Research Topic: polysaccharides

Bachu Mushroom Polysaccharide Alleviates Colonic Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Researchers studied a polysaccharide extracted from Bachu mushrooms, a traditional medicinal fungus used in China, to treat inflammatory bowel disease in mice. The polysaccharide reduced inflammation by decreasing harmful inflammatory proteins and increasing beneficial bacteria in the gut. Treatment significantly improved disease symptoms and protected the colon from damage caused by chemical-induced colitis, suggesting this mushroom extract could potentially be developed into a natural treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

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Cross-linking impacts the physical properties of mycelium leather alternatives by targeting hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides and amino groups of proteins

Scientists developed a leather-like material made from mushroom mycelium by treating it with chemical cross-linkers similar to those used in traditional leather tanning. The best results came from using glutaraldehyde, which chemically bonded to the mycelium’s proteins and carbohydrates, creating a stronger and more durable material. While the mycelium leather now has comparable strength to conventional leather, it needs to be more flexible. This research offers a more environmentally sustainable alternative to animal leather.

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Pleurotus eryngii Culture Filtrate and Aqueous Extracts Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis

This research demonstrates that extracts from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) can effectively reduce dangerous aflatoxin contamination in food and feed by up to 94%. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by mold fungi that can cause serious health problems including cancer. The study shows that mushroom compounds work through multiple mechanisms including antioxidant activity and enzyme production, offering a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to harmful synthetic chemicals for protecting our food supply.

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Effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides on the physicochemical properties of catfish surimi and myofibrillar protein oxidation during frozen storage

Researchers discovered that mushroom polysaccharides extracted from Flammulina velutipes roots can protect fish surimi (a protein product used in food manufacturing) during frozen storage. When added to surimi at 2% concentration, these natural mushroom extracts prevented protein damage and maintained product quality just as well as traditional chemical preservatives, but without the added sweetness or calories. This finding suggests that mushroom-based compounds could offer a healthier alternative for preserving frozen food products.

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Development of Hybrid Pleurotus cystidiosus Strains with Enhanced Functional Properties

Scientists created new hybrid varieties of abalone mushrooms by breeding two different strains together. These new hybrids produced more health-beneficial compounds like antioxidants and fiber-like polysaccharides than their parent strains. Two particularly promising hybrids, PA-132 and PA-054, showed the strongest antioxidant properties and could potentially be developed into functional food products for health and wellness applications.

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Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Colon Cancer-Preventive Potential of a Polysaccharide Fraction from Macrolepiota procera

Researchers isolated special sugar compounds called polysaccharides from parasol mushrooms and tested their health benefits. These compounds were found to fight free radicals that damage cells, reduce inflammation in the body, and specifically kill colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The study suggests that parasol mushrooms could be developed into health supplements or functional foods to help prevent cancer and improve overall health.

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Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Coriolus versicolor in Breast Cancer: A Review

Coriolus versicolor, also known as turkey tail mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recent scientific research shows it may help fight breast cancer through multiple mechanisms: killing cancer cells directly through programmed cell death pathways, breaking down the estrogen that fuels some breast cancers, preventing cancer spread, and boosting the immune system. While early studies are promising and one clinical trial showed good safety and immune benefits, larger studies are needed before this mushroom can be recommended as an official cancer treatment.

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Green Valorization Strategies of Pleurotus ostreatus and Its By-Products: A Critical Review of Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Applications

Oyster mushrooms generate large amounts of agricultural waste including stems, leftover plant material, and spent growing substrate. These waste products contain many healthy compounds like fiber, β-glucans, and antioxidants that are usually thrown away. Scientists are developing new extraction technologies using ultrasound, microwaves, and other methods to recover these beneficial compounds from mushroom waste for use in functional foods like meat products, baked goods, and dairy items, reducing waste while creating healthier food ingredients.

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Mushroom Bioactive Molecules as Anticancerous Agents: An Overview

Mushrooms contain natural compounds that show promise in fighting cancer by triggering cancer cell death and boosting immune function. Different mushroom species like oyster, shiitake, and button mushrooms contain substances such as beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that have demonstrated anticancer properties in laboratory and animal studies. While these mushroom compounds work through multiple mechanisms including preventing new blood vessel formation to tumors and stopping cancer cell division, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness as cancer treatments.

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