Psychedelic mushrooms that contain psilocybin and related tryptamines have a long history of traditional use, and recent evidence suggests they may have therapeutic value for neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review covers the diversity and distribution of these mushrooms, methods for quantifying tryptamines and related metabolites, and the biosynthetic pathways that produce them. It also describes how psilocybin and related tryptamines are metabolized in humans and their pharmacological effects, including both beneficial and hazardous health implications. The authors discuss opportunities for using biotechnology and machine learning to engineer mushroom secondary metabolite profiles and outline a roadmap for future research.
Whole plants and mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for millennia, and their use is growing in modern Western societies. Cannabis and psilocybin are prominent examples, driven by greater accessibility, socioeconomic and environmental stress, and evidence of therapeutic value. The medicinal cannabis market was valued at over $21 billion in 2025, projected to reach $116 billion by 2033. The global psychedelic mushroom market is predicted to double to $3.3 billion by 2031, though the medicinal portion is unclear. Other examples include ayahuasca, lion's mane mushrooms, and products used recreationally or for health enhancement.