Amycenone, a nootropic found in Hericium erinaceum

Abstract

Abstract The current paper describes the physiological and nootropic actions of Amycenone, which is an activator of brain function that is obtained from extracts of the Yamabushitake ( Hericium erinaceum ). Kawagishi and his group have studied compounds that are derived from medicinal mushrooms and their use in the treatment of dementia since 1991. They have found that H. erinaceum exerts important bioactivities, including the induction of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, the inhibition of the cytotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide, and the protection against neuronal cell death caused by oxidative or endoplasmic reticulum stress. Since NGF was first discovered in the 1940s, it has garnered attention as a substance in the brain that curbs the degeneration and loss of neurons and that promotes the repair and regeneration of nerve function. However, NGF cannot pass through the blood–brain barrier. Amysenone (Amyloban ® 3399, which contains a standardized extract of H. erinaceum ) has been found to pass through the blood–brain barrier, and its safety as a health food is currently being ascertained. On the basis of the author's first-hand experiences, Amyloban ® 3399 was found to clearly increase alertness. The actions of Amyloban ® 3399 in treating sleep-related breathing disorders were examined. Amyloban ® 3399 was effective in improving sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome. The use of Amyloban ® 3399 has been noted to result in the obvious restoration of cognitive function in mild cognitive disorder.