Dynamic analysis of terpenoids in Hericium erinaceus liquid-fermented mycelium by non-targeted metabolomics and their mechanisms against Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis

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Abstract

Biosynthetic functional food ingredients represent an innovative strategy within the food industry. The fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus have traditionally been utilized as an adjunctive treatment for gastric ulcers. This study employed liquid culture of H. erinaceus mycelia to examine growth patterns and terpenoid biosynthesis over a period of 0–24 days. Key sampling time points were identified as 3, 6, 12, and 24 days based on mycelial biomass, fermentation broth color, and terpenoid content. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis identified 257 terpenoid metabolites, leading to the establishment of a H. erinaceus liquid-fermented mycelium terpenoid (HELM-T) monomeric compound library. Comprehensive multi-database analysis identified five lead compounds targeting Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis (HPAG) pathogenesis: neoandrographolide, (6S)-dehydrovomifoliol, L-monomenthyl glutarate, bisacurone B, and erinacine C. Core targets included TNF, IL6, AKT1, STAT3, and CASP3. Molecular docking further validated the binding stability of these compounds, supporting the potential development of H. erinaceus-based biosynthetic functional foods. Nonetheless, the anti-HPAG effects necessitate further validation through animal studies.