secondary metabolites – Page 16

Advances in Fungal Natural Products: Insights into Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential

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Medicinal mushrooms and fungi contain powerful natural chemicals that can boost immunity, reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and protect the brain. Scientists are now better able to identify and study these compounds using advanced techniques, and some are being tested as supplements or alongside traditional medicines. This research shows that mushrooms could become important tools in treating diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

Optimized production and characterization of red dye from Talaromyces purpureogenus PH7 for application as a textile dye

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Scientists discovered that a natural fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus can produce a bright red dye suitable for coloring textiles. Unlike harmful synthetic dyes that pollute water and soil, this fungal dye is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The dyed fabrics resisted fading even after repeated washing and sunlight exposure, making it a viable alternative for the textile industry.

Effect of Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1 Against Rhizopus oryzae in Interactions with Mexican Autochthonous Red Maize

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Mexican red maize, an important traditional crop, is threatened by a fungus called Rhizopus oryzae that causes root damage and wilting. Researchers found that a beneficial bacterium, Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1, can effectively stop this fungal infection and help maize plants grow better. Tests showed the bacterium reduced fungal growth by over 80% and improved plant root development when grown together with the fungus.

Enhancement and Mechanism of Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Termite Ball Fungus Athelia termitophila by Methyl Jasmonate

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Scientists studied how to increase ergosterol production in termite ball fungus, a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine. By adding methyl jasmonate, a natural signaling molecule, they more than doubled ergosterol content. Ergosterol is used to make vitamin D2 and certain medications for inflammation and cancer. The study identified which genes need to be activated for better ergosterol production, providing insights for creating more effective medical products from fungi.

Biocontrol efficiency and mechanism of novel Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 against banana Fusarium wilt

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A newly discovered bacterium called Streptomyces luomodiensis SCA4-21 offers a natural solution to banana Fusarium wilt, a serious disease that destroys banana crops globally. When applied to banana plants, this beneficial bacterium reduced disease occurrence by 59% while also promoting healthier plant growth. The bacterium works by producing antifungal compounds that kill the disease-causing fungus and by enriching the soil with other helpful microorganisms that protect the plant.

Mushrooms Do Produce Flavonoids: Metabolite Profiling and Transcriptome Analysis of Flavonoid Synthesis in the Medicinal Mushroom Sanghuangporus baumii

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Researchers discovered that the medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus baumii produces 81 different flavonoids, compounds known for their health benefits including antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Using advanced genetic and chemical analysis, they identified the genes and processes responsible for this flavonoid production in mushrooms, which differs from how plants make these compounds. By increasing the activity of a key gene called PAL, they were able to boost flavonoid production in the mushroom. This discovery opens new possibilities for using mushrooms as biological factories to produce flavonoids for medical and nutritional applications.

Mycotoxins: An ongoing challenge to food safety and security

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Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi that contaminate crops and threaten both human and animal health. Climate change is making the problem worse by creating conditions that favor toxic fungi growth. Scientists are developing better detection methods and recommending integrated farming approaches to reduce contamination and protect food safety globally.

Current Approaches to Aflatoxin B1 Control in Food and Feed Safety: Detection, Inhibition, and Mitigation

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Aflatoxins are poisonous substances made by certain molds that contaminate about a quarter of the world’s food supply and are known carcinogens. This review examines the latest methods for detecting these toxins (from simple lab tests to advanced smartphone-powered devices) and ways to remove or prevent them, including using beneficial bacteria and special plasma treatment. The research shows that combining multiple approaches—detection technology with biological solutions—works best for keeping our food and animal feed safe from these dangerous contaminants.

Saponins, the Unexplored Secondary Metabolites in Plant Defense: Opportunities in Integrated Pest Management

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Plants naturally produce compounds called saponins that protect them from insects, fungi, bacteria, parasitic worms, and viruses. This review explains how saponins work as natural pest managers and discusses how plants rich in saponins, such as licorice and soapbark trees, could be used to develop environmentally friendly crop protection products instead of synthetic pesticides.

High-quality genome assembly and annotation of Porodaedalea mongolica and Porodaedalea schrenkiana provide insights into potential industrial and medical application

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Scientists sequenced the genomes of two medicinal wood-decay fungi species (Porodaedalea mongolica and P. schrenkiana) for the first time using advanced sequencing technology. These fungi produce beneficial compounds with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, and can degrade environmental pollutants. The detailed genetic information revealed how these fungi break down wood and create bioactive compounds, opening new possibilities for medical treatments and industrial applications like environmental cleanup.

Research Keyword: secondary metabolites