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Fungi

08/09/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Improving the immune-enhancing properties of cordyceps mushrooms through fermentation with probiotics

Korean researchers investigated the possibility of improving the immuno-stimulatory activity of cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps militaris) by fermenting them with probiotic strains of bacteria. They reported that fermentation improved the boost that cordyceps bestowed upon the immune system and improved the availability of beneficial nutrients. Gachon University supported the study. The findings were published in the journal BMC Complementary […]

06/13/2018 / By Frances Bloomfield

The antimicrobial properties of essential oils found to be effective against drug-resistant Candida

As antifungal drug resistance grows increasingly common, a number of scientists have turned to plant-derived essential oils for a solution. To that end, researchers from the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) have developed a new screening method to identify the antimicrobial qualities of these volatile substances. They dubbed their method the vapor-phase-mediated susceptibility (VMS) assay, which […]

04/01/2018 / By Frances Bloomfield

Tannins from the miracle tree, a hybrid of the mimosa tree, found to be an effective treatment for many chronic diseases, including cancer

Though it’s known as the “miracle tree,” Leucaena leucocephala hybrid-Rendang is sadly underutilized. This Malaysian amalgam was created by crossing L. leucocephala with L. diversifolia, two plants known for their poor digestibility but impressive condensed tannin content. Also known as proanthocyanidins, condensed tannins are known for their wide array of health benefits. These range from acting […]

03/25/2018 / By Frances Bloomfield

Magic mushrooms likely developed their psychedelic properties as a defense against predators

Psilocybin is the naturally occurring substance that puts the “magic” in “magic mushrooms.” Their psychedelic properties have made them popular for therapeutic, spiritual, and recreational use — for humans at least. But their biological purpose, as well as their evolutionary origins, has remained a mystery. Until now. A study, published in Evolution Letters, has suggested […]

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