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

TL;DR

This study shows that combining Hericium erinaceus mushroom and undenatured type II collagen may help reduce osteoarthritis progression in animal models.

Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating the combined efficacy of HEM and UC-II in preventing OA progression through anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective mechanisms.

Findings

HEM and UC-II reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α.

The combination inhibited cartilage breakdown by blocking aggrecan and COL2A1 degradation.

HEM and UC-II together prevented OA progression in preclinical models.

Abstract

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.

Figures