Learning & Education
“Powerhouse of the cell” and “battery of a car” are some common analogies you may have heard used to describe the mitochondria [1]. These analogies oversimplify the functions and role of mitochondria in cell physiology. In contrast to powerhouses with a single energy transformation purpose, mitochondria are multifaceted and multifunctional [1]. Additionally, mitochondria are pivotal in acting against any imminent threats posed against the cell by activating the cell danger response. Any disruption that causes mitochondrial dysfunction results in various diseases.
Melatonin is widely regarded as an important hormone that helps regulate and synchronize sleep rhythm, including sleep-wake timing [1] and seasonal rhythmicity aspects across vertebrates. It also has lesser-known roles as an antioxidant [2]. We have touched briefly on melatonin in a previous article about sleep hormones and their effect on the GABA system here.
Sleep is an extremely important component of physical and emotional health and well-being. If you’re curious as to why sleep is such a necessity, check out this previous article.
The lack of or disruption of sleep, a phenomenon called insomnia, is prevalent across nations [1]. Insomnia is one of eight sleep challenges we have previously discussed. The general consensus from population-based studies is that 30% of adults experience one or more of the symptoms of insomnia, which include difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, waking too early, and poor sleep quality [2].
There has been an increase in the prevalence of insomnia since the COVID-19 pandemic [3]. Unfortunately, insomniacs rarely discuss their symptoms with a physician, and 4 out of 10 insomniacs self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs or alcohol [2].
Here at Troscriptions, we are big fans of all things GABA and have already published an in-depth guide that you can read here. However, if you don’t have time to read the whole guide, here is a quick summary:
GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid (which is an amino acid) and is arguably the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brain. When we talk about the GABAergic function, we are referring to the relaxation effects that happen through GABA and its receptors in the brain.
Starting from the very beginning of our existence, the process of aging initiates. It involves the deterioration of cellular structures, gene regulation, and DNA sequences, leading to the aging of individual cells and entire organisms. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of people aged over 80 will triple globally [1].
Mushrooms have been consumed as part of the human diet as a food source for many centuries [1], yet “mushroom nutraceuticals” are only a recent development [2]. These products use mushroom-derived agents to promote health and wellness. Of these, the most extensively studied pharmacologically active components are polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes, triterpenes, lectins, and fungal immunomodulatory proteins [3].