Improvement of Cognitive Functions by Oral Intake of Hericium erinaceus

Authors: Yuusuke Saitsu, Akemi Nishide, Kenji Kikushima, Kuniyoshi Shimizu, and Koichiro Ohnuki

Journal: Biomedical Research (Tokyo)

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparative study

Participants: 31 Japanese men and women over 50 years old with normal Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores

Trial Length: 12 weeks

Intervention:

• HE group (n = 16): 4 tablets containing 0.8 g (3.2 g) of powdered fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus  (HE) three times a day (9.6 g/day total)
• Placebo group (n = 15)

Primary Outcomes: Cognitive functions assessed by:

• Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)
• Benton visual retention test
• Standard verbal paired-associate learning test (S-PA)

Summary: The study investigated the effects of Hericium erinaceus (HE) supplements on cognitive function in individuals with normal cognitive abilities. The results showed that oral intake of HE significantly improved cognitive functions as measured by the MMSE. No significant effects were observed in the Benton visual retention test or the S-PA test. The study suggests that HE may be a safe and convenient method for improving cognitive function and preventing cognitive decline.