The Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Lion’s Mane in A Rodent Model of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Research Protocol

Abstract

The intersection between mycology and modern medicine has captivated the scientific community, with a growing focus on fungus potential to address symptoms of mental health disorders. Lion’s Mane mushroom, renowned for cognitive enhancement attributed to hericenones and erinacines stimulating the nerve growth factors (NGF), has emerged as a subject of significant interest. Recent studies suggest its potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, broadening its relevance to various mental health challenges. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by executive functioning difficulties, notably in attention and memory, is often linked to working memory deficits. Numerous investigations indicate that a substantial proportion of individuals with ADHD exhibit impaired working memory. Working memory, responsible for temporarily holding and processing information, plays a pivotal role in encoding memories for long-term storage or extinction. This paper suggests that Lion’s Mane may offer therapeutic benefits by enhancing working memory, thereby positively influencing the day-to-day executive functioning of individuals grappling with ADHD. It explores the potential benefits of utilizing Lion’s Mane with a specific focus on working memory, using a spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model, which presents ADHD-like symptoms. The potential implications of such findings underscore the promising role of Lion’s Mane in addressing cognitive challenges associated with ADHD.