Research Keyword: secondary metabolites

Revealing the metabolic potential and environmental adaptation of nematophagous fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, derived from hadal sediment

Scientists discovered a special fungus living in the deepest part of the ocean (Mariana Trench) that can survive extreme pressure and produce compounds with disease-fighting properties. This fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, showed promise against bacteria, cancer cells, and parasitic worms. The research revealed how this fungus adapts to survive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments, potentially opening new sources for developing medicines and biological pest control.

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Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp

This review examines how fatty acids and other compounds from algae and cyanobacteria can naturally fight Fusarium fungus, which damages crops like wheat, corn, and tomatoes. Traditional chemical fungicides harm the environment and can make fungi resistant, so scientists are exploring algae-based alternatives that work sustainably. The research shows these algal compounds can damage fungal cell membranes and boost plant defenses against infection. While promising, more work is needed to develop these natural solutions for practical farm use.

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An Overview of α-Pyrones as Phytotoxins Produced by Plant Pathogen Fungi

This comprehensive review examines toxic compounds called α-pyrones that are produced by disease-causing fungi affecting crops and plants. These compounds act as natural poisons that help fungi damage plants, but interestingly, they also have potential medical uses including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties. Researchers have studied how the chemical structure of these compounds relates to their toxicity, which could help develop new herbicides for weed control and treatments for various diseases. The review covers dozens of these compounds and their applications in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.

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The endophytic fungus Cosmosporella sp. VM-42 from Vinca minor is a source of bioactive compounds with potent activity against drug-resistant bacteria

Scientists discovered a fungus living inside a medicinal plant called Vinca minor that produces compounds capable of killing drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. They isolated the main active compound, nectriapyrone, and found it effectively stops the growth of these dangerous bacteria in laboratory tests. The fungus appears to be a promising source of new antibacterial drugs that could help combat the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections.

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Aspergillus terreus IFM 65899-THP-1 cells interaction triggers production of the natural product butyrolactone Ia, an immune suppressive compound

Scientists discovered that when a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus terreus is grown together with immune cells, it produces a special compound called butyrolactone Ia that helps it hide from the body’s defense system. This compound works by reducing inflammatory signals that immune cells use to fight the fungus. The research shows that direct contact between the fungus and immune cells is needed to trigger this protective compound production, suggesting the fungus responds directly to the threat of immune attack.

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Antifungal effects of metabolites from Arthrinium sp. 2–65 and identification of main active ingredients

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Arthrinium sp. 2–65, found living inside a wild plant called Thymus mongolicus, produces two special compounds that can kill the fungus responsible for grey mould disease. Grey mould is a major problem for farmers worldwide, damaging crops like tomatoes, grapes, and strawberries. These newly identified compounds were tested and showed excellent effectiveness against the disease, offering a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides that have become less effective due to resistance and environmental concerns.

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Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

This research discovered that the bacterium Streptomyces scabiei, which causes common scab disease on potatoes and other root crops, produces a variety of natural chemical compounds that can kill harmful fungi and promote plant growth. Scientists identified 36 different volatile chemicals released by this bacterium, including some previously unknown for their antifungal abilities. These findings suggest that despite being a plant pathogen, this bacterium may actually help protect crops from more dangerous diseases, offering potential for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides.

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Unlocking Reishi’s secrets: nutritional and medicinal traits of Ganoderma lucidum isolated from tree bark in Egypt

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) from Egypt show promise as natural medicine. Researchers tested extracts and found they can fight bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells in laboratory tests. The mushrooms are rich in beneficial compounds like vitamins and antioxidants. While the extract was not as strong as conventional drugs, it showed good safety profiles and potential for development into new medicines.

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

Researchers optimized growing conditions for a fungus found in termite nests to dramatically increase production of triterpenoids, naturally-occurring compounds with potent health benefits. Using statistical methods to test different nutrients and conditions, they nearly doubled triterpenoid production and mycelial biomass. These findings could make triterpenoid-based medicines and supplements more affordable and widely available by improving natural production methods.

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Traditional uses, chemical components and pharmacological activities of the genus Ganoderma P. Karst.: a review

Ganoderma, a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years, contains many beneficial compounds including triterpenes and polysaccharides. Scientific research has confirmed its effectiveness in treating various conditions including cancer, diabetes, infections, and inflammation. The fungus works by boosting the immune system, reducing oxidative stress, and directly inhibiting disease-causing organisms. Modern cultivation methods have made Ganoderma products widely available as supplements and medicines worldwide.

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