Erinacine A is the secret behind Lion’s Mane’s renowned therapeutic properties. Only Lion’s mane products enriched with erinacine A can offer anticancer and neuroprotective benefits. Testing mushroom products for erinacine A is the only way to be sure they contain adequate levels for medicinal effects.

This article examines erinacine A, its chemical properties, research-backed benefits, and why lion’s mane mushroom testing must screen for Erinacine  A concentration. 

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What is Erinacine A?

Erinacine A is a natural compound classified as a diterpenoid, an organic molecule with bioactive properties. It primarily occurs in Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) and works to strengthen brain health while damaging cancer cells. 

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How Erinacine A Works

Nerve Growth Support: Erinacine A stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth, regeneration, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells. 

Anticancer Properties: Research shows that erinacine A can inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cancer cells.

Neuroprotection: Erinacine A protects neurons by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis (programmed cell death), key factors in neurodegenerative diseases.

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Erinacine A in Lion’s Mane

The concentration of erinacine A varies significantly across different Lion’s Mane strains. 

One study found that the average concentration of erinacine A in Lion’s Mane is low, typically less than 1 mg per gram of dried mycelia. Commercial strains, commonly cultivated for production, generally fall within this range.

Wild strains, on the other hand, show much greater potential. The study identified a standout wild strain that produced 42.16 mg/g of erinacine A — more than 20 times the concentration. 

Another high-performing strain was a hybrid of two commercial varieties, producing 21.15 mg/g.

Studies suggest that higher erinacine A concentrations are necessary for therapeutic effects. 

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Erinacine A’s Research-backed Benefits 

Erinacine A could serve as a natural therapeutic agent for preventing and treating neurodegenerative conditions and cancer. 

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Parkinson’s

A preclinical, experimental study explored how erinacine A could help protect brain cells in Parkinson’s disease. Researchers tested its effects in both cell cultures and a mouse disease model. Dosages included 1 mg/kg of erinacine A or higher concentrations of Hericium erinaceus mycelium (HEM)

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• In the lab, erinacine A reduced cell death and harmful oxidative stress caused by a neurotoxin (MPP+) that mimics Parkinson’s damage. 
• In mice, it improved movement and preserved brain cells in the area affected by the disease.

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This study indicates that erinacine A could be a promising candidate for Parkinson’s treatment, though more research is needed.

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Colon Cancer

A preclinical experimental study investigated how erinacine A could inhibit colorectal cancer (CRC) cell growth. Researchers tested its effects on human CRC cells in the lab and a mouse tumor model. The study focused on how erinacine A interferes with the signals cancer cells need to grow and divide, effectively putting the brakes on tumor development.

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• In lab tests, arinacine A stopped cancer cells from dividing by triggering oxidative stress (ROS) and activating pathways that slow cell growth.
• Erinacine A significantly reduced tumor size in mice, showing promise as a cancer-fighting agent.

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These results highlight erinacine A’s potential as a natural compound for CRC treatment.

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Prevention of Early Alzheimer’s Disease

A pilot clinical trial tested whether erinacine A derived from the lion's mane mushroom could help people with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers conducted a 49-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate its safety and cognitive benefits.

Adults with mild AD took three capsules (350 mg each, containing erinacine A) daily, while others took a placebo.

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• The group who took erinacine A showed significant improvements in memory, cognitive function, and daily living skills compared to the placebo group.
• Neuroimaging revealed that erinacine A helped maintain brain structure, while the placebo group showed more signs of degeneration.
• Erinacine A stabilized biomarkers linked to brain health, unlike the placebo group, which experienced declines.
• The erinacine A group had better contrast sensitivity, a measure linked to brain and eye health.

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This study suggests that erinacine A may slow cognitive decline and support brain health in early Alzheimer's, with minimal side effects.

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Hearing

A recent clinical trial investigated the effects of Lion’s Mane mycelia enriched with erinacine A on age-related hearing impairment in adults aged 50–79. 

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 80 randomized participants to receive either HE mycelia (2000 mg/day) or a placebo for eight months. Researchers assessed hearing thresholds using pure tone audiometry and speech recognition tests while measuring serum levels of neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). 

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• Results showed significant improvements in high-frequency hearing and speech recognition in participants aged 65 and older. 
• The HE group also experienced increased NGF levels. 

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The findings suggest that erinacine A delivers neuroprotective and therapeutic potential for age-related hearing loss.

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The Importance of Testing Mushrooms for Erinacine A 

The research surrounding erinacine A highlights its remarkable therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and cognitive health. However, these benefits depend heavily on the compound's potency. 

Brands producing Lion’s Mane supplements must prioritize testing their products for potency to ensure sufficient erinacine A concentrations for therapeutic effects.

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Actionable Steps for Brands

Screen for Erinacine A Content: Testing each batch ensures consumers receive products with proven therapeutic levels.

Highlight Strain Potency: Brands using high-erinacine A strains should market this distinction as a competitive advantage.

Educate Consumers: Informing buyers about the connection between erinacine A levels and health benefits builds trust and sets products apart in a crowded market.

By investing in mushroom testing, brands can ensure their Lion’s Mane products truly deliver on the promise of erinacine A's potent health benefits.

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The Bottom Line

Erinacine A is the key to unlocking Lion’s Mane’s therapeutic potential. 

Contact ACS to learn about our R+D Partnership programt to help makers control their lab costs while maintaining flexibility.S to start testing our Lion’s Mane products and guarantee potency, quality, and consumer trust. Take the first step toward elevating your brand today.

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