Influence of Short-Term Consumption of Hericium erinaceus on Serum Biochemical Markers and the Changes of the Gut Microbiota: A Pilot Study

Authors: Xiao-Qian Xie, Yan Geng, Qijie Guan, et al.

Journal: Nutrients

Study Design: Pilot study in healthy adults

Participants: 13 healthy individuals (7 females and 6 males) with a mean age of 30 years old

Trial Length: 7-day intervention period

Intervention: 1 g of Hericium erinaceus powder three times a day

Primary Outcomes:

• Changes in gut microbiota composition and abundance, analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing
• Changes in blood biochemical markers, assessed by routine hematological examination and serum biochemical analysis

Summary: The study investigated the effects of short-term Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom) consumption on gut microbiota and blood biochemical markers in healthy adults. The results showed that H. erinaceus supplementation increased the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota, indicating greater richness and evenness in the microbial community. The relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria, including those producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), increased, while some potential pathobionts decreased. The intervention also led to a decrease in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (CREA), suggesting potential benefits for metabolic health. The study concludes that short-term H. erinaceus consumption can modulate gut microbiota composition and may have positive effects on blood biochemical markers related to metabolic diseases.