Search Results (1,028)

Sparassis crispa sensu lato (S. crispa) is a highly valued medicinal and culinary fungus rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, are its most extensively studied constituents, accounting for up to 43.6% of its dry weight—the highest concentration reported among edible fungi. Alongside proteins, terpenoids, phenolics, and ergosterol, these biomolecules confer diverse physiological benefits, including immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, as well as the capacity to modulate gut microbiota. Consequently, S. crispa exhibits substantial market potential and is increasingly incorporated into functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This review systematically summarizes the primary bioactive components of S. crispa sensu lato and their associated health benefits, with emphasis on recent advances in immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, it critically compares the retention of active ingredients, product quality, and bioavailability of key processing technologies. These technologies include various drying methods, grinding techniques, extraction methods, and formulation systems. Despite significant research progress, challenges persist regarding optimal cultivation conditions and standardized industrial processing. Future perspectives highlight the necessity for intelligent cultivation strategies, the adoption of advanced processing technologies, and robust policy support to drive the sustainable development and commercial exploitation of the S. crispa industry. Full article

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of β-lactones yields biodegradable and bioresorbable polyesters exhibiting potential utility in medicine and environmental protection. β-butyrolactone (BL) is especially interesting, as it yields polymers analogous to natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrates) produced by bacteria, fungi, and enzymes in nature. The biopolymer produced by these microorganisms is isotactic. While it can be synthesized biotechnologically through the bacterial fermentation of substrates, such as sucrose, corn, and sugar, laboratory production typically involves the ring-opening polymerization of BL. However, the latter process is mainly atactic, syndiotactic, or partly isotactic, and other β-substituted β-lactones are less well-known. Ring-opening polymerization is an excellent pathway for the production of poly(β-lactones). This critical review presents the different conditions required to synthesize poly(β-lactones) and a broad overview of the different kinds of ROPs, i.e., anionic, cationic, coordinative, supramolecular-based, and enzymatic processes. A great variety of initiators/catalysts have been studied, covering both metal-based and metal-free systems (organo- and biocatalysts). In this review, several mechanisms of β-lactone polymerization are presented and discussed, especially with regard to the processes’ initiation steps. Full article

Background: Symbiotic fungi play essential roles throughout the entire cycle of orchid plants, including seed germination, seedling development, and maturation. Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo (Orchidaceae) (D. officinale) is a rare and highly valued traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Currently, artificial breeding using tissue culture technology is widely adopted and essential in the Dendrobium industry; however, this approach may impair or disrupt the plant’s ability to establish and maintain symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. Methods: In this study, the fungal endophyte community (FEC) in the roots of D. officinale cultivated under four different modes was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Correlation analyses were also carried out to examine the relationships between bioactive compounds and the FEC. Results: (1) The FEC in D. officinale roots was dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with significant differences in abundance, diversity, and community structure among cultivation modes; (2) the FEC under greenhouse cultivation differed significantly from those under tree epiphytic cultivation in terms of fungal nutritional types and dominant taxa; (3) six major mycorrhizal fungal taxa were identified in Dendrobium roots, although non-mycorrhizal fungi accounted for approximately 97% of the community; and (4) polysaccharide content in Dendrobium stems was positively correlated with certain root fugal endophytes (Exophiala, alaromyces, Pseudodactylaria, and Fellomyces). Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for understating the growth of D. officinale under different cultivation modes and highlights the relationship between bioactive compound accumulation and fungal endophyte communities. Full article

The utilization of saline–alkali lands and the competition between medicinal plants and grain crops are urgent issues. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined biochar and phosphogypsum application on soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and safflower growth, yield, and bioactive component accumulation in moderately saline–alkali soil of western Jilin, and to identify key soil factors driving these responses. To achieve this, outdoor pot experiments were conducted using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), with the application of 1% biochar + 1% phosphogypsum to moderately saline–alkali soil. The results showed that the amendment significantly reduced bulk density (BD), pH, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), total alkalinity (TA), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), while increasing soil water content (SWC), soil organic matter (SOM), nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and beneficial ions. Soil sucrase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase activities were enhanced. Copiotrophic taxa (Pseudomonadota, Sphingomonas, Vicinamibacter) increased, whereas oligotrophic taxa (Gemmatimonadetes, Longimicrobium, Luteitalea) decreased, with stronger effects on bacteria than fungi. Safflower growth indices improved; leaf Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, superoxide radicals, and malondialdehyde decreased; and soluble protein, proline, and antioxidant enzyme activities increased. Bioactive components (hydroxysafflor yellow A, kaempferol) and yield reached 1.41%, 0.056%, and 343.23 mg/plant, representing 1.74–27.68-fold increases over moderate and mild saline–alkali soils. Correlation analysis identified SOM, total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), BD, SWC, pH, SAR, TA, and ESP as key factors. In conclusion, co-application of 1% biochar and 1% phosphogypsum improves soil physicochemical and microbial properties, alleviates saline–alkali stress, and enhances safflower quality and yield. Full article

Mucormycosis is a devastating invasive fungal infection primarily caused by Mucor and Rhizopus species, presenting significant clinical challenges due to limited therapeutic options and emerging drug resistance in opportunistic yeasts such as Candida albicans. This study explores foliar endophytic fungi from Thai medicinal plants as potential reservoirs for novel bioactive metabolites targeting both fungal growth and virulence factors. We report the first isolation of Fusarium proliferatum as an endophyte from Lantana camara L. foliage (voucher number 01562), with its identity confirmed through morphological characterization and sequencing of the fungal ITS4/ITS5 regions. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed potent activity against a panel of environmental Mucorales, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.3 to 1 mg/L. In dual-culture assays, F. proliferatum demonstrated significant mycelial inhibition rates of 93.30% to 93.67% against Mucor spp. and 88.67% to 93.67% against Rhizopus spp. Furthermore, the crude extract exhibited a potent anti-virulence effect by suppressing the C. albicans yeast-to-hyphal transition, achieving up to 68% germination inhibition in resistant strains. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis identified 51 secondary metabolites, including the cyclic peptide beauvericin and various polyketides and indole derivatives. These findings suggest that F. proliferatum utilizes metabolic mimicry and adaptive synergy with its host plant to produce a diverse chemical arsenal. This study positions foliar endophytes of L. camara as promising candidates for the development of dual-action therapeutics to combat invasive and resistant mycoses. Full article

Cordyceps militaris is a well-known edible and medicinal entomopathogenic fungus that can be cultivated using silkworm larvae as hosts. However, no reports have been found regarding the gut microbiota of silkworms (Bombyx mori) following C. militaris injection. Based on three biological replicates, illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate the changes over time in the gut bacteria and fungi of silkworms injected with C. militaris. The results indicated that following inoculation with C. militaris, the abundance of Bacillales and Basidiomycetes increased, while that of Pseudomonadales and Ascomycetes decreased. The abundance of Mammaliicoccus increased by 78% and 26% in dying silkworms compared to their pre-inoculated counterparts and blank control group, respectively. The relative abundance of Rhodotorula in dying silkworms was 2.89-fold and 80.51-fold higher than that in the pre-inoculation group and blank control group, respectively. After inoculation with C. militaris, fungi showed the greatest community variations at day 2, while bacteria displayed the most distinct differences at day 4. Under C. militaris infection, the abundance of all four pathways of Genetic Information Processing in silkworm larvae’s gut microbiota significantly increased. Taken together, the results demonstrate that inoculation with C. militaris induced significant alterations in the composition, structure, assembly, and predictive functional profiles of gut bacteria and fungi in silkworms. This study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the production of C. militaris using silkworm larvae as insect hosts. Full article

Inadequate surface sanitization represents a significant risk to sterility assurance and regulatory compliance. Therefore, an effective cleaning and disinfection program is a critical component of contamination control strategies in pharmaceutical facilities manufacturing sterile medicinal products. This study aimed to standardize a carrier-based methodology for evaluating the efficacy of disinfectants against in-house environmental isolates recovered from a pharmaceutical industry facility. Nine representative strains were selected from five different groups—Gram-positive non-spore-forming bacteria (Micrococcus luteus and Kocuria spp.), Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria (two Bacillus spp. strains), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter haemolyticus), yeasts (Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and filamentous fungus (Penicillium spp.)—based on historical environmental monitoring data (2012–2022), and were characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and molecular sequencing (16S rRNA or D2 LSU rDNA). Disinfectant efficacy was assessed on stainless-steel and low-density polyethylene surfaces using NF T 72-281:2014 with adaptations, testing alcohol 70%, sodium hypochlorite 0.5%, quaternary ammonium 0.05%, peracetic acid 0.5%, and accelerated hydrogen peroxide wipes. All agents demonstrated ≥5 log₁₀ reductions against vegetative bacteria and fungi on both surfaces. However, variable sporicidal performance was observed, particularly for one Bacillus cereus group strain (B1342/15), which showed limited viability reduction on stainless steel. These findings highlight inter-strain variability and the greater tolerance of surface-associated spores. The study reinforces the importance of carrier-based testing using in-house isolates to ensure realistic validation of disinfectants and to strengthen microbiological risk management within pharmaceutical contamination control strategies. Full article

Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) have shown broad potential to improve soil conditions and enhance root growth and development. However, few studies have examined the effects of exogenous PGPF inoculation on the growth of the medicinal plant Saposhnikovia divaricata and the associated changes in the rhizosphere microbiome. In this study, Aspergillus neoalliaceus MR-86 exhibited phosphate solubilization, growth in nitrogen-free medium, potassium solubilization, IAA production, and siderophore production. PCR assays did not detect the aflatoxin biosynthesis-related genes aflR, aflS, and omtA in strain MR-86. Pot trials demonstrated that inoculation with MR-86 significantly increased the plant height and root dry weight of S. divaricata by 10.32% and 21.05%, respectively (p < 0.05). In the rhizosphere, soil pH decreased, whereas soil alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen and available phosphorus levels, as well as the activities of protease, urease, and cellulase, increased significantly. Illumina NovaSeq sequencing revealed that MR-86 inoculation altered the soil microbial community structure and specifically enriched several microbial taxa, including Talaromyces, Subulicystidium, and Aspergillus. Moreover, MR-86 inoculation did not alter the composition of dominant bacterial and fungal phyla, but significantly modified microbial interactions and the topology of microbial networks. Correlation analysis indicated that the specific microbial taxa Subulicystidium, Aspergillus, and Talaromyces were positively associated with soil nutrient indices, enzyme activities, and plant growth parameters. Functional prediction analysis indicated that MR-86 treatment was predicted to be enriched bacterial metabolic pathways, including flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and ether lipid metabolism, and was predicted to increase the relative abundance of functional fungal groups such as ectomycorrhizal and wood-decomposing fungi. In summary, A. neoalliaceus MR-86 may contribute to improved growth of S. divaricata by enhancing nutrient availability and transformation and by modulating the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbiome. Full article

Ocimum gratissimum L. subsp., commonly known as African basil, is a native African medicinal plant that has been used for generations to address various health issues. These include colds, flu, diabetes, diarrhoea, pain and swelling, psychological disorders, malaria, inflammation, and infections caused by fungi and bacteria. In addition, African basil is abundant in vitamins and minerals and is mostly used to add flavour to dishes and soups in West African households. Studies have identified multiple bioactive compounds in this plant, such as alkaloids, polyphenols, triterpenes, steroids, fatty acids, esters, alcohols, essential oils, ketones, and aldehydes. Key bioactive constituents, essential oils like thymol and eugenol, are responsible for the pharmacological effects of Ocimum gratissimum. The diverse bioactive compounds give the plant a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, cognitive-enhancing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and organoleptic effects. Notable mechanisms of action include the PI3K/Akt, NRF-2, and NF-κB signalling pathways, free radical scavenging, and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This review paper aimed to compile recent studies on the phytochemistry, medicinal uses, therapeutic activities, and molecular mechanisms of action of Ocimum gratissimum. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of Ocimum gratissimum at the pathological and molecular levels. Full article

Phaeohyphomycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by dematiaceous fungi and is considered uncommon in dogs, particularly when associated with visceral or systemic involvement. Pulmonary disease as a primary site of infection is rarely reported in veterinary medicine and is often associated with an unfavorable outcome. This report describes a fatal case of pulmonary phaeohyphomycosis in a dog, characterized by severe granulomatous pneumonia, vascular invasion by pigmented fungal hyphae, and the development of large vessel thrombosis. Histopathological examination revealed septate, pigmented hyphae consistent with dematiaceous fungi associated with an intense granulomatous inflammatory response. Although molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction was unsuccessful due to the absence of amplifiable DNA in archived FFPE tissue, the clinicopathological correlation and histopathological findings were sufficient to support a diagnosis consistent with phaeohyphomycosis. Severe pulmonary inflammation likely contributed to vascular endothelial injury, resulting in pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis of major veins. This case highlights the diagnostic and clinical challenges associated with phaeohyphomycosis in dogs and emphasizes the importance of considering this infection in the differential diagnosis of chronic or progressive respiratory diseases accompanied by systemic complications. Furthermore, it reinforces the relevance of histopathology and comprehensive clinicopathological evaluation when molecular confirmation of the etiological agent is not achievable. Full article

Medicinal plants grown outside their native forest habitat may produce phytochemical profiles that differ from wild-harvested material, yet the ecological mechanisms underlying these differences remain poorly synthesized across disciplines. This review proposes that the forest understory functions as a multi-signal elicitation system in which canopy light filtering, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and above-ground biotic interactions collectively shape secondary metabolite profiles. AMF-mediated induced systemic resistance and above-ground biotic interactions operate through confirmed jasmonate-mediated pathways. Sunfleck-driven reactive oxygen species signaling is hypothesized but untested, and the red-to-far-red ratio modulated phytochrome B pathway characterized in Arabidopsis remains unconfirmed in shade-tolerant species. Using three saponin-rich medicinal plants (Panax vietnamensis, Panex quinquefolius, and Paris polyphylla) as case studies, we formalize this as a testable chemical terroir hypothesis with three falsifiable predictions. We also translate it into an ecological co-cultivation design principle with three production levels and a two-step operational framework, and identify priority experiments, analytical methods, and implementation challenges needed for validation. These contributions bridge forest ecology and medicinal plant science while identifying critical evidence gaps requiring resolution before field implementation. Full article

For the first time, a regulatory network linking melanin, genes, pathways, and edible quality was constructed for 138 Auricularia cornea strains sourced domestically and internationally. This marks the inaugural study of A. cornea spanning from cellular to physical-mechanical properties. Correlation analysis between melanin and edible quality traits (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience) revealed that hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess increased with rising melanin content, while springiness correspondingly decreased. Genome-wide association analysis identified 15,597,589 SNP loci. A total of 39 genes related to food quality were annotated, including one melanin-related lacquer enzyme gene, ACW004924. Real-time quantitative PCR validation of key genes identified for melanin and edible quality traits revealed results consistent with those from correlation analysis. The lacquer enzyme genes ACW004736, ACW006232, which regulate melanin synthesis, and the tyrosinase genes ACW001451, ACW002443, and ACW001003 were also identified in edible quality traits. These genes perform similar functions in GO-enriched metabolic processes, catalytic activity, and cellular structural complexes, as well as in KEGG-enriched pathways such as carbon metabolism and polysaccharide synthesis. They catalyze melanin synthesis and promote interactions between melanin and cell wall polysaccharides, chitin, and structural proteins, thereby stabilizing the cellular scaffold structure, jointly mediating the effect of melanin on the edible quality of A. cornea. The results supplement the downstream regulatory chain of catalytic enzymes and edible quality in the γ-L-glutaminyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzene (GDHB) pigment synthesis pathway, and form an information network of melanin synthesis, cell wall structure optimization, and edible quality regulation. Full article

Context/Objective: Fungi of the genus Tolypocladium are known for their diverse metabolic capabilities and medicinal potential. Indole diterpenoids (IDTs) represent a structurally unique class of fungal metabolites. Beyond their established roles as mycotoxins, these compounds have recently shown promise for neuroprotective effects. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize novel IDTs from Tolypocladium album DWS131 and evaluate their neuroprotective activities and underlying mechanisms. Methods: IDTs were isolated through comprehensive chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated using HRESIMS data, 1D/2D NMR spectra, and quantum chemical calculations. Neuroprotective effects were evaluated using glutamate (Glu)-induced R28 cells in vitro and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced mouse models in vivo. A total of 48 mice were utilized for in vivo evaluations, divided into two separate experimental cohorts. In each cohort, mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group). Post-intravitreal injection, retinal survival and visual function were assessed via Brn3a-stained flat-mounts, H&E staining, f-VEP, f-ERG, and OptoDrum. Mechanisms involving the SLC7A11/GPX4/ACSL4 axis were investigated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: Seven previously undescribed paxilline-type IDTs, tolypindoles A–G (1–7), and two known analogues (8–9) were identified. Compounds 8 and 9 exhibited significant neuroprotection closely associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress and the modulation of ferroptosis-related pathways in Glu-induced R28 cells. In vivo, they preserved retinal ganglion cells, maintained retinal structure, and protected visual function, with compound 8 demonstrating superior efficacy. Mechanistic investigations revealed that both compounds modulate the SLC7A11/GPX4/ACSL4 signaling axis. Conclusions: This study expands the chemical diversity of T. album DWS131. Compounds 8 and 9, characterized by isopentenyl moieties, highlight a promising therapeutic potential for retinal neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted substantial scientific interest in biomedical research owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, plasmonic properties, and therapeutic versatility. Although conventional physicochemical synthesis methods enable controlled NPs fabrication, their dependence on hazardous reagents, elevated energy input, and environmentally detrimental processing conditions has stimulated the development of sustainable biogenic alternatives. Biological synthesis utilizing plants, microorganisms, fungi, algae, and purified biomolecules has emerged as an eco-friendly and bio-compatible strategy for AgNP fabrication, enabling simultaneous reduction, stabilization, and intrinsic biofunctionalization of NPs. However, traditional biogenic synthesis remains constrained by limited mechanistic understanding, poor batch reproducibility, inadequate control over physicochemical properties, and challenges in large-scale manufacturing. Recent advances in bioengineering have transformed this field through the integration of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, microfluidic-assisted synthesis, artificial intelligence-guided process optimization, and continuous-flow biomanufacturing, collectively enabling precision fabrication of biogenic AgNPs with enhanced uniformity, scalability, and functional tunability. Furthermore, strategic surface engineering and functionalization have expanded the applicability of biogenic AgNPs across targeted anticancer therapy, antimicrobial intervention, wound healing, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and theranostic imaging. Despite these advancements, critical challenges remain regarding nano–bio interactions, toxicological safety, regulatory compliance, and translational scalability. Unlike conventional reviews focused primarily on green synthesis approaches, this review critically highlights emerging bioengineering paradigms that enable programmable, scalable, and precision-controlled biogenic AgNP fabrication. This review comprehensively examines next-generation paradigms and strategies for AgNPs biosynthesis, elucidates the molecular mechanisms governing their formation, highlights emerging functionalization and biomedical application paradigms, and discusses current translational barriers. Forming biogenic composites of AgNPs and heteroatom doped carbon nanodots needs intense research in near future. Full article

Samsoniella hepiali produces an array of pharmacologically valuable metabolites, but how environmental pH regulates its antioxidant system and lipid metabolism during submerged fermentation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different initial culture pH values (pH 4, 5, 6, and 7) on the antioxidant capacity and lipidomic metabolism of S. hepiali. The results demonstrated that at pH 5, the activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the contents of total phenolics (TP) and flavonoids, the scavenging rates of DPPH• and •OH, and the total antioxidant capacity all peaked. Conversely, the level of glutathione (GSH) reached its maximum at pH 6 (0.69 ± 0.014 μmol/g). Lipidomic analysis identified a total of 404 lipid molecular species, mainly TG, PE, and DG. Comparative analysis among pH 4 vs. pH 5, pH 6 vs. pH 5, and pH 7 vs. pH 5 revealed 27 core DALs belonging to 11 lipid subclasses, most of which were upregulated at pH 5. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further revealed that sphingolipid metabolism was the sole core co-enriched pathway under different pH conditions. Particularly at pH 5, key signaling lipids, such as ceramides, underwent pronounced targeted accumulation. This study elucidates the molecular adaptation mechanisms of medicinal fungi in response to pH variation from a lipidomic perspective. It provides a basis for optimizing fermentation conditions to enhance antioxidant activity and functional lipid production. Full article