A scoping review of the effects of mushroom and fungus extracts in rodent models of depression and tests of antidepressant activity
Frontiers in Pharmacology June 3, 2024 Gio Kim, Catherine K. Wang, Lily R. Aleksandrova et al. 3 citations
A systematic review of preclinical studies found that extracts from 19 mushroom species and 7 other fungus species nearly all produced antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression. The review identified 50 relevant studies, mostly in male rodents, using oral administration in acute or chronic regimens. The most common animal model was unpredictable chronic mild stress, while the tail suspension test and forced swim test were frequently used as antidepressant screens. The review discusses each experiment in detail and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the studies, highlighting that the antidepressant potential of mushroom and fungus extracts extends beyond psilocybin-containing species to include both psychedelic and non-psychedelic varieties.