Hericenones

Plain language

One of the two main 'active' compound classes in Lion's Mane. Hericenones live in the cap (fruiting body); erinacines live in the underground threads (mycelium). Cognitive-marketing claims usually reference hericenones, which is one reason the fruiting-body vs mycelium debate matters.

Definition

Hericenones are a class of aromatic benzyl-alcohol compounds (hericenone A through H) isolated from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane mushroom). They are reported to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in vitro and are commonly cited in cognitive-claim marketing for the species. They concentrate in the fruiting body and are nearly absent from the mycelium.

Related terms

• Erinacines Diterpenoid compounds from Lion's Mane mycelium. Cross the blood-brain barrier in vitro; cited for NGF stimulation.
• Fruiting body The mushroom-shaped structure that grows above ground. Where the species-specific actives concentrate in most medicinal mushrooms.
• Mycelium The thread-like vegetative network of a fungus, growing through soil, wood, or grain substrate.

References

• Kawagishi et al. (1991) - Hericenones C, D and E from Hericium erinaceum