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Fungi

12/02/2018 / By Michelle Simmons

Myrrh essential oil is a natural remedy for skin fungal infections

Cutaneous fungal infections, which are noninvasive infections of the skin, hair, or nails, may be treated using myrrh (Commiphora molmol). A study published in Pharmaceutical Biology confirmed that myrrh is an effective treatment for skin fungal infections. Myrrh, a resin obtained from the cracked stem of thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora, has been […]

09/28/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo

Essential oils documented to treat fungal infections naturally

Plant-based remedies, such as tinctures and essential oils, have long been used to treat fungal infections. In a recent study, conducted by researchers from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Arizona State University, and Enerpathic Technologies, it was determined that botanical tinctures and essential oils have different bioactive components that can treat Candida albicans infection. This study, which was published in Herbal Medicine: […]

09/21/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Fungal strains found naturally in the soil, including a relative of penicillin, could be an alternative to herbicides

Penicillium molds have been used to ripen cheese and produce the life-saving antibiotic penicillin. Now, a member of the large and common genus of fungi could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic herbicides. The discovery was made by Nigerian researchers from the University of Ilorin, who were looking for local microbes that could reduce the need for chemical weed-killers that polluted the environment […]

09/13/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Natural fertilizers are better than chemical ones at preventing crop disease

A study led by researchers in Paraguay suggests that treating sesame seeds with natural biocontrol agents can significantly increase their resistance against infections caused by plant pathogens. Their findings, published in the Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, identified the non-pathogenic fungi Trichoderma and Azospirillum brasilense as potential agents to protect the seeds against infections from Macrophomina phaseolina, […]

08/26/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Controlling carbonaceous rot in sesame seeds using natural alternatives

Sesame seeds that were inoculated with Trichoderma or in combination with Azospirillum brasilense are more resistant to infections caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, according to researchers from Paraguay. The study, published in the Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, carried out two experiments that investigated the effects of these biological inoculants in sesame seeds. In the first experiment, researchers used a […]

08/22/2018 / By Rhonda Johansson

Say hello to my little friend: Trees have developed a symbiotic relationship with fungi to survive drought stress

New analysis of the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi decodes how the pair withstands drought. These conclusions give scientists a better understanding of how the mutual association can be used to develop more plant feedstocks for bioenergy in case of drought. By investigating how specific adaptations of common fungi are created in relation to […]

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 […]

07/07/2018 / By Zoey Sky

When plants break up: Understanding cooperative relationships between soil microbes

Who knew even plants could “break up?” According to a study, even though plants can cooperate, there are also times when these cooperative relationships break down. Gijsbert Werner, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Stuart West, Professor of Evolutionary Biology, both in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, explained that plants have various “below-ground interactions with […]

06/30/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Bio-fungicides found to control seed-borne fungi in wheat better than conventional antibiotics

Today’s farmlands aren’t any different from labs, what with all the chemicals and antibiotics found in crops, as well as the staggering amount of synthetic pesticides used in each. Fortunately, researchers from India have found a natural alternative for managing pests without toxic side effects. In the study, which was published in the American Journal of […]

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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