Medicinal – Page 127

The 2024 International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM)-ABPA working group guidelines: Transforming diagnosis and management of ABPA

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Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a serious lung condition that develops when people with asthma have an allergic reaction to Aspergillus fungus. New international guidelines now provide better ways to diagnose and treat this condition, making it easier for doctors to identify ABPA early and prescribe the right treatment to prevent serious lung damage like bronchiectasis.

The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor synn. Coriolus versicolor (Turkey tail mushroom) exhibit anti-melanoma activity in vitro

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Turkey tail mushrooms, used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, show promise in fighting melanoma skin cancer. Scientists tested mushroom extracts on melanoma cells in the laboratory and found they kill cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, including triggering programmed cell death and activating the immune system. The mushroom extract also reduced cancer cell migration and showed potential to work better when combined with standard chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel. These findings suggest turkey tail could be a valuable addition to melanoma treatment strategies.

A high-quality genome assembly of Lactarius hatsudake strain JH5

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Scientists have completed a detailed genetic blueprint of the red milk mushroom (Lactarius hatsudake), an edible and medicinal fungus that grows in pine forests. This mushroom is nutritious and has been shown to help with diabetes, boost immunity, and fight harmful bacteria. The new genetic map is much more complete and detailed than previous versions, which will help farmers grow these valuable mushrooms more reliably and sustainably, and could lead to developing better varieties.

Reelin cells and sex-dependent synaptopathology in autism following postnatal immune activation

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Researchers found that infections in newborn mice, particularly males, can disrupt brain development and lead to autism-like behaviors by damaging special brain cells called Reelin+ cells that help synapses mature properly. These damaged synapses failed to develop normally, resulting in social withdrawal and repetitive behaviors similar to autism in humans. Importantly, the study found that male mice were much more susceptible to this immune-triggered damage than female mice. The findings suggest that Reelin could be a promising therapeutic target for treating autism in children who experienced infections early in life.

Biodiversity-Driven Natural Products and Bioactive Metabolites

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This comprehensive review explores how diverse organisms like plants, fungi, and marine creatures produce remarkable chemical compounds for survival and defense. These natural products have inspired many modern medicines, but scientists now understand that the chemical diversity comes not just from the organisms themselves but from their ecological interactions and environmental challenges. By studying how these chemicals are made and what triggers their production, researchers can discover new drugs and medicines while protecting the ecosystems that generate them.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Biological Activity of the Polar and Non-Polar Fractions Obtained from the Roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim

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Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) roots contain powerful antioxidant compounds that may help with inflammation, blood sugar control, and brain health. Researchers found that certain plant fractions were particularly rich in protective compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. However, the study also discovered a concerning finding: these plant compounds protected cancer cells from chemotherapy drugs, suggesting people undergoing cancer treatment should be cautious about using this supplement.

The In vitro Effect of Nanoliposomal Amphotericin B Against Rhizopus arrhizus Isolated From COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis Patients

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Scientists tested a new nano-formulation of the antifungal drug amphotericin B against a dangerous fungus (Rhizopus arrhizus) that infected COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis. The nanoliposomal version of the drug worked much better than regular amphotericin B and other antifungal medications currently used, showing much lower concentrations needed to kill the fungus. This research suggests the new nano-formulation could be a more effective treatment option for patients with this serious COVID-19 related fungal infection.

In vitro and In silico investigation deciphering novel antifungal activity of endophyte Bacillus velezensis CBMB205 against Fusarium oxysporum

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Researchers isolated a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis from medicinal plants that can fight against a dangerous fungus causing banana wilt disease. Through laboratory and computer studies, they identified two natural compounds produced by this bacteria that stop the fungus from growing by damaging its cell walls. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting banana crops worldwide.

Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Dryocrassin ABBA Against Fusarium oxysporum

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Researchers found that dryocrassin ABBA, a compound from a traditional East Asian fern, can effectively kill the fungus that causes potato rot disease. The compound damages the fungus by increasing harmful reactive oxygen species and disrupting the fungus’s ability to break down plant cell walls. This natural substance could potentially replace synthetic chemical fungicides, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly way to protect potatoes from disease.

Odontogenic-onset mucormycosis: A case series from a tertiary care institute in North India

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that can develop after dental procedures like tooth extraction or root canal therapy, especially in people with poorly controlled diabetes. This case study from India describes five patients who developed this infection within weeks of dental work. The infection destroys bone in the upper jaw and palate but usually doesn’t spread to the sinuses like other forms of mucormycosis. All patients improved with antifungal medications and surgical cleaning, highlighting the importance of proper sterilization during dental procedures.

Research Topic: Medicinal