Research Keyword: enzyme inhibition

Seaweed Protein Hydrolyzates: A Valuable Source of Short- and Medium-Chain Peptides with Multifunctional Properties

Scientists found that an invasive seaweed species can be converted into health-promoting peptides (small protein fragments) that may help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The study identified hundreds of these peptides and tested their effectiveness against enzymes involved in hypertension and diabetes. The peptides showed promise as natural ingredients for functional foods designed to prevent metabolic diseases while also addressing the environmental problem of harmful seaweed blooms.

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Ganoderma lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom)-Induced Acute Liver Injury in the Setting of Alcohol Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 47-year-old man developed severe liver inflammation after consuming Reishi mushroom powder while drinking large amounts of vodka over three days. Although Reishi mushrooms are commonly promoted as healthy supplements, in this case the combination with alcohol caused his liver enzymes to spike dangerously high. The patient recovered after hospital treatment, but the case highlights that even natural supplements can be harmful, especially when combined with alcohol. This raises concerns that more research is needed on how mushroom supplements interact with other substances people consume.

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Hypoglycemic Properties of Leccinum scabrum Extracts—An In Vitro Study on α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition and Metabolic Profile Determination

Researchers tested birch bolete mushrooms (Leccinum scabrum) for diabetes-fighting properties. They found that extracts from this edible mushroom were exceptionally effective at blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates, potentially helping control blood sugar levels. The study identified key beneficial compounds including healthy fats and plant alkaloids, suggesting the mushroom could become a functional food or dietary supplement for managing type-2 diabetes.

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Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) in the Screening of Botanicals–Its Versatile Potential and Selected Applications

This review shows how thin-layer chromatography (TLC), a simple laboratory technique, is invaluable for analyzing plant materials. TLC helps scientists identify which plants are related to each other, find beneficial compounds in herbs, ensure herbal medicines are pure and safe, and track illegal psychoactive plants. Despite being less glamorous than modern equipment, TLC remains practical, affordable, and effective for everyday botanical analysis.

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Effects of Thifluzamide Treatment on the Production of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes in Rhizoctonia solani and Phenylpropane Metabolism in Pear Fruit

A new fungicide called thifluzamide was tested on pear fruits infected with a fungus that causes rot. The fungicide works in two ways: it stops the fungus from producing enzymes that break down plant cell walls, and it boosts the pear’s natural defense system by increasing protective compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. This dual action makes thifluzamide a promising treatment for preventing fruit rot during storage and transport.

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Synthesis and bioactivity of psilocybin analogues containing a stable carbon–phosphorus bond

Researchers created new chemical versions of psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) that cannot be broken down by the body’s natural enzymes in the same way. They tested these new compounds to see if they could help with depression and anxiety by targeting specific brain receptors. The best compound worked well on the intended brain receptors but importantly showed less activity on a heart-related receptor, potentially making it safer than natural psilocybin.

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Seagrass Enhalus acoroides extract mitigates obesity and diabetes via GLP-1, PPARγ, SREBP-1c modulation and gut microbiome restoration in diabetic zebrafish

Researchers tested a seagrass extract called Enhalus acoroides on diabetic zebrafish and found it effectively reduced body weight and blood sugar levels, performing as well or better than metformin, a common diabetes medication. The extract worked by activating genes that promote glucose metabolism and reducing genes that promote fat storage. Importantly, the extract also restored healthy gut bacteria balance, which appears to play a key role in its therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that seagrass could be developed into a natural supplement or functional food to help treat obesity and diabetes.

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From natural laboratory to drug discovery: Chemical structures, bioactivities, and biosynthesis of meroterpenoids from Ganoderma species

This review examines special compounds called meroterpenoids found in Ganoderma mushrooms (commonly known as Reishi). Scientists have identified over 350 of these compounds from 14 different Ganoderma species. These compounds show promise for treating various health conditions including cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders. The researchers also propose how these compounds are made inside the mushroom, which could help scientists produce them more efficiently for medical use.

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The Molecular Mechanism of Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in Improving Hyperuricemia by Regulating Key Targets of Uric Acid Metabolism in Mice

This research demonstrates that a traditional Chinese medicinal plant called Polygonatum cyrtonema contains beneficial polysaccharides that can help lower high uric acid levels in the blood, which is a major cause of gout and kidney disease. The study found that these polysaccharides work by reducing the enzyme that produces uric acid and helping the kidneys excrete more of it, while also reducing inflammation. Importantly, this natural treatment protected kidney tissue better than the standard pharmaceutical drug allopurinol, suggesting it could be a safer long-term option for managing high uric acid levels.

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Novel acid trehalase belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 37 from Pleurotus sp.: cloning, expression and characterization

Scientists discovered a new enzyme in Pleurotus mushrooms that breaks down trehalose, a special sugar that mushrooms use for growth and survival. This enzyme is unusual because it works in acidic conditions and belongs to a family of enzymes (GH37) that was previously thought only to contain neutral trehalases. The researchers cloned and produced this enzyme in laboratory yeast, then tested its properties to understand how it functions. This discovery helps explain how mushrooms manage their sugar metabolism during growth and decay.

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