Effect of the methanol extract of the Lion's Mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Purpose: Osteoporosis is a major health concern in postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Heri-cium erinaceus (H. erinaceus), also known as the Lion's Mane mushroom, consumption on bone metabolism in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Materials and Methods: Rats in the Baseline group were sacrificed immediately, whereas rats in the Sham group underwent sham surgery, and those in the Ovx and Ovx +HE groups underwent bilateral Ovx. A diet containing the methanol extract of H. erinaceus was given to the Ovx+HE group for 13 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in the femoral bone mass between the Ovx and Ovx+HE groups. In the histomorphometric study of the proximal tibial metaphysis, the osteoblast surface, mineralizing surface, and fat cell number were lower in the Ovx+HE group than those in the Ovx group. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that H. erinaceusdoes not prevent but rather accelerates bone loss in Ovx rats.