Researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia said that a pre-clinical trial they carried out found that an active compound in Hericium erinaceus could promote nerve growth and thus enhance memory. Relevant research published in the latest issue of Journal of Neurochemistry is expected to open up a new way to treat and prevent neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Professor Frederick Menier, the head of the research, said: "The extracts of Hericium erinaceus have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for several centuries, but we hope to scientifically determine their potential impact on brain cells." The preclinical test conducted by the team found that Hericium erinaceus has a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and the improvement of memory. Menier explained that they measured the neurotrophic effect of compounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured brain cells in the experiment, and found that these active compounds can promote the extension of neurons and connect with other neurons. Moreover, with the help of the super-resolution microscope, they found that the extract of Hericium erinaceus and its active components greatly increased the size of the growth cone, which is the end of the growth of the axons and dendrites of neurons. It is particularly important for brain cells to perceive the environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain. Dr. Raymond Martinez-Mamor, co-author of the paper, said that this discovery could open up a new way to treat and prevent neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. They plan to identify bioactive compounds from natural sources, let them reach the brain and regulate the growth of neurons, thus improving the formation of memory. (Xinhua News Agency)