Medicinal – Page 42

Emerging paradigms for target discovery of traditional medicines: A genome-wide pan-GPCR perspective

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Traditional medicines from plants, animals, and fungi contain chemical compounds that can interact with specific proteins in our cells called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors control many important body functions and are targeted by about one-third of all FDA-approved medications. This review explains how scientists are discovering new therapeutic compounds from traditional medicines by systematically screening them against the complete library of human GPCRs, using advanced techniques to identify which compounds bind to which receptors. Famous examples include morphine from poppies for pain relief and compounds from ginseng that help regulate blood sugar.

Classic psychedelics do not affect T cell and monocyte immune responses

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Researchers tested whether common psychedelic drugs (LSD, psilocin, DMT, and mescaline) directly affect human immune cells in laboratory conditions. They found that these psychedelics did not suppress T cell function or immune signaling at the doses tested. This is good news for patients with serious illnesses who might benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy, as it suggests these treatments won’t dangerously weaken their already compromised immune systems.

Scalable Hybrid Synthetic/Biocatalytic Route to Psilocybin

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Researchers developed a new method to manufacture psilocybin, a promising therapeutic compound from magic mushrooms being tested to treat depression. Instead of using toxic chemicals, they replaced a difficult chemical step with an enzyme from the mushroom itself called PsiK. This approach produced gram amounts of pure psilocybin efficiently and could eventually lower costs for future medical use.

Novel Synbiotic Yogurt Formulation Supplemented with Fucoidan from Phaeophyceae Algae to Promote Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG

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Researchers developed a new yogurt containing fucoidan (a compound from brown seaweed) along with beneficial bacteria that may help reduce allergy symptoms. Testing showed this special yogurt maintained high levels of protective bacteria throughout its shelf life. The combination of the seaweed compound and beneficial bacteria could offer a natural food-based approach to help people with allergies through improved gut health.

An investigation of acute physiological and psychological moderators of psychedelic-induced personality change among healthy volunteers

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This study examined how a single high dose of psilocybin affects personality in healthy people. Participants who took psilocybin showed decreased anxiety-related personality traits (neuroticism) one month later. The effects were stronger in people who found the experience personally meaningful or who experienced more anxiety during the psychedelic state, suggesting that the intensity and meaning of the experience matters for lasting personality changes.

Lentinan inhibits melanoma development by regulating the AKT/Nur77/Bcl-2 signaling axis

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This research demonstrates that lentinan, a compound from shiitake mushrooms, can effectively inhibit melanoma (a dangerous skin cancer) in laboratory studies. The compound works by triggering cancer cells to self-destruct through a specific cellular pathway involving three key proteins: AKT, Nur77, and Bcl-2. Importantly, the treatment showed no significant toxic side effects in animal models, suggesting it could be developed as a new cancer therapy option.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy – supposedly paradigm-shifting research with poor attempts at hypotheses falsifying and questionable ethics

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This paper critically examines recent clinical trials testing MDMA and psilocybin for treating PTSD and depression. While these trials reported promising results, the author identifies serious scientific and ethical problems: participants could tell whether they received the drug or placebo due to its strong effects, researchers and therapists who strongly believed in the treatment may have unconsciously influenced patient responses, and negative side effects may have been downplayed. The author argues that without fixing these problems, the entire field of psychedelic therapy research could lose credibility.

Vaping danger: A hidden threat among Malaysia’s youth

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A 15-year-old student in Malaysia was hospitalized after vaping a product labeled as having a magic mushroom flavor. Testing revealed the vape actually contained MDMB-4en-PINACA, a highly potent synthetic cannabinoid that is 100-200 times stronger than natural cannabis. This case highlights the danger of unregulated vaping products being mixed with illegal substances that can cause serious health effects including seizures, heart problems, and organ damage. Doctors and the public need to be aware of these hidden threats in vaping products.

Hydrophobin Gene Cmhyd4 Negatively Regulates Fruiting Body Development in Edible Fungi Cordyceps militaris

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Scientists studied a gene called Cmhyd4 in Cordyceps militaris, an edible medicinal mushroom. By removing this gene, they found that the mushroom produced more fruiting bodies with higher levels of beneficial compounds like carotenoids and adenosine. This discovery could help mushroom farmers grow better quality mushrooms with improved nutritional value through selective breeding.

Assessment of Cosmetic Properties and Safety of Use of Model Washing Gels with Reishi, Maitake and Lion’s Mane Extracts

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Researchers tested three medicinal mushrooms (Maitake, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi) as ingredients in washing gels to improve their safety and effectiveness. The study found that these mushroom extracts reduced skin irritation, improved skin moisturization, and boosted antioxidant protection better than gels without them. Maitake extract performed particularly well, showing the strongest antioxidant properties. These findings suggest mushroom extracts could be valuable natural alternatives in everyday skincare products.

Research Topic: Medicinal