Hericium erinaceum

3-Hydroxyhericenone F is a neuroprotective agent. Hydroxyhericenone F protects cells against NaN₃-induced toxicity, ultrastructural changes, and alterations in mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. 3-Hydroxyhericenone F decreases intracellular ROS and calcium levels, increases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, attenuates NaN₃ -induced changes in apoptosis-related proteins, and protects neuronal cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent cell death. 3-Hydroxyhericenone F can be used in research related to cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Erinacerin B is an isoindolinone skeleton compound. Erinacerin B is present in the mycelia and fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Erinacerin B inhibits NF-κB (p65 subunit) and AP-1 (c-Jun subunit). Erinacerin B inhibits LPS-induced nitric oxide and Prostaglandin E₂ (HY-101952) production. Erinacerin B attenuates neuroinflammation. Erinacerin B is used in research on neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.

Hericerin A is an isoindolinone derivative and a selective cytotoxic agent. Hericerin A is isolated from Hericium erinaceus cultured on brown rice. Hericerin A downregulates the phosphorylation of AKT and downregulates c-Myc oncoprotein levels downstream of p-AKT inactivation. Hericerin A induces Apoptosis. Hericerin A exhibits anticancer activity against leukemia. Hericerin A is used in research on acute promyelocytic leukemia, breast cancer, and Helicobacter pylori infection.