Medicinal – Page 13

Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study

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This study of over 13,000 people examined how using psychedelics relates to meditation practices. Researchers found that people who used psychedelics during the study period increased their meditation practice more than those who didn’t. Importantly, people who already had higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion before using psychedelics had less difficult experiences during their use. However, among people who were already meditating regularly, psychedelic use was linked to more difficulties during meditation.

Metabolite Profiles and Biological Activities of Different Phenotypes of Beech Mushrooms (Hypsizygus marmoreus)

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This study compared white and brown varieties of beech mushrooms, which are popular edible mushrooms in South Korea. Brown beech mushrooms were found to have higher levels of beneficial compounds called phenolics, which give them a more bitter taste and brown color. The research showed that brown mushrooms have stronger health-promoting properties, including better abilities to fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress, making them potentially more valuable as functional foods for health and nutrition.

Comparative oral monotherapy of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ayahuasca, and escitalopram for depressive symptoms: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

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This study compared psychedelic drugs (psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ayahuasca) with the antidepressant escitalopram for treating depression. Researchers analyzed 19 clinical trials and found that while psilocybin showed promise, its actual effectiveness was smaller than previously reported due to blinding issues in earlier studies. High-dose psilocybin performed better than escitalopram in some comparisons, but had a similar small effect size to current antidepressants.

The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology

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Researchers are rediscovering psychedelic compounds from traditional plants and fungi as potential treatments for mental health conditions and addiction. These substances work by interacting with brain chemistry, particularly serotonin systems, to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and drug cravings. Recent clinical studies show promising results, especially for treating opioid addiction with single doses that can produce lasting improvements. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand how these compounds work and to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.

Editorial: Raising the bar: advancing therapeutic strategies for fighting communicable and noncommunicable diseases

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Scientists are developing new ways to fight dangerous infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and drug-resistant pathogens. Recent discoveries include safer uses of existing drugs, better dosing strategies tailored to individual patients, and effective combination therapies that reduce antibiotic resistance. These advances represent important progress in treating serious infectious diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections.

Down the rabbit hole – the psychological and neural mechanisms of psychedelic compounds and their use in treating mental health and medical conditions

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Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD are showing significant promise for treating various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These substances appear to work through multiple mechanisms, including inducing profound mystical experiences and increasing neuroplasticity in the brain. Research indicates that environmental and contextual factors significantly influence how effective these treatments are, and even virtual reality experiences mimicking psychedelic effects show therapeutic benefits. The field is moving toward responsible, evidence-based clinical applications of psychedelics in psychiatry.

A multilocus phylogeny of Hericium (Hericiaceae, Russulales)

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Researchers conducted the first comprehensive genetic study of lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium species) using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. The study resolved long-standing confusion about different species and their relationships, while also describing a new species from western North America. These mushrooms are prized both as food and for traditional medicinal uses, particularly in Asia, and contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Better identification of species will help both commercial cultivators and medical researchers work with the correct organisms.

Comparative evaluation of free radical scavenging activity and total metabolite profiles among 30 macrofungi species

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This study tested 30 different mushroom species to determine which ones are the best sources of natural antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Researchers grew the mushrooms in laboratory conditions and measured their antioxidant power and beneficial compounds like polyphenols and polysaccharides. Oyster-like mushrooms called Lentinula edodes and Fomitopsis pinicola showed the strongest antioxidant activity, making them promising candidates for use in health supplements and functional foods.

Potential Cosmetic Applications of the Combined Extract of Panax ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps militaris, and Several Asian Plants

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Researchers created a combination extract from four Asian plants including ginseng, medicinal mushrooms, and other herbs to treat acne. They tested this blend in laboratories and found it effectively killed acne-causing bacteria, reduced skin inflammation, repaired the skin barrier, and reduced oily skin production. The extract was safe for skin cells and appeared to work as well as or better than standard treatments.

The Potential of Mushroom Extracts to Improve Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review

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This systematic review examines how mushroom extracts can make chemotherapy more effective at treating cancer, particularly by helping overcome cancer cells’ resistance to drugs. Researchers found that various mushroom species contain compounds that work together with chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells more effectively through different cellular mechanisms. The results suggest mushroom extracts could be a promising natural complement to conventional cancer treatments, though more research is needed before they can be used clinically.

Research Topic: Medicinal