Research Keyword: therapeutic potential

Psychedelic Drugs or Hallucinogens: Exploring Their Medicinal Potential

Psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin are substances that alter perception and consciousness. Research shows they may help treat serious mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD by affecting how the brain forms new connections. These substances are relatively safe compared to many legal drugs, and scientists believe they could revolutionize mental health treatment when used properly under medical supervision.

Read More »

Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Potential of Sargassum Species: A Narrative Review

Sargassum is a type of ocean seaweed that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains compounds that may help fight inflammation, oxidative stress, viruses, and bacteria. Scientists have discovered that different Sargassum species produce nearly 200 different bioactive compounds with potential health benefits ranging from reducing arthritis symptoms to supporting immune function. While Sargassum can accumulate harmful heavy metals like arsenic from seawater, researchers have developed effective cleaning methods to remove these contaminants while preserving the beneficial compounds. This makes Sargassum a promising sustainable source of natural medicines and health supplements.

Read More »

Changes of Active Substances in Ganoderma lucidum during Different Growth Periods and Analysis of Their Molecular Mechanism

Scientists studied how the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum changes as it grows, discovering that different growth stages contain different beneficial compounds. The budding stage was found to have the highest levels of powerful healing compounds called triterpenoids and steroids. This research helps identify the best time to harvest the mushroom to get maximum health benefits, improving both quality and standardized production for medicinal use.

Read More »

Psychedelic use in Poland: prevalence, correlates and social attitudes

This study found that about 6% of Polish adults have tried psychedelic drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms, mostly young men in cities driven by curiosity. Most users took these substances at home and described mixed experiences. While negative attitudes toward psychedelics were common overall, people with meditation experience and previous psychedelic use had more positive views about their therapeutic potential.

Read More »

Palliative care patients’ attitudes and openness towards psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress

A study asked 31 palliative care patients about their views on using psilocybin (a compound from magic mushrooms) as a treatment for existential distress—the emotional and spiritual suffering that comes with terminal illness. Over half the patients were interested in trying this therapy, especially if they believed it could help with anxiety and stress. However, patients were concerned about risks like psychosis, the lack of trained therapists, and the potential for doctors to take advantage of them during treatment. The researchers concluded that while psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise, there needs to be better education and strict safeguards to protect vulnerable patients.

Read More »

Health benefits of fish and fish by-products—a nutritional and functional perspective

Fish is an excellent food that provides many important nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that help protect our hearts, brains, and overall health. Different fish species offer various health benefits including protecting against heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and brain disorders. However, some fish can contain harmful contaminants like mercury, so choosing safer options like salmon and cod is important for children and pregnant women.

Read More »

Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes

This study surveyed over 250 million representative American adults about their use of psychedelic mushrooms. Researchers found that about 1.7% of US adults used psychedelic mushrooms in the past year, primarily for general mental health and well-being. Interestingly, those who used them reported higher levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting people with mental health challenges may be self-treating with mushrooms. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines as more Americans explore psychedelics for health purposes.

Read More »

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

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.

Read More »

Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds in Edible Mushroom-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Isolation and Characterization of EVs from Pleurotus eryngii

Scientists have isolated and studied tiny capsule-like particles called extracellular vesicles from the oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii. These vesicles, which are naturally produced by the mushroom, contain beneficial compounds like antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. The researchers found that vesicles from mushroom mycelium (the root-like part) were of higher quality and had stronger antioxidant effects than those from the fruiting body. These findings suggest that mushroom-derived vesicles could potentially be developed into health supplements or therapeutic treatments.

Read More »

The Biological Activity of Ganoderma lucidum on Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Interplay between Different Active Compounds and the Pathological Hallmarks

Reishi mushroom, used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, contains over 400 bioactive compounds that show promise in protecting the brain from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The mushroom’s components work through multiple pathways to reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and protect neurons from damage. While laboratory and animal studies show encouraging results, human clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment.

Read More »
Scroll to Top