Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in gastrointestinal disorders: Hericium erinaceus in chronic atrophic gastritis

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively explored with various naturally derived compounds as a potential therapeutic agent for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). In addition to the aspects discussed in the reviewed article, this invited commentary explores the initial available evidence on a fungus from TCM, Hericium erinaceus, in the context of CAG. Initial clinical data suggest the potential of this fungus in inducing clinical and histological improvements in patients with CAG, as well as a marked antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori infection. Preclinical cellular evidence also indicates an antineoplastic role in gastric carcinogenesis, mediated by two components: Erinacine A and S. Further evidence is needed to propose this fungus as a potential complementary therapeutic approach for CAG.

Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine; Chronic atrophic gastritis; Hericium erinaceus; Gastrointestinal disorders; Helicobacter pylori

Core Tip: Hericium erinaceus, a medicinal fungus in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown potential in chronic atrophic gastritis. Evidence suggests its anti-inflammatory, anti-Helicobacter pylori, and antineoplastic effects against gastric cancer, underlining its possible role as a complementary therapeutic option for gastrointestinal disorders, including gastric cancer prevention.