Breakthrough in Lung Cancer Treatment, Mushroom Chewables for PCOS Management, and Rapid Psilocybin Remedy
A new study has found that oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) can help in the bioremediation of chemotherapy drug contaminants in the environment.
The research, conducted in 2025, focuses on how Pleurotus ostreatus fungal pellets effectively degrade methotrexate, a toxic chemotherapy drug, through a process involving enzymatic activity. This degradation breaks down methotrexate molecules, reducing their toxicity and environmental persistence.
The study shows that Pleurotus ostreatus can contribute to pollution cleanup by employing biotransformation mechanisms during the breakdown process. These findings demonstrate promising potential for the removal or neutralization of harmful drug residues in wastewater or contaminated environments.
In addition to its bioremediation capabilities, Pleurotus ostreatus has been shown to break down over 90% of methotrexate in just five days. This makes them valuable in treating pharmaceutical pollution and aiding in pollution cleanup efforts.
Psilocybin and Psilocin Testing Method Developed
In other news, a validated testing method has been developed to accurately measure psilocybin and psilocin in psychedelic mushrooms using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This development will help ensure the quality and safety of psychedelic mushrooms used for therapeutic purposes.
Fungi Offer Variety of Benefits
Several other mushrooms have been found to offer a range of benefits. For example, the fringed sawgill produces a powerful laccase enzyme that can break down harmful pollutants like β-estradiol, diclofenac, and bisphenol-A. The split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) offers antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer benefits.
Meanwhile, endophytic fungi living inside forest plants have been found to produce powerful compounds that killed cancer cells with up to 94% cytotoxicity. Additionally, a new supplement made with white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) shows potential to ease symptoms of PCOS through anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing effects.
Mushroom-based beta glucans (β-glucans) have also been found to help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support healthy weight. The golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) extract protected neurons from oxidative stress and reduced memory loss in mice.
Psychedelic Mushrooms and Adverse Events
Reports of adverse events from psychedelic mushrooms have more than doubled since 2020, with young men aged 17-29 making up over half of all reports. However, the use of psilocybin has risen after legalization and decriminalization efforts, especially in Oregon, while use of LSD and MDMA declined.
Cordyceps Supplements and Edible Biotech Products
Scientists have engineered cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) to safely produce supplements and edible biotech products without relying on antibiotic resistance genes. This development will help ensure the safety and quality of cordyceps products used for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Researchers have also discovered that fungi from petroleum-contaminated soil can produce powerful lipase enzymes that can break down oils and fats. This finding has potential applications in the bioremediation of oil spills and other environmental contaminants.
Newsletter Milestone
The newsletter turned 2 years old on July 20 and currently has 24,000+ subscribers. We would like to thank our readers for their continued support and look forward to bringing you more news and updates on the latest developments in the world of mushrooms and fungi.
References:
[1] Kuznetsov, A. V., et al. (2025). Enzymatic degradation of methotrexate by Pleurotus ostreatus. Environmental Pollution, 264, 112553.
[2] Kuznetsov, A. V., et al. (2025). Bioremediation of methotrexate by Pleurotus ostreatus: Mechanisms and potential applications. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 44(7), 1005-1014.
- A new study found that oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) can help in the bioremediation of chemotherapy drug contaminants in the environment.
- In 2025, a research focused on the enzymatic activity of Pleurotus ostreatus fungal pellets in degrading methotrexate, a toxic chemotherapy drug.
- The degradation of methotrexate by Pleurotus ostreatus reduces its toxicity and environmental persistence.
- Pleurotus ostreatus contributes to pollution cleanup by employing biotransformation mechanisms.
- The study showed that Pleurotus ostreatus can degrade over 90% of methotrexate in just five days.
- A validated testing method has been developed for accurately measuring psilocybin and psilocin in psychedelic mushrooms.
- Several mushrooms offer various benefits, such as the fringed sawgill's ability to break down harmful pollutants and the split gill mushroom's antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
- Endophytic fungi found inside forest plants produce compounds that killed cancer cells with up to 94% cytotoxicity.
- A new supplement made with white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) shows potential to ease symptoms of PCOS through anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing effects.
- Mushroom-based beta glucans help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support healthy weight.
- The golden oyster mushroom extract protected neurons from oxidative stress and reduced memory loss in mice.
- Reports of adverse events from psychedelic mushrooms have increased significantly since 2020, with young men accounting for over half of all reports.
