Eating mushrooms may help improve memory. This is what a new study on the subject, conducted at the University of Queensland in Australia, found. According to the research published in the prestigious journal ‘Journal of Neurochemistry’, it was found that in certain types of mushrooms there are active substances that increase the growth of nerves in the brain and improve memory.
The research team identified new active compounds from the mushroom ‘Hericium erinaceus’, also known as “lion’s mane mushrooms”, claims Prof. Frédéric Monier from the Queensland Brain Institute. “Extracts from these mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for hundreds of years, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells. Preclinical tests revealed that the ‘lion’s mane’ mushroom had a significant effect on brain cell growth and memory improvement,” he explained.
The active substance found in these mushrooms that helps improve memory is called ‘neurotropins’. They belong to a family of proteins that promote the function and survival of nerve cells responsible for efficient functioning, cognition, memory and thinking.
Since the discovery of the first neurotrophin, more than 70 years ago, countless studies have demonstrated the ability of these substances to help regenerate neurites (axons or dendrites arising from the central part of the neuron), prevent or reverse neuronal degeneration and improve synaptic plasticity, thus protecting against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease.
“We found that the mushroom extract and its active components greatly increase the size of growth cones, which are especially important for brain cells to sense their surroundings and create new connections with other neurons in the brain,” noted Prof. Monier.