Research Topic: bioactive compounds

Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials

This comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can boost immune function, fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Different mushroom species like reishi, shiitake, and maitake contain various active substances such as beta-glucans and triterpenes that work through multiple biological pathways. While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish safe dosing guidelines.

Read More »

Characterisation and Hypolipidaemic Effects of Tlayudas, Widely Consumed Tortillas, Containing Ganoderma lucidum Extracts on an In Vivo Model of Hypercholesterolaemia

Researchers created an improved version of tlayudas, a traditional Mexican tortilla, by adding extracts from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. When mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet with these enhanced tlayudas, they experienced significant reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides comparable to or better than pharmaceutical treatments. These functional foods could help Mexican communities reduce their risk of heart disease and other health problems related to diet.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Impact of Dehydration Techniques on the Nutritional and Microbial Profiles of Dried Mushrooms

This comprehensive review examines different methods for drying mushrooms and how each technique affects their nutritional value and safety. Freeze drying maintains the best nutritional quality but is expensive, while microwave and hot air drying are faster and more cost-effective while still reducing harmful bacteria. The study helps consumers and food producers understand which drying methods produce the highest quality dried mushrooms for cooking and health benefits.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease

Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that can protect crops from diseases and pests while promoting healthier plant growth, without harmful chemical pesticides. It works through multiple strategies: competing with harmful fungi for nutrients, producing natural toxins that kill pathogens, directly parasitizing disease-causing organisms, and strengthening the plant’s own immune system. This eco-friendly approach reduces chemical pollution while improving crop quality and yields, making it an ideal solution for sustainable farming.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Impact of maltodextrin and gum Arabic ratio on freeze dried microencapsulated extract of microgreen kangkong (Ipomoea reptans Poir)

Microgreen kangkong is a young vegetable packed with more beneficial compounds than regular mature kangkong. Researchers found that wrapping these beneficial compounds in a protective coating made from maltodextrin and gum Arabic using freeze-drying technology preserves their health benefits. The best protective coating ratio was 20% maltodextrin and 80% gum Arabic, which kept more of the beneficial compounds intact and created a powder that could be used in functional foods and health supplements.

Read More »

Impact of Volatile Organic Compounds on the Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Related Aflatoxin B1 Production: A Review

Aspergillus flavus is a dangerous fungus that produces aflatoxin B1, a poison that can cause serious diseases and survives even when food is heated. Scientists have discovered that certain smelly chemicals called volatile organic compounds, produced by other organisms or plants, can stop this fungus from growing and making its toxin. This research suggests these natural chemicals could be used to protect our crops and food supply from contamination.

Read More »

Antioxidant activity and phytochemical analysis of different varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) available in Pakistan

Researchers analyzed five varieties of barley grown in Pakistan to determine their nutritional and health benefits. They found that all varieties contained beneficial compounds with antioxidant properties, with Jau-21 performing exceptionally well. These barley varieties are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and compounds that may help protect against diseases like diabetes and heart disease, making them promising ingredients for developing healthy food products.

Read More »
Scroll to Top