Fungi naturally produce many compounds that kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review explores how these fungal compounds could replace antibiotics that no longer work due to drug resistance. These natural substances could be used not only as medicines but also in cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth and improve skin health.
This study shows that when cancer patients use complementary treatments like mushroom supplements, vitamins, and probiotics alongside their cancer medications under doctor supervision, they experience fewer side effects and better quality of life. Almost 93% of patients had no side effects from these supplements, and many reported less fatigue and better overall wellness. The key finding is that patients should work with their medical team rather than self-prescribing these treatments to avoid dangerous interactions.
This review examines how edible mushrooms, particularly Lion’s mane, Reishi, and Caterpillar mushroom, might help treat depression as part of a dietary approach. These mushrooms contain compounds that may influence brain chemistry, especially serotonin levels, which are important for mood regulation. While early studies show promising results, especially for Lion’s mane, more research is needed to confirm these benefits in larger groups of patients.
β-glucans are special sugar molecules found in foods like mushrooms, oats, and barley that can help control type 2 diabetes. These molecules work by two main methods: slowing down how quickly nutrients are absorbed in the digestive system, and blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars. The shape and size of β-glucan molecules are very important—different structures have different effects on blood sugar control.
Mushrooms are nutritious foods that contain beneficial compounds like β-glucans and polysaccharides which can help wounds heal faster. These compounds work by activating immune cells and promoting collagen production, which are essential for skin repair. Research shows that mushroom extracts from species like Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus can accelerate wound closure in experimental models and may benefit diabetic wound care and burn treatment.
Mushroom mycelium grown in liquid fermentation produces many beneficial compounds like polysaccharides and proteins that support immune function and may help fight cancer and oxidative stress. These fermented mushroom products can be added to foods, beverages, and health supplements to boost their nutritional value and health benefits. Studies show that fermented mushroom mycelium sometimes contains higher levels of beneficial compounds compared to whole mushroom fruiting bodies, making it a promising ingredient for functional foods and health products.
Researchers isolated and studied a polysaccharide compound from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus abieticola) called PAPS1. When tested in mice treated with a chemotherapy drug that suppresses immunity, PAPS1 helped restore immune function by reducing harmful reactive oxygen species and boosting beneficial gut bacteria. This suggests that mushroom polysaccharides could potentially be used to help cancer patients manage the immunosuppressive side effects of chemotherapy.
Scientists discovered that a chemical called benzothiazole found in the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum can effectively kill the fungus that causes mango anthracnose, a major disease affecting mango crops. The research showed that this natural compound completely stops fungal growth at very low concentrations (50 ppm) and prevents spore germination. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides that can cause environmental pollution and drug resistance.
This research examines how harvesting Cordyceps sinensis (a valuable medicinal fungus) affects the soil’s microscopic organisms on the Tibetan Plateau. While collection doesn’t reduce the total number of microbes, it significantly changes which types live in the soil and how they function. The study found that collection alters important soil processes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, suggesting that harvesting practices need to balance economic benefits with environmental health.
This review examines how natural products from plants, fungi, and marine organisms can help treat liver cancer more safely and effectively than current drugs. These natural compounds work through multiple pathways such as triggering cancer cell death, stopping cell growth, and boosting the immune system. The research found that seven categories of natural products show promise, with sources ranging from ginseng and turmeric to mushrooms and seaweed, offering potential new treatment options that could reduce side effects and drug resistance.