White-rot fungi are special mushrooms that can break down wood and produce unique chemical compounds with amazing health benefits. These compounds have been found to fight cancer, kill harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Scientists are excited about using these natural fungal compounds to create new medicines and treat various diseases in the future.
This study compared growing the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma tsugae on sterilized versus non-sterilized larch wood in a forest setting. Researchers found that non-sterilized wood actually produced mushrooms with higher levels of beneficial compounds like triterpenoids and polysaccharides, while requiring less processing and cost. These findings suggest that farmers can use a simpler, less expensive cultivation method while still producing high-quality medicinal mushrooms.
Scientists studied a mushroom called Ganoderma orbiforme that normally harms oil palm trees to see if it could be useful as medicine. They grew the mushroom in a special bioreactor and extracted beneficial substances called polysaccharides. These substances showed promise as natural antibiotics and antioxidants while being safe for use based on safety testing with fish embryos.
Researchers developed a new method to produce medicinal polysaccharides from a Cordyceps fungus using tiny talc particles to improve fermentation. By adding the right amount and size of talc particles, they were able to produce significantly more polysaccharides with beneficial health properties. The method works well in large-scale bioreactors and could be used to produce these valuable medicinal compounds more efficiently.
Fermentation is an ancient food preparation method that science is rediscovering as a powerful tool for making foods more nutritious and safer to eat. By using specific bacteria and fungi to ferment various foods like soybeans, grains, and vegetables, researchers have found that fermentation increases the availability of vitamins and minerals our bodies can absorb, reduces harmful compounds in foods, and helps preserve them naturally. This technology also offers sustainable solutions by making use of overlooked crops and reducing food waste, all while potentially lowering salt content in traditionally salty foods.
Orange peels, which make up half the weight of oranges, are usually thrown away but contain valuable compounds beneficial for health. Scientists have found that these peels are rich in phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support gut health. New methods are being developed to extract and use these beneficial compounds in food products, creating a more sustainable and waste-free approach to the citrus industry.
Haematococcus pluvialis is a tiny green algae that produces astaxanthin, a powerful natural antioxidant that gives it a bright red color when stressed. Beyond astaxanthin, this microalga is rich in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins, making it useful for creating functional foods and supplements. Researchers are developing better ways to grow this algae and extract its beneficial compounds using environmentally friendly methods, with potential applications in foods ranging from beverages to meat alternatives.
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.
Researchers created a new type of pasta by mixing regular wheat pasta with powdered Cardoncello mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii). The mushroom-enriched pasta contains significantly more fiber and antioxidants than regular pasta while maintaining good taste and texture. The product can be labeled as ‘high in fiber’ and shows promise for supporting digestive health through prebiotic effects, making it a healthier option for Mediterranean diet followers.
Scientists studied how to grow medicinal mushrooms in liquid bioreactors to produce health-beneficial compounds called glucans more efficiently. By testing different feeding rates in specially designed fermentation systems, they found that Trametes versicolor (turkey tail mushroom) grows best at a moderate feeding rate, producing substantial amounts of glucans—compounds known to support immune function and reduce blood sugar levels. This research shows that growing medicinal mushrooms in controlled bioreactors could be much more efficient and faster than traditional farming methods.