A home-based approach to demonstrate column and thin layer chromatography during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused several educational challenges. Conducting laboratory experiments was an uphill task during the pandemic. Here, we developed a low-cost and reliable home-based experimental setup to teach column and thin layer chromatography (TLC) using silica gel granules available at home.

Cytotoxic effects of ergone, a compound isolated from Fulviformes fastuosus.

Background: Mushrooms inspired the cuisines of many cultures and conventional medicaments for cancer. However, a substantial number of mushroom species are yet unexplored, possessing an unknown chemical, biological and pharmacological profiles. Fulviformes fastuosus is a terrestrial mushroom, which is commonly found in Sri Lankan woodlands.

Antioxidant potential, in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptotic effect induced by crude organic extract of Anthracophyllum lateritium against RD sarcoma cells.

Background: Macrofungi have an established history of use in traditional oriental medicine. Anthracophyllum lateritium is a terrestrial macrofungus found in the dry zone forest reserves in Sri Lanka. Yet there are no scientific reports on bioactive properties of this species.