Peripheral Nerve Regeneration with Hericium erinaceus Extract
Author Information
Author(s): Wong Kah-Hui, Naidu Murali, David Pamela, Abdulla Mahmood Ameen, Abdullah Noorlidah, Kuppusamy Umah Rani, Sabaratnam Vikineswary
Primary Institution: University of Malaya
Hypothesis
Can the aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus promote functional recovery following peroneal nerve injury in rats?
Conclusion
The study found that daily oral administration of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus can enhance the regeneration of injured rat peroneal nerve.
Supporting Evidence
- Rats treated with the mushroom extract showed earlier signs of functional recovery compared to the control group.
- Histological examinations indicated better axon regeneration in the extract-treated groups.
- Polyneuronal innervation was more prevalent in the extract-treated groups than in the negative control group.
Takeaway
This study shows that a mushroom extract can help injured nerves heal faster in rats, making them walk better again.
Methodology
The study involved 40 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four groups, with one group receiving the mushroom extract and others receiving distilled water or mecobalamin as controls, followed by a surgical crush injury to the peroneal nerve.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the assessment of functional recovery due to subjective measures in behavioral experiments.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific strain of rats and the effects of the extract may not be generalizable to other species or humans.
Participant Demographics
Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing approximately 180 ± 20 g.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website