Eurotium cristatum (E. cristatum)

Eurotium cristatum is a probiotic fungus best known as the dominant strain involved in the fermentation of Fu (Fuzhuan) brick tea, where it is commonly referred to as the "golden flower" fungus[1][3][5][6]. It produces a wide array of extracellular enzymes and metabolic products, such as polysaccharides and secondary metabolites, which have been shown to modulate gut microbiota, inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, regulate immune responses, provide anti-inflammatory effects, and aid in weight management and fat reduction[1][5][6][7]. Research has demonstrated beneficial effects in animal models of obesity and ulcerative colitis, primarily through modulation of the gut microbial community and enhancement of beneficial short-chain fatty acid production[1][3]. E. cristatum is not a molecular drug target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter), but rather a live microbial strain considered for its health-promoting, probiotic properties in functional food development and disease risk reduction[6].\n\nNote on target validity:\nThis entry does not describe a classical drug target (e.g., molecular receptor, enzyme, or transporter) but rather a microbial strain used as a probiotic, making "Probiotic effect via Eurotium cristatum" a mischaracterization for molecular targeting; it is not a therapeutic target in the pharmacological sense[5][6].

Other names

Aspergillus chevalieri (historical synonym)Aspergillus cristatusgolden flower (common name in tea fermentation)

Not drug-targetable; exerts effects through modulation of microbiota and production of metabolic products (e.g., polysaccharides, secondary metabolites)\nSecretion of enzymes and metabolites with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects