The importance of tight junctions in the blood-brain barrier
There are two barriers in the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for maintaining the homeostatic balance of the human body’s internal environment in relation to external conditions: the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). The blood-brain barrier is a physical barrier with a fixed location between the blood and the nervous tissue. Its basic structural elements include endothelial cells of the brain capillaries, astrocytes and pericytes. The blood-brain barrier is the barrier between the blood and neurons which isolates the central nervous system from the rest of the body in a unique manner. The blood-brain barrier is formed by astrocytes and per…
Pharmacological Properties and use of Ganoderma Lucidum in modern medicine
Currently, lignicolous fungi, commonly referred to as polypores, belonging to the division of Basidiomycota (basidiomycetes), are of great interest. Ganoderma lucidum is one of the representatives. They grow and develop in the wood of trees and shrubs, both living and dead ones. These fungi belong to the world’s most valued and sought-after medicinal plants, used as dietary supplements and applied in medicine. Fungal extracts can be used both for the purposes of prevention and treatment of the acute and chronic diseases. Clinical studies have confirmed the unique characteristics of parasitic medicinal fungi: wide possibilities of application, a high supportive and enhancing role taking into…