Natural products – Page 2

Strategy of employing plug-and-play vectors and LC–MS screening to facilitate the discovery of natural products using Aspergillus oryzae

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Researchers developed new tools to make it faster and easier to discover useful compounds from fungi. They created improved genetic vectors that allow scientists to insert multiple genes into Aspergillus oryzae more conveniently, and developed a quick screening method using mass spectrometry to identify successful transformants directly on culture plates. This approach saves about 10 days compared to traditional methods, significantly accelerating the discovery of new natural products with potential medical and agricultural applications.

Phytochemical Composition and Wound Healing Properties of Echinacea angustifolia DC. Root Hydroalcoholic Extract

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Echinacea angustifolia, a traditional medicinal plant, was studied for its wound-healing abilities using laboratory tests. Scientists found that the plant extract contains powerful antioxidant compounds, particularly one called echinacoside, and can help skin cells move and multiply to close wounds faster. The extract also reduces inflammation and protects cells from damage, supporting its long-standing traditional use for treating wounds and burns.

mGem: How many fungal secondary metabolites are produced by filamentous fungi? Conservatively, at least 1.4 million

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Scientists have discovered about 30,000 fungal compounds with useful properties, from life-saving antibiotics like penicillin to cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, new research suggests that fungi actually produce somewhere between 1.4 million and 4.3 million different chemical compounds, meaning we’ve only discovered about 1-2% of what’s out there. By studying the genomes of fungi, researchers estimate that for every fungal medicine we know about, there could be 50-100 more waiting to be discovered, representing an enormous opportunity for developing new drugs and therapies.

Extraction and Identification of the Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Curvularia inaequalis, an Endophytic Fungus Collected in Iran from Echium khuzistanicum Mozaff

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Researchers discovered a fungus living inside an Iranian medicinal plant that produces three natural compounds with powerful antimicrobial properties. The most promising compound, phomalactone, killed dangerous bacteria including MRSA and also prevented growth of fungal plant diseases. This discovery shows that exploring symbiotic fungi in medicinal plants could lead to new natural antibiotics and agricultural fungicides.

Introduction to Traditional Medicine and Their Role in Prevention and Treatment of Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases

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This article explores how traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine can help prevent and treat infectious diseases, including COVID-19. These ancient healing systems use natural herbs and lifestyle changes to boost immunity and fight infections more holistically. Scientific evidence shows that natural compounds like curcumin from turmeric have real antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. By combining traditional knowledge with modern research, we may develop better treatments for emerging diseases.

Anticancer Activity of Demethylincisterol A3 and Related Incisterol-Type Fungal Products

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This review examines a special group of fungal compounds called incisterols, with focus on demethylincisterol A3 (DM-A3), which shows promise as a cancer-fighting agent. DM-A3 works through multiple mechanisms: it blocks cancer cell growth pathways, inhibits specific cancer-promoting proteins, and has anti-inflammatory effects. The compound has shown strong activity against various cancer types in laboratory and animal studies, making it a candidate for further development as a potential cancer therapy.

Isolation, identification, and production optimization of natural functional pigments produced by Talaromyces atroroseus LWT-1

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Researchers isolated a special fungus called Talaromyces atroroseus that produces natural red pigments with cancer-fighting properties. These pigments killed cancer cells in laboratory tests while actually helping normal cells grow, which is an ideal combination for therapeutic potential. By optimizing growing conditions, scientists found they can produce large quantities of these pigments efficiently, offering a safe, natural alternative to synthetic dyes for food and cosmetic products.

Deletion of bZIP Transcription Factor PratfA Reveals Specialized Metabolites Potentially Regulating Stress Response in Penicillium raistrickii

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Scientists discovered that a protein called PratfA controls the production of protective compounds in a fungus (Penicillium raistrickii) that help it survive stress. By removing this protein, they found two new natural products, including one with an unusual structure. The fungus without PratfA became very sensitive to oxidative stress and couldn’t survive well, showing that this protein is important for both making protective compounds and surviving harsh conditions.

Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract prevents histopathological alterations in liver induced by environmental toxicant Microcystin

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This research shows that Chaga mushroom extract can protect the liver from damage caused by microcystin, a toxic chemical produced by cyanobacteria in water. When mice were exposed to microcystin, their livers became damaged, but treating them with Chaga mushroom extract restored normal liver function and prevented cell death. The study suggests Chaga mushroom could be used as a natural supplement to prevent liver toxicity from environmental pollutants.

Optimization of triterpenoids biosynthesis in Athelia termitophila as a source of natural products

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Researchers optimized growing conditions for a parasitic termite fungus called Athelia termitophila to produce more triterpenoids, which are medicinal compounds with health benefits. By systematically testing different nutrients and fermentation parameters, they increased triterpenoid production by 1.9 times and fungal biomass by 1.66 times. This breakthrough makes it more practical and cost-effective to produce these natural compounds for use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

Research Keyword: Natural products