non-verbal speed tests. In the HE group, a significant improvement in cognitive ability was observed when the corresponding cognitive scores at baseline, CHI3L1 level, age, and gender were considered. Moreover, in the HE group there was a significant increase in gut microbiota diversity that was positively correlated to NPY levels. The mechanism that could help to explain the results on the relationship between the active ingredients of the H. erinaceus and the cognitive parameters could point to the CHI3L1 activity that may enhance bioavailability of the bioactive ingredients. Supplementing the diet with HE was recognised as a safe and well-tolerated intervention with a neurocognitive benefit.