Diversity, biology, and history of psilocybin-containing fungi: Suggestions for research and technological development.
Fungal biology – April 01, 2022
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psilocybin shows potential in treating various treatment-resistant mental health conditions, with growing interest in its therapeutic applications. Understanding psilocybin-containing fungi, particularly those from the Psilocybe genus, is crucial for safety as new therapeutic practices emerge. This overview highlights their biology, diversity, and historical uses. With an emphasis on recent discoveries regarding psilocybin production pathways and evolutionary history, it underscores the need for further mycological research to ensure safe and effective use of this promising compound in therapy.
Abstract
Therapeutic use of psilocybin has become a focus of recent international research, with preliminary data showing promise to address a range of treatment-resistant mental health conditions. However, use of psilocybin as a healing entheogen has a long history through traditional consumption of mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe. The forthcoming adoption of new psilocybin-assisted therapeutic practices necessitates identification of preferred sources of psilocybin; consequently, comprehensive understanding of psilocybin-containing fungi is fundamental to consumer safety. Here we examine psilocybin producing fungi, discuss their biology, diversity, and ethnomycological uses. We also review recent work focused on elucidation of psilocybin biosynthetic production pathways, especially those from the genus Psilocybe, and their evolutionary history. Current research on psilocybin therapies is discussed, and recommendations for necessary future mycological research are outlined.