Research Topic: Medicinal

Influence of Culture Conditions on Bioactive Compounds in Cordyceps militaris: A Comprehensive Review

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine for treating fatigue, boosting immunity, and fighting cancer. This review explains how growing conditions—such as the type of grain or insect substrate used, light exposure, temperature, and nutrient balance—dramatically affect the production of beneficial compounds like cordycepin. The research shows that mixing grains with insect-based materials and using specific light wavelengths can significantly increase the potency of these medicinal fungi, making them more effective for health applications.

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Yamabushitake Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. 1797) Mycelium Improves Reproductive System Dysfunction in Male Rats Induced by Polystyrene Microplastics

A study found that Yamabushitake mushroom extract can help protect male reproductive health from damage caused by polystyrene microplastics found in everyday plastic products. The mushroom’s active compound, erinacine A, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in rats, improved hormone levels, and enhanced sperm quality. This research suggests the mushroom could be developed into a supplement for men concerned about their fertility and reproductive health in our plastic-filled environment.

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Cryptococcus: Emerging host risk factors for infection

This scientific review examines why some people without HIV are getting serious Cryptococcus infections and becoming very sick. Researchers found that people with liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases face much higher risk. The review also identifies new drugs and therapies that can surprisingly increase infection risk, highlighting the importance of understanding individual patient factors when treating these dangerous fungal infections.

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Clinical Significance and Therapeutic Challenges of Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans Isolates in a Single-Center Cohort of Lung Transplant Recipients

This study examined rare but serious fungal infections caused by Scedosporium and Lomentospora in lung transplant patients. Of 576 transplant recipients, 11 (2%) developed these infections, which are difficult to treat due to natural resistance to most antifungal medications. The infection type greatly influenced outcomes, with disseminated Lomentospora infections causing 100% mortality despite treatment. The research highlights the urgent need for new diagnostic methods and more effective antifungal drugs to combat these emerging pathogens.

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Polyphenolic Hispolon Derived from Medicinal Mushrooms of the Inonotus and Phellinus Genera Promotes Wound Healing in Hyperglycemia-Induced Impairments

Researchers tested a natural compound called hispolon, extracted from medicinal mushrooms, to see if it could help heal wounds in diabetic patients. Using both laboratory cells and diabetic rats, they found that hispolon successfully reduced cell damage caused by high blood sugar, improved wound closure, and promoted healthy tissue growth. The compound worked as well as an existing diabetic wound cream and showed no harmful side effects, suggesting it could become a new natural treatment option for diabetic wound complications.

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Impacts of selenium enrichment on nutritive value and obesity prevention of Cordyceps militaris: A nutritional, secondary metabolite, and network pharmacological analysis

Researchers studied how adding selenium to Cordyceps militaris mushrooms affects their nutritional value and ability to prevent obesity. They found that selenium enrichment increased the mushroom’s carbohydrates and fiber content, and enhanced beneficial compounds like terpenoids and alkaloids. In mice fed a high-fat diet, both regular and selenium-enriched Cordyceps militaris reduced weight gain and improved metabolic health equally well. The study suggests these mushrooms work against obesity by using multiple active compounds that target different biological pathways simultaneously.

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Caspofungin therapy in prosthetic valve endocarditis and candidemia due to itraconazole-resistant Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus): A case report

A 13-year-old boy developed a serious fungal infection on his replacement heart valve after recent surgery. The fungal infection was caused by a type of yeast called Candida glabrata that was resistant to the initial antifungal medication. After testing revealed resistance and biofilm formation, doctors switched to caspofungin, a stronger antifungal drug, and the patient recovered successfully.

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Kinome analysis of Madurella mycetomatis identified kinases in the cell wall integrity pathway as novel potential therapeutic drug targets in eumycetoma caused by Madurella mycetomatis

Eumycetoma is a serious fungal infection that causes large tumors under the skin and is very difficult to treat. Scientists used computer analysis to find special proteins called kinases in the fungus that might be good targets for new drugs. They discovered that proteins involved in the fungus’s cell wall are promising targets, which could lead to better treatments for this neglected disease.

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A New Method for Constructing High-Resolution Phylogenomic Topologies Using Core Gene-Associated MNP Markers: A Case Study From Agaricus bisporus

Scientists developed a new method to accurately identify and distinguish different strains of button mushrooms using genetic markers derived from core genes. This method is more accurate and simpler than previous approaches and can be applied to other mushroom species and fungi. The research helps mushroom farmers and breeders properly identify cultivars and protect their varieties from unauthorized propagation.

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Strengthening Fungal Infection Diagnosis and Treatment: An In-depth Analysis of Capabilities in Honduras

This study examined how well healthcare facilities in Honduras can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections. Researchers surveyed laboratories and hospitals to find out what diagnostic tools and antifungal medications were available. The findings showed that while basic tests like microscopy were common, advanced techniques were rare, and many important antifungal drugs were difficult to access. The study recommends improving training, building better laboratories, and making essential medications more available.

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