Protective Effect of Hericium erinaceus and Moringa oleifera against Traumatic Brain Injury in mice via Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality frequently associated with behavioral incapacities including risk of brain atrophy and dementia. People who survived to TBI frequently occurred in long‐term disabilities, changes in sensorimotor function, cognition and personality. Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal mushroom frequently employed in the Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is particularly suitable for the prevention and treatment of pathologies of the central (brain) and peripheral (nerves) nervous system, thanks its ability to promote the formation and repair of damaged nerve cells. Used for centuries, Moringa oleifera has Indian origins and is widespread in tropical and equatorial areas. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and contains a large amount of antioxidant substances. Methods: Therefore, in this paper we evaluated the effects of Hericium erinaceus or Moringa oleifera or Hericium erinaceus plus Moringa oleifera in a mouse model of TBI; Results: In behavioral analysis animals administered with Moringa oleifera and Hericium erinaceus plus Moringa oleifera showed improved the behavioral deficits and motor function induced by TBI. Twenty‐four hours after TBI mice treated with Moringa oleifera and Hericium erinaceus plus Moringa oleifera presented reduced histological damage and acute inflammation (NF‐κB signaling induction, microglia and astrocytes activation and apoptosis induction) and oxidative stress as well (Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione peroxidase).; Conclusions: In conclusion, our study proposed Moringa oleifera and Hericium erinaceus plus Moringa oleifera as possible nutraceutical compounds for the treatment of TBI.