Usos recreativos, medicinales y etnobotánicos de hongos alucinógenos: una revisión
Érika A. Chillogallo–torres, Marcos D. Calle‐morán, Karen P. Cando–andrade, Álex R. Morocho-malla, E. Noemí Luzuriaga-rodríguez
Multidisciplinary Collaborative Journal July 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.70881/mcj/v4/n3/164 via OpenAlex
Summary
The literature review examined the recreational, medicinal, and ethnobotanical uses of hallucinogenic mushrooms, analyzing 60 scientific papers. It found that mushrooms like Panaeolus papilionaceus in Japan and Psilocybe aztecorum in Mexico are used recreationally, while psilocybin shows potential benefits for conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. The study emphasizes the cultural significance of these mushrooms across various countries and their implications for psychological and pharmacological medicine.
Study at a glance
| Design | literature review |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | scientific papers on hallucinogenic mushrooms |
| Key finding | Hallucinogenic mushrooms have significant cultural value and potential medicinal benefits, particularly psilocybin's effects on mental health conditions. |
Abstract
This research involved a literature review on the recreational, Western medicinal and ethnobotanical uses of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar, among others, and Boolean operators were used. A total of 60 scientific papers in both Spanish and English were analyzed. Since the 11th century, Japan has recorded the consumption of the butterfly mushroom, Panaeolus papilionaceus, known for its hallucinogenic effects. In Mexico, the water baby mushroom, Psilocybe aztecorum, is commercially available, demonstrating its recreational use. In the United States, variability in the levels of alkaloid substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, among others, affects the recreational experience. The fly agaric mushroom, Amanita muscaria, although risky, is also used recreationally. In Ecuador, the use of the North American variegated mushroom, Panaeolus antillanum, has been reported in the Galapagos Islands. Psilocybin shows benefits in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, addictions, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the ritual use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Asia, and other countries reinforces their historical and cultural significance. These findings highlight not only its cultural and recreational value, but also its capacity to offer new perspectives in psychological and pharmacological medicine