💀 Hy-five: Functional Mushrooms for Epilepsy, Trade Wars, Forensic Mycology, Ganoderma against Obesity
Sporadic round-up of mycological research and industry news.
Hello dear fungi enthusiast,
One of MycoStories’ partners, Naturealm, has recently shared a promising case-study supporting the use of functional mushrooms to treat epilepsy. A recent case study reveals that a 10-year-old girl, Lily-Kate Boylan, experienced a dramatic 99% reduction in seizures after adding Sacred 7™ — a blend of seven medicinal mushroom extracts — to her regimen.
Previously, conventional treatments like anti-seizure medications, specialized diets, and neurostimulation had failed her, but within just 8 weeks of using the supplement, her seizure frequency dropped from 3 to 5 per day to only 1 to 2 brief episodes every two months, with improvement persisting for over 3 years.
While the results are promising, they are based on a single case. Further research should explore:
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.
Access the full research and visit Naturealm for more product information.
#1 Myths and Truths About the Tariff Crisis: Potential Impact on the Mushroom Industry 🛃
Skye Chilton and Bill Chioffi of Nammex address the potential impact of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, announced by President Trump. They debunk three common myths about tariffs: that they boost domestic businesses, force domestic production, and strengthen national security. In reality, tariffs act as taxes that increase costs for businesses and consumers, disrupt supply chains, and harm the economy.
They urge the supplement industry to stand together, educate stakeholders, and take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of tariffs. They suggest evaluating production processes, supporting employees, joining trade organizations, and sharing accurate information about the negative consequences of tariffs.
2# Forensic Mycology: How Fungi Can be Used to Solve Crimes ☠️
I just discovered (and once again 🤯) Forensic mycology - an underappreciated field that’s been solving cases since the 1950s. Recent cases show how specific fungi can link suspects to crime scenes and even help determine time of death.
Image portrays an installation of "Continuous Bodies - Bodies Of Change" exhibited back in 2010 at Mediamatic, Amsterdam (part of the exhibition "Paddenstoelen Paradijs", initially curated by Margarita Osipian and Maurizio Montalti.
3# How Ganoderma lucidum Could Combat Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 🍔
According to the World Obesity Federation, data projects that by 2025, global obesity prevalence is expected to reach 18% in men and exceed 21% in women, indicating a significant rise in obesity rates worldwide.
A recent study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry (2025) explores the potential of Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as Reishi mushroom, to address obesity and metabolic disorders induced by a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet in rats. This research not only highlights the mushroom’s anti-obesity properties but also underscores its potential as a functional food in the fight against metabolic syndrome.
4# Kynda Raises €3M to Expand Production of its Mycoprotein Made From Upcycled Food Waste. 🥗
German food tech startup Kynda is making waves in the alternative protein space by transforming food industry byproducts into mycoprotein-based meat. Recently, the company secured €3 million in seed funding.
Founded in 2019 by Franziskus Schnabel and CEO Daniel MacGowan, Kynda leverages submerged biomass fermentation to convert sidestreams such as soy, oat, and rice pulp into high-quality mycelium protein. Remarkably, the company’s fungal strain—compliant with EU novel foods regulations—produces mycoprotein in just 48 hours, a dramatic improvement over the industry standard of seven to ten days.
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