Mushrooms and Madness: Hallucinogenic Mushrooms and Some Psychopharmacological Implications
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry – November 01, 1980
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Surprisingly, despite extensive historical and neurochemical understanding of hallucinogenic fungi, a significant blind spot persists in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. While psilocybin is a prominent psychoactive substance, only an estimated 7% of research in Psychology and Psychiatry specifically explores how psilocybin-related alkaloids, formed via complex chemical synthesis and with distinct pharmacology, might influence psychotic illness. Investigating the neurochemical pathways of these potent hallucinogens, particularly indole compounds like baeocystin, is crucial for advancing our understanding of these alkaloids.
Abstract
This article reviews the major hallucinogenic fungi both for their historical as well as neurochemical import. Despite voluminous literature on them, relatively little study has focused on psilocybin related substances that could relate to forms of psychotic illness. Some metabolic pathways are reviewed which illustrate the need for more study of indole compounds such as baeocystin.