Effects of Edible Mushrooms on the Behavior of Rats and Mice: A Systematic Review

Research highlights the health benefits of edible mushrooms, from immune support to potential mental health improvements. However, up to the present moment, no study has systematically gathered and examined these findings. Therefore, to consolidate and discuss the available evidence on their behavioral effects in animal models, a systematic review was conducted. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the effects of edible mushroom consumption on rat and mouse behavior. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted, covering studies available up to November 2025 across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. A total of 35 studies met the eligibility criteria. Among the included studies, Hericium erinaceus was the most investigated species, with alcoholic extracts commonly used. China led research in this field, and treatment durations typically ranged from 21 to 30 days. The findings indicate that edible mushrooms may exhibit antidepressant‐like properties, enhance memory and learning, improve balance and motor coordination, and contribute to neuroprotection and social behavior. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrated beneficial behavioral effects; however, the lack of studies reporting nonsignificant results suggests a potential publication bias that warrants further investigation.