therapeutic action: neuroprotection

Psilocybin as Transformative Fast-Acting Antidepressant: Pharmacological Properties and Molecular Mechanisms

Psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, is being studied as a potential rapid-acting treatment for severe depression that doesn’t respond to standard antidepressants. Unlike conventional antidepressants that take weeks to work, psilocybin shows promise for producing mood improvements within days. The drug works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain and promoting the growth of new neural connections, though researchers are still working to fully understand how it achieves its antidepressant effects.

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Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study

Researchers investigated whether psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, could be safely used to treat memory problems in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In this early-stage study, participants received either psilocybin or a placebo while researchers used brain imaging to measure changes in synaptic connections. The preliminary results suggest psilocybin was well-tolerated with manageable side effects like dizziness, and participants were able to complete the study without serious problems.

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Sporoderm-removed ganoderma lucidum spore powder (S-GLSP) alleviates neuroinflammation injury by regulating microglial polarization through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Researchers found that sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder (S-GLSP) protects against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing brain inflammation. The supplement works by shifting immune cells in the brain called microglia from a harmful pro-inflammatory state to a protective anti-inflammatory state. This is accomplished by blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key trigger of brain inflammation. In animal and cell studies, S-GLSP improved memory, reduced neuronal damage, and decreased harmful tau protein accumulation.

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Oxidative Stress in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 and Its Attenuation by Herbal Remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Systematic Review

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is a serious brain disease that causes movement problems and gets worse over time. Current medications help but often have unpleasant side effects. This review examined fifteen traditional Chinese herbal remedies that show promise in protecting nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, a harmful chemical process in the body. These herbs work through multiple protective mechanisms and may eventually be tested in patients.

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Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Streptomyces sp. G-18 Grown in Various Media

Researchers studied bacteria called Streptomyces that were isolated from high mountains in Nepal to see if they could produce useful compounds. They grew these bacteria in four different types of growth media and tested the resulting extracts for antioxidant properties and ability to block harmful enzymes. They found that the choice of growth medium significantly affected what compounds the bacteria produced, with one medium (R2YE) being especially effective at producing compounds that could help treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

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Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review

Lion’s Mane mushroom shows promising benefits for brain health, potentially improving memory and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It may help prevent cancer by triggering cancer cell death and supports digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. While generally safe, some people experience mild side effects like stomach discomfort or headaches, making it an accessible supplement for overall wellness.

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Exploring Psilocybe spp. mycelium and fruiting body chemistry for potential therapeutic compounds

This study analyzed the chemical composition of ‘magic mushrooms’ (Psilocybe) at different growth stages—liquid cultures, grain cultures, and mature fruiting bodies. Using advanced laboratory techniques, researchers found that fruiting bodies contain the highest levels of psilocybin (the psychoactive compound), while mycelium contains unique beneficial compounds like alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine that may have therapeutic value without strong psychedelic effects. The findings suggest that Psilocybe mycelium could be developed as a non-intoxicating health supplement with potential therapeutic applications.

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Hericioic Acids A–G and Hericiofuranoic Acid; Neurotrophic Agents from Cultures of the European Mushroom Hericium flagellum

Researchers isolated eight new bioactive compounds from a rare European mushroom species called Hericium flagellum. These compounds showed promising ability to stimulate nerve cell growth and could potentially help treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study demonstrates that mushroom-derived natural products may offer new therapeutic approaches for conditions affecting millions of elderly people worldwide.

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Calcineurin-mediated regulation of growth-associated protein 43 is essential for neurite and synapse formation and protects against α-synuclein-induced degeneration

Researchers discovered that a specific protein called GAP-43 plays a crucial role in protecting brain cells from damage caused by α-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson’s Disease. When GAP-43 is modified through a process called phosphorylation at certain sites, it promotes the growth of neurites (neural connections) and formation of healthy synapses. The drug FK506, already approved by the FDA, appears to work by controlling this phosphorylation process, offering potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s patients.

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Selenoproteins in Health

Selenium is an essential nutrient that your body needs for healthy immune function, protection against oxidative stress, and proper thyroid function. While you can get selenium from foods like grains, vegetables, nuts, and animal products, the amount available depends on soil selenium levels in the regions where food is grown. Organic forms of selenium from food sources are more effective and safer than inorganic supplements, providing better protection against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

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