Research Article
Study of the Biology, Medicinal and Therapeutic Properties of Amanita muscaria (L) Lam. (Basidiomycota: Agaricales: Amanitaceae)
Marco Vinícios de Oliveira Santana, Carlos Henrique Marchiori, Klebert de Paula Malheiros
Middle East Research Journal of Medical Sciences; 1-11.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjms.2026.v06i01.001
Abstract: Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam, 1783 (Agaricales: Amanitaceae), commonly known as the fly agaric, is one of the most iconic and visually distinctive mushroom species, recognized for its striking red cap with white spots. This species has significant biological, ecological, medicinal, and ethnomycological relevance. Its bioactive compounds, mainly muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, exhibit notable psychoactive, neuroactive, and therapeutic properties. Recent studies have highlighted its potential role in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and depression, due to its interaction with GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Additionally, its ethnobotanical use in traditional healing practices, spiritual ceremonies, and as an insecticidal agent further emphasizes its relevance. However, toxicity remains a limiting factor regarding its clinical application, demanding careful assessment of dosage, preparation method, and administration routes. Despite these limitations, laboratory findings suggest possible anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for future pharmacological research. This review discusses the biology, morphology, distribution, toxicology, medicinal potential, and therapeutic applications of A. muscaria, providing a comprehensive look into its scientific significance.Abstract: Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam, 1783 (Agaricales: Amanitaceae), commonly known as the fly agaric, is one of the most iconic and visually distinctive mushroom species, recognized for its striking red cap with white spots. This species has significant biological, ecological, medicinal, and ethnomycological relevance. Its bioactive compounds, mainly muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, exhibit notable psychoactive, neuroactive, and therapeutic properties. Recent studies have highlighted its potential role in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and depression, due to its interaction with GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Additionally, its ethnobotanical use in traditional healing practices, spiritual ceremonies, and as an insecticidal agent further emphasizes its relevance. However, toxicity remains a limiting factor regarding its clinical application, demanding careful assessment of dosage, preparation method, and administration routes. Despite these limitations, laboratory findings suggest possible anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for future pharmacological research. This review discusses the biology, morphology, distribution, toxicology, medicinal potential, and therapeutic applications of A. muscaria, providing a comprehensive look into its scientific significance.
Research Article
Fungal Diseases in Humans: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Perspectives
Marco Vinícios de Oliveira Santana, Carlos Henrique Marchiori, Klebert de Paula Malheiros, Érico Meirelles de Melo
Middle East Research Journal of Medical Sciences; 12-28.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjms.2026.v06i01.002
Fungal diseases have become a major global public health issue, affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. Opportunistic infections like candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis coexist with neglected endemic mycoses, especially in Latin America and Brazil, where Para coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and sporotrichosis pose significant burdens. Despite their substantial impact, fungal diseases remain underrecognized in global health plans, leading to limited resources for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on fungal diseases, covering their epidemiology, mechanisms of pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and future outlooks. The literature review includes studies published from 2000 to 2025, with a focus on recent findings from 2024–2025. Sources include peer-reviewed journals, global health reports, and institutional communications. Key topics examined include disease prevalence, antifungal resistance, host-pathogen interactions, diagnostic innovations, and treatment progress.
Research Article
Methanol-Related Intoxications from Adulterated Distilled Beverages in Brazil, 2017–2025: Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Impacts, and International Context
Marco Vinícios de Oliveira Santana, Carlos Henrique Marchiori, Klebert de Paula Malheiros, Érico Meirelles de Melo
Middle East Research Journal of Medical Sciences; 29-45.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjms.2026.v06i01.003
Alcohol-related intoxications associated with adulterated distilled beverages represent a persistent and preventable public health challenge worldwide, particularly in contexts characterized by informal alcohol markets, weak regulatory oversight, and limited product traceability. In Brazil, recurrent outbreaks of methanol poisoning have resulted in high lethality and severe, often irreversible sequelae, with a marked escalation in reported cases during 2025. This study analyzes methanol-related intoxications reported between 2017 and 2025, with emphasis on temporal trends, outbreak configuration, clinical severity, long-term outcomes, and structural risk factors shaping exposure and health system response. A qualitative synthesis of epidemiological surveillance data, official health communications, and peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted to characterize fatal outcomes, permanent visual and neurological impairment, and health system responses to methanol poisoning events. The analysis also differentiates methanol intoxication from ethanol-related events, including exposures involving fuel or industrial ethanol and alcohol-based disinfectants, which gained relevance during the COVID-19 period due to increased availability and unsafe handling practices. The findings demonstrate that methanol poisoning, although less frequent than ethanol intoxication, is associated with disproportionately higher case fatality rates and a substantial burden of long-term disability among survivors. Visual impairment, including irreversible blindness, and persistent neurological deficits emerged as dominant sequelae, underscoring that the public health impact of these outbreaks extends well beyond acute mortality. Comparative evidence from international outbreaks highlights common structural determinants, including illicit production, informal distribution channels, delayed diagnosis, and fragmented surveillance systems. Overall, the study reinforces that methanol-related intoxications constitute a severe yet preventable public health problem. Strengthening integrated surveillance systems, regulatory enforcement, product traceability, laboratory capacity, and risk communication, particularly in vulnerable settings, is essential to prevent future outbreaks and mitigate avoidable harm.
Research Article
Evaluation of Biomarkers (BNP or NT-Pro BNP) in Diagnosis Heart Failure in Children
Ajoy Majumder, Mohammad Nasiruzzaman
Middle East Research Journal of Medical Sciences; 46-50.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjms.2026.v06i01.004
Introduction: This study aims to assess the diagnostic utility of BNP and NT proBNP in children with heart failure in Bangladesh, examining not only their ability to detect the condition but also how their levels correlate with clinical severity, functional status, and echocardiographic parameters such as ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and ventricular dimensions, thereby providing a comprehensive evaluation of their role in pediatric heart failure assessment and management. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 50 children (1 month–18 years) with heart failure. Clinical data, NYU-PHFI scores, echocardiography, and BNP/NT proBNP levels were collected. ROC curves assessed diagnostic performance, and correlations with echocardiographic parameters were analyzed (p < 0.05). Results: In 50 children with heart failure, most were aged 1–12 years (60%) and male (56%), with congenital heart defects (64%) as the main cause. Echocardiography showed reduced EF (42.3 ± 8.6%) and FS (21.5 ± 5.2%) with ventricular dilation (LVEDD 45.2 ± 9.8 mm, LVESD 34.6 ± 7.5 mm). BNP (320 ± 145 pg/mL) and NT proBNP (1450 ± 760 pg/mL) were elevated in 76% and 80% of children, respectively, with good diagnostic performance (AUC 0.85–0.89). Both biomarkers correlated strongly with cardiac dysfunction, negatively with EF/FS and positively with LVEDD/LVESD (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: BNP and NT proBNP are reliable biomarkers for diagnosing pediatric heart failure, correlating with cardiac dysfunction severity, with NT proBNP showing slightly higher accuracy, supporting their use for early detection and monitoring.
Research Article
Association of Sleep Patterns, Social Media Use, and Lifestyle Factors with Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Medical Students in Bangladesh
Imranul Haider Chowdhury, Sajid Salman Hamid, Abdullah Enam, Dipak Mitra
Middle East Research Journal of Medical Sciences; 51-55.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjms.2026.v06i01.005
Introduction: The Internet has transformed daily life, but excessive use can cause addiction, mental health issues, and poor sleep, affecting students’ well-being and academics. In Bangladesh, problematic internet use among university students is linked to poor sleep and health. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep patterns, social media use, lifestyle factors, and internet addiction among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among Shaheed M Monsur Ali Medical College students (Nov 2019–Feb 2020) examined internet addiction, sleep, social media use, and lifestyle factors using a self-administered questionnaire. Students with internet access who consented were included; those with incomplete data or certain medications were excluded. Associations were analyzed with Chi-square tests (p < 0.05) after IRB approval. Results: Among 196 students, 34.7% were addicted to the internet. Addiction was higher in those with abnormal sleep (p = 0.025), social media use before sleep (p = 0.017), and >2 hours/day usage (p < 0.0001). Platform and self-perceived addiction were not significant. Lifestyle and health factors showed no significant association with addiction. Conclusion: Over one-third of undergraduate medical students exhibited internet addiction, which was strongly associated with abnormal sleep patterns and prolonged or late-night social media use. Lifestyle and health factors showed no significant impact. Promoting healthy sleep habits and regulated social media use may help reduce internet addiction among students.
Research Article
Burden of Chronic Low Back Pain and Its Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life among Adults in North-Central Nigeria: Evidence from a Family Medicine Clinic
Dr. Emmanuel Ogwuche, Mrs. Agnes Ihotu Ogwuche, Dr. Tensaba Andes Akafa, Ochonu Theophilus
Middle East Research Journal of Medical Sciences; 56-63.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjms.2026.v06i01.006
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) remains a major public health challenge, imposing a heavy burden on adults attending primary care clinics by increasing healthcare costs and reducing daily functioning. Despite its prevalence, few epidemiological studies have explored its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in North-Central Nigeria. This study investigated predictors of HRQoL among adults with CLBP through a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 264 participants aged 40 years and above at the General Outpatient Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi. Data were obtained using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, with pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale, disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index, and HRQoL evaluated using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Outcomes were dichotomized into poor and good HRQoL categories, and statistical analysis was conducted using Epi Info version 7.0 with significance set at p<0.05. Findings revealed that most participants were between 40 and 60 years of age (mean 54.6 ± 6.38), with females accounting for 64.8% of the sample. CLBP was shown to significantly impair HRQoL, particularly in physical functioning and overall well-being. Independent predictors of poor physical health included female gender, smoking, pain duration less than 12 months, and severe pain intensity, while poor mental health was predicted by female gender, smoking, severe disability, and severe pain intensity. These results underscore the profound impact of CLBP on both physical and mental domains of HRQoL and highlight the need for multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial interventions to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life among affected patients.
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