Research Topic: terpenes

Immunomodulatory Effects of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Immunoregulatory Products

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Mushrooms have been used for health for thousands of years and contain special compounds that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. Scientists have identified several key active ingredients in mushrooms like polysaccharides and proteins that can activate immune cells and reduce tumors. Some mushroom products like lentinan from shiitake mushrooms have already been approved as cancer treatments in Japan. While most evidence comes from lab studies, ongoing research suggests mushroom-based medicines could become important therapeutic options.

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Alliance Between Conifer Trees and Endophytic Fungi Against Insect Defoliators

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Scientists discovered that beneficial fungi living inside white spruce trees help protect the trees from damaging spruce budworm insects. These fungi work in two ways: they produce toxic substances that poison the insects, and they help trees produce protective chemical compounds called terpenes. In greenhouse experiments, trees with more of these beneficial fungi had significantly more protective chemicals in their leaves. This natural partnership between trees and fungi represents millions of years of evolution working together to fight off pests.

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Alliance Between Conifer Trees and Endophytic Fungi Against Insect Defoliators

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Researchers discovered that helpful fungi living inside white spruce needles protect the trees from damaging budworm insects. These fungi work in two ways: they directly poison the insects that try to eat the needles, and they also encourage the trees to produce more of their own chemical defenses. This partnership between fungi and trees demonstrates an important co-evolutionary relationship where all three organisms—fungi, trees, and insects—influence each other over time.

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