Psilocybin containing mushrooms: a rapidly developing biotechnology industry in the psychiatry, biomedical and nutraceutical fields.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used by humans for medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes since before recorded history, though they are illegal in most countries. Psilocybin and psilocin, two psychoactive alkaloids naturally produced by these mushrooms, are structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Activation of the serotonin system by these compounds can produce temporary changes in the brain, inducing hallucinations and euphoria, and may moderate symptoms of related mental disorders. This review covers the discovery of hallucinogenic mushrooms and their psychoactive compounds, the history of their criminalization and decriminalization, current knowledge of psilocybin and psilocin, and potential applications for human dysfunctions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Humans have collected and used hallucinogenic mushrooms for ethnic medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes since before recorded history. Currently, the use of these mushrooms is illegal in most countries, but where their use is legal they are applied as self medication. Psilocybin and psilocin, two psychoactive alkaloids, are naturally synthesized by hallucinogenic mushrooms. The chemical structure of these compounds are similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Activation of this system by psilocybin and psilocin may produce temporary changes in the brain that induce hallucinations and feelings of euphoria. Adjustment of the serotonin system in this way can moderate symptoms of related mental disorders. This review summarizes relevant and current information regarding the discovery of hallucinogenic mushrooms and their contained psychoactive compounds, the events that lead to their criminalization and decriminilization, and the state of knowledge of psilocybin, psilocin, and derivatives. Last, research on the psychoactive properties of these mushrooms is placed in perspective to possible applications for human dysfunctions.