Volume 8 Number 1 2025
Neuroregenerative and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Adaptogenic Fungi in Spinal Cord Injury
Mohd. Javed Naim 1, Zainab Nur-Eldeen Aziz 2*, Basil O. Saleh 2
Microbial Bioactives 8 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.8110416
Submitted: 02 April 2025 Revised: 16 June 2025 Accepted: 18 June 2025 Published: 20 June 2025
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) impose profound physical, neurological, and psychological challenges, often leading to long-term disability and diminished quality of life. Conventional treatments predominantly focus on symptom management and rehabilitation, offering limited functional recovery. Emerging evidence suggests that adaptogenic fungi—such as Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane), Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), and Inonotus obliquus (Chaga)—may provide complementary therapeutic benefits for SCI patients. These fungi are rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and hericenones, which exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties. Preclinical studies demonstrate that these fungi can stimulate nerve growth factors, reduce oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and enhance immune function, thereby promoting neural repair and functional recovery. Preliminary human studies further suggest improvements in cognitive function, immune resilience, and overall well-being among SCI patients supplemented with these fungi. Despite these promising findings, challenges such as standardization of extracts, optimal dosing, long-term safety, and integration with conventional therapies remain. This review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical implications of adaptogenic fungi in SCI management. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, adaptogenic fungi may offer a natural, cost-effective, and multifaceted approach to enhance recovery, reduce secondary complications, and improve quality of life for SCI patients. Future research, particularly well-designed human clinical trials, is essential to validate these benefits and establish guidelines for clinical application.
Keywords: Adaptogenic Fungi, Spinal Cord Injury, Neuroprotection, Inflammation, Nerve Regeneration
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