secondary metabolites – Page 12

Multidirectional Characterization of Phytochemical Profile and Health-Promoting Effects of Ziziphora bungeana Juz. Extracts

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Ziziphora bungeana, a traditional medicinal plant from Kazakhstan, was studied for its health benefits. Scientists found it contains powerful plant compounds that fight bacteria and fungal infections, especially those causing skin problems. The extracts work similarly to commercial skin-lightening agents and show promise for treating infections and skin conditions without significant harm to healthy cells.

New bioactive secondary metabolites from fungi: 2024

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Scientists discovered 907 new compounds from fungi in 2024, with most being terpenoids and polyketides that show promise as medicines. These fungal compounds demonstrate strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, with some showing potential against cancer and diabetes. The research uses advanced techniques like genome mining and metabolomics to find these compounds more efficiently. This accelerating discovery rate suggests fungi could be a major source for developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

Bioactive Properties of Selected European Phellinus Species: A Comprehensive Study

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This research examined 30 samples of medicinal mushrooms from the Phellinus genus collected across Europe, including Poland, Italy, Portugal, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Scientists found that three species—Phellinus igniarius, Fomitiporia robusta, and Porodaedalea pini—are particularly rich in beneficial compounds, especially polysaccharides and antioxidants. These mushroom extracts showed impressive abilities to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and protect cells from oxidative damage, suggesting they could become valuable sources for new medicines and functional foods.

Identification of a Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the Production of the Blue-Green Pigment Xylindein by the Fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens

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Scientists discovered the genetic instructions that allow certain fungi to produce xylindein, a beautiful blue-green pigment found in stained wood. By analyzing fungal genomes and studying gene activity, they identified nine genes working together to create this valuable compound, which has uses in textiles and electronics. While attempts to produce xylindein in laboratory yeasts were unsuccessful, their work successfully produced a related pigment and opens new pathways for understanding xylindein production.

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

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This review examines a group of rare fungal compounds called incisterols, with a focus on demethylincisterol A3 (DM-A3), which has shown promise as an anticancer agent. DM-A3 works through multiple mechanisms including blocking cancer cell signaling pathways, inhibiting specific enzymes, and reducing inflammation. The compound has demonstrated effectiveness against various cancer types in laboratory studies and showed tumor-reducing effects in animal models, suggesting potential for future cancer therapy development.

Melatonin-Producing Microorganisms: A Rising Research Interest in Their Melatonin Biosynthesis and Effects on Crops

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Scientists are discovering that certain microorganisms like yeast, algae, and bacteria naturally produce melatonin, the same molecule that helps humans sleep. These melatonin-producing microbes could help farmers grow healthier crops by sharing their melatonin with plants and protecting them from stress like drought and disease. This discovery offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic melatonin and could make agriculture more sustainable as climate change poses increasing challenges.

Evidence-Based Nutraceuticals Derived from Antrodia cinnamomea

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Antrodia cinnamomea, a mushroom from Taiwan traditionally used for health, contains many beneficial compounds that fight inflammation, tumors, and oxidative stress. Research shows it can help with cancer, liver disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The mushroom can be grown in laboratories and its active compounds extracted using various modern techniques, making it promising for health supplements and medicines.

Formulation of silages from spent mushroom substrates of Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes: Organoleptic properties, phenolic content, in vitro digestibility, gas production and ruminal kinetics

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This study shows that mushroom farming creates leftover substrate that can be turned into healthy animal feed through a fermentation process called ensiling. When mixed with corn and fermented, this mushroom waste creates nutritious silage for livestock that contains beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. The best results came from silages containing 70% mushroom substrate mixed with 30% corn, which had good taste, smell, and digestibility. This approach demonstrates how agricultural waste can be recycled into valuable animal feed, supporting more sustainable farming practices.

Localization of Secondary Metabolites in Relict Gymnosperms of the Genus Sequoia In Vivo and in Cell Cultures In Vitro, and the Biological Activity of Their Extracts

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Researchers studied an ancient giant redwood tree species to extract valuable medicinal compounds. They successfully grew Sequoia cells in laboratory culture that produced powerful cancer-fighting and antifungal substances. These extracts showed promise against cervical cancer and brain tumor cells while being safe to normal cells, offering a sustainable way to harvest these compounds without damaging wild redwood populations.

Telomere-to-Telomere Assembly of the Cordyceps militaris CH1 Genome and Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Provide New Insights into Cordycepin Biosynthesis Under Light Stress

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Researchers successfully sequenced the complete genome of Cordyceps militaris CH1, a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine. By exposing the fungus to light and analyzing gene expression and metabolite changes, they discovered that light stress activates key genes involved in producing cordycepin, the main active medicinal compound. This breakthrough provides a foundation for improving cordycepin production in artificial cultivation, making this valuable medicine more affordable and accessible.

Research Keyword: secondary metabolites