Research Topic: Nutraceuticals

Ergothioneine: An Antioxidative, Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Compound from Mushroom Residuals

Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant found mainly in mushrooms that protects brain health and reduces inflammation. Mushroom processing creates large amounts of waste like stems and leftover substrate that actually contain high levels of this beneficial compound. Scientists have developed sustainable methods to extract ergothioneine from this waste, creating opportunities for new health supplements and functional foods while reducing waste and supporting environmental sustainability.

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Exploring the Potential of Haematococcus pluvialis as a Source of Bioactives for Food Applications: A Review

Haematococcus pluvialis is a tiny green algae that produces astaxanthin, a powerful natural antioxidant that gives it a bright red color when stressed. Beyond astaxanthin, this microalga is rich in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins, making it useful for creating functional foods and supplements. Researchers are developing better ways to grow this algae and extract its beneficial compounds using environmentally friendly methods, with potential applications in foods ranging from beverages to meat alternatives.

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Dietary Intake of Phytochemicals, Gut Microbiota, and Appetite Control

This research editorial highlights how plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals can improve gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria growth and supporting communication between the gut and brain. These dietary interventions show promise in helping control appetite, improve metabolism, and reduce the risk of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The studies suggest that personalized nutrition approaches based on individual microbiome profiles could offer more effective disease prevention and health maintenance strategies.

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Valorization and Environmental Impacts of Pecan Waste: A Critical Review

Pecan shells, which make up about half of the pecan nut and are usually discarded, contain valuable compounds with health-promoting properties like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These shells can be transformed into useful products including ingredients for food supplements and medicines, activated carbon for cleaning water, materials for making eco-friendly plastics, and energy sources. By converting pecan waste into valuable products instead of throwing it away, communities can reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, and create economic opportunities while supporting sustainable farming practices.

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Biochemical and molecular characterization of fungal isolates from California annual grassland soil

Scientists studied soil fungi from California grasslands to find the best strains for producing biofuels and health supplements. They discovered that Mortierella fungi are especially good at accumulating oils and producing beneficial compounds like arachidonic acid. Three specific fungal strains stood out as having the highest oil content and best fatty acid profiles, making them promising candidates for industrial production of sustainable fuels and nutritional supplements.

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Therapeutic and Preventive Potential of Plant-Derived Antioxidant Nutraceuticals

This comprehensive review explores how compounds found in plants can protect our bodies from harmful damage caused by oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and various diseases. Plant-based foods rich in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and olive oil contain special molecules that can help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The review highlights that these natural compounds work through multiple beneficial mechanisms beyond just antioxidant activity, making plant-based diets an effective strategy for maintaining health and preventing disease.

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Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds in Edible Mushroom-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Isolation and Characterization of EVs from Pleurotus eryngii

Scientists have isolated and studied tiny capsule-like particles called extracellular vesicles from the oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii. These vesicles, which are naturally produced by the mushroom, contain beneficial compounds like antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. The researchers found that vesicles from mushroom mycelium (the root-like part) were of higher quality and had stronger antioxidant effects than those from the fruiting body. These findings suggest that mushroom-derived vesicles could potentially be developed into health supplements or therapeutic treatments.

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Innovative applications of medicinal mushrooms in functional foods and nutraceuticals: a focus on health-boosting beverages

This comprehensive review explores how medicinal mushrooms are being transformed into health-boosting beverages like coffees, teas, and energy drinks. Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that support immunity, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and enhance brain function. As consumers increasingly seek natural health alternatives, mushroom beverages are emerging as a major market trend, combining ancient wellness traditions with modern science to create convenient, tasty drinks that genuinely benefit health.

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Nutrivigilance: the road less traveled

This paper discusses nutrivigilance, which is the monitoring of side effects from dietary supplements and health products. Unlike medicines, dietary supplements in the US don’t need approval before being sold to consumers. The paper explains what nutraceuticals are, how they’re classified, and the different ways the US and Europe try to keep track of harmful effects. The authors argue that better systems are needed, including more reporting from consumers and better communication between companies, regulators, and healthcare providers.

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Modern Pro-Health Applications of Medicinal Mushrooms: Insights into the Polyporaceae Family, with a Focus on Cerrena unicolor

This research explores how medicinal mushrooms, especially a species called Cerrena unicolor, could be used to improve human health through functional foods and dietary supplements. These mushrooms contain natural compounds that fight cancer, bacteria, viruses, and free radicals that damage our cells. Scientists have found that incorporating these mushroom extracts into foods, particularly dairy products, could create powerful health-promoting foods that help with cancer treatment, diabetes management, and wound healing.

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