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 comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can boost immune function, fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Different mushroom species like reishi, shiitake, and maitake contain various active substances such as beta-glucans and triterpenes that work through multiple biological pathways. While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish safe dosing guidelines.
Scientists developed a genetic engineering technique to modify king stropharia (a cultivated edible mushroom) by inserting foreign genes into its cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how the mushroom grows and produces beneficial compounds. The technique uses a bacterium called Agrobacterium tumefaciens to naturally deliver genes into mushroom cells, similar to how it infects plants. This advancement could lead to improved cultivation practices and enhanced nutritional or medicinal properties.
King oyster mushrooms are susceptible to green mold caused by various Trichoderma fungi, which significantly reduces crop yields. Researchers developed a quick DNA test that can detect these harmful fungi in mushroom farms before they cause major damage. The test is sensitive enough to identify the fungus even when present in very small amounts mixed with mushroom tissue. This new detection tool will help mushroom farmers monitor their crops and prevent costly contamination losses.
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 nutrient-rich foods containing compounds that protect our bodies from damage and reduce inflammation. When mushrooms are processed into powders, extracts, or specially designed capsules, they can be added to ordinary foods like bread, pasta, and yogurt to make them healthier. This review shows that these mushroom-enriched foods successfully boost the antioxidant power of products, though the best results depend on how the mushrooms are prepared and which type of food they’re added to.
Scientists studied how special medicinal mushroom extracts can fight advanced colon cancer in mice. They found that a blend called Agarikon Plus, especially when combined with a common chemotherapy drug, significantly improved survival rates and slowed tumor growth. By analyzing all the proteins in tumor tissues, they discovered the mushroom extracts work by disrupting the cancer cells’ ability to make proteins they need to survive and grow. This research suggests mushroom-based treatments could become important new weapons in the fight against advanced colorectal cancer.
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.
This review explores how medicinal mushrooms may help fight depression through several natural mechanisms. These mushrooms contain compounds that boost serotonin production, reduce brain inflammation, and promote healthy neural growth. The review also discusses psilocybin from magic mushrooms as a promising rapid-acting treatment for severe depression that doesn’t respond to conventional medications.
Mushrooms contain special compounds called peptides and proteins that can boost your immune system and fight harmful bacteria. These mushroom-derived compounds show promise as natural alternatives to antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to antibiotic resistance. Researchers are studying how these mushroom compounds could help treat difficult infections, wounds that won’t heal, and cancer, though more testing is needed before they can be used widely as medicines.