Potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract and its impact on affective comorbidities associated with pentylenetetrazol kindling model of epilepsy: behavioral, biochemical and histological studies - Report - MDSpire

Potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract and its impact on affective comorbidities associated with pentylenetetrazol kindling model of epilepsy: behavioral, biochemical and histological studies

  • By

  • Itto Rahou Abdessamad

  • Bikjdaouene Leila

  • Bahbiti Youssef

  • Sqalli Houssaini Youssef

  • El Mekhlouf Youssef

  • Azeroil Fatima

  • Doumar Hanan

  • Dimaoui Amal

  • El-Hessni Aboubaker

  • Mesfioui Abdelhalem

  • July 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Neuroprotective Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Extract in Epilepsy

Overview

The study investigates the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling epilepsy model. GLE significantly reduced seizure severity in the PTZ model (p < 0.001).

Background

Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people globally and is associated with significant comorbidities, including anxiety and depression. The pathophysiology of epilepsy is closely linked to oxidative stress and neuronal damage.

Data Highlights

ParameterGLE GroupControl Group
Seizure Severity (Racine Score)Reduced (p < 0.001)Higher
Anxiety Behavior (OFT)Alleviated (p = 0.005)Increased
Depressive Behavior (FST)Alleviated (p = 0.008)Increased
NO LevelsReduced (p < 0.001)Higher
MDA LevelsReduced (p < 0.001)Higher
Catalase ActivityRestored (p = 0.005)Reduced
SOD ActivityRestored (p = 0.010)Reduced
Neurodegeneration in PFCReduced (p = 0.003)Higher

Key Findings

  • GLE significantly reduced seizure severity in the PTZ model (p < 0.001).
  • GLE alleviated anxious behavior as measured by the open field test (p = 0.005).
  • Depressive behaviors were significantly reduced with GLE treatment (p = 0.008).
  • Oxidative stress markers, including NO and MDA, were significantly decreased (p < 0.001).
  • Enzymatic activities of catalase and SOD were restored with GLE treatment (p = 0.005 and p = 0.010, respectively).
  • Histological analysis showed reduced neurodegeneration in the prefrontal cortex (p = 0.003).

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that GLE may offer a potential therapeutic approach for managing epilepsy and its comorbid affective disorders. Its antioxidant properties could be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress associated with seizure activity.

Conclusion

GLE demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects in a PTZ-kindling model of epilepsy.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Acta Neuropathologica, 2013 -- Advanced sequencing techniques uncover elevated DNA methylation levels in chronic epilepsy in rats
  2. Acta Neuropathologica, 2016 -- The Role of Acid Sphingomyelinase in the Complex Antidepressant Effects of Alcohol on Sphingolipid Balance
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Multimodal neuroimaging of alcohol use: from acute neurochemical effects to chronic brain network reorganization and precision treatment targets
  4. Epilepsia, 2025 -- Updated classification of epileptic seizures: Position paper of the International League Against Epilepsy
  5. World Health Organization -- Epilepsy
  6. Journal of Gastroenterology — Bifidobacterium bifidum CIP-01 Reduces Liver Disease Linked to Metabolic Dysfunction Induced by High-Alcohol-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
  7. Updated classification of epileptic seizures: Position paper of the International League Against Epilepsy - Beniczky - 2025 - Epilepsia - Wiley Online Library
  8. Epilepsy
  9. mTOR and neuroinflammation in epilepsy: implications for disease progression and treatment | Nature Reviews Neuroscience

Original Source(s)

Potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract and its impact on affective comorbidities associated with pentylenetetrazol kindling model of epilepsy: behavioral, biochemical and histological studies

  • by Itto Rahou Abdessamad, Bikjdaouene Leila, Bahbiti Youssef, Sqalli Houssaini Youssef, El Mekhlouf Youssef, Azeroil Fatima, Doumar Hanan, Dimaoui Amal, El-Hessni Aboubaker, Mesfioui Abdelhalem

  • July 10, 2026

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