Structural characterization of polysaccharide purified from Hericium erinaceus fermented mycelium and its pharmacological basis for application in Alzheimer's disease: Oxidative stress related calcium homeostasis.

The purified polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus fermented mycelium entitled with PHEB was analyzed and it was mainly composed of six glycosidic bonds. It has been confirmed to show the relieving activity against Alzheimer's Disease (AD)- just as behaviors of B6C3-Tg (APPswePSEN1d E9)/Nju double transgenic [Genotype: (Appswe)T, (Psen1) T] (APP/PS1) mice. Six-week PHEB administration significantly improved the cognitive behavior of mice. Brain injury, amyloid beta deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation were alleviated in PHEB-treated AD mice without changes in other tissues. PHEB alleviated the oxidative stress in brains of AD mice via regulation the Nrf2 and its downstream kinase, which further improved the cholinergic system function. Proteomics and bioinformatics analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of PHEB is achieved by regulating calcium homeostasis mediated by oxidative stress. Furthermore, PHEB regulated the CaMK II/IV to achieve the calcium homeostasis in brains; and ultimately to show the anti-AD property. • The polysaccharide (PHEB) is first purified from Hericium erinaceus mycelium. • Clear structure of PHEB with the molecular weight of 36.1 kDa has been confirmed. • PHEB has the anti-Alzheimer's disease activities in APP/PS1 mice. • Oxidative stress-mediated calcium homeostasis is related to anti-AD effect of PHEB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]