Research Topic: Medicinal

The effectiveness of interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections in care homes: a systematic review

This systematic review examined effective ways to prevent respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19 in care homes where elderly residents live. The researchers found that antiviral medications like oseltamivir can halve the risk of influenza even in vaccinated residents if given within 7 days of detecting a case. High-dose vitamin D supplementation (100,000 IU monthly) reduced respiratory infection risk by 40%. Educational programs to improve staff hygiene practices showed mixed results, while other supplements like probiotics did not significantly help.

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Psilocybin in the real world: Regulatory, ethical, and operational challenges in Australia’s clinical landscape

Australia has approved psilocybin as a treatment for severe depression, but the rollout faces major practical challenges. Only a handful of psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe it, treatment costs over $20,000 per person, and there are no standardized training programs for therapists. The therapy can profoundly alter patients’ beliefs and worldviews, raising ethical concerns about proper support during and after treatment. The article proposes solutions including national training standards, better funding access, and stronger safeguards for vulnerable patients.

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Exploring the Nutritional Value and Bioactive Potential of Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers. as a Functional Food Source

Black trumpet mushrooms from Romania have been found to contain high levels of beneficial compounds that protect cells from damage and fight harmful bacteria. The mushrooms showed strong antioxidant properties in laboratory tests and were effective against several disease-causing bacteria, though not against all types tested. These results suggest that black trumpets could be used as a natural supplement or food ingredient to support health and potentially help treat infections.

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Prognostic model for gastric cancer patients with COVID-19 and network pharmacology study on treatment by lentinan

This study investigated how lentinan, a compound from shiitake mushrooms, might help treat patients who have both gastric cancer and COVID-19. Researchers identified five genes that predict patient outcomes and found that lentinan may work by controlling immune cell activity and reducing inflammation. The study suggests lentinan could be a useful additional treatment for this challenging combination of diseases, though more research is needed.

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Quercetin hybrid-hydrogel microparticles modulate gut microbiota and improve memory in an antibiotic-induced dysbiosis rat model

A natural quercetin supplement formulated with fenugreek fiber was tested on rats with antibiotic-damaged gut bacteria. The supplement successfully restored healthy gut bacteria diversity, reduced gut inflammation, and improved memory performance. These benefits likely work through the gut-brain connection, where healthy bacteria produce beneficial chemicals that support brain function and reduce inflammation.

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Exploring the neurobiological correlates of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in eating disorders: a review of potential methodologies and implications for the psychedelic study design

This review examines how psilocybin-assisted therapy might work for eating disorders by looking at various ways to measure changes in the brain. The authors discuss different brain imaging techniques and other tools that scientists could use to understand how psilocybin affects the brains of people with eating disorders. They emphasize that combining multiple measurement approaches provides the best understanding of how this emerging treatment works and can guide future research and clinical applications.

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Psychedelics for the Treatment of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Efficacy and Proposed Mechanisms

Psilocybin mushrooms show promise as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition where people experience unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Current standard treatments with antidepressants don’t work for many patients and take weeks to show effects. Early research suggests psilocybin may reduce OCD symptoms quickly and works in treatment-resistant cases, though more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and understand how it works in the brain.

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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mushroom-Based Food Additives and Food Fortified with Them—Current Status and Future Perspectives

Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods containing compounds that protect our bodies from damage and reduce inflammation. When mushrooms are processed into powders, extracts, or specially designed capsules, they can be added to ordinary foods like bread, pasta, and yogurt to make them healthier. This review shows that these mushroom-enriched foods successfully boost the antioxidant power of products, though the best results depend on how the mushrooms are prepared and which type of food they’re added to.

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The Effect of 2′-Fucosyllactose on Gut Health in Aged Mice

This research shows that 2′-fucosyllactose, a natural compound found in breast milk, can significantly improve gut health in older mice. The treatment strengthened the intestinal barrier, reduced harmful inflammation, and increased beneficial bacteria populations. These findings suggest that 2′-FL could be developed as a food supplement to help older people maintain better digestive and immune health.

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Psychedelic iatrogenic structural dissociation: an exploratory hypothesis on dissociative risks in psychedelic use

This paper explores potential risks of psychedelic use in people who have experienced trauma, proposing that psychedelics might reactivate unprocessed traumatic memories and cause psychological instability. The authors suggest that while psychedelics show promise for treating depression and PTSD, people with trauma histories need careful screening and support before, during, and after use. They recommend body-focused therapies and strong social support to help safely integrate traumatic material that might surface during psychedelic experiences.

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