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.
Scientists successfully created tiny silver particles using leaves from the Polyalthia longifolia plant, an evergreen tree native to India. These silver nanoparticles proved highly effective at stopping the growth of Alternaria alternata, a fungus that damages crops and causes leaf spot disease. The method is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and the particles remain stable for months, making them a promising natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting plants.
Staurosporine is a natural compound produced by soil bacteria that can kill fungi. Scientists originally discovered it in 1977 and found it works by blocking proteins called kinases that fungi need to survive. Recent research shows it could be useful against drug-resistant fungal infections, especially when combined with other antifungal medicines. However, it needs to be modified to make it safer for human use.
This study tested whether cinnamon bark extract could stop the growth of a harmful fungus called Fusarium sporotrichioides that damages crops and produces toxins. Researchers used a water-based cinnamon extract at different concentrations on fungal cultures and found that the highest concentration significantly reduced fungal growth and caused visible damage to fungal structures. The cinnamon extract contains natural compounds with antifungal properties that could potentially be used as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides in agriculture.
Researchers developed an eco-friendly nano-formulation from Triphala to fight fungal diseases that harm coffee plants. The treatment effectively stopped the growth of five different harmful fungi that infect coffee leaves. This green nanotechnology approach offers farmers a safer, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides that can pollute the environment and harm human health.