Ana Eira

Ana Eira

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 March 2025 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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AEAna Eira
Ana Eira
MGMaria Beatriz S. Gonçalves
Maria Beatriz S. Gonçalves
YFYannick Stephane Fongang Fotsing
Yannick Stephane Fongang Fotsing
Cátia DominguesCátia Domingues
Cátia Domingues
Ivana JarakIvana Jarak
Ivana Jarak
AFAna Figueiras
Ana Figueiras
Background: Ganoderma lucidum (GL), commonly known as the “Lingzhi” or “Reishi” mushroom, has long been recognized for its potential health benefits and medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine. The unique potential combination of bioactive compounds present in GL, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides, has inspired interest in leveraging their therapeutic potential In recent years, the emerging field of nanotechnology has opened up new possibilities for using the remarkable properties of GL at the nanoscale. Objetive: The main objective of this review is to explore the unique potential of GL in traditional and innovative therapies, particularly in cancer treatment, and to assess how nanotechnology-based strategies can enhance its therapeutic applications.is to explore. Results: Nanotechnology-based strategies have been investigated for the efficient extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from GL. Additionally, nanocarriers and nanoformulations have been developed to protect these sensitive bioactive compounds from degradation, ensuring their stability during storage and transportation. The use of GL-based nanomaterials has shown promising results in several biomedical applications, namely due to their anticancer activity by targeting cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting tumor growth. Conclusions: The combination of GL and nanotechnology presents an exciting frontier in the development of novel therapeutic and biomedical applications. Nevertheless, further research and development in this interdisciplinary field are warranted to fully exploit the synergistic benefits offered by GL and nanotechnology. Future prospects include the development of robust clinical trials focused on GL nanotechnology-based cancer therapies to clarify mechanisms of actions and optimize formulations, ultimately leading to innovative solutions for human health and well-being.

29 December 2023 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
AEAna Eira
Ana Eira
YFYannick Stephane Fongang Fotsing
Yannick Stephane Fongang Fotsing
Cátia DominguesCátia Domingues
Cátia Domingues
Ivana JarakIvana Jarak
Ivana Jarak
Filipa Mascarenhas-MeloFilipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
AFAna Figueiras
Ana Figueiras
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as the "Lingzhi" or "Reishi" mushroom, has long been recognized for its potential health benefits, and medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, the emerging field of nanotechnology has opened up new possibilities in order to use the remarkable properties of G. Lucidum at the nanoscale. The unique combination of bioactive compounds present in G. Lucidum, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides, has inspired interest in leveraging their therapeutic potential through nanotechnological approaches. Various nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanocomposites, have been employed to encapsulate and deliver these bioactive components to target cells or tissues, enhancing stability, controlled release, and consequently their bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based strategies have been investigated for the efficient extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from G. Lucidum. The use of nanoscale materials has facilitated the extraction process, enhancing the yield and purity of the active components. Additionally, nanocarriers and nanoformulations have been developed to protect these sensitive bioactive compounds from degradation, ensuring their stability during storage and transportation. The use of G. Lucidum-based nanomaterials has shown promising results in several biomedical applications. Nanoparticles loaded with bioactive compounds derived from G. Lucidum have exhibited potent anticancer activity by targeting cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting tumor growth. Additionally, nanotechnology-based formulations have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, promoting the activation of immune cells and enhancing the body's defense mechanisms. GL, combined with the potential of nanotechnology, presents an exciting frontier in the development of novel therapeutic and biomedical applications. The utilization of nanomaterials for extraction, delivery, and integration of bioactive compounds from G. Lucidum has shown immense potential for improving drug delivery, tissue engineering, and disease treatment. Further research and development in this interdisciplinary field are warranted to fully exploit the synergistic benefits offered by G. Lucidum, and nanotechnology, ultimately leading to innovative solutions for human health and well-being.