Better Insulin, Stronger Extracts, and Fungi for Flavor

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• 🐁 | Improved sensitivity

• 📡 | Effective extraction

• 🌿 | Cancer care

Hi Shroomers. Not a heavy week in mushroom science—fewer studies made it through my filters—but the ones that did stand out. From fermented shiitake improving insulin sensitivity in mothers and offspring, to ultrasound extracts of enoki showing stronger gut protection, the theme is small but meaningful gains.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Effective extraction 📡 Enoki mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) extracted with ultrasound were far more effective than hot-water extracts at protecting colon cells from inflammatory death. The ultrasound fraction reduced disease activity and spleen index in mice, extended colon length, boosted tight junction proteins and intestinal mucus, and promoted short-chain fatty acid production. It also more strongly blocked the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway and lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the hot-water extract.

Improved sensitivity 🐁 Fermented shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) improved insulin sensitivity in both mother and offspring mice fed a high-fat diet. Supplementation with 1–5% fermented shiitake reduced serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR scores in pregnant mice, while also lowering fat deposition and improving lipid metabolism. Offspring from supplemented mothers showed reduced body fat and visceral fat, lower fasting glucose and insulin, and stronger activation of the liver PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. They also had higher litter weights and increased expression of fat-burning genes like adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase.

Cancer fighters 🌍 Fungi from Saudi Arabia, including Penicillium, Fusarium, and Aspergillus species, produced powerful compounds that slowed or killed cancer cells. Some were as potent as standard drugs, like emodin from Penicillium sp. (IC50 ~2 µM, similar to paclitaxel) and Fusarium venenatum extract (IC50 0.38 µg/mL, on par with mitoxantrone).

Allergy relief 🌸 Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps militaris) grown on Eri silkworms eased allergic reactions in lab models by lowering IgG antibodies and cutting IL-4, a key allergy signal. The full extract worked better than cordycepin alone, suggesting multiple compounds act together to calm immune overreactions without weakening overall immunity.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION 

Mystical trips ✨ This dissertation study with 221 participants found that more intense psychedelic mystical experiences strongly correlated with a greater sense of purpose in life. Purpose itself was linked to lower anxiety and depression scores, and to reduced “ontological addiction” (rigid, maladaptive beliefs about the self). Psychedelic users also showed significantly lower anxiety compared to non-users. Together, the findings suggest that mystical or ego-dissolving psilocybin experiences may have long-term benefits for mental health and personal meaning.

Cancer care 🌿 This peer-reviewed article explores psilocybin as a therapy for depression in cancer patients, a condition often resistant to standard antidepressants. Evidence highlights psilocybin’s ability to reduce emotional distress and improve quality of life, while legal barriers remain a major hurdle to broader clinical use. The paper stresses the need for updated regulations so that safe, supervised psilocybin therapy can be integrated into oncology care.

End-of-life care 🌙 This peer-reviewed article applies Peplau’s nursing theory to psilocybin-assisted therapy in hospice and palliative settings. Using a fictional cancer patient case, it shows how holistic nurse–patient communication can help individuals process grief, reduce anxiety, and find meaning during end-of-life care. By weaving therapeutic communication into preparation, dosing, and integration phases, the authors highlight how nurses play a vital role in making psychedelic therapy compassionate, ethical, and supportive.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Beer waste 🍺 Researchers grew split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) on leftover brewer’s grain and achieved 9.8 g/L biomass and 7.3 g/L exopolysaccharides (EPS) in bioreactors—nearly double the yield compared to glucose media. The fungal EPS were rich in β-glucans (~44%), thermally stable, and showed gel-like, shear-thinning properties ideal for food or material applications. This study is the first to fully characterize beer waste as a sole feedstock for mushroom-derived biopolymers, pointing to a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.

Rice protection in Bali 🌴 Farmers in Subak Taman, Bali, learned to make compost enriched with Trichoderma fungi, which naturally suppresses soil-borne diseases like root rot and blast while boosting soil health. The training raised farmer knowledge of organic fertilizer production from 40% to 80%, and field use of “trichocompost” increased rice grain yields by 4.4% to 17.4%. It also improved acidic soil (pH 5 → 7) and reduced dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, supporting sustainable farming practices.

GROWING & GOURTMET

Flavor from fungi 🍊 Researchers tested Amazonian and food-grade fungi on food by-products like potato peels, oat hulls, pineapple skins, and açaí seeds, creating natural aromas through solid-state fermentation. The bracket fungus (Trametes villosa) produced a passion fruit–like scent, another bracket fungus (Trametes cubensis) a pea-like smell, and split gill fungus (Schizophyllum commune) a fish-like odor suitable for pet food. Heat-treating oat hulls fermented with T. villosa even shifted the aroma to a meat-like profile, suggesting potential for vegan meat analogues. Beyond flavor, the fungi also produced protein-rich biomass with essential amino acids like leucine and lysine, showing promise for sustainable, nutrient-dense food ingredients.

Potato-powered growth 🥔 Researchers tested potato infusion broth as a low-cost medium for cultivating oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.). Three strains were compared: P. djamor grew fastest on potato broth (21.9 mm/day vs. 17.0 mm/day on PDA), P. ostreatus grew equally well on both media (~21.5 mm/day), while P. agaves showed the slowest growth (~15.3 mm/day). The results confirm potato broth is an effective, affordable alternative to commercial culture media, making it especially useful for small producers and labs.

Feed from fungi 🌽 Scientists tested silage made from mushroom waste—spent substrates of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms—mixed with corn. The best mix was 70% mushroom waste with 30% corn, which had good smell, color, and digestibility (up to 74%). Shiitake-based silage held more phenolic compounds (8.2–9.0 mg GAE/g DM), while oyster-based silage showed faster fermentation. Importantly, no mycotoxins like aflatoxin or ochratoxin were detected, confirming safety.

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