ABSTRACT
This chapter gives a brief account of two species namely, Hericium erinaceus and Hericium coralloides, belonging to the family Hericiaceae, that are known for their peculiar appearance and medicinal properties. Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, these medicinal mushrooms have been in use in traditional medicinal systems for treating gut and oxidative stress-related disorders since time immemorial. They produce several bioactive phytochemicals such as hericenones, erinacines, hericerins, erinarols, 2,6-diethylpyrazine, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, corallocin, along with a wide range of nutrients. These compounds exhibit therapeutic effects on many physiological systems of the body such as the digestive, immune, and nervous system. In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed their potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, anticholesterolemic, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. However, these endangered spp. face numerous threats in the form of over-exploitation, climate change, and destruction of their natural habitats. Hence, urgent conservation measures are needed to protect their population from further deterioration.
