Research Topic: Medicinal

A new highly digestible prescription diet containing Bacillus velezensis DSM 15544, fructo-oligosaccharides, plasma immunoglobulin, yeast and sepiolite for the management of acute diarrhea in dogs—a randomized double-blinded, controlled trial

Dogs with sudden diarrhea often improve on their own, but a new specialized diet was tested to speed up recovery. The diet contained beneficial bacteria (Bacillus velezensis), fiber that feeds good bacteria (fructo-oligosaccharides), protective proteins from pork plasma, yeast, and a mineral that helps firm up stools. Dogs eating this special diet recovered in about 3-4 days compared to 6 days on a regular digestive diet, with 98% improving within a week versus only 66% with the control diet.

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Impact of Artemisia argyi and Stevia rebaudiana substrate composition on the nutritional quality, yield and mycelial growth of L. edodes addressing future food challenges

This study tested using wormwood and stevia plant waste as alternatives to traditional wood chips in shiitake mushroom farming. Results showed that adding up to 45% wormwood or 30% stevia to growing substrates increased both the amount and nutritional quality of mushrooms produced. This sustainable approach addresses mushroom farming’s resource shortage while potentially improving the nutritional value of the final product, making it beneficial for both food production and environmental protection.

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Advancing Pistacia terebinthus L. (Anacardiaceae) Research: Food Preservation, Functional Foods, and Nutraceutical Potential

The turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus L.) is a Mediterranean plant traditionally used in food and medicine that is now being studied for modern food applications. Its fruits, seeds, leaves, and resin contain powerful compounds that fight bacteria, reduce oxidative stress, and promote health. Scientists are developing new techniques like microencapsulation and fermentation to preserve its beneficial properties in functional foods, yogurt, and other products. This underutilized plant could become an important natural ingredient for food preservation and health supplements.

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Heavy Metal Exposure During Pregnancy and Its Association With Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study examined how exposure to multiple heavy metals during pregnancy affects babies’ health in a Chinese population. Researchers measured metal levels in urine samples from nearly 500 pregnant women and found that higher combined metal exposure increased risks of premature birth and low birth weight. The metal arsenic was particularly harmful for preterm birth risk, while selenium, thallium, and manganese together increased low birth weight risk. These findings suggest that pregnant women in areas with heavy metal pollution should take steps to reduce their exposure.

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Selective outcome reporting and non-reporting in trials of psychedelic drugs for mental disorders

Researchers examined whether studies of three promising psychedelic drugs (esketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA) for treating mental health conditions were reporting their results fairly and completely. They found that nearly 29% of completed trials had no published results, and some studies changed which outcomes they reported on between registration and publication. This selective reporting could make these drugs appear more effective than they actually are.

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The development of psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression: an update

Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, is being studied as a potential treatment for severe depression that doesn’t respond to standard medications. In clinical trials, patients receiving psilocybin alongside psychological support showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms within days to weeks, with benefits lasting for months. Unlike daily antidepressant pills, psilocybin therapy involves one or more carefully supervised dosing sessions in a hospital setting with therapeutic support before and after. Larger studies are underway to confirm its effectiveness and safety before it could potentially become an approved treatment.

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Glycosylation and sugar variations in tyrosol yield promising prebiotic-like effects

This study tested whether chemically modified versions of tyrosol, a natural compound found in olives and red wine, could boost beneficial gut bacteria better than the original form. Researchers gave mice three different versions: plain tyrosol, natural salidroside (tyrosol with glucose attached), and a lab-created version with galactose attached instead. The galactose version worked best, promoting the most beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and reducing harmful bacteria, potentially offering health benefits similar to prebiotic supplements.

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Impact of Cordyceps sinensis on coronary computed tomography angiography image quality and renal function in a beagle model of renal impairment

This study tested whether a traditional mushroom supplement called Cordyceps sinensis could protect kidney function in dogs undergoing heart imaging tests that use contrast dye. Researchers found that dogs receiving Cordyceps sinensis combined with lower doses of contrast dye maintained good image quality while showing better kidney function afterward compared to controls receiving conventional contrast doses without the supplement. Advanced imaging techniques confirmed that Cordyceps sinensis helped protect kidney tissue from damage caused by the contrast material.

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Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study

Researchers investigated whether psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, could be safely used to treat memory problems in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In this early-stage study, participants received either psilocybin or a placebo while researchers used brain imaging to measure changes in synaptic connections. The preliminary results suggest psilocybin was well-tolerated with manageable side effects like dizziness, and participants were able to complete the study without serious problems.

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Biologically active secondary metabolites from white-rot fungi

White-rot fungi are special mushrooms that can break down wood and produce unique chemical compounds with amazing health benefits. These compounds have been found to fight cancer, kill harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Scientists are excited about using these natural fungal compounds to create new medicines and treat various diseases in the future.

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