Researchers have discovered the active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and enhances memory. Professor Frederic Meunier said the team had identified new active compounds from the mushroom, Hericium erinaceus. "Extracts from these so-called 'lion's mane' mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells," Professor Meunier said. "Pre-clinical testing found the lion's mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. "Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from Hericium erinaceus on cultured...