Medicinal – Page 112

Bio-stimulants for plant growth promotion and sustainable management of Rhizoctonia Solani causing black scurf of potato tubers

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Researchers tested natural treatments called bio-stimulants to help potato plants fight black scurf disease caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani. They found that combining mycorrhizal fungi with seaweed extract was the most effective at reducing disease and improving potato quality. These natural treatments can enhance plant growth and tuber yield while reducing the need for chemical fungicides, making them valuable for sustainable potato farming.

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

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A 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) after dental surgery that was initially misdiagnosed as a bacterial infection. Although she was treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, her condition worsened with larger lung lesions appearing. When switched to a stronger intravenous antifungal called liposomal amphotericin B, she rapidly improved and fully recovered, demonstrating the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond as expected.

Sandalwood Sesquiterpene (Z)-α-Santalol Exhibits In Vivo Efficacy Against Madurella mycetomatis in Galleria mellonella Larvae

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Researchers tested sandalwood oil components against a fungal disease called eumycetoma that causes serious skin infections, especially in tropical regions. They found that one component called (Z)-α-santalol was highly effective at killing the fungus and extending survival in laboratory-infected moth larvae, while actually being relatively safe. This natural compound shows promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected disease that currently relies on expensive drugs that are only 40% effective.

The Effect of Topical Ketoconazole and Topical Miconazole Nitrate in Modulating the Skin Microbiome and Mycobiome of Patients With Tinea Pedis

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This study examined how two common antifungal creams (ketoconazole and miconazole) affect the complex community of bacteria and fungi living on the skin of people with athlete’s foot. Both treatments effectively reduced the harmful fungus causing the infection and improved symptoms, with ketoconazole working slightly faster. However, the researchers found that while these treatments reduced the disease-causing fungus, the skin’s normal microbial community did not fully recover to a healthy state, particularly in the spaces between the toes.

Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

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This study found that very few Nigerians (only about 19%) are aware of serious fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis, and most people don’t understand how dangerous these diseases can be. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and discovered that people with more education and higher incomes were more likely to know about these infections. The findings suggest that Nigeria urgently needs public health campaigns and education programs to help people recognize fungal diseases early so they can get proper treatment.

Exploring Psilocybe spp. mycelium and fruiting body chemistry for potential therapeutic compounds

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This study compared the chemical makeup of psilocybin mushroom mycelium (the root-like growth) versus fruiting bodies (the mushrooms themselves) to understand their different therapeutic potential. While fruiting bodies contain much higher levels of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound, mycelium accumulates other beneficial compounds like α-GPC that may enhance cognition and motor function without strong psychedelic effects. This research suggests that mushroom mycelium could be developed as a non-intoxicating therapeutic alternative with its own unique health benefits.

Lectins as versatile tools to explore cellular glycosylation

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Lectins are natural proteins that selectively bind to sugars on cell surfaces, discovered over 130 years ago as tools for studying cell chemistry. They have become especially valuable in cancer research, revealing how cancer cells have abnormal sugar patterns that predict how aggressively they spread. Modern biotechnology now allows scientists to create enhanced lectin versions and use them in high-throughput screening to discover new disease markers and improve patient diagnosis.

Evaluation of the DendrisKIT®DP for the Diagnosis of Superficial Fungal Infections

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Researchers evaluated a new rapid test called DendrisKIT®DP that can identify skin, nail, and hair fungal infections much faster than traditional methods. The test uses PCR technology combined with artificial intelligence to detect 13 different fungal species directly from patient samples in less than 48 hours, compared to traditional cultures that take up to 4 weeks. The test showed good accuracy with 84% sensitivity and 89% specificity, and when combined with traditional methods, provides a better overall diagnostic strategy for fungal infections.

Boldenone and Testosterone Production from Phytosterol via One-Pot Cascade Biotransformations

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Scientists developed an efficient biological process to produce testosterone and boldenone (important medical steroids) from plant sterols using two microorganisms working together. The fungus Curvularia converts the intermediate products produced by bacteria into the desired compounds. This green biotechnology approach avoids chemical synthesis and could provide a more sustainable way to produce these widely-used medicines for humans and animals.

Global research hotspots and trends in oxidative stress-related diabetic nephropathy: a bibliometric study

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This study analyzed over 4,000 research papers published between 2014 and 2024 about how oxidative stress damages kidneys in diabetic patients. Researchers found that China and the United States lead this research field, with increasing focus on natural compounds and traditional medicines that can reduce harmful reactive oxygen species. The findings suggest future treatments for diabetic kidney disease should target oxidative stress through both conventional drugs and natural antioxidant compounds derived from plants and fungi.

Research Topic: Medicinal