β-glucans – mycolab.ai

Characterisation and Hypolipidaemic Effects of Tlayudas, Widely Consumed Tortillas, Containing Ganoderma lucidum Extracts on an In Vivo Model of Hypercholesterolaemia

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Researchers created an improved version of tlayudas, a traditional Mexican tortilla, by adding extracts from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. When mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet with these enhanced tlayudas, they experienced significant reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides comparable to or better than pharmaceutical treatments. These functional foods could help Mexican communities reduce their risk of heart disease and other health problems related to diet.

Harnessing mushrooms for poultry nutrition: Boosting health, immunity, and productivity

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Mushrooms and mushroom stems are emerging as natural feed additives that can significantly improve poultry health, growth, and egg/meat quality while reducing the need for antibiotics. These fungi contain beneficial compounds that boost immune function, reduce harmful bacteria, and protect against cellular damage. By using mushroom byproducts that are typically discarded, farmers can create more sustainable and environmentally friendly poultry production systems while improving overall bird health and productivity.

Bioactive Metabolites from the Fruiting Body and Mycelia of Newly-Isolated Oyster Mushroom and Their Effect on Smooth Muscle Contractile Activity

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Researchers isolated a new oyster mushroom strain and studied how it affects digestive system health. They compared the fruiting body and mycelium (root-like structure) and found that water extracts of the fruiting body were rich in beneficial compounds like β-glucans and antioxidants. When tested on stomach muscle tissue, these extracts caused muscle contractions in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting potential benefits for digestive function. This discovery could lead to new natural supplements supporting gut health.

Fungal β-Glucans Enhance Lactic Acid Bacteria Growth by Shortening Their Lag Phase and Increasing Growth Rate

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Researchers tested whether extracts from common edible mushrooms like oyster and shiitake could help beneficial bacteria in the gut grow better. They found that these mushroom extracts, particularly their β-glucan components, helped probiotic bacteria start growing faster and grow more quickly. Importantly, the extracts did not help harmful bacteria grow, making them promising candidates for developing healthier food supplements that support gut health.

Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production—A Review

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Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Shiitake contain powerful compounds that may help fight cancer, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. These mushrooms are low in calories and can be added to everyday foods like bread, pasta, and meat products to boost their nutritional value. While promising, more research is needed to confirm how much people should consume and whether they interact safely with medications.

The Emerging Role of Oyster Mushrooms as a Functional Food for Complementary Cancer Therapy

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Oyster mushrooms contain special compounds that may help fight cancer and boost the immune system. These mushrooms have antioxidants and other natural chemicals that can slow cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cells to die. When combined with standard cancer treatments, oyster mushroom supplements might improve quality of life and reduce side effects. More research is needed, but oyster mushrooms show promise as an affordable, natural addition to cancer treatment plans.

Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential

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Maitake mushrooms, long used in Asian traditional medicine, contain powerful compounds that may help fight cancer, support immune function, manage blood sugar, and protect skin health. Research shows they can inhibit bacterial and viral infections, reduce tumor growth in various cancer types, and improve overall metabolic health. These mushrooms can be incorporated into food-based supplements and skincare products. While promising results have been seen in laboratory and animal studies, more human clinical trials are needed to fully understand their benefits and safety.

Innovative applications of medicinal mushrooms in functional foods and nutraceuticals: a focus on health-boosting beverages

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This comprehensive review explores how medicinal mushrooms are being transformed into health-boosting beverages like coffees, teas, and energy drinks. Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that support immunity, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and enhance brain function. As consumers increasingly seek natural health alternatives, mushroom beverages are emerging as a major market trend, combining ancient wellness traditions with modern science to create convenient, tasty drinks that genuinely benefit health.

Fortifying a meal with oyster mushroom powder beneficially affects postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1, non-esterified free fatty acids and hunger sensation in adults with impaired glucose tolerance: a double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial

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This study tested whether adding powdered oyster mushrooms to a meal could help people with impaired glucose tolerance manage their blood sugar and appetite. While the mushroom powder didn’t reduce blood glucose spikes as expected, it did lower fat levels in the blood, increase a hormone that promotes fullness, and reduced hunger. The results suggest that adding oyster mushroom powder to meals could be a simple dietary change that helps prevent diabetes and weight gain.

Heat Treatment of Reishi Medicinal Mushroom (Ganoderma lingzhi) Basidiocarp Enhanced Its β-glucan Solubility, Antioxidant Capacity and Lactogenic Properties

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This study shows that heating dried Reishi mushrooms at 150°C for 20 minutes improves their health benefits. The heat treatment increases antioxidant compounds, makes the beneficial β-glucans more available, and enhances prebiotic effects that feed good gut bacteria while suppressing harmful bacteria. These findings suggest that properly heated Reishi mushroom products could be more effective as functional food ingredients without losing their medicinal properties.

Research Keyword: β-glucans