Authors
Denise Maria Dardano, Maria Serra, Sara Ussia, Giovanna Ritorto, Carmen Altomare, Elisa Macrì, Rocco Mollace, Rocco Savino, Ernesto Palma, Rita Citraro, Carolina Muscoli, Maria Cristina Caroleo, Emilio Russo, Vincenzo Mollace, Roberta Macrì
Published in
Biomedicines. Volume 14. Issue 3. Feb 27, 2026. Epub Feb 27, 2026.
Abstract
The gut microbiota's (GM) regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress is supported by existing evidence, and its dysregulation relates to brain disease. Indeed, probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to improve cognitive function. This is associated with a stronger gut and blood-brain barrier and less gut inflammation. Oligofructose-enriched inulin alters the GM, reduces body fat, and lowers interleukin-6 (IL-6) in obese patients. Moreover, by increasing glutathione (GSH), the ketogenic diet (KD) prevents seizures and also benefits the intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile. Given the evidence on managing epileptic conditions, the aim of this review is to assess how changing the gut microbiota (GM) can be a therapeutic method for preventing neurodegenerative dysfunctions associated with epileptic seizure onset and progression, with a focus on innovative supplement strategies, including endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, nutrition, and new phyto-therapies. Indeed, though drugs are the main treatment for epilepsy, the KD and other supplements are increasingly being considered. These compounds affect neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and neuroinflammation, thus providing an anticonvulsant effect. Specifically, the KD prevents seizures by increasing GSH levels, which represents a crucial endogenous antioxidant that plays a key role in counteracting neuroinflammation and gut microbiota dysfunction. Furthermore, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, plant extract derivatives may be new agents that could reduce neuroinflammation in seizures, affecting the gut-brain axis (GBA) through the intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, data suggest that further clinical studies are needed to explore how the GM impacts epilepsy, and how specific nutraceuticals might offer probiotic benefits. Thus, a combined effect of nutraceuticals and functional food might be appealing, potentially resulting in a more beneficial therapeutic outcome.
PMID:
41898197
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Sep 2026.
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