Shiitake's COVID Defense, Epilepsy Discovery, and MA's Historic Psychedelic Vote

IN TODAY’S EDITION

🧠 | A mother's mushroom discovery is changing epilepsy treatment

🧪 | The shiitake shield: A natural COVID defender

🗳️ | Massachusetts set to vote on historic psychedelics law

Hi Shroomer. November is the start of Epilepsy Awareness Month so each week, I’m spotlighting the nonprofit, Lily’s Lighthouse, whose mission is to fund functional mushroom research that will result in a therapeutic for the treatment of epilepsy.

—Shannon Ratliff

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Omicron defense 🦠 Scientists screening 15 vegetable and mushroom extracts discovered a powerful new antiviral protein (Shictin) in shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) vesicles that strongly blocks COVID-19 Omicron variant infection with 87 nM potency. The research, using both lab-grown cells and virus samples, found this mushroom lectin binds to viral surface sugars with increasing effectiveness against newer variants - from weak activity against the original strain to strong blocking of Omicron, suggesting mushroom-derived compounds could provide a natural source of antivirals against emerging variants.

Mushroom coffee risks ☕️ A recent case links mushroom coffee consumption to severe liver failure in a 35-year-old man. After starting the supplement, he experienced worsening fatigue, jaundice, and critical liver damage. Despite intensive treatment, including a liver transplant, he succumbed to complications. The brand wasn’t listed, but this highlights the risks associated with unregulated supplements where specific ingredients and doses aren’t always disclosed.

The more we learn 🔍️ Birch bolete mushroom (Leccinum scabrum) extract strongly inhibits enzymes that break down carbs in the body. Using green solvents and microwave extraction, researchers found the ethyl acetate extract was 60 times more potent than standard diabetes drugs at blocking α-glucosidase. The extract was also safe in toxicity tests and contained beneficial compounds like essential fatty acids (especially linoleic acid), sterols like ergosterol, and unique alkaloids. In fruit fly tests, it reduced blood sugar by 43%. This is the first evidence of anti-diabetic properties from this common edible mushroom.

Liver damage relief 🥄 Antrodia camphorata mushroom mycelium powder helps protect against alcohol-induced liver damage. When tested in mice over 6 weeks, the mushroom supplement significantly reduced key markers of liver injury. It also decreased inflammation scores by nearly 50% compared to untreated mice and reduced fatty buildup in liver tissue by over 20%. Importantly, the mushroom performed similarly to silymarin, a well-known liver protective drug, but is natural and can be used as a food supplement.

A clean bill of health ✅ Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) extract powders, even at extremely high daily doses for 3 months, showed no harmful effects in lab tests on rats. The mushrooms, grown under controlled conditions on organic oats, packed impressive levels of beneficial compounds - reishi contained 29% of the immune-boosting beta-glucans, while cordyceps had 37%, plus the energizing compound cordycepin.

The future of wound care ❤️‍🩹 Bacteria and fungi produce powerful wound-healing compounds: polysaccharides (like bacterial cellulose and hyaluronic acid) and peptides (like bacteriocins and lipopeptides). These help wounds heal by fighting infection, reducing inflammation, promoting cell growth, and boosting collagen production. The compounds can be put into wound dressings or used directly on injuries.

Gut inflammation 👅 A new review shows common gut fungi play a bigger role in digestive diseases than previously thought. The research found harmful yeasts like Candida albicans can weaken gut barriers and trigger inflammation, while beneficial mushroom compounds strengthen gut walls and reduce inflammation - suggesting both diet and probiotic supplements could help manage IBD and colon cancer risks.

The compound power ⚡️ A new review shows ganoderic acids from reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) protect against cancer, inflammation and aging through multiple pathways. The research finds GA-A is particularly potent.

Mushroom skincare 🧴 A new study shows matsutake mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) extract combined with bakuchiol and ergothioneine protects against UV-induced skin aging. The research found this combination significantly reduced inflammation and wrinkles while increasing collagen production in mice skin, suggesting a potential natural anti-aging treatment through multiple pathways including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

In the polls 🗳️ On November 5, Massachusetts voters will decide on Question 4, a ballot measure proposing the legalization and regulation of psychedelic substances like psilocybin, mescaline, and ibogaine. If passed, the law would permit adults over 21 to possess, cultivate, and use these substances, and establish a regulatory framework for their sale and distribution. Double Blind has great coverage on the implications, the support and the opposition.

Half of the equation 💕 Researchers discovered how a mushroom enzyme makes the final tweak to create psilocybin. The enzyme, PsiM, uses a tiny helper—an amino acid called Asn247—to keep things in place and finish the two-step chemical process that converts a precursor into psilocybin. Without Asn247, the enzyme can only complete half the job, which shows how crucial this little helper is in making psilocybin fully active​.

The compounds for SUDs 🌿 Recent research explores the use of psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca in treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Studies show these compounds could help with nicotine, alcohol, and opioid dependence by addressing root causes and improving mental resilience. In trials, psilocybin reduced cravings for tobacco and alcohol, while MDMA helped individuals reduce alcohol consumption.

More brain connection 🧠 Psilocybin was found to interact with the brain's glutamate and GABA systems. By activating specific serotonin receptors, psilocybin boosts glutamate levels in areas tied to mood and cognitive function, helping enhance neuroplasticity. This effect supports mental health treatments, including those for depression and addiction.

GROWING GOURMET

Umami boost 🥩 Adding white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) to pork bone broth can supercharge its savory, umami flavor. By combining specific enzymes, researchers enhanced the taste profile, bringing out mushroomy, sweet, and almond-like notes in the broth. This method could be a game-changer for creating flavorful, low-salt options in everyday cooking.

Shiitake noods 🍜 Adding 4% shiitake mushroom powder (Lentinus edodes) to noodles created significant health benefits in a new study. The mushroom noodles showed 40.36% reduction in glucose release compared to 62.58% in regular noodles, suggesting better blood sugar control. The fortified noodles had dramatically higher mineral bioavailability - iron (59.22%), zinc (53.29%), and calcium (57.16%). They also demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (82.54% DPPH inhibition) and higher phenolic (59.64 mg/g) and flavonoid (12.56 mg/g) content compared to regular noodles, making them a promising functional food for managing diabetes and nutritional deficiencies.

Sustainability cycle ♻️ Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) stem waste versus fruiting bodies research found the discarded stems contain significantly higher levels of key nutrients: carbohydrates (46.2% vs 38.1%), ash (8.2% vs 6.7%), and fiber (15.4% vs 9.1%). While fruiting bodies showed superior antioxidant activity, both parts demonstrated similar antimicrobial effects, with stem waste actually performing better against E. coli. Mushroom stem waste, which accounts for 5-20% of production volume, could be repurposed for nutritional and antimicrobial applications rather than discarded.

Chicken feed 🍗 Researchers found that adding oyster mushroom-fermented Vachellia erioloba pods to chicken feed enhances the healthiness of chicken meat without affecting growth or quality. Chickens fed this fermented mix had improved fatty acid profiles, with beneficial omega-3s and reduced unhealthy fats.

MUSHROOMS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

🧑‍🦰 Epilepsy is more common than red hair or green eyes

With 1 in 26 people affected, epilepsy touches millions—3.4 million in the U.S. alone—and impacts far more of us than I had realized. In fact, 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and just two seizures can lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy. Of these, one-third live with uncontrollable seizures with no available treatment. This debilitating condition is not hopeless, however, thanks to a mother’s determination and thorough research.

I’m deeply moved to share the powerful story of Lily of Lily’s Lighthouse. After years of enduring up to 50 seizures a day and trying more than 12 pharmaceuticals without lasting relief, Lily’s mother, Sarah-Kate Boylan, was fatefully recommended by a friend to try Naturealm’s Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder for her own mental health. He had no clue she was researching medicinal mushrooms as an alternative treatment for Lily.

After vigorously testing the product on herself and her friends, she gave it to Lily for the first time. “Miraculously and immediately after taking these mushrooms, her seizures seemed to stop, and within days, three different therapists reported new goals or milestones Lily had achieved,” Boylan notes.

Now, just half a teaspoon, taken three times a day, has brought dramatic results: Lily has now experienced seizure-free months and successfully tapered down to a single medication, which is below the therapeutic dose.

Her story is a powerful example of how functional mushrooms can support wellness where conventional methods fall short. And hers isn’t the only one. After sharing her experience and collecting stories, Boylan launched Lily’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit, to spread the word and gain funding for this research.

This year, the nonprofit partnered with Unlimited Sciences and Realm of Caring to launch Phase 1 of a Retrospective Study with results she recently shared at Montréal Mushroom Festival.

If you’re able, please consider donating to advance the research on functional mushrooms and their benefits. Your support helps bring hope and new possibilities to those living with epilepsy who feel there is no option and have no idea that medicinal mushrooms can help.

FORAGED FINDS

The 2nd Annual African Rising Mushroom Festival 🌍

• November 9-11, 2024

• Hosted by Eco-Agric Uganda & Myceliumatters

• Location: Josephine's Mushroom Cultivation Training Center, Hoima City, Uganda

• Available both in-person and virtually

• With every ticket purchased, you can sponsor a local community member to attend the festival.

Join mycologists around the world for a transformative three-day celebration of mycology, sustainability, and community empowerment. This transformative festival weaves together ancient African mycological wisdom with innovative cultivation practices, creating a powerful platform communities can access the tools for food sovereignty and economic independence through the magical world of mushrooms.

• Featured International Speakers:

  • Darren Le Baron

  • Acacia Lewis

  • William Padilla Brown

  • Omar Othman

MUSH MORE

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