Efficacy of Combined Hericium erinaceus Mycelium and Undenatured Type II Collagen in Reducing Osteoarthritis Progression in a Preclinical Animal Model.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition linked with aging that impacts joints and leads to functional disability. Hericium erinaceus, a large edible mushroom widely consumed in Asian countries, is recognized as a functional food and has been reported as a beneficial supplement for OA management. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II), a new nutraceutical ingredient, has garnered significant interest for its potential in OA treatment. This study investigated whether H. erinaceus mycelium (HEM) and UC-II together are more effective at preventing the advancement of OA. HEM and UC-II reduce bone pain and the development of OA associated with anterior cruciate ligament transaction. Through the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as the chondrolytic factors MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5, HEM and UC-II inhibited the degradation of aggrecan and COL2A1. This action resulted in a blockade of cartilage breakdown and bone loss. The combination of HEM and UC-II also prevented OA progression. These findings provide evidence for using HEM and UC-II for OA therapy.