Research Topic: Medicinal

Whey Proteins and Bioactive Peptides: Advances in Production, Selection and Bioactivity Profiling

Whey, a liquid byproduct from cheese-making that was once considered waste, contains valuable proteins that can be broken down into smaller bioactive peptides. These peptides have numerous health benefits including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and can be used in functional foods and medicines. Researchers are developing advanced techniques to extract and produce these peptides more efficiently, and using computer models to predict which peptides will have specific health benefits.

Read More »

Enokitake Mushroom and Its Active Component, Adenosine, Which Restores Testosterone Production in Impaired and Fatigued Mouse Models

Enokitake mushrooms and their active compound adenosine can boost testosterone production in mice experiencing fatigue and aging-related decline. The study shows that consuming adenosine-rich mushrooms may help restore testicular function and provide anti-aging benefits. This finding suggests that commonly available edible mushrooms like enokitake could be a natural functional food for managing fatigue and age-related hormone decline. However, human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Read More »

The central role of the Thalamus in psychosis, lessons from neurodegenerative diseases and psychedelics

This paper explores how the thalamus, a key brain structure controlling attention and perception, malfunctions in Parkinson’s disease and similar neurological conditions, causing hallucinations and delusions. Interestingly, these symptoms resemble the altered mental states produced by psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin. By studying both conditions together, researchers found that a common mechanism called thalamocortical dysrhythmia disrupts how the brain filters information and processes reality, offering new insights for treating psychotic symptoms.

Read More »

The Emerging Role of Oyster Mushrooms as a Functional Food for Complementary Cancer Therapy

Oyster mushrooms contain special compounds that may help fight cancer and boost the immune system. These mushrooms have antioxidants and other natural chemicals that can slow cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cells to die. When combined with standard cancer treatments, oyster mushroom supplements might improve quality of life and reduce side effects. More research is needed, but oyster mushrooms show promise as an affordable, natural addition to cancer treatment plans.

Read More »

PolDrugs 2025: results of the third edition of the nationwide study on psychoactive substance use in the context of psychiatry and harm reduction

This Polish study surveyed nearly 2,500 recreational drug users about their substance use patterns and mental health. The survey found that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, but worryingly, most users don’t test what they’re taking or measure doses carefully. The study also revealed increasing use of mephedrone and other stimulants that are sending more people to hospitals, while interest in psychedelics is declining. Importantly, more people are now seeing psychiatrists and being honest about their drug use.

Read More »

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, Leccinum scabrum in the Context of Environmental Conditions and Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation

This study examined three popular edible mushroom species from Poland to understand their nutritional benefits and safety. While all three mushrooms are rich in beneficial compounds like antioxidants and immune-boosting polysaccharides, Boletus edulis (porcini) accumulates concerning levels of cadmium from soil. The research shows these mushrooms are safe in normal amounts, but eating excessive quantities of porcini mushrooms could exceed safe limits for toxic metals, especially for people in polluted areas.

Read More »

Efficacy and safety of MT104, a dietary supplement based on Cuscuta seeds and heat‐killed probiotics, on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A 12‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Researchers tested a dietary supplement called MT104 made from Cuscuta seeds and special probiotics to see if it could improve memory and thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment, an early stage before dementia develops. In a 12-week study with 200+ participants, those taking MT104 showed better memory recall and overall cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement appeared to be safe with no serious side effects, suggesting it could be a helpful natural approach to slow the progression toward Alzheimer’s disease.

Read More »

Association of the use of nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics with total and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study

This study of over 53,000 American adults found that people taking nonfood supplements containing prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics had significantly lower risks of dying from any cause, heart disease, cancer, or other causes compared to those who didn’t take these supplements. The benefits were particularly strong in women and people without high blood pressure. These findings suggest that these supplement types may play an important role in preventing early death.

Read More »

Management of Green Mold Disease in White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and Its Yield Improvement

Green mold is a serious problem for farmers growing white button mushrooms, often destroying entire crops. This research tested various fungicide treatments to find the most effective ways to control the mold while keeping the mushrooms healthy and productive. The study found that certain chemicals like captan and carbendazim work best at specific concentrations, allowing farmers to get better harvests while protecting their crops.

Read More »

Investigating the Neuroprotective, Hepatoprotective, and Antimicrobial Effects of Mushroom Extracts

This study examined four types of edible mushrooms to see if they could protect against aging and fight harmful bacteria. Researchers gave mice an aging-inducing substance and then treated them with mushroom extracts. The mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), helped prevent brain and liver damage, reduced inflammation, and showed antibacterial effects against multiple bacterial strains. These findings suggest mushrooms could be useful natural supplements to promote health and combat age-related decline.

Read More »
Scroll to Top