Parkinson’s disease – Page 2

Dietary live microbe intake and its association with Parkinson’s disease in American adults: an NHANES analysis (1999–2018)

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This study found that eating more foods rich in live microbes—like fermented products (yogurt, kimchi) and fresh fruits and vegetables—is associated with lower rates of Parkinson’s disease in American adults. The protective effect was strongest in people without obesity. The live microbes appear to work by maintaining a healthy gut environment, reducing inflammation, and protecting nerve cells from damage. This suggests that regular consumption of microbe-rich foods from nature might be a simple, inexpensive way to help prevent or slow Parkinson’s disease.

Biological studies of clavine alkaloids targeting CNS receptors

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This paper reviews clavine alkaloids, a class of natural compounds from ergot fungi that show promise as psychiatric medications. Unlike well-known psychedelics like LSD, clavine alkaloids may provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety and depression without strong hallucinogenic effects. The authors highlight how these compounds interact with brain receptors in ways that could make them safer and more effective medications for treating mood and neurological disorders.

Prebiotic and Functional Fibers from Micro- and Macroalgae: Gut Microbiota Modulation, Health Benefits, and Food Applications

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Seaweed and other algae contain special fibers called polysaccharides that act like fertilizer for beneficial bacteria in your gut. When these good bacteria ferment these algal fibers, they produce substances called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health, boost immunity, and help control blood sugar and weight. These algae-based fibers are sustainable alternatives to synthetic prebiotics and can be added to foods and supplements.

Edible mushrooms as emerging biofactories for natural therapeutics and oral biopharmaceutical delivery

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Mushrooms are emerging as natural medicine factories that can be genetically engineered to produce medications taken by mouth. Beyond their traditional use as health foods, scientists are now using advanced genetic techniques to program mushrooms to manufacture therapeutic proteins and vaccines. These engineered mushrooms can naturally package and protect these medications as they pass through the stomach, releasing them safely in the intestines for absorption. This approach offers a sustainable, affordable, and cold-chain-independent alternative to conventional injected medications.

Psychotomimetic compensation versus sensitization

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This paper proposes a new way to understand why drugs that can cause psychosis-like effects (such as psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine) can also help treat depression and anxiety. The authors suggest that these drugs trigger compensatory responses in the brain that temporarily help us cope with stress, similar to how a runner’s high feels good during exercise. However, if someone uses these drugs repeatedly or experiences chronic stress, they may become sensitized and more vulnerable to developing actual psychotic symptoms over time.

A Review of Novel Antioxidant Ergothioneine: Biosynthesis Pathways, Production, Function and Food Applications

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Ergothioneine is a powerful natural antioxidant found mainly in mushrooms that protects cells from damage and may help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Currently, producing ergothioneine from mushrooms is expensive and slow, but scientists have developed faster fermentation methods using engineered microbes that could make it cheaper and more available. This compound can be added to foods and supplements to boost health benefits, and researchers are exploring its use beyond seafood to other food products like meat and baked goods.

The central role of the Thalamus in psychosis, lessons from neurodegenerative diseases and psychedelics

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This paper explores how the thalamus, a key brain structure controlling attention and perception, malfunctions in Parkinson’s disease and similar neurological conditions, causing hallucinations and delusions. Interestingly, these symptoms resemble the altered mental states produced by psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin. By studying both conditions together, researchers found that a common mechanism called thalamocortical dysrhythmia disrupts how the brain filters information and processes reality, offering new insights for treating psychotic symptoms.

Investigating the Neuroprotective, Hepatoprotective, and Antimicrobial Effects of Mushroom Extracts

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This study examined four types of edible mushrooms to see if they could protect against aging and fight harmful bacteria. Researchers gave mice an aging-inducing substance and then treated them with mushroom extracts. The mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), helped prevent brain and liver damage, reduced inflammation, and showed antibacterial effects against multiple bacterial strains. These findings suggest mushrooms could be useful natural supplements to promote health and combat age-related decline.

Proteins from Edible Mushrooms: Nutritional Role and Contribution to Well-Being

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Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses containing as much high-quality protein as meat and soybeans, with complete amino acid profiles needed for human health. Beyond basic nutrition, mushroom proteins possess remarkable healing properties including anti-cancer, immune-boosting, and blood pressure-lowering effects. These sustainable proteins are increasingly used in food fortification, sports supplements, and therapeutic medicines. Growing mushrooms as mycelium or using novel cultivation methods makes protein production faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Antioxidative Activities of Micronized Solid-State Cultivated Hericium erinaceus Rich in Erinacine A against MPTP-Induced Damages

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Researchers tested a processed form of Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) to see if it could protect against Parkinson’s disease-like damage in mice. The mushroom mycelium was specially processed to break down cell walls and increase its effectiveness. When given to mice exposed to a Parkinson’s-causing toxin, the mushroom treatment restored dopamine levels and reduced harmful oxidative stress in the brain and liver in a dose-dependent manner.

Disease: Parkinson's disease