<i>Hericium erinaceus</i> Extracts Exert Gastroprotective Effects Through Modulation of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites

ABSTRACT Hericium erinaceus ( H. erinaceus ) is a traditional edible and medicinal fungus with a long history of use in gastrointestinal protection. Although its therapeutic potential in gastric health has been widely acknowledged, the underlying mechanisms by which it modulates the gut microbiota and affects metabolic profiles in the context of gastric diseases remain incompletely understood. On the basis of the “gut microbiota and metabolites” regulatory network, this study elucidated the mechanism of H. erinaceus extract (HEE) in alleviating ethanol‐induced acute gastric injury. The results showed that HEE alleviated ethanol‐induced acute gastric injury, downregulated 12 (S)‐HETE, and enriched short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing bacteria. Notably, the water extract of H. erinaceus (WEHE) additionally elevated propionic acid. These SCFA‐producing bacteria were positively correlated with propionic acid but negatively correlated with 12 (S)‐HETE. These results suggest that WEHE may enhance the protective effect on the stomach by regulating the “gut microbiota‐metabolites” axis.