Research Topic: Medicinal

The effect of chitosan supplementation on liver function, hepatic steatosis predictors, and metabolic indicators in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

This study tested whether taking chitosan supplements (a type of dietary fiber) helps people with fatty liver disease. Over 8 weeks, participants taking chitosan along with a calorie-reduced diet lost more weight, reduced their waist size, and showed improvement in liver enzyme levels compared to those taking placebo. However, the supplement did not significantly improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or other metabolic markers at the dose tested.

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Multi-omics analysis of Taiwanofungus gaoligongensis: effects of different cultivation methods on secondary metabolites

Scientists studied a medicinal mushroom species to understand how different growing methods affect its beneficial compounds. They found that growing the mushroom on specific wood substrates (from cinnamon trees) produced much higher levels of therapeutic compounds compared to rice-based cultivation. Using advanced molecular techniques, they identified the genes responsible for producing these medicinal compounds and how they are controlled, providing insights to improve mushroom cultivation for better health benefits.

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Influence of Culture Conditions on Bioactive Compounds in Cordyceps militaris: A Comprehensive Review

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus used traditionally for treating fatigue, boosting immunity, and managing various health conditions. This comprehensive review explains how different growing methods, nutrients, light, temperature, and substrate materials affect the production of beneficial compounds in the fungus. The findings show that mixing grains with insect materials and using specific light conditions can significantly increase production of cordycepin, the most promising compound for cancer and immune health. The review identifies that more standardized growing methods and better understanding of the fungus’s metabolism are needed to make large-scale production practical and affordable.

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The in vitro Activity of Echinocandins Against Clinical Trichophyton rubrum Isolates and Review of the Susceptibility of T. rubrum to Echinocandins Worldwide

Researchers tested how well three antifungal drugs (micafungin, anidulafungin, and caspofungin) work against a common fungus that causes skin infections. They found that two of these drugs were more effective than the third, suggesting they could be helpful alternatives when standard treatments fail due to drug-resistant fungal strains. The study also reviewed similar research worldwide and found consistent results across different testing methods.

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Candidemia due to Candida lambica in a neutropenic oncology patient: A rare case report

A 56-year-old cancer patient developed a serious bloodstream infection caused by a rare yeast called Candida lambica despite taking antifungal medications. Doctors identified the infection using genetic sequencing and found that the organism was sensitive to a different antifungal drug called voriconazole. After switching medications and removing the patient’s central line, the infection cleared up. This case demonstrates the importance of accurately identifying fungal infections and testing which medications work best against them.

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Performance of the VITEK® MS system for the identification of filamentous fungi in a microbiological laboratory in Chile

This study tested a rapid fungal identification system called VITEK® MS in a Chilean hospital laboratory. The system uses mass spectrometry technology to identify mold species quickly and accurately, often within 48-72 hours. Results showed the system correctly identified over 91% of fungal samples without any mistakes, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing serious fungal infections in hospitalized patients.

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Exploring the relationship between dietary patterns and health-related quality of life among Iranian adult population: Tehran lipid and glucose study

This study examined how different eating patterns affect people’s overall quality of life in Iran. Researchers found that people who eat more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and lean proteins report better physical and mental health. In contrast, diets high in processed foods, red meat, and sweets were associated with worse mental health in men. Interestingly, the benefits of healthy eating appeared stronger in women than men, suggesting that gender may influence how diet affects quality of life.

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Diversity and biological characteristics of macrofungi of district Bajaur, a remote area of Pakistan in the Hindu Kush range

Researchers conducted the first-ever comprehensive survey of mushrooms in the Bajaur district of Pakistan, documenting 51 different species. While many species are edible and nutritious, containing high levels of protein, fiber, and minerals, some are highly poisonous and can cause serious illness or death. The study found that certain mushrooms like Morchella esculenta are already used by local communities as food and medicine, and many other species could potentially be developed for medicinal or culinary use with further research.

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Novel secondary metabolite from a new species of Hypoxylon saxatilis sp. nov. for suppressing bacterial wilt in tomato

Researchers discovered a new fungus species (Hypoxylon saxatilis) living inside medicinal plants that produces a novel compound called tetrahydrofuran. This compound kills the bacterium that causes tomato wilt disease by damaging bacterial cell walls. In greenhouse tests, extract from this fungus reduced wilt disease severity by over 83%, suggesting it could be developed as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting tomato crops.

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A Case Report of Candidiasis Cellulitis in Long-Term Corticosteroid Use

A 54-year-old man developed a serious hand infection caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on human skin. The infection occurred because he had been taking large doses of corticosteroid injections for 15 years to help with breathing problems, which weakened his immune system. Doctors drained the infected area and treated him with antifungal medication, and he recovered completely, highlighting the importance of recognizing fungal infections in patients on long-term steroid therapy.

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