Research Topic: Medicinal

Inhibitory Effects and Mechanisms of Perilla Essential Oil and Perillaldehyde against Chestnut Pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea

Chestnuts often rot during storage due to fungal infection. This study found that oil extracted from perilla leaves, particularly a compound called perillaldehyde, effectively prevents the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea from growing. The antifungal compounds work by breaking down the protective layers of the fungal cells, causing them to leak and die. When applied to stored chestnuts, this natural oil significantly extends their shelf life without harming human health.

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Co-application of dazomet and azoxystrobin reconstructs soil microbial communities and suppresses the violet root rot of Codonopsis tangshen under a continuous cropping system

Codonopsis tangshen is an important medicinal plant in China, but it suffers from a serious fungal disease called violet root rot when grown repeatedly in the same soil. Researchers found that treating soil with dazomet fumigant followed by azoxystrobin fungicide completely eliminated this disease while dramatically increasing plant yields. The treatment works by reducing the harmful fungus while promoting growth of beneficial soil microbes that naturally suppress disease.

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Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions

This comprehensive review reveals that Rwanda faces significant challenges from fungal infections affecting humans, crops, and food security, yet has very limited systems to detect, report, or manage these infections. The study found various dangerous fungi causing infections ranging from vaginal candidiasis to serious disseminated infections, as well as crop-destroying soil fungi threatening bean production. The researchers emphasize that Rwanda urgently needs better diagnostic tools, trained healthcare workers, and coordinated public health strategies to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases.

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Biological Characteristics and Domestication of Dichomitus squalens and the Antioxidant Activity of Its Cultivated Fruiting Bodies

Researchers cultivated a type of fungus called Dichomitus squalens and extracted beneficial compounds called polysaccharides from its fruiting bodies. These polysaccharides showed strong antioxidant properties, meaning they can help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. The study identified the best growing conditions for this fungus and developed methods for farming it, suggesting it could become a natural source of antioxidants for health applications.

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Synergistic potential and apoptosis induction of Bunium persicum essential oil and its pure components, cuminaldehyde and γ-terpinene, in combination with fluconazole on Candida albicans isolates: in vitro and in silico evaluation

Researchers tested how Bunium persicum essential oil and its components work alongside the antifungal drug fluconazole against Candida albicans infections. Cuminaldehyde, a major component of the oil, showed the strongest effects when combined with fluconazole, making infection-causing cells die faster than each substance alone. This combination approach could help overcome drug-resistant fungal infections and offers a promising natural alternative to synthetic drugs alone.

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FTIR Characterization and Bioactivity Assessment of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oil: Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, and Antifungal Properties Against Phytopathogens

Camphor tree essential oil has been studied for its ability to fight fungal diseases that harm crops and its potential health benefits. The research found that this natural oil completely stops the growth of several harmful fungi at high concentrations, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. The oil also showed antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels, suggesting uses in both agriculture and medicine.

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Antifungal Policy and Practice Across Five Countries: A Qualitative Review

This study examines how well five different countries handle invasive fungal infections through their healthcare policies and systems. Researchers found that while these infections affect millions of people globally, most countries lack comprehensive policies to diagnose, treat, and manage them effectively. Major issues include inadequate healthcare provider training, limited access to rapid diagnostic tests, and insufficient antifungal medications in some regions. The study recommends that countries develop better national strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating these serious infections.

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Anticancer Activity of Demethylincisterol A3 and Related Incisterol-Type Fungal Products

This review examines a group of rare fungal compounds called incisterols, with a focus on demethylincisterol A3 (DM-A3), which has shown promise as an anticancer agent. DM-A3 works through multiple mechanisms including blocking cancer cell signaling pathways, inhibiting specific enzymes, and reducing inflammation. The compound has demonstrated effectiveness against various cancer types in laboratory studies and showed tumor-reducing effects in animal models, suggesting potential for future cancer therapy development.

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Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis Caused by Schizophyllum commune Successfully Treated With Mepolizumab

A 70-year-old man developed a serious lung condition caused by a fungal infection (Schizophyllum commune) that resulted in dangerous mucus buildup and asthma attacks despite standard treatments. When traditional medications failed, doctors tried a newer biologic drug called mepolizumab that targets immune cells causing inflammation. The treatment successfully cleared the mucus, improved breathing, and allowed the patient to stop taking steroid medications while remaining symptom-free for over two years.

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A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

A healthy 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum after dental surgery. The standard antifungal medication (itraconazole) did not work for her, even at high doses. Doctors successfully treated her with a more powerful antifungal drug called liposomal amphotericin B, which cleared the infection completely. This case shows the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond to initial therapy.

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