Discovered Fungi in Dinosaur Remains Found to Contain Potential Tumor Inhibitors, and Germany Legalizes the Use of Psilocybin

Discovered Fungi in Dinosaur Remains Found to Contain Potential Tumor Inhibitors, and Germany Legalizes the Use of Psilocybin

Mushrooms, often overlooked, have been making a significant impact in various fields, from health to sustainability. Here's a roundup of recent developments:

Mushrooms and Health

In the realm of health, research has shown that certain mushroom compounds can offer promising benefits. For instance, polysaccharides from the brown swordbelt mushroom have been found to reduce colon inflammation and heal intestinal damage in mice with colitis.

Another intriguing development is the new class of compounds called ACOM prodrugs. Based on psilocin and other tryptamines, these compounds could improve psychedelic therapy by offering better control over dose, duration, and absorption. However, current clinical trials primarily focus on depression, PTSD, addiction, and neurodegenerative diseases, rather than directly for cancer support.

One mushroom showing potential in the anti-cancer field is the Black Maitake. A pre-clinical trial at the University of Windsor found promising anti-cancer potential in extracts from this mushroom, indicating a step towards clinical testing in the future. Reishi mushroom, too, has shown anticancer properties in laboratory studies, but so far, there is insufficient clinical evidence to recommend it as a standard cancer treatment or support option.

Mushrooms and Sustainability

In the realm of sustainability, mushrooms have proven to be versatile allies. For example, mushrooms like oyster, reishi, and shiitake are being used to biosynthesize gold nanoparticles for cancer therapy, biosensors, and drug delivery.

Fungi are also playing a crucial role in breaking down tough pollutants, including plastics, dyes, and pesticides. White rot mushrooms like oyster and turkey tail produce enzymes that break down these pollutants.

Moreover, fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots can trap toxic lead in soil, such as species like Acaulospora rehmii and Funneliformis geosporus.

Mushrooms and Nutrition

Mushrooms are not just beneficial for the environment but also for our health. Enriched mushrooms can be biofortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, iron, and zinc. Researchers have successfully enriched oyster mushrooms with selenium, resulting in higher selenium levels in the fruiting bodies and improved antioxidant capacity.

Agricultural leftovers from growing shiitake and oyster mushrooms have also been repurposed to extract sugars and recover high-quality lignin.

Mushrooms in the Wild

In the wild, mushrooms continue to surprise us. A new survey of pecan orchards uncovered 31 mushroom-forming species, including desert-native Agaricus deserticola, Scleroderma spp., Pisolithus tinctorius, and Tuber lyonii.

Fungal hyphae have even been discovered thriving inside fossilized bones from Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, along with nematodes that feed on the fungi.

Mushroom Storage and Preservation

Lastly, when it comes to storage, dried black jelly mushrooms and oyster mushrooms preserved their quality much better at cooler temperatures over 12 weeks compared to room temperature.

In summary, while the most advanced mushroom-based interventions related to cancer are in preclinical or early research phases, with no current active clinical trials explicitly targeting cancer support documented, the potential for mushrooms in various fields is undeniable.

If you're interested in tracking active clinical trials related to mushrooms, databases like clinicaltrials.gov can provide the very latest registered studies.

1. Science continues to uncover promising benefits of certain mushroom compounds in supporting health.
2. Polysaccharides from the brown swordbelt mushroom could potentially heal intestinal damage and reduce colon inflammation.
3. A new class of compounds called ACOM prodrugs, based on psilocin, could enhance psychedelic therapy.
4. These compounds offer better control over the dose, duration, and absorption of psychedelics.
5. Clinical trials primarily focus on depression, PTSD, addiction, and neurodegenerative diseases, not cancer support.
6. The Black Maitake mushroom shows potential in the anti-cancer field and may lead to clinical testing.
7. Reishi mushroom has demonstrated anticancer properties in lab studies but lacks sufficient clinical evidence for a cancer treatment.
8. In sustainability, mushrooms are versatile allies, being used to biosynthesize gold nanoparticles for cancer therapy and drug delivery.
9. White rot mushrooms like oyster and turkey tail break down tough pollutants such as plastics, dyes, and pesticides.
10. Fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots to trap toxic lead in soil, such as Acaulospora rehmii and Funneliformis geosporus.
11. Mushrooms, enriched with essential nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, iron, and zinc, are beneficial for human health.
12. Oyster mushrooms can be biofortified with selenium, resulting in higher selenium levels and improved antioxidant capacity.
13. Agricultural leftovers from shiitake and oyster mushroom farming can be repurposed to extract sugars and high-quality lignin.
14. A new survey discovered 31 mushroom-forming species in pecan orchards, including Agaricus deserticola and Scleroderma spp.
15. Fungal hyphae were found thriving inside fossilized bones from Triceratops and Edmontosaurus.
16. Nematodes that feed on fungi were discovered alongside these ancient fossils.
17. Dried black jelly mushrooms and oyster mushrooms maintain better quality at cooler temperatures over 12 weeks.
18. The full potential of mushrooms in various fields, such as health, sustainability, and nutrition, remains undeniable.
19. To stay updated on active clinical trials related to mushrooms, consult databases like clinicaltrials.gov.
20. Mushrooms continue to surprise and fascinate in the wild.
21. In the realm of science and medicine, mushrooms are an exciting area of ongoing research.
22. The potential for mushrooms in cancer treatment is in preclinical or early research stages.
23. Despite the lack of current active clinical trials targeting cancer support, the potential benefits of mushrooms in the medical-conditions industry are significant.
24. Fungi have an essential role in breaking down tough pollutants like plastics, dyes, and pesticides.
25. Lifestyle industries are leveraging mushrooms for wellness and health-and-wellness products.
26. The finance and investment industry sees potential in the mushroom-based products growth, with sectors like food-and-drink, gadgets, and personal-finance interested in the burgeoning health-and-wellness industry.

Read also: