therapeutic action: lipid-lowering

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels

Researchers tested a daily pill combining dried extracts from artichoke and bergamot plants to see if it could improve cholesterol levels and heart health in people with elevated cholesterol. After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, inflammation markers, and blood vessel function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, suggesting it could be a useful natural approach for managing cholesterol and related cardiovascular risk factors.

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Functional Components from the Liquid Fermentation of Edible and Medicinal Fungi and Their Food Applications in China

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.

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Revitalization of the Endophytic Fungus Acremonium sp. MEP2000 and Its Impact on the Growth and Accumulation of Bioactive Compounds in Inonotus obliquus

Researchers successfully revived a beneficial fungus called Acremonium sp. MEP2000 that had lost its effectiveness through repeated cultivation by adding birch bark powder and medicinal mushroom powder to its growth medium. When used to treat the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus (chaga), this revitalized fungal culture dramatically improved the growth and production of healthy bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids. This breakthrough offers a practical solution for large-scale production of medicinal fungi with enhanced therapeutic potential for treating cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.

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Mushroom-Based Supplements in Italy: Let’s Open Pandora’s Box

Researchers tested 19 mushroom supplement products sold in Italy and found serious quality problems. Many supplements didn’t actually contain the mushroom species listed on their labels. Some products also contained toxic substances or inconsistent amounts of beneficial compounds. The study highlights the need for better regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure these popular health products are safe and effective.

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Gut microbiota-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism by single herbal medicines: a review focused on cold/hot properties

This review examines how traditional Chinese herbal medicines can help regulate lipid metabolism and lower cholesterol by changing the composition of bacteria in our gut. Different herbs have different properties – some are considered cooling and others warming – and these properties affect which gut bacteria they increase or decrease. The review found that herbal medicines work best when matched to a person’s body constitution, and provides a framework for choosing the right herb based on whether someone has a heat-type or cold-type condition.

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Advances in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and elucidation of the biological functions of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as the monkey head mushroom, contains special molecules called polysaccharides that have numerous health benefits. Researchers have found that these polysaccharides can boost immunity, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, fight tumors, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut bacteria. Different extraction methods and purification processes can be used to obtain these beneficial compounds, making them useful for developing health supplements and medicines.

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Isolation, purification, and structural elucidation of Stropharia rugosoannulata polysaccharides with hypolipidemic effect

Scientists extracted and studied a polysaccharide from wine cap mushrooms that shows promise for lowering cholesterol and protecting the liver. The compound, called SRF-3, has a complex sugar structure and works by binding to cholesterol and bile acids, helping the body eliminate them. Testing in laboratory conditions showed it has strong antioxidant properties and can reduce fat accumulation in liver cells, suggesting potential use as a natural supplement for managing high cholesterol.

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Chitosan and Chitooligosaccharide: The Promising Non-Plant-Derived Prebiotics with Multiple Biological Activities

Chitosan and chitooligosaccharide are natural compounds derived from crustacean shells and fungi that act as prebiotics to improve gut health. These compounds can fight bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and help maintain healthy weight and blood sugar levels. They represent a promising, biodegradable alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals with multiple health benefits.

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

Mushrooms are highly nutritious foods containing proteins as complete and high-quality as meat, with unique compounds that boost immunity, fight infections, and may help prevent diseases like cancer and diabetes. Different types of mushroom proteins have specific health benefits, from strengthening immune systems to lowering blood pressure and fighting viruses. Scientists are finding new ways to grow mushrooms and extract their proteins for use in sports nutrition, medicines, and fortified foods, making them increasingly valuable for human health and sustainability.

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Promoting rational herb-drug use through pharmacy-led advice and home visits in NCD patients

This study showed that when pharmacists visited NCD patients at home and provided education about the risks of combining herbal products with prescribed medications, patients significantly improved their knowledge and safe usage behaviors. The intervention successfully reduced the number of patients at risk of harmful herb-drug interactions from 37.5% to 25%. The findings suggest that simple home-based pharmacist counseling can be an effective way to help chronic disease patients safely use both herbs and medications together.

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