Fungal Species:  Schizophyllum commune

The Antioxidant Properties of Mushroom Polysaccharides can Potentially Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Beta-Cell Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance

This research review explores how mushroom compounds called polysaccharides may help manage diabetes by reducing harmful stress on cells caused by high glucose levels. Scientists found that 104 different mushroom polysaccharides have anti-diabetic properties and can protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. These natural compounds show promise as a complementary treatment to conventional diabetes medications, potentially with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.

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Purification and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Fibrinolytic Enzyme from Culture Supernatant of Coprinus comatus

Scientists discovered and purified a powerful enzyme from the medicinal mushroom Coprinus comatus that can dissolve blood clots and prevent dangerous blood vessel blockages. This enzyme works in two ways: it can directly break down clots and also activate the body’s natural clot-dissolving systems. The enzyme is much smaller and safer than current blood-thinning medications, making it a promising natural alternative for treating heart disease and stroke.

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Edible mushrooms as emerging biofactories for natural therapeutics and oral biopharmaceutical delivery

Mushrooms are emerging as natural medicine factories that can be genetically engineered to produce medications taken by mouth. Beyond their traditional use as health foods, scientists are now using advanced genetic techniques to program mushrooms to manufacture therapeutic proteins and vaccines. These engineered mushrooms can naturally package and protect these medications as they pass through the stomach, releasing them safely in the intestines for absorption. This approach offers a sustainable, affordable, and cold-chain-independent alternative to conventional injected medications.

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Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts

Researchers discovered that certain fungi, especially Schizophyllum commune, can effectively break down plastic waste called LLDPE through their natural enzymes. In laboratory tests, this fungus degraded plastic about 20 times faster than samples without fungal treatment over 30 days. This fungal approach is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods like incineration or landfilling, and could help solve plastic pollution while creating jobs and using agricultural waste productively.

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Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications

Researchers used mushroom extracts to create tiny zinc oxide particles in an environmentally friendly way. These nanoparticles were tested in mice with liver damage and showed significant protective effects. The particles also demonstrated strong abilities to fight bacteria and fungal infections while acting as powerful antioxidants, suggesting potential use in future medical treatments.

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The beauty and the morbid: fungi as source of inspiration in contemporary art

This article explores how artists are using fungi and fungal science as inspiration and material for contemporary artwork. From clothing made of mycelium to installations exploring decay and renewal, artists are discovering that fungi offer unique possibilities for addressing modern environmental and social issues. The paper highlights how collaboration between artists and scientists can lead to innovative solutions and new ways of thinking about materials, sustainability, and the relationship between life and death.

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Recent developments of tools for genome and metabolome studies in basidiomycete fungi and their application to natural product research

Mushrooms and related fungi in the basidiomycete group produce many useful medicines and agricultural chemicals. Scientists have traditionally struggled to study these fungi because they grow slowly and have complex genomes. Recent technological breakthroughs—including faster DNA sequencing and gene-editing tools—are now making it much easier to discover and understand the helpful compounds these fungi produce, potentially leading to new medicines.

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Proteins from Edible Mushrooms: Nutritional Role and Contribution to Well-Being

Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses containing as much high-quality protein as meat and soybeans, with complete amino acid profiles needed for human health. Beyond basic nutrition, mushroom proteins possess remarkable healing properties including anti-cancer, immune-boosting, and blood pressure-lowering effects. These sustainable proteins are increasingly used in food fortification, sports supplements, and therapeutic medicines. Growing mushrooms as mycelium or using novel cultivation methods makes protein production faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.

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Slime molds (Myxomycetes) causing a “disease” in crop plants and cultivated mushrooms

Slime molds are not true plant diseases but can harm crops by covering leaves and blocking sunlight and water loss. These organisms prefer wet, organic-rich environments and are particularly problematic in mushroom farming. Farmers can prevent problems by managing moisture, improving ventilation, and removing affected materials, with chemical sprays available as backup options when needed.

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Nature’s Own Pharmacy: Mushroom-Based Chemical Scaffolds and Their Therapeutic Implications

This comprehensive review explores how mushrooms can be used as natural medicines. Various mushroom species contain powerful compounds that can fight cancer, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and treat infections. The paper details 15 important medicinal mushrooms and their therapeutic uses, showing that mushrooms are indeed a nature’s pharmacy with significant potential for treating many diseases.

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