Black Fungus Fruit Extract
Also known as: Black Fungus Fruit Extract, Wood Ear Mushroom Extract, Jelly Ear Mushroom Extract, Tree Ear Mushroom Extract, Auricularia auricula-judae Extract
Overview
The term "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" is ambiguous and not a standard scientific name for a supplement ingredient. It most commonly refers to extracts derived from edible fungi like *Auricularia auricula-judae* (wood ear mushroom) or, in a medical context, to extracts with antifungal properties against pathogenic fungi of the order Mucorales, often referred to as "black fungi." While *Auricularia* species are widely consumed and studied for their health benefits, a specific "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" as a defined supplement ingredient lacks direct peer-reviewed evidence. Research in this area primarily focuses on the antifungal activity of various plant or fungal extracts against pathogenic black fungi, rather than a specific supplement. These extracts are investigated for their potential antimicrobial, antifungal, and immunomodulatory effects, often exhibiting activity against fungal growth and biofilm formation in laboratory settings. However, there is a significant lack of clinical research on this specific extract as a dietary supplement.
Benefits
Direct evidence for "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" as a supplement is limited. However, related research on various plant and fungal extracts suggests potential antifungal properties. For instance, methanol and ethanol extracts of *Echinops kebericho* Mesfin have shown significant in vitro antifungal activity against *Candida albicans* and *Aspergillus flavus*, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) comparable to conventional antifungal drugs like ketoconazole. Additionally, nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts, such as *Cinnamomum camphora* fruit extract, have demonstrated antifungal effects against *Candida* species by reducing fungal adhesion and inhibiting biofilm formation. While these findings indicate a promising in vitro antifungal potential, there are no human clinical trials to confirm these benefits or establish effect sizes for a "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" supplement. Therefore, any purported benefits are currently speculative and based on preclinical or in vitro studies of related compounds or extracts.
How it works
The proposed mechanism of action for extracts exhibiting antifungal properties, which may be associated with the term "Black Fungus Fruit Extract," primarily involves the inhibition of fungal growth and disruption of fungal virulence factors. These extracts are thought to interfere with fungal cell wall synthesis, inhibit hyphal growth pathways, and downregulate genes critical for fungal pathogenicity, such as *ALS3* and *HWP1*, which are involved in adhesion and biofilm formation. Some compounds may also interfere with fungal enzyme secretion. While these mechanisms are observed in laboratory settings, the specific biological pathways and interactions with human body systems for a defined "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" are not fully elucidated. Absorption and bioavailability in humans remain unknown, as do any systemic effects beyond direct antifungal action.
Side effects
There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects specifically associated with "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" as a supplement due to the lack of direct clinical research and standardized definition. The overall safety assessment for this ambiguous ingredient is therefore unknown. While some related fungal or plant extracts are traditionally considered safe, formal toxicology studies are required to establish the safety profile of any specific extract marketed under this name. Furthermore, there is no information available regarding potential drug interactions or contraindications. Special population considerations, such as use during pregnancy, lactation, or in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, are also unknown. Without established safety data, caution is advised, and it is recommended to avoid consumption until rigorous scientific studies confirm its safety and efficacy.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for "Black Fungus Fruit Extract" due to the absence of clinical data and a clear, standardized definition of the ingredient. Research is limited to in vitro and preclinical studies, which do not provide information on human dosage, timing of administration, or specific forms for optimal absorption. Therefore, any recommended dosage would be speculative and unsupported by scientific evidence. Without clinical trials, there are no known upper limits or safety thresholds for this extract. Consumers should exercise extreme caution, as there is no basis for determining an effective or safe dose.
FAQs
Is Black Fungus Fruit Extract effective against fungal infections?
In vitro studies suggest some plant and fungal extracts have antifungal potential, but there is no clinical evidence to support the efficacy of 'Black Fungus Fruit Extract' in treating human fungal infections.
Is Black Fungus Fruit Extract safe to consume?
The safety of 'Black Fungus Fruit Extract' is not established due to a lack of direct research. Caution is advised until formal toxicology and clinical studies are conducted.
How should Black Fungus Fruit Extract be taken?
There are no established dosing or administration guidelines for 'Black Fungus Fruit Extract' because of insufficient clinical data. Any usage would be without scientific basis.
How quickly does Black Fungus Fruit Extract work?
The time course of effects for 'Black Fungus Fruit Extract' in a clinical context is unknown. In vitro studies measure effects over hours to days, but this does not translate to human response.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.633921/full – This in vitro study reviewed the antibacterial and antifungal activities of Ethiopian medicinal plant extracts. It highlighted that methanol and ethanol extracts of *Echinops kebericho* Mesfin showed significant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against *Candida albicans* and *Aspergillus flavus*, comparable to ketoconazole, indicating potent antifungal potential.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9604067/ – This review focused on the antifungal effects of metal nanoparticles synthesized using various plant extracts, including *Cinnamomum camphora* fruit extract. It summarized that these nanoparticles exhibit antifungal activity against fungi like *Candida albicans* by inhibiting fungal adhesion, biofilm formation, and downregulating virulence genes, suggesting a promising preclinical approach.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10743604/ – This experimental study investigated allicin, a compound from garlic, for its efficacy against zygomycete fungi, which cause mucormycosis. It found that allicin demonstrated in vitro antifungal activity comparable to amphotericin B and showed synergistic effects, although its instability and potential toxicity require further research.
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