Mushrooms contain compounds called β-glucans that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. These compounds show promise in cancer treatment when combined with conventional therapies and may help fight infections. While mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine, modern research is confirming their health benefits and understanding how they work in the body.
This review examines how β-glucan, a natural fiber found in mushrooms, yeast, and grains, can help strengthen children’s immune systems and improve their health. Studies show that β-glucan supplementation may reduce the frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections, improve digestive health, help control blood sugar levels, and support overall development. The evidence suggests that β-glucan could be a valuable dietary supplement for malnourished or immunocompromised children worldwide.
This case study describes a young man who developed whip-like linear rashes on his skin a few days after eating shiitake mushrooms. The rash, called flagellate dermatitis, is caused by a heat-sensitive substance in undercooked shiitake called lentinan. The condition is harmless and disappeared completely within a week after applying a steroid cream, highlighting the importance of cooking shiitake thoroughly to prevent this reaction.
Scientists sequenced the complete genome of Trametes sanguinea, a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine, grown in China. The mushroom’s tissue contains beneficial compounds that may help fight tumors, protect the heart, boost immunity, and heal diabetic wounds. By mapping out all 10,886 genes in this fungus, researchers now have detailed blueprints to understand how it produces these healing compounds and potentially grow them industrially for medical use.
β-glucans are natural substances found in yeast and fungi that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. They can be measured in blood to diagnose serious fungal infections and may help prevent common illnesses like colds and respiratory infections. Recent research suggests they could be useful additions to vaccines and may help patients recovering from COVID-19.
This research identifies the various microorganisms living inside truffles, particularly Tuber magnatum (white truffle) and Tuber macrosporum (black truffle). The study found that a yeast-like fungus called Geotrichum consistently lives in both truffle types and likely helps with spore dispersal through smell-producing compounds. The researchers discovered that different parts of the truffle have different microbial communities, which explains why truffles have such unique flavors and aromas.