Protective effects of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Lion’s mane mushroom or cendawan bunga kobis) in in Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Introduction: Oxidative stress is the key modulator in neurodegeneration. Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal mushroom and successfully domesticated to tropical climate of Malaysia. However, our knowledge about the potential role of H. erinaceus against oxidative stress and its mechanistic action in the restoration of cellular function impacted in ataxia and depression is still fragmentary. We explored the possible use of H. erinaceus standardised extract (HESAE) in the attenuation of oxidative stress in cellular models of inherited ataxia and mimics depression. Materials and Methods: L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)-induced impairment in the Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) dermal fibroblasts and high-dose corticosteroneinduced impairment in the PC12 rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells were employed in this study. Cell viability, apoptotic nuclei, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, total glutathione (GSH), oxidised glutathione (GSSG) and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified. Results and Discussion: Upon exposure of FRDA fibroblasts with 12.5 mM BSO and PC12 cells with 400 M corticosterone for 24 hr, there was a reduction in cell viability to approximately 50% (p < 0.05). HESAE in the range of 0.25 - 64 mg/ mL reversed the destructive oxidation process by increasing the viability to 85%, attenuating the apoptosis, decreasing the LDH release and intracellular ROS level, and increasing the GSH/GSSG ratio. A chronic deficit in the GSH/GSSG ratio is an indicator of oxidative stress. The protective effect is closely associated to the immunomodulatory effect of beta-glucans found in HESAE. Conclusion: As a certified health product, HESAE appears suitable for counteracting detrimental effects of oxidative stress and free radicals.