Creative Science

From fungi to pharmacy: Applied technologies in psilocybin production and its therapeutic applications

Qinqing Chen — 2025-12-19

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid found in over 200 species of fungi, has emerged as a focal point in the modern revival of psychedelic science. Once relegated to the margins of psychopharmacology due to its association with counterculture and strict legal restrictions, psilocybin is now undergoing a scientific renaissance. This transformation is driven by its unique pharmacological profile and promising therapeutic potential across a range of psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on psilocybin, covering its natural biosynthetic pathways, production technologies, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. We first introduced its four-enzyme synthesis pathway in Psilocybe fungi and explored how synthetic biology can revolutionize its production methods through microbial heterologous expression. Pharmacologically, psilocybin acts as a prodrug that is converted in vivo into its active metabolite, dephosphorylated psilocybin (psilocin), which functions as a partial agonist of the 5-HT_2A receptor. This activates neuroplasticity pathways such as BDNF and mTOR, thereby producing rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. Despite its therapeutic promise, significant challenges remain. These include methodological limitations such as functional unblinding in clinical trials, lack of diversity in study populations, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Looking forward, the integration of precision psychiatry, synthetic biology, and novel trial designs will be critical in translating psilocybin from a promising compound into a mainstream therapeutic agent. This review aims to provide a foundational understanding of psilocybin’s scientific basis and its potential to reshape modern psychiatric care, we uniquely bridge the gap between upstream biosynthetic engineering and downstream clinical efficacy, providing a holistic roadmap for the drug’s development from fungi to pharmacy.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Microbial biosynthesis enables scalable, high-titer psilocybin production.
Therapeutic action is driven by 5-HT_2A receptor-mediated neuroplasticity.
Demonstrates rapid and sustained antidepressant efficacy in clinical trials.

AI-Driven mobile application for enhancing efficiency and preserving herbal knowledge

Attapol Kunlerd — 2025-09-02

Traditional Thai medicine and local herbal knowledge are important local wisdom heritages, yet there are still limitations in access and methods of knowledge transfer. Therefore, this research aims to develop a mobile application for herbal information search by photographs. This application collects 30 ancient herbal medicine recipes from 4 provinces in the lower northeastern region, namely Surin, Buriram, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. The application is developed by using Extreme Programming approach which applies Convolutional neural network (CNN: DenseNet201) model on TensorFlow. The model is trained with 4,211 herbal images covering 30 species, with an accuracy of 92%. The system includes a function that allows users to add new herbal data, which must be validated by 5 users. In addition, there is a learning media on herbal medicine recipes in multimedia format developed according to the ADDIE Model process. The test results from a sample group of 100 people who passed the purposive sampling criteria, who must have had experience using herbal medicine at least 5 times and have basic knowledge of information technology. The evaluation results found that there was the highest level of satisfaction in all 3 areas: usability and accessibility (=4.25, SD=0.66), system efficiency (=4.32, SD=0.71), and content quality (=4.36, SD=0.71). The results of relationship analysis between basic factors and satisfaction levels revealed that the service area was the only factor that had a statistically significant effect on overall satisfaction (p < 0.05). The results of the research demonstrated that the application of artificial intelligence in combination with multimedia learning media in the application was possible to increase the perception of herbal information. This study demonstrates creative science by integrating traditional herbal knowledge with modern mobile application technology, resulting in a practical and culturally relevant tool developed in the Thai language.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Innovative Integration of AI and Herbal Knowledge, The study introduces an AI-driven mobile application using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN).
Multimedia-Based Collaborative Learning Platform, The application combines image and video infographics based on traditional Thai herbal wisdom.
Community-Centered Data Contribution System, The system allows users to verify and add new herbal data.
Strong Evaluation Results Across Multiple Dimensions, Satisfaction surveys from 100 participants across four provinces indicated high ratings in usability, performance, and content quality (Mean > 4.25 in all aspects), reflecting the app’s effectiveness and relevance.

Increasing the yield and quality of natural indigo cake using low-cost calcium hydroxide

Thodsatam Lasopha — 2025-09-11

This research aimed to improve the yield and quality of natural indigo cake by using low-cost calcium hydroxide produced from household waste, specifically golden apple snail shells and eggshells, as alternatives to commercial lime. Quicklime (CaO) was prepared by calcination in a custom-designed 50-liter vertical kiln at ≈ 900 °C for 4 hours, followed by slaking to obtain hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂). XRD, SEM, and FT-IR analyses confirmed that both limes consisted primarily of Ca(OH)₂, with snail shell lime showing higher purity and rougher particle surfaces, while eggshell lime contained minor impurities. Indigo cakes produced from snail shell lime had slightly lower yield (29.71% of commercial lime) but higher color intensity (+28.84%) with a less greenish-blue hue, and exhibited superior storage stability for up to 12 weeks compared to commercial indigo. Eggshell-derived indigo cakes had lower yield (38.21%) and color intensity (43.18% of commercial lime) but produced brighter, distinctly blue tones. The preparation of indigo dyeing solution from these indigo cakes required only 10 minutes before being ready for use, whereas commercial lime-based indigo required longer preparation. Cotton fabrics dyed with snail shell indigo exhibited superior colorfastness to sunlight (ΔE* = 19.12%) and washing (ΔE* = 4.38%) compared to fabrics dyed with commercial lime, while eggshell indigo produced fabrics with high color intensity (K/S = 67.41%) but lower sunlight fastness (ΔE* = 6.62%). All dyed fabrics showed blue-green hues (a* < 0, b* < 0). These results demonstrate that lime produced from household waste, especially golden apple snail shells and eggshells, can effectively replace commercial lime, reduce dye preparation time, and promote sustainable use of local resources in community-based indigo production.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

A 50-liter vertical kiln using waste vegetable oil as fuel was developed to calcine calcium-rich waste materials at 800–900 °C for 4 hours, suitable for community-scale quicklime production.
Golden apple snail shell-derived quicklime showed high purity, fine texture, and better suitability for indigo cake production compared to eggshell-derived and commercial lime.
Indigo cake made from snail shell lime enabled faster preparation of leuco-indigo solution and resulted in dyed fabrics with superior colorfastness to sunlight and washing.
The approach offers a low-cost, sustainable alternative to commercial lime and promotes efficient use of household waste in local natural dyeing communities.

Cellulolytic Lactic Acid Probiotic Bacteria from Cricket Gut: Antioxidant and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activities of Their Exopolysaccharide

Worapon Surapat — 2025-09-19

This study aimed to isolate cellulolytic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic properties from the gut of crickets and to investigate the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the selected bacterial strains. Cricket samples were collected from four farms in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. A total of 14 LAB isolates were obtained and characterized based on their morphological and biochemical properties. The isolates were subsequently screened for their cellulolytic activity, and only one isolate, designated FF02041, exhibited cellulase enzyme production. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence (1,282 bp) identified FF02041 as Lactobacillus sp. This isolate was further evaluated for probiotic potential and demonstrated tolerance to both acidic conditions and bile salts. The EPS extracted from isolate FF02041 exhibited DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities of 15.93% and 25.59%, respectively, at a concentration of 10 mg mL^-1. Additionally, the EPS showed ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 21.74 ± 0.06 mg Fe²⁺ equivalents per gram of EPS. Furthermore, at the same concentration (10 mg mL^-1), the EPS displayed α-amylase inhibitory activity with an inhibition rate of 49.61%, corresponding to 22.74 ± 0.09 mg acarbose equivalents (AE) per gram of EPS. These findings highlight the cricket gut represents a novel reservoir of functional probiotics and bioactive EPS with strong potential for nutraceutical and functional food development.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Isolation of Cellulolytic Lactic Acid Probiotic Bacteria from Cricket Gut

The antibacterial activity and chemical components of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Phlai (Zingiber purpureum) essential oils against Propionibacterium acnes

Pornchanok Boonlub — 2025-09-24

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as Ginger, and Zingiber purpureum, referred to as Phlai, are members of the Zingiberaceae family, extensively utilized in culinary practices and traditional medicinal applications. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of information regarding their chemical constituents and antibacterial properties. In this work, we aim to elucidate the antibacterial properties and chemical constituents of the essential oils derived from the rhizomes of Ginger and Phlai. The essential oils were obtained through steam distillation. The antibacterial efficacy against Propionibacterium acnes DMST 14916 was determined utilizing both the Agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methodologies. The chemical components of the essential oil were examined via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for the antibacterial activity against P. acnes DMST 14916 were 1.56% and 6.25% V/V, respectively, whereas the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values were 3.12% and 25.00% V/V, respectively. The results indicated the presence of 11 distinct chemical constituents in Ginger oil, with the predominant components being 1,8-cineole (13.95%) and geranial (13.49%). In contrast, Phlai oil exhibited 17 constituents, with sabinene (50.83%) identified as the major component.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Essential oils from Zingiber officinale and Zingiber purpureum exhibit antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes.
GC-MS analysis revealed 1,8-cineole and sabinene as the major components in Ginger and Phlai oils, respectively.
The research harnesses indigenous herbal knowledge and scientific methods to promote sustainable health care and lay the groundwork for community-driven commercial applications.

Total phenolic content and phytochemicals of broken landrace rice and their utilization in food products

Thatchaphol Tassana-iem — 2025-09-30

The aim of this research was to investigate the total phenolic content and phytochemical constituents of broken landrace rice flour from the Hom Dok Hang group, Ban Khok Sa-At, Sakon Nakhon province. Four types of rice—Red Jasmine, Black Jasmine, Kam Noi, and Hom Phu Keaw—were studied. The rice samples were crushed and sifted into two grain sizes: large grains, greater than 250 µm, and small grains, less than 250 µm. The rice samples were then extracted using ethanol as the solvent. The total phenolic content was determined, and the highest quantity of total phenolic content was found in the small grains of Red Jasmine flour, measured at 69.37 ± 2.22 mg GAE g⁻¹ crude extract. For all rice types, the small grain size was found to have a higher phenolic content compared to the large grain size. The phytochemical was evaluated by qualitative analysis. It was found to contain anthraquinone, saponin, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and tannins: however, steroids were not detected. Red Jasmine rice was selected as the main ingredient for product development. Kale powder and roasted black sesame powder were added to create a rice-based product targeted at menopausal women. The sensory properties of the product were evaluated, and the highest score was achieved with a recipe containing 85 g of Red Jasmine rice flour, 5 g of kale powder, and 15 g of black sesame powder. This study suggests that broken landrace rice flours are promising ingredients for food products, as they contain high levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants beneficial for health. Additionally, this approach adds value to raw materials that would otherwise be considered waste, such as broken rice, by transforming them into prototype food products.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

This research provides a guideline for adding value to low-priced broken rice by transforming it into an instant rice product.
This study found that rice ground into a finer size contains higher levels of important compounds, such as phenolic compounds and many phytochemicals, compared to coarsely ground rice.

Study of active compounds in Zingiberaceae and Niacin content in Broken Rice for herbal soap formulation

Napatsorn Wongpriaw — 2025-10-01

This research studied the chemical composition of three species from the Zingiberaceae family (Curcuma longa L., Curcuma aromatica Salisb. and Zingiber montanum (J.Koening) Link ex A.Dietr.) and analyzed the niacin content in extracts from four cultivars of broken rice, namely Daeng Mueang Loei, Siw Kliang Mueang Loei, Black Sticky Rice and Sticky Rice RD6, for use as active ingredients in the development of herbal soap formulations, as an option to add value to the rice farming community of Ban Nam Yen, Dan Sai District, Loei Province. The study of active compounds Zingiberaceae using HS-GCMS revealed that C. longa L. and Z. montanum (J.Koening) Link ex A.Dietr.) contained Bicyclo[3.1.0] hexane, 4-methylene-1-(1-methylethyl)- (cis-sabinene) as the highest component, while C. aromatica Salisb. had (R)-1-Methyl-4-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)cyclohexa-1,4-diene (beta-Curcumene) as the predominant compound. Quantitative analysis of curcumin by UV-Visible spectrophotometry showed that C. longa had the highest curcumin content at 2.92± 0.13 g 100g^-1. For the analysis of niacin content in broken rice by HPLC, Daeng Mueang Loei was found to have the highest content at 5.69±0.19 mg kg^-1, whereas niacin was not detected in Black Sticky Rice. Method validation confirmed reliability for the quantitative analysis (R² ≥ 0.9950, %RSD ≤11%, 80-110% recovery). Formula 1 demonstrated superior physical and chemical properties in the base formula, identifying it as suitable for herbal soap development. These results establish foundational data for developing products incorporating rice and Zingiberaceae extracts.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Active Compounds in Zingiberaceae: The study using HS-GCMS identified that longa and Z. montanum contained cis-sabinene as the highest component, while C. aromatica had β-Curcumene as the predominant compound.
Curcumin content in longa: The quantitative analysis of curcumin by UV-visible spectroscopy revealed that C. longa contained the highest curcumin content at 2.9173±0.13 g/100g.
Niacin content in broken rice: The HPLC analysis showed that Daeng Mueang Loei had the highest niacin content at 5.6943±0.19 mg/kg, while niacin was not detected in Black Sticky Rice.
Method validation: The method validation confirmed the reliability of the quantitative analysis, with R² ≥ 0.9950, %RSD < 11%, and a recovery rate between 80-110%.
Herbal soap development: Formula 1 exhibited superior physicochemical properties compared to the base formula, indicating its suitability for herbal soap development.
Foundational data: The results provide basic data for the development of products incorporating rice and Zingiberaceae plant extracts.

The quality assessment of starch based noodles enriched with Noui Khuea brown rice starch, physicochemical characteristics and functional properties

Nounhong Kaewnak — 2025-10-13

This study aimed to develop starch-based noodles enriched with Noui Khuea (NK) brown rice starch by substituting rice starch at six different levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). The research was designed to investigate how varying proportions of NK brown rice starch influence the physicochemical, functional, and quality characteristics of the noodles. Specifically, the study evaluated parameters such as color, moisture, and water activity (a_w) and viscosity and bulk density. By systematically substituting rice starch with NK brown rice starch, the study sought to determine the optimal substitution level that balances desirable noodle quality with enhanced nutritional value. The physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of the noodle samples were systematically evaluated. Substitution with NK brown rice starch resulted in significant improvements in nutritional and functional properties. At 100% substitution, the noodles exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (35.7%), indicating superior antioxidant potential compared to the control (11.18%). Water absorption capacity and swelling index increased from 1.30 to 1.80 g g^-1 and 5.06 to 6.50 g g^-1, respectively, while peak viscosity rose from 225.60 cP in the control to 307.93 cP, reflecting better gelatinization behavior and stability under heat. This research introduces an innovative approach to noodle development by incorporating Noui Khuea brown rice—a local, underutilized rice variety from Southern Thailand—into functional food applications. The study demonstrates how local agricultural resources can be creatively transformed into high-value products with enhanced health benefits, aligning with the principles of Creative Science and sustainable development.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Noui Khuea brown rice starch was used to enrich starch-based noodles formulation.
Physicochemical and functional properties of the enriched noodles were evaluated.
Noodles with Noui Khuea starch showed improved viscosity and water/oil absorption.

Effect of drying methods on phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activities in yellow bell flower (Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth) powder

Amornrat Wongklom — 2025-11-10

The objective of this research is to study the effect of different drying methods on phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activities in yellow bell flower (Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth) powder. These methods include sun and hot air drying at 60 °C for 6 h and 7 h. The flower powder was extracted by water under temperature at 70 °C for 7 min. The extract was analyzed for phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. The results found that the powder of hot air drying at 60^o C for 6 h has antioxidant activity higher than that of the powder of hot air drying at 60 °C for 7 h and sun drying, respectively. The powder has total phenolics and flavonoids as 16.381±0.836 mg GAE g^-1 powder and 4.920±0.154 mg CE g^-1 powder, respectively. DPPH free radical scavenging activity is 0.520±0.039 mg AAE g^-1 powder. ABTS free radical scavenging activity is 6.186±0.046 mg AAE g^-1powder). Ferric reducing antioxidant power is 17.582±0.682 µmol Fe²⁺ E g^-1powder. Total antioxidant capacity is 71.030±0.902 mg AAE g^-1powder. These results indicated that the sun and hot air drying under different temperature and time, affected on content of phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activities in yellow bell flower (T. stans) powder.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Preparation of yellow bell flower powder by sun and hot air drying method
Preparation of the flower extract
Measurement of active components and antioxidant capacity

Development and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial herbal cream with Elateriospermum tapos Blume seed oil

Naengnoi Saengsane — 2025-12-11

In this study, an herbal cream incorporating Elateriospermum tapos Blume seed oil was developed and evaluated, highlighting the oil’s unique composition of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids confirmed by GC-MS. This study presents E. tapos, a locally plentiful but underutilized Southeast Asian seed oil, as a novel bioactive ingredient, distinguishing itself from previous herbal cream formulations that predominantly utilize common plant oils due to its unique profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytochemicals. The cream's antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests, showed that it was better at scavenging radicals and reducing ferric ions than the base cream. The formulation also exhibited notable antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of 27.25 ± 0.87 mm against Cutibacterium acnes and 25.17 ± 1.20 mm against Staphylococcus epidermidis, both Gram-positive skin-associated bacteria. The E. tapos oil cream was developed, and it showed the strongest antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals with an IC₅₀ of 32.67 ± 1.34 mg L⁻¹ and 17.97 ± 0.04 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The resulting formulation possessed desirable physicochemical properties, including skin-compatible pH, homogeneity, and stability. Overall, this study provides the first scientific validation of E. tapos seed oil as a high-value cosmetic ingredient and demonstrates its potential for developing natural anti-acne and antioxidant topical products, supporting future dermatological applications and value-added utilization of a regional botanical resource.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Herbal cream formulated with tapos seed oil, containing ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9 fatty acids confirmed by GC-MS.
Cream showed strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: DPPH 40.45 ±1.80 mg L^-1; ABTS 23.15 ±0.01 mg L^-1) and antibacterial effects against epidermidis and C. acnes.
Developed cream had homogeneous texture, skin-friendly pH, pleasant odor, and potential as a natural topical product for skin infections.