Research Topic: Medicinal

Psilocybin therapy and anorexia nervosa: a narrative review of safety considerations for researchers and clinicians

This review examines the safety of psilocybin therapy for treating anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with limited treatment options. The authors analyze how psilocybin’s common side effects (like increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness) interact with medical complications already present in people with anorexia. Based on early clinical trials, they conclude that psilocybin can be safely used in this population with proper medical screening and monitoring protocols tailored to their specific vulnerabilities.

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A Case Report of Intradiaphragmatic Abscess

A 62-year-old patient developed a rare abscess (collection of pus) within the diaphragm muscle one year after gallbladder removal surgery. The abscess was caused by residual gallstones that triggered inflammation and infection. Surgeons successfully removed the pus using a combination of abdominal and chest surgery approaches, and the patient recovered fully without complications at follow-up.

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Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds and Comparison of Heat Resistance Related Gene Expression in Pleurotus ostreatus Under Heat Stress

This study examined how oyster mushrooms respond to high temperatures at different growth stages. Researchers found that young mycelium and mature fruiting bodies use different strategies to survive heat stress, which affects the flavor compounds they produce. Mycelium produces more of certain volatile compounds under heat stress, while fruiting bodies actually lose their characteristic mushroom flavor compound called 1-Octen-3-ol.

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Lentinan inhibits colorectal cancer stemness by binding CD133 and suppressing the CD133/p85/p-AKT signaling axis

Researchers discovered that lentinan, a natural compound from shiitake mushrooms, can specifically target and kill cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer by binding to a protein called CD133. This is significant because cancer stem cells are the reason why cancers come back even after treatment. By blocking a specific pathway these cells use to survive, lentinan may help prevent cancer recurrence and reduce the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

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Neuroprotective Effect of Mixed Mushroom Mycelia Extract on Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation via Regulation of ROS-Induced Oxidative Stress in PC12 and BV2 Cells

A mixture of three medicinal mushrooms (Phellinus linteus, Ganoderma lucidum, and Inonotus obliquus) was tested for its ability to protect nerve cells from damage. The extract successfully reduced cell death in laboratory models of neurodegeneration by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammation. These results suggest the mushroom extract could potentially help prevent or slow neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.

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Efficacy of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression: systematic review and meta-analysis

This comprehensive analysis of clinical trials found that psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, shows promise as a treatment for depression compared to placebo. The treatment was particularly effective for patients with depression related to serious illness, those using self-reported symptom assessments, older adults, and those with prior experience with psychedelics. While side effects were minimal and temporary, researchers emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand how expectancy and individual factors influence treatment outcomes.

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A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis

This comprehensive review examines how probiotics (beneficial live bacteria), prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and synbiotics (combinations of both) can influence communication between the gut and brain. These interventions can produce beneficial compounds like GABA and serotonin, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with mood, anxiety, cognition, and various digestive disorders. However, effects vary greatly depending on the specific strain used, dosage, and individual differences in gut bacteria, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

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How to account for hallucinations in the interpretation of the antidepressant effects of psychedelics: a translational framework

Psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin show promise in treating depression with effects lasting months after single doses. However, scientists debate whether the hallucinations and mystical experiences these drugs produce are necessary for their healing effects. This review proposes a framework to test whether lower doses without hallucinations might still provide antidepressant benefits, similar to how anesthesia-administered ketamine works without the patient’s awareness.

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The Potential of Naturally Derived Compounds for Treating Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review of Autophagy and Cellular Senescence

This review explores how natural products from traditional Chinese medicine may help treat chronic kidney disease by targeting two key aging processes: autophagy (cellular self-cleaning) and cellular senescence (cellular aging). Common natural compounds like curcumin, green tea extract, and Astragalus have shown promise in protecting kidney function and reducing harmful inflammation. While these natural treatments show potential as complementary therapies alongside mainstream medicines, more clinical research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and determine optimal dosages.

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Bibliometric analysis of traditional Chinese medicine for viral infections through immune modulation (2015–2025)

This research analyzed over 3,300 scientific papers published between 2015-2025 to understand how traditional Chinese medicine helps fight viral infections by boosting the immune system. The study found that research on this topic has grown significantly, especially during disease outbreaks like COVID-19, with China leading in research publications. Key findings show that traditional Chinese herbal compounds work through multiple mechanisms including directly fighting viruses, reducing excessive inflammation, and enhancing vaccine effectiveness. The research points toward promising future applications of traditional Chinese medicine when combined with modern medical approaches.

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