Research Topic: polysaccharides

The Effect of Green Extraction Technologies on the Chemical Composition of Medicinal Chaga Mushroom Extracts

Researchers compared three environmentally friendly methods for extracting beneficial compounds from Chaga mushrooms collected from Serbia and Mongolia. The study found that heating mushroom material with water under pressure (subcritical water extraction) was the most effective at extracting important compounds like glucans and phenols. These findings help the mushroom supplement industry choose the best extraction method based on which compounds they want to produce.

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Synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages of a medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake

Researchers studied a combination of three medicinal mushroom extracts to see if they work better together than separately. They tested this formula on human immune cells called macrophages and found that the combination was significantly more powerful at boosting immune responses than any single mushroom extract alone. This synergistic effect means the three mushrooms enhance each other’s immune-stimulating properties, suggesting this formula combination could have potential therapeutic benefits for immune support.

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The Possibility of Using Sulphur Shelf Fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) in the Food Industry and in Medicine—A Review

Sulphur shelf fungus, known as ‘chicken of the woods,’ is a bright yellow mushroom that grows on tree trunks and has remarkable health benefits. Research shows it contains compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, making it valuable for both food and medicine. The fungus can be cultivated relatively quickly and easily, and some countries already recognize it as safe for food use, potentially opening new applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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Synthesis of fungal polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions for cancer treatment

Researchers developed tiny capsules (nanoemulsions) made from corn protein and chitosan to better deliver shiitake mushroom compounds to treat cancer and reduce inflammation. When shiitake extract was enclosed in these nano-sized carriers, it became much more effective at killing breast cancer cells, fighting bacteria, and reducing inflammation compared to using the mushroom extract alone. This technology could lead to new natural medicines and health supplements that are more effective at lower doses.

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A Review on the Structure and Anti-Diabetic (Type 2) Functions of β-Glucans

β-glucans are special sugar molecules found in foods like mushrooms, oats, and barley that can help control type 2 diabetes. These molecules work by two main methods: slowing down how quickly nutrients are absorbed in the digestive system, and blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars. The shape and size of β-glucan molecules are very important—different structures have different effects on blood sugar control.

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Fungal Bioactive Compounds as Emerging Therapeutic Options for Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders

Mushrooms contain special compounds that may help protect our brains as we age. These fungal compounds fight inflammation, reduce harmful free radicals, and help clear out damaged cellular parts—all things that slow down brain aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While the research looks very promising in lab and animal studies, scientists still need to figure out how to make these compounds work better in the human body and prove they’re safe and effective in patients.

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Mushrooms-Rich Preparations on Wound Healing: From Nutritional to Medicinal Attributes

Mushrooms are nutritious foods that contain beneficial compounds like β-glucans and polysaccharides which can help wounds heal faster. These compounds work by activating immune cells and promoting collagen production, which are essential for skin repair. Research shows that mushroom extracts from species like Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus can accelerate wound closure in experimental models and may benefit diabetic wound care and burn treatment.

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Polysaccharides from Spores of Cordyceps cicadae Protect against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Oxidative Stress in Mice

Researchers extracted and studied special compounds called polysaccharides from the spores of Cordyceps cicadae, a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine. When tested in mice treated with a cancer drug that suppresses immunity, one of these purified compounds (CCSP-2) successfully restored immune function and reduced harmful oxidative stress. The compound works by boosting the activity of immune cells and protecting the body’s natural antioxidant defense systems, suggesting it could potentially help cancer patients manage chemotherapy side effects.

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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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Recent advances in natural polysaccharides for type 2 diabetes management: sources, structural characteristics, and mechanistic insights

Natural polysaccharides from plants, mushrooms, and seaweed show promise as treatments for type 2 diabetes. These complex sugar molecules work through multiple mechanisms including improving how the body uses insulin, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting beneficial gut bacteria. The effectiveness of these polysaccharides depends on their specific chemical structure, particularly their molecular weight and how their sugar units are linked together.

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