Fungi naturally produce many compounds that kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review explores how these fungal compounds could replace antibiotics that no longer work due to drug resistance. These natural substances could be used not only as medicines but also in cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth and improve skin health.
This review explores how fungi produce remarkable chemical compounds that have been transformed into important medicines for over a century. Starting with penicillin in the 1940s, scientists have discovered dozens of fungal-derived drugs used to treat infections, prevent organ rejection, lower cholesterol, and fight cancer. Modern technology now allows researchers to discover and analyze these compounds much faster and with smaller samples than ever before.
Veterinary medicines used in livestock are contaminating our water and soil, creating serious problems like antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Scientists are discovering that natural microorganisms like bacteria and fungi can break down these pharmaceutical pollutants effectively. Advanced technologies combining microbes with electrical systems show promise for cleaning up contaminated wastewater, offering hope for a more sustainable solution to this growing environmental problem.