Research Topic: toxicology

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mexican Dietary Supplements Using Total X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Health Risk Evaluation

Mexican dietary supplements commonly contain toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and chromium. While individual metal levels in most supplements appeared safe when consumed alone, the cumulative exposure from multiple metals could increase cancer risk over a lifetime. The study found that some popular supplements, particularly those marketed for weight loss and blood detoxification, contained concerning metal levels, especially seaweed-based products and animal-origin supplements. Better regulation and labeling of dietary supplements in Mexico is urgently needed to protect consumers from long-term health risks.

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Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils and Gastric Cancer Risk: Molecular Insights and the Relevance of a One Health Perspective

Heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and lead contaminate agricultural soils and accumulate in crops such as rice and vegetables, which people consume as part of their daily diet. These metals damage stomach cell DNA and trigger inflammation, increasing cancer risk, especially when combined with bacterial infections like H. pylori. A comprehensive approach monitoring soil quality, crop safety, and human health together can help prevent this disease and protect communities from contamination.

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Toxicology and Analysis of Psychoactive Tryptamines

Tryptamines are a growing class of psychoactive drugs that can cause hallucinations and other dramatic changes in perception. These substances, including compounds like DMT and psilocybin from magic mushrooms, work by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. While some research explores their potential medical use for treating depression and anxiety, they also carry serious risks including dangerous changes in heart rate, body temperature, and mental state. Scientists have developed new laboratory methods to detect these drugs in blood and urine samples to help doctors diagnose and treat overdoses.

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Neurotoxicity associated with the medicinal mushroom product-Diamond Shruumz: A case report

A 17-year-old girl became severely ill after eating a chocolate bar containing a medicinal mushroom product that was contaminated with muscimol, a toxic compound from poisonous mushrooms. She experienced confusion, uncontrollable muscle jerks, dilated pupils, and excessive drooling, requiring hospitalization and temporary breathing assistance. Though her symptoms resolved within 8 hours and she recovered fully, this case highlights the serious danger of unregulated mushroom supplements that can be contaminated with deadly toxins.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practice on mushroom poisoning among residents of Jilin province

This study surveyed over 500 residents in Jilin Province about their understanding of mushroom poisoning risks. The results showed that most people had limited knowledge about toxic mushrooms, though many held positive attitudes about food safety. However, knowing about the dangers did not always translate into safer behaviors. The research suggests that better education, especially for rural residents, could help prevent dangerous mushroom poisoning incidents.

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Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract prevents histopathological alterations in liver induced by environmental toxicant Microcystin

This research shows that Chaga mushroom extract can protect the liver from damage caused by microcystin, a toxic chemical produced by cyanobacteria in water. When mice were exposed to microcystin, their livers became damaged, but treating them with Chaga mushroom extract restored normal liver function and prevented cell death. The study suggests Chaga mushroom could be used as a natural supplement to prevent liver toxicity from environmental pollutants.

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Clinico-epidemiological evaluation of pharmaceutical/non-pharmaceutical poisoning in a referral poisoning emergency in the Central part of Iran

This study examined over 5,700 poisoning cases in Iran to compare outcomes between people poisoned by medications versus other substances like pesticides. Medication poisonings were more common in women and were usually intentional overdoses, while pesticide poisonings were more common in men and often accidental. People poisoned by non-pharmaceutical substances had worse outcomes with a higher death rate. Understanding these differences helps hospitals and communities develop better prevention strategies and treatment approaches.

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Acute liver failure caused by Amanita verna: a case series and review of the literature

This case study examines three patients who became severely ill after eating poisonous Amanita verna mushrooms in China. One patient successfully received a liver transplant and recovered, while the other two died from brain bleeding complications. The study highlights that liver transplantation can be life-saving for mushroom poisoning victims with severe liver failure, though doctors need better guidelines to decide when transplantation is the right choice.

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Updated safety evaluation of the food enzyme AMP deaminase from the non‐genetically modified Streptomyces murinus strain AE‐DNTS

This study evaluated the safety of an enzyme called AMP deaminase that is used in food processing, particularly for making yeast products and mushroom extracts. Researchers tested the enzyme for genetic damage and toxicity using laboratory studies. The results showed the enzyme is safe for use in food manufacturing at the recommended levels, with a very large safety margin between the amounts used in food and amounts that might cause harm.

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Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Trichoderma cornu-damae Using Hi-C Data

Researchers created a complete genetic blueprint of a poisonous mushroom called Trichoderma cornu-damae that can be mistaken for medicinal mushrooms. Using advanced DNA sequencing techniques, they mapped all seven chromosomes and identified over 8,500 genes in this toxic fungus. This genetic map will help scientists understand how the mushroom produces dangerous toxins that harm rapidly growing cells. The work provides important information for identifying and studying this poisonous species.

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