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 created tiny copper particles using honeysuckle plant extract in an environmentally friendly way. These particles work well for cleaning dyes from water and killing harmful bacteria and fungi. However, they can be toxic to human cells at high concentrations, so careful dosing is important for medical applications.
Scientists created tiny iron oxide cubes from lemon peel waste that can remove harmful dyes from industrial wastewater at neutral pH without needing UV light. These nanoparticles work as efficient catalysts and can be recycled multiple times. The cleaned water is safe enough to use for growing plants and shows good antimicrobial properties against harmful bacteria and fungi.
This research shows that waste cork from bottle stopper production contains natural compounds with strong antimicrobial properties. When combined with chitosan oligomers, these cork extracts effectively inhibit fungal and bacterial pathogens that damage apple trees. The natural antimicrobial activity was even more potent than some commercial synthetic fungicides, suggesting cork waste could provide an environmentally sustainable alternative for protecting fruit crops.
This research examined how Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts made with different liquids can fight infections and oxidative damage. The water-based extract was best at preventing viruses and free radical damage, while the ethyl acetate extract worked best against bacteria and fungi. The study identified 16 beneficial compounds in the mushroom and suggests it could be used as a daily supplement to protect against infections and oxidative stress.
Scientists discovered nine types of fungi living inside an Amazonian plant called crajiru that produce colorful pigments. One fungus called Hypoxylon investiens stood out for producing a red pigment with strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This discovery could help replace synthetic dyes in food and cosmetics with natural alternatives from fungi, which are easier and cheaper to produce than extracting pigments from plants.
Scientists have discovered a new way to create tiny fluorescent particles called carbon nanodots from oyster mushrooms using heat treatment. These particles glow under certain light conditions and show promising ability to fight bacteria like E. coli. The process is environmentally friendly, uses waste mushroom material, and could lead to new ways to treat infections and reduce dependence on antibiotics.
This study examined four types of edible mushrooms to see if they could protect against aging and fight harmful bacteria. Researchers gave mice an aging-inducing substance and then treated them with mushroom extracts. The mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), helped prevent brain and liver damage, reduced inflammation, and showed antibacterial effects against multiple bacterial strains. These findings suggest mushrooms could be useful natural supplements to promote health and combat age-related decline.
Chaga mushrooms are a traditional medicine used for centuries in Eastern Europe and Asia that contains powerful compounds beneficial for health. These mushrooms have been shown to help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and protect cells from damage through their natural antioxidants. Modern scientific research is confirming what traditional healers have known for centuries about this remarkable fungus, making it an increasingly popular natural supplement for health and wellness.
Researchers tested extracts from three wild edible mushroom species found in Mexican forests for their ability to fight harmful bacteria and fungi. The extracts showed promise against disease-causing microorganisms, with one species particularly effective against agricultural plant pathogens. While the extracts showed moderate toxicity at high doses, the results suggest these mushrooms could be developed into natural pesticides or medicines.