Erinacines are natural substances isolated from Hericium erinaceus. They belong to the group of cyathin diterpenoids (erinacines A-K, P, and Q) and are subjects of pharmacological research.
Erinacine A, isolated from the cultured mycelia of Hericium erinaceus, the main representative of this compounds group, has an enhancing effect on nerve growth factor synthesis in vitro.[1] It also increases catecholamine in the central nervous system of rats.[citation needed]
Erinacine A has also been prepared by total synthesis.[2]
Erinacine E is a kappa opioid receptor agonist.[3]