Disease: gastrointestinal disorders

Prebiotic property of tamarind seed kernel on Bifidobacterium animalis growth and biofilm formation

This study shows that tamarind seed kernel powder acts as a prebiotic, which are foods that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. The research found that this powder promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis, a helpful probiotic bacteria, and helps it form protective biofilms that adhere to intestinal walls. The tamarind seed powder actually worked better than inulin, a commonly used prebiotic, particularly at higher concentrations.

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Advancing Pistacia terebinthus L. (Anacardiaceae) Research: Food Preservation, Functional Foods, and Nutraceutical Potential

The turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus L.) is a Mediterranean plant traditionally used in food and medicine that is now being studied for modern food applications. Its fruits, seeds, leaves, and resin contain powerful compounds that fight bacteria, reduce oxidative stress, and promote health. Scientists are developing new techniques like microencapsulation and fermentation to preserve its beneficial properties in functional foods, yogurt, and other products. This underutilized plant could become an important natural ingredient for food preservation and health supplements.

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Assessment of the Impact of Metals in Wild Edible Mushrooms from Dambovita County, Romania, on Human Health

This study examined 18 types of wild mushrooms commonly eaten in Romania to measure their metal content. Researchers found that while mushrooms provide important minerals like iron and zinc, some species accumulate harmful metals like cadmium and chromium. Children are at greater risk from eating these mushrooms than adults because their smaller bodies absorb proportionally more of the contaminants. Some mushroom species pose significant cancer risks from metal exposure.

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Mycotoxin contamination in Malawi: A systematic review of progress and trends in contamination, knowledge, attitude, and practices

This review examines mycotoxin (toxic mold) contamination in Malawi and found that most people—farmers, traders, and health workers—don’t know about these dangerous substances or how to prevent them. Although groundnuts and maize are well-studied, other commonly eaten foods like dried fish and mushrooms have been largely ignored in research. Despite years of efforts to educate communities, awareness remains critically low at about 24.5%, and poverty often forces people to eat contaminated food because it’s cheaper.

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Design and Evaluation of a Inonotus obliquus–AgNP–Maltodextrin Delivery System: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Potential

Researchers studied Chaga mushroom from Romania and developed new ways to package and deliver its beneficial compounds using silver nanoparticles and a food-safe ingredient called maltodextrin. These new delivery systems were designed to work better in the body by improving how well the mushroom’s active ingredients dissolve and stay stable. Testing showed these enhanced formulations were very effective at fighting bacteria, protecting cells from damage, and killing cancer cells.

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Green Valorization Strategies of Pleurotus ostreatus and Its By-Products: A Critical Review of Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Applications

Oyster mushrooms generate large amounts of agricultural waste including stems, leftover plant material, and spent growing substrate. These waste products contain many healthy compounds like fiber, β-glucans, and antioxidants that are usually thrown away. Scientists are developing new extraction technologies using ultrasound, microwaves, and other methods to recover these beneficial compounds from mushroom waste for use in functional foods like meat products, baked goods, and dairy items, reducing waste while creating healthier food ingredients.

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