Researchers in Korea discovered three species of fungi living inside a brown seaweed called Dictyopteris pacifica. These fungi were previously unknown in Korea and were identified using genetic analysis. The fungi have mutualistic relationships with the seaweed and may produce compounds useful for medicines and treating diseases.
This comprehensive review examines toxic compounds called α-pyrones that are produced by disease-causing fungi affecting crops and plants. These compounds act as natural poisons that help fungi damage plants, but interestingly, they also have potential medical uses including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties. Researchers have studied how the chemical structure of these compounds relates to their toxicity, which could help develop new herbicides for weed control and treatments for various diseases. The review covers dozens of these compounds and their applications in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.
Researchers discovered that when two types of ocean fungi grow together, one of them produces a protective chemical called alternariol that can kill bacteria and cancer cells. This happens because the fungi recognize each other as competitors and trigger special stress signals that activate defensive chemical production. Interestingly, fungi from the ocean respond differently than those from land, suggesting they have evolved unique survival strategies for harsh marine environments.
This comprehensive review explores how diverse organisms like plants, fungi, and marine creatures produce remarkable chemical compounds for survival and defense. These natural products have inspired many modern medicines, but scientists now understand that the chemical diversity comes not just from the organisms themselves but from their ecological interactions and environmental challenges. By studying how these chemicals are made and what triggers their production, researchers can discover new drugs and medicines while protecting the ecosystems that generate them.
This comprehensive review examines fungal polysaccharides, which are complex sugar molecules found in mushrooms and fungi that have powerful health benefits. Researchers describe how to grow and extract these compounds from various fungi, and explain their uses in treating diseases like cancer, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. The review covers different growing and extraction methods used worldwide and discusses future directions for using these natural compounds in medicine and industry.
Scientists discovered a mushroom species called Ganoderma ellipsoideum in Vietnam that shows promise in fighting breast cancer. When tested on cancer cells in the laboratory, extracts from this mushroom killed cancer cells effectively. Computer modeling showed that compounds from this mushroom fit perfectly into and block proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. This discovery suggests the mushroom could be a natural source for developing new cancer drugs.
Scientists are using special fungi called pycnidial fungi to create tiny nanoparticles that could revolutionize medicine and environmental cleanup. These fungi naturally produce chemicals that can turn metal into useful nanoparticles without the toxic processes used in factories. The resulting nanoparticles show promise in fighting bacteria, cancer cells, and cleaning polluted water, offering a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods.
Ganoderma neo-japonicum, known as purple Lingzhi, is a mushroom traditionally used by indigenous communities in Malaysia and other Asian countries to treat various health conditions. This review examines 36 scientific studies published between 1991 and 2021, showing that the mushroom contains special compounds that can fight cancer cells, lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. While laboratory studies show promising results, the mushroom still needs more clinical testing in humans before it can be widely used as a medicine.