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newest 2023spec sheet11 rows
Hericenone B is an aromatic compound from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus notable not for neurotrophic activity but for a distinct cardiovascular action: it is a selective inhibitor of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. In washed rabbit and human platelets it blocked aggregation triggered by collagen while leaving other agonists such as ADP, thrombin and arachidonic acid unaffected, pointing to a novel antithrombotic mechanism. It is investigated as a lead for preventing thrombotic vascular events.
- Selectively inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation
- Novel antithrombotic mechanism distinct from aspirin
- Active in human as well as rabbit platelets
- Adds a cardiovascular dimension to Lion's Mane pharmacology
- Present in an edible, food-safe mushroom
- Antiplatelet action could add to bleeding risk in theory
- Caution relevant with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
- No dedicated human safety data for the isolate
Overview
Hericenone B is one of the phenolic constituents of the Hericium erinaceus fruiting body. Unlike the NGF-inducing hericenones C through H, its best-characterized activity is antiplatelet. In a dedicated study, ethanol extract of Hericium erinaceus potently inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and bioassay-guided fractionation identified hericenone B as the active component [1].
The selectivity of this action is its most interesting feature. Hericenone B inhibited aggregation induced by collagen but did not suppress aggregation triggered by the thromboxane analogue U46619, ADP, thrombin, adrenaline, arachidonic acid, or the GPVI agonist convulxin. This pattern led the investigators to conclude that hericenone B blocks collagen signaling downstream of integrin alpha2/beta1 and upstream of arachidonic acid release, a mechanism distinct from aspirin and other common antiplatelet agents. The effect was reproduced in human as well as rabbit platelets [1].
Because abnormal platelet aggregation on collagen-exposed vessel walls drives thrombosis in myocardial infarction and stroke, hericenone B is positioned in the literature as a potential lead for antithrombotic therapy with a novel selectivity profile. It contributes a cardiovascular dimension to the Lion's Mane pharmacological repertoire that is separate from the mushroom's better-known neurotrophic reputation [2][3]. Evidence remains preclinical and ex vivo.
- Among the hericenones, hericenone B is the odd one out: its standout activity is thinning-adjacent platelet inhibition, not nerve growth factor induction.
- It blocks only collagen-triggered platelet clumping and leaves other clotting triggers alone, a selectivity that sets it apart from aspirin.
- The same selective action was seen in both rabbit and human platelets.
Mechanism
Hericenone B selectively inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation, appearing to block collagen signaling downstream of the integrin alpha2/beta1 collagen receptor and upstream of arachidonic acid release. It does not inhibit aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, thromboxane analogue, adrenaline, arachidonic acid or the GPVI convulxin, indicating a mechanism distinct from cyclooxygenase inhibitors and receptor antagonists.
receptor fingerprint
Collagen-induced platelet aggregationSelectively inhibits
Integrin alpha2/beta1 collagen signalingBlocks downstream of receptor, upstream of arachidonic acid release
Other platelet agonists (ADP, thrombin, TXA2, GPVI)No inhibition
Dosingtypical ranges, not medical advice
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Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
Hericenone B is a natural constituent of the edible Hericium erinaceus fruiting body, which is well tolerated as a food and supplement. Its specific antiplatelet activity is the main theoretical caution: concentrated intake could in principle add to bleeding tendency, so relevance is greatest for individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs or with bleeding disorders. Dedicated human toxicology for the isolated compound is unavailable, and use in pregnancy or around surgery is uncharacterized.
History
Hericenone B was among the hericenones described from Hericium erinaceus fruiting body in the early 1990s. Its antiplatelet activity was established in a 2010 phytomedicine study that used bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract to isolate it as the collagen-selective inhibitor, adding a cardiovascular chapter to the mushroom's pharmacology.
Reputation
Hericenone B is a lesser-known member of the hericenone family, recognized by researchers specifically for its selective antiplatelet action rather than for cognitive benefits. It is viewed as a mechanistically interesting antithrombotic lead rather than a mainstream supplement ingredient.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
A neat piece of Lion's Mane pharmacology and nothing you can act on: it exists as a minor constituent of the fruiting body, with no isolated product, no human dose and no human safety data. The one practical note is theoretical, that its antiplatelet action could add to bleeding risk on anticoagulants.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2010first citedInhibitory effect of hericenone B from Hericium erinaceus on collagen-induced platelet aggregat…
- 2023most recentNeurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus
- 1.Inhibitory effect of hericenone B from Hericium erinaceus on collagen-induced platelet aggregation
- 2.Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus
- 3.Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines
3 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Does hericenone B help with memory?
It is not a notable NGF inducer. Its documented activity is selective inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, a cardiovascular rather than cognitive effect.
How is its antiplatelet action different from aspirin?
Aspirin blocks cyclooxygenase and thromboxane broadly; hericenone B selectively blocks the collagen pathway downstream of the alpha2/beta1 integrin, leaving other agonists unaffected.
Should I avoid Lion's Mane if I take blood thinners?
Whole Lion's Mane is a common food, but anyone on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy should discuss concentrated extracts with a clinician given hericenone B's activity.
Is hericenone B sold on its own?
No, it is a minor fruiting-body constituent and a research isolate, not a standalone product.
What pairs well or poorly with it?
It fits within cardiovascular-oriented mushroom use, but combining concentrated antiplatelet compounds with other blood-thinning agents warrants medical caution rather than casual stacking.
Limitations of the evidence
- Use around surgery or in pregnancy uncharacterized
Adverse effects
- Antiplatelet action could add to bleeding risk in theory
- Caution relevant with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
- No dedicated human safety data for the isolate