Hericium erinaceus ethanol extract exhibits potent DNA-protective and antioxidant action: Evidence from in vitro and Drosophila melanogaster studies.

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers.) is a highly valued edible fungus recognized for its diverse health benefits. This study investigated the in vitro DNA-protective effects and in vivo genotoxicity and antioxidant activity of an ethanol extract from the fruiting bodies of cultivated H. erinaceus (HEEE) using a Drosophila model. HEEE exhibited remarkable, concentration-dependent protection against DNA damage induced by hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals in vitro reaching optimal protection at 400 μg mL, without showing genotoxic effects in third instar Drosophila melanogaster larvae, at tested concentrations below 20 mg mL. HEEE displayed significant in vivo antioxidant activity under oxidative stress conditions at concentrations up to 2.5 mg mL. In the range of 1.25-10 mg mL, HEEE reduced malondialdehyde levels, while a concentration of 40 mg mL exhibited a significant pro-oxidant effect. At 1.25 mg mL, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased by 23.1% and 10.6%, respectively. The concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg mL significantly reduced superoxide dismutase activity, by 44.1%, 52.0%, and 66.4%, respectively. The concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg mL induced an increase in glutathione (GSH) levels of 131.5%, 145.8%, and 228.7%, respectively. Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of hericenes and hericenones and allowed to quantify, for the first time directly without prior separation steps, these active ingredients at 0.43% (w/w), expressed as the relative content of hericenone C. Phenolics hericenes and hericenones C-H likely contribute to the observed antioxidant and DNA-protective activities. These findings suggest that HEEE could be a valuable dietary supplement providing protection against oxidative DNA damage and supporting antioxidant defenses.