Functional Mushroom Supplements Offer Breakthrough in Childhood Epilepsy Treatment

Feb 21

Article written in paid partnership with Naturealm. Feel free to contact us to access the full research paper.

In the world of pediatric neurology, where treatment-resistant epilepsy remains a serious challenge, recent research has sparked hope. This case study published in Pediatric Neurology (2025) led by Kim-McManus highlights the remarkable efficacy of a mushroom extract powder in managing childhood epilepsy that had proven resistant to conventional therapies. This case not only underscores the potential of medicinal mushrooms in neurology but also calls for further research into their therapeutic applications.

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The Challenge of Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with one-third of cases proving resistant to standard pharmacological treatments. In children, early-onset epilepsy is particularly devastating, often leading to developmental delays and cognitive impairments. Despite advances in anti-seizure medications, dietary therapies, and neurostimulation techniques, many patients continue to experience frequent seizures, severely impacting their quality of life.

Medicinal or functional mushrooms, a group of fungi long revered in traditional medicine for their health-promoting properties. The case study by Kim-McManus. explores the use of a commercially available mushroom extract powder, Naturealm’s Sacred 7™, in a 10-year-old girl, Lily-Kate Boylan, with intractable epilepsy. Even if results have been observed in a single individual, the results were nothing short of extraordinary.

The Case: A Dramatic Reduction in Seizures

Boylan, who had suffered from infantile-onset epilepsy and developmental impairment, had tried numerous treatments without success. These included multiple anti-seizure medications, a low-glycemic index diet, cannabidiol, and vagus nerve stimulation, all of which either failed or provided only transient relief.

In a last-ditch effort, her parents introduced Sacred 7™, a blend of seven mushroom extracts: Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Maitake (Grifolia frondosa), Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor). Within 8-weeks, her seizure frequency dropped by 99%, from 3-5 seizures per day to just 1-2 brief episodes every two months.

This dramatic improvement persisted for over three years, with no adverse effects reported. Notably, Boylan’s cognitive and behavioural functioning also improved, as observed by her parents and teachers.

The Science Behind the Mushrooms

While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, several of the mushrooms in Sacred 7™ have demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties in preclinical studies. For instance:

Lion’s Mane has been shown to reduce neuronal damage in animal models of epilepsy.

Reishi exhibits anticonvulsant effects and has been linked to reduced inflammation in the brain.

Cordyceps has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in traumatic brain injury models.

These properties suggest that the mushrooms may modulate neuronal excitability and inflammation, key factors in epileptogenesis. However, the lack of large-scale clinical trials means that these findings remain preliminary.

Market Potential and Future Directions

The global market for medicinal mushrooms is booming, projected to reach $62.19 billion by 2030, driven by increasing interest in natural and functional foods. Products combining multiple mushroom extracts, are gaining traction for their potential health benefits.

However, the case study by Kim-McManus highlights the need for rigorous research. While the results are promising, they are based on a single case, and the lack of controlled studies makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Future research should focus on:

Identifying which mushroom extracts are most effective for specific types of epilepsy.
Conducting randomised controlled trials to assess efficacy and safety.
Exploring potential interactions with anti-seizure medications.

Boylan’s case offers a glimmer of hope for families grappling with treatment-resistant epilepsy. While medicinal mushrooms are not yet a mainstream treatment, their potential cannot be ignored. As the global market for functional foods continues to grow, so too does the opportunity to explore these ancient remedies through the lens of modern science.

Visit the nonprofit Lily’s Lighthouse to support further epilepsy research and learn more about the Boylans’ story. For now, the message is clear: when conventional treatments fail, nature may hold the key.