Mast Cells and Histamine: A Review of Mushroom-Derived Bioactive Compounds
Research into the influence of fungal polysaccharides on mast cell activation and histamine release constitutes a compelling niche within the biology of allergy and inflammation.
ORAC and FRAP: Assessing Antioxidant Capacity in Mushrooms
The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays are two widely employed methodological frameworks for evaluating the antioxidant capacity of mushrooms. Each method operates on distinct chemical principles—hydrogen atom transfer versus single-electron
Estrogen Receptors and Mushroom-Derived Bioactives: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Certain mushroom-derived compounds have been shown to interact with estrogen receptors, a finding that is attracting significant interest in research on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause. Their phytoestrogen-like activity underscores the need for rigorous safety evaluation in hormone-se
Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Unlocking the Synergistic Power of Protein and Mushroom Bioactives
Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength occurring after the sixth decade of life, constitutes a significant public health challenge. This review assesses the current literature on the anti-inflammatory properties of mushroom polysaccharides and their potential to enhanc
The Cordyceps-Andropause Connection: A Review of Testosterone Literature
The age-related decline in testosterone biosynthesis in men has directed scientific attention toward the medicinal fungus Cordyceps, with experimental evidence pointing to a mechanistic pathway that involves stimulation of Leydig cells and modulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) sign
Safety of Psilocybin Mushroom Use During the Postpartum Period: A Review of the Literature
Postpartum use of mushrooms in the context of maternal energy depletion, immune adaptations, and lactation safety: a review of existing safety evidence and the species of greatest concern.
Perimenopause and Mushroom Bioactives: A Literature-Based Review
Fluctuating estrogen levels during the perimenopausal transition exert a broad physiological influence, disrupting sleep architecture, mood regulation, and bone metabolism. This entry delineates the current research landscape surrounding bioactive constituents derived from functional mushrooms, situ
Vagus Nerve Signaling and Fungal Bioactives: Mapping the Gut-Brain Axis Literature
The vagus nerve serves as the principal neural conduit between the gut and the brain. As a key component of the autonomic nervous system, it plays a central role in mediating interactions with the gut microbiome, including its fungal constituents, as documented in the scientific literature.
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Fungal Adaptogens: A Review of the Evidence
The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis serves as the principal neuroendocrine effector of the stress response. Its signalling cascade proceeds through three hierarchically organised nodes—the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, and the adrenal cortex—each secr
Astrocytes and Fungal Compounds: A Review of the Glial Support Literature
Astrocytes constitute the most numerous cell type in the human brain. They are integral to glial support functions and the maintenance of the blood–brain barrier. In vitro studies have further characterized their responses to fungal components, expanding the literature on astrocyte–pathogen interact
