Oregano essential oil can effectively prevent blue mold rot in pears without compromising fruit quality. The oil works by damaging the fungal cell membrane, causing it to leak and die. Additionally, the treatment helps pears stay fresher longer by reducing water loss and maintaining firmness, while naturally boosting the fruit’s own defense systems against damage.
This study examined four types of edible mushrooms to see if they could protect against aging and fight harmful bacteria. Researchers gave mice an aging-inducing substance and then treated them with mushroom extracts. The mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), helped prevent brain and liver damage, reduced inflammation, and showed antibacterial effects against multiple bacterial strains. These findings suggest mushrooms could be useful natural supplements to promote health and combat age-related decline.
Researchers tested extracts from three wild edible mushroom species found in Mexican forests for their ability to fight harmful bacteria and fungi. The extracts showed promise against disease-causing microorganisms, with one species particularly effective against agricultural plant pathogens. While the extracts showed moderate toxicity at high doses, the results suggest these mushrooms could be developed into natural pesticides or medicines.
Researchers tested four common essential oils (thyme, oregano, marjoram, and tea tree) to see if they could stop a dangerous fungal disease in spinach plants. They found that thyme and oregano oils worked best at killing the fungus in laboratory tests and when applied to spinach seeds in the greenhouse, with thyme oil reducing disease by over half without harming the plants.
Researchers tested sandalwood compounds against a fungal infection that causes a tropical disease called eumycetoma. Using a laboratory model with wax moth larvae infected with the fungus, they found that a specific compound called (Z)-α-santalol significantly extended the survival of infected larvae. This compound was more effective than current antifungal drugs and showed promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected tropical disease.
Scientists tested combinations of common antifungal medications with special inhibitor drugs that target fungal stress-response systems. When combined, these drugs worked better together against dangerous mold infections like Aspergillus and Rhizopus, especially those that are resistant to standard treatments. The combinations rarely caused harmful interactions and often enhanced the antifungal effects, suggesting this approach could improve treatment of serious mold infections.
Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against Aspergillus fungi that cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients. The drug works by removing zinc that the fungus needs to survive. The study found that nitroxoline was very effective against all tested fungal strains, including those resistant to modern antifungal drugs, suggesting it could potentially be repurposed as a new treatment option.
Researchers developed a new antifungal treatment by loading lawsone (a compound from henna plants) into tiny particles called mesoporous silica nanoparticles. When tested against common fungal infections caused by Candida bacteria, this nano-formulation was more effective than lawsone alone at killing the fungi and breaking down protective biofilm structures. The treatment showed no harm to normal human cells, suggesting it could be a promising natural alternative to treat stubborn fungal infections that resist current antifungal drugs.
Researchers tested tiny copper oxide particles created using plant extracts against a fungus that causes ringworm in dogs and cats. These nanoparticles successfully killed the fungus in laboratory tests, with effectiveness at concentrations ranging from 500-2,000 parts per million. While slightly less effective than current medications, the nanoparticles showed promise as an alternative treatment, especially important as the fungus becomes resistant to traditional drugs.