Date of Publication

7-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Behavioral Neurobiology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Jowi Tsidkenu P. Cruz
Gian Paolo O. Bernardo

Defense Panel Chair

Bridget B. Co-Arellano

Defense Panel Member

Roberto M. Demigillo, Jr
Brian M. Limson

Abstract (English)

This study examined the dose-dependent effects of erinacine A, a bioactive diterpenoid derived from Hericium erinaceus, on cognitive performance and anxiety-like behavior in male ICR mice. Guided by the Arousal Theory of Motivation, the research aimed to determine how varying doses modulate internal arousal states and influence behavioral outcomes. Mice were orally administered 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg of erinacine A over two days. Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Multiple T-Maze (MTM), while anxiety-like behavior was evaluated through the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). Behavioral results suggested a biphasic, U-shaped dose-response profile. In the MTM, the 400 mg/kg group demonstrated the most consistent performance across trials, while the 800 mg/kg group showed a significant reduction in incorrect decisions (p = 0.027) but also reduced correct decisions, suggesting disengagement at higher doses. In the EPM, the 400 mg/kg dose corresponded to a greater open-arm engagement and locomotor activity, indicative of lower anxiety-like behavior, though group differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that moderate doses of erinacine A may optimize behavioral performance by modulating arousal within a functional range. The study supports the potential of erinacine A as a cognitive and emotional modulator and provides a foundation for future research integrating neurochemical assays and larger sample sizes.

Keywords: Erinacine A, Hericium erinaceus, arousal theory, cognitive performance, anxiety-like behavior, Multiple T-Maze, Elevated Plus Maze, dose-response

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Hericium erinaceus; Dose-response relationship (Biochemistry)

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Embargo Period

9-3-2025

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