Neurite outgrowth stimulatory effects of myco­synthesized AuNPs from Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. on pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells

Abstract

Background Hericium erinaceus has been reported to have a wide range of medicinal properties such as stimulation of neurite outgrowth, promotion of functional recovery of axonotmetic peroneal nerve injury, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties. In recent years, the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has attracted intense interest due to the potential use in biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AuNPs from aqueous extract of H. erinaceus on neurite outgrowth of rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells. Methods The formation of AuNPs was characterized by UV–visible spectrum, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the neurite extension study of synthesized AuNPs was evaluated by in vitro assay. Results The AuNPs exhibited maximum absorbance between 510 and 600 nm in UV–visible spectrum. FESEM and TEM images showed the existence of nanoparticles with sizes of 20–40 nm. FTIR measurements were carried out to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the nanoparticles. The purity and the crystalline properties were confirmed by EDX diffraction analysis, which showed strong signals with energy peaks in the range of 2–2.4 keV, indicating the existence of gold atoms. The synthesized AuNPs showed significant neurite extension on PC-12 cells. Nerve growth factor 50 ng/mL was used as a positive control. Treatment with different concentrations (nanograms) of AuNPs resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation. AuNPs induced maximum neurite outgrowth of 13% at 600 ng/mL concentration. Conclusion In this study, the AuNPs synthesis was achieved by a simple, low-cost, and rapid bioreduction approach. AuNPs were shown to have potential neuronal differentiation and stimulated neurite outgrowth. The water-soluble bioconstituents could be responsible for the neuroactivity. This is the first report for the biosynthesis of AuNPs using the hot aqueous extract of H. erinaceus .

Hericerin derivatives activates a pan‐neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1/2 signaling enhancing spatial memory

“…Our study reveals that hericene A enhances recognition memory at concentrations as low as 5 mg/kg/day. The medicinal mushroom H. erinaceus has long been known for its neurotrophic activity on the peripheral nervous system through promotion of NGF synthesis (Haure‐Mirande et al, 2017; Lai et al, 2013; Raman et al, 2015; Ustun & Ayhan, 2019). Several compounds extracted from H. erinaceus have been shown to protect from aging‐dependent cognitive decline in wild‐type (Brandalise et al, 2017; Rossi et al, 2018) and in Alzheimer's disease mouse models (Mori et al, 2011; Tsai‐Teng et al, 2016) suggesting a yet to be defined activity on the CNS.…”

“…Compounds derived from H. erinaceus extracts have been shown to promote NGF synthesis and secretion (Kawagishi et al, 1996; Lai et al, 2013; Mori et al, 2009; Raman et al, 2015; Zhang et al, 2015) and to act via the TrkA pathway involving MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt activation (Haure‐Mirande et al, 2017; Phan et al, 2014). However, the NGF/TrkA‐mediated neuroprotective effects predominantly focus on neurons in the peripheral nervous system (Ustun & Ayhan, 2019).…”