immune function – Page 2

The Role of Plant Extracts in Enhancing Nutrition and Health for Dogs and Cats: Safety, Benefits, and Applications

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This review examines how plant-based supplements like tea extracts, curcumin, and quercetin can improve the health of pet dogs and cats. These natural compounds act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, supporting gut health, immune function, and overall wellness in companion animals. While generally safe when properly dosed, cats and dogs metabolize these compounds differently, requiring species-specific dosing strategies to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Evaluation of the synbiotic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mushroom extract on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and immune status of zebrafish danio rerio

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Researchers tested whether combining a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae with mushroom extract could improve the health and growth of zebrafish. The combination, called a synbiotic, significantly boosted fish growth by over 70%, enhanced their digestive function, and strengthened their immune system. This natural supplement approach shows promise for improving fish farming practices without requiring antibiotics.

Individual and Combined Effect of Zinc-L-Selenomethionine Complex with Mannan-Oligosaccharide on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Gut Development and Immune Response in Broilers

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This study tested whether combining organic selenium and a prebiotic from yeast could improve broiler chicken health without using antibiotics. The researchers fed different groups of chickens either selenium alone, the prebiotic alone, or combinations of both at different levels over 35 days. They found that the combination of higher selenium levels with the prebiotic worked best for improving meat quality, immune system strength and gut health, making it a promising natural alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics in chicken farming.

Bacterial–Fungal Interactions: Mutualism, Antagonism, and Competition

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Bacteria and fungi in animal bodies interact in three main ways: they help each other (mutualism), fight each other (antagonism), or compete for resources. These interactions happen in the gut, rumen, and skin of animals. Understanding how to balance these relationships can help create better probiotics and natural alternatives to antibiotics for treating infections and improving animal health.

Influence of Culture Conditions on Bioactive Compounds in Cordyceps militaris: A Comprehensive Review

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Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine to treat fatigue, boost immunity, and fight disease. This comprehensive review explains how different growing conditions—including the type of food (substrate), light exposure, temperature, and nutrient ratios—affect the production of powerful healing compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides. The review compares growing methods using grains versus insects, showing that insect-based cultivation produces higher concentrations of beneficial compounds. Key recommendations for the future include developing standardized growing protocols and integrating advanced research techniques to scale up production sustainably.

The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating parasitic infections and digestive problems. The research reveals the mushroom’s genetic blueprint, including genes responsible for producing beneficial compounds and adapting to rocky mountain environments. This foundational work aims to enable sustainable cultivation of this rare fungus and development of new medicinal treatments, addressing current conservation threats from over-harvesting.

Effects of Chronic Barley Consumption on Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms in Japanese Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Parallel-Group, Controlled Trial

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This study found that eating cooked waxy barley daily for 8 weeks reduced sneezing and nasal congestion in healthy adults compared to those eating white rice. Participants who ate barley also reported feeling less tired and experienced improved mood. The barley contains a fiber called β-glucan that appears to boost the body’s natural immune cells, helping protect against cold symptoms.

Nuts, vegetables, fruits, and protein dietary pattern during pregnancy is inversely associated with risk of childhood allergies: a case–control study

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This study found that pregnant women who ate more nuts, vegetables, fruits, and protein had children with significantly lower rates of allergies. The research compared the diets of mothers whose children developed allergies to mothers of allergy-free children and discovered that higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid during pregnancy was linked to healthier immune development. The findings suggest that eating a nutrient-rich diet during pregnancy may help protect babies from developing allergies and other immune-related conditions.

Clinical benefits of β-glucan supplementation in children: a review

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This review examines how β-glucan, a natural fiber found in mushrooms, yeast, and grains, can help strengthen children’s immune systems and improve their health. Studies show that β-glucan supplementation may reduce the frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections, improve digestive health, help control blood sugar levels, and support overall development. The evidence suggests that β-glucan could be a valuable dietary supplement for malnourished or immunocompromised children worldwide.

Impact of Phellinus gilvus mycelia on growth, immunity and fecal microbiota in weaned piglets

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Researchers tested whether a medicinal mushroom called Phellinus gilvus could replace antibiotics in pig feed as a growth promoter. Over 28 days, piglets fed mushroom-supplemented diets grew as well as those given antibiotics while showing even better immune system activation. Unlike antibiotics that drastically changed the gut bacteria composition, the mushroom only slightly modified it while still reducing harmful E. coli bacteria. This suggests the mushroom could be a safer alternative to antibiotics in pig farming.

Research Keyword: immune function