phytochemistry – Page 2

Harnessing the Nutritional Value, Therapeutic Applications, and Environmental Impact of Mushrooms

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Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and special compounds that fight disease. They can help prevent and manage serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes while supporting overall health and immunity. Beyond the kitchen, mushrooms are being developed into medicines and cosmetic products. Growing and using mushrooms also helps the environment by creating sustainable alternatives to traditional medicines and animal feeds.

Emerging paradigms for target discovery of traditional medicines: A genome-wide pan-GPCR perspective

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Traditional medicines from plants, animals, and fungi contain chemical compounds that can interact with specific proteins in our cells called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors control many important body functions and are targeted by about one-third of all FDA-approved medications. This review explains how scientists are discovering new therapeutic compounds from traditional medicines by systematically screening them against the complete library of human GPCRs, using advanced techniques to identify which compounds bind to which receptors. Famous examples include morphine from poppies for pain relief and compounds from ginseng that help regulate blood sugar.

Isolation Techniques, Structural Characteristics, and Pharmacological Effects of Phellinus Polysaccharides: A Review

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This review examines how scientists extract and study beneficial compounds called polysaccharides from a medicinal fungus called Phellinus. These polysaccharides show promise in fighting cancer, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune function. Different extraction methods affect the quality and effectiveness of these compounds, and researchers are working to optimize these techniques for better therapeutic applications.

Eastern European Fermented Foods: Nutritional Value, Functional Potential, and Cultural Heritage

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Eastern European fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kvass have been part of traditional diets for centuries and contain special compounds created during fermentation that may support heart health, digestion, and immunity. These foods provide beneficial bacteria and other active molecules that research suggests could help reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health, though more human studies are needed to fully understand their effects.

Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Ulcer Potential of Phenolic Compounds of Inonotus nidus-pici Pilát

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Researchers studied a wood mushroom called Inonotus nidus-pici to understand its healing potential. They found it contains beneficial compounds like quercetin and rosmarinic acid that act as antioxidants. When tested on rats with chemically-induced stomach ulcers, the mushroom extract provided protection similar to common ulcer medications, suggesting it could help prevent stomach damage from pain relievers.

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.

Advancing Pistacia terebinthus L. (Anacardiaceae) Research: Food Preservation, Functional Foods, and Nutraceutical Potential

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The turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus L.) is a Mediterranean plant traditionally used in food and medicine that is now being studied for modern food applications. Its fruits, seeds, leaves, and resin contain powerful compounds that fight bacteria, reduce oxidative stress, and promote health. Scientists are developing new techniques like microencapsulation and fermentation to preserve its beneficial properties in functional foods, yogurt, and other products. This underutilized plant could become an important natural ingredient for food preservation and health supplements.

“Plants of the Gods” and their hallucinogenic powers in neuropharmacology — A review of two books

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This review examines two books about plants that have been used in religious and healing rituals across many cultures for their mind-altering properties. The author verifies that the hallucinogenic plants described in Carlos Castaneda’s popular books about a Yaqui sorcerer are accurately portrayed pharmacologically. The review explains how different sacred plants like peyote, certain mushrooms, and nightshade varieties affect the brain through various chemical pathways, while noting their dangers when misused.

Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential

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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.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Psilocybe Mushrooms: Gaps and Perspectives

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This comprehensive review examined what we know about Psilocybe mushrooms, which are known for their mind-altering effects due to compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. The study found that while these mushrooms show promise for treating depression and anxiety, most research has focused only on their psychoactive properties. The review identified over 30 chemical compounds in these mushrooms and noted that some species show potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The authors emphasize that much more research is needed to explore other potential health benefits and to understand exactly how individual compounds work in the body.

Research Keyword: phytochemistry