Hericium erinaceus extract attenuates gastric mucosal injury via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation and gut microbiota modulation in rats

Hericium erinaceus is a well-known medicinal-edible fungus widely utilized in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aims to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of Hericium erinaceus extract (HEE) on gastric mucosal lesions and to explore the mechanisms underlying its action. HEE was administered by gavage to rats before they were treated with absolute ethanol. Histological examination and assessment of antioxidant capacity demonstrated that HEE significantly alleviated the severity of gastric mucosal injury and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that HEE modulated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. HEE treatment of ethanol injured GES-1 cells showed that HEE reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while simultaneously increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities. Immunoblot results indicated that HEE could activate Nrf2 and increase HO-1 protein expression in vitro. A rat model induced by acetic acid was established to investigate the ability of HEE to treat gastric ulcers. HEE effectively reduced the gastric ulcer area and enhanced gut microbiome diversity. These findings show that Hericium erinaceus extract is a potential therapeutic agent, and its mechanisms for preventing and treating gastric mucosal injury may involve enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating the Nrf2 pathway and modulating gut microbiota. • Verified the gastroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus extract in preventing and treating gastric mucosal injury. • Hericium erinaceus extract may play a gastroprotective role by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. • Hericium erinaceus extract can regulate gut microbiota and increase the abundance of gut probiotics.