Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, is being studied for treating mental health conditions that do not respond to standard treatments. This review examines the biology, diversity, and traditional uses of psilocybin-producing fungi, particularly from the genus Psilocybe. It also discusses recent research on how psilocybin is produced in these fungi and their evolutionary history. The authors outline recommendations for future mycological research to ensure consumer safety as psilocybin-assisted therapies are developed.
Adding a casing layer of peat moss and vermiculite to Psilocybe cubensis mushroom cultivation roughly quadruples biological efficiency (161.5% vs 40.5% without casing), though it slightly delays fruiting by about two days and reduces total tryptamine content to 0.85%. Combining casing with 5% gypsum supplementation yields the highest harvest (896.6 g per kg of dried substrate), a biological efficiency of 89.6%, and maintains high tryptamine levels (0.95%). These findings offer practical guidance for home and commercial growers aiming to maximize both yield and psychoactive compound production.