Neurological and Related Adverse Events Associated with Pharmacokinetic Interactions of Illicit Substances of Fungal Origin with Clinical Drugs

This chapter reviews psychoactive illicit substances of fungal origin, focusing on psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in 'magic mushrooms' from genera such as Conocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Psilocybe. It describes neurological and related adverse events that can result from pharmacokinetic interactions between these fungal substances and clinical drugs in humans. The chapter also outlines directions for future research to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these adverse events.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Illicit substances refer to the compounds that are either stimulatory or inhibitory to the central nervous system. These compounds cause hallucinogenic effects, hence, their use has been forbidden. This chapter emphasises the psychoactive illicit substances of fungal origin. Psilocybin is present in hallucinogenic mushrooms which are also called 'magic mushrooms'. It discusses the neurological and related adverse events associated with pharmacokinetic interactions between illicit substances of fungal origin and clinical drugs in humans. The chapter also highlights insights into the future studies to further understand the underlying pharmacokinetic mechanisms of adverse neurological and related adverse events. Psilocybin is found in certain mushrooms, such as those from genus Conocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Psilocybe.