Novel Perspective of Medicinal Mushroom Cultivations: A Review Case for ‘Magic’ Mushrooms
Agronomy December 15, 2022 Sarana Rose Sommano, Ratchuporn Suksathan, Thanarat Sombat et al. 16 citations
Medicinal mushrooms, including both edible and psilocybin-containing types, are used to prevent and treat ailments and support healthy diets. Their fruiting bodies, mycelia, and cultured broth contain phytochemicals such as triterpenes, lectins, steroids, phenols, polyphenols, lactones, statins, alkaloids, and antibiotics. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been used by indigenous communities for generations for hallucinogenic, medicinal, and mind-manifestation properties. Recent clinical research suggests these psychedelics can treat addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, increasing demand for natural products. This review examines therapeutic mushrooms, especially Psilocybe, and biotechnological approaches for cultivation and secondary metabolite production, aiming to guide sustainable production of functional foods and pharmaceuticals and reduce stigma around psychedelic mushrooms.