Fungal Species: Ganoderma lucidum

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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Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR in ophiocordyceps sinensis under different experimental conditions

Scientists studied the Chinese caterpillar mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) to find the best genes to use as reference points when measuring other gene activity. They tested sixteen potential reference genes under various stress conditions and growth stages using a technique called RT-qPCR. They found that two specific genes (18S rRNA and beta-Tubulin) were the most reliable to use as standards, which will help researchers accurately study how this medicinal mushroom responds to different conditions.

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Radiation protection and structural stability of fungal melanin polylactic acid biocomposites in low Earth orbit

Scientists tested special materials made with fungal melanin and plastic in space to see if they could protect against radiation. After 6 months on the International Space Station, materials containing fungal melanin showed better resistance to damage than regular plastic. These bio-based materials could help protect astronauts and equipment during long space missions while being more sustainable than traditional synthetic materials.

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Biocomposites Based on Mould Biomass and Waste Fibres for the Production of Agrotextiles: Technology Development, Material Characterization, and Agricultural Application

Researchers developed a new eco-friendly material made from mould mycelium combined with waste plant fibres that can be used as a substitute for synthetic agricultural textiles. The material successfully grows in about 5 days, can be completely biodegraded in soil within 10 days, and helps seeds germinate faster. This innovation supports sustainable farming by eliminating microplastic pollution from traditional synthetic crop covers while providing better properties than many conventional alternatives.

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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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PRMT5 promotes cellulase production by regulating the expression of cellulase gene eg2 through histone methylation in Ganoderma lucidum

Scientists discovered that a protein called PRMT5 controls how much cellulase enzyme the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum produces. When PRMT5 activates a specific gene called eg2 through a molecular modification of histone proteins, the mushroom produces more cellulase. This enzyme is valuable for breaking down plant waste into useful sugars for industrial and bioenergy applications. This research could help develop better enzyme-producing strains for industries that need cellulase.

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Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Fungal Mycelium Mats with Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of PHBH and PLA Biopolymers

Researchers have developed a new method to strengthen mushroom-based materials by using 3D printing to apply layers of plant-based plastics onto them. These reinforced materials have significantly improved strength while remaining fully biodegradable and compostable. This innovation makes fungal mycelium materials suitable for more demanding applications like flexible textiles and wearable electronics, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products.

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

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.

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Multianalytical Investigation of Psilocybe cubensis Mushrooms: Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Psilocybin and Psilocin Compounds

Scientists extracted and analyzed psilocybin and psilocin from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms to develop a medication for treating mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Using various analytical techniques, they confirmed the extract contained about 3.26% psilocybin and was safe, pure, and stable. The research shows that creating a psilocybin-based medicine from these mushrooms is feasible and could offer a new treatment option for people struggling with mental health issues.

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