Chemistry and bioactivities of erinacines from Hericium fungi.

Erinacines are a class of cyathane diterpenoids predominantly biosynthesized in the mycelia of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane or Yamabushitake. Recognized as the main constituents responsible for the neurological effects of Hericium species, erinacines exhibit a range of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, neurogenic, antidepressant, and anticancer activities, as well as κ-opioid receptor agonist activity. This review provides a detailed analysis of the pharmacological potential of the twenty-three erinacines reported to date, along with their comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterization. This work underscores the promise of erinacines as valuable lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents.