Regenerative Mushrooms

               Hericium erinaceus, more commonly known as lion’s mane, is a mushroom with amazing medicinal qualities. It is a prized fungus held in high regard due to its unique flavor and healing abilities. A recent study tested the neuroregenerative effects lion’s mane would have on lab rats. In the experiment the peroneal nerve was crushed on both groups with only one group of rats receiving the aqueous extract from the fruiting bodies. One of the findings showed a relationship between the Akt and MAPK signaling path-ways, which both influence things such as mitosis, gene expression, cell survival, and cell migration just to name a few.

        They found that the rats that were given the extract had enhanced nerve regeneration and much better post trauma recovery. The treated group had much better leg function and better quality of life post treatment. Not only did the lion’s mane induce enhanced axonal regeneration but its neurotherapeutic effects were found to be comparable to mecobalamin. Further research must be done to find the exact pathways that Hericium erinaceus interacts with.

Chamomile is an unique and special flower because of its natural healing capacities for stomach problems in humans as well as veterinary purposes. Recently, scientist Bettina Fähnrich has been studying the genetics of the chamomile flowers in order to find better breeding methods and other ways to improve the plant to make it more efficient for its many uses. Chamomile is traditionally a diploid plant; however Fahnrich discovered a rare triploid type of chamomile that both lasts longer and has a longer harvesting period. This research has proved quite challenging due to the conservative nature of chamomile. Chamomile is not easily altered as other plants are, therefore the genetic research on it is both difficult and highly important.

Through the research into the genetics of Chamomile, scientists can hopefully find way to create a plant with better breeding methods and more available resources. Because of the widespread medicinal uses of this plant, the knowledge of it is nature is necessary to find more alternative cures for disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131126092441.htm