In recent years, psilocybin has become a topic of intrigue. Once relegated to the fringes of counterculture, psilocybin is now getting recognition for its deep effects on consciousness and mental health.
As research uncovers its potential benefits, more people are viewing it as a tool for transformation rather than just recreation.
Our guide looks into the science behind psilocybin, how it interacts with the brain, and why it’s become a focal point in mental health treatment. Join us to uncover more about this fascinating compound and its transformative potential.
Psilocybin is a natural psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms.1
After consumption, psilocybin converts to psilocin, which changes your perception, mood, and cognition by interacting with serotonin receptors in your brain. Chemically, it’s a tryptamine alkaloid, closely related to serotonin, giving it profound psychological effects.2
Psilocybin has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures, especially in Central and South America, for spiritual and healing rituals.
The Aztecs called these mushrooms “teonanácatl”, or “flesh of the gods.” Western interest began in the 1950s, but by the 1970s, psilocybin was classified as a Schedule I drug, putting a stop to any research.
Recently, there’s been a resurgence of scientific studies that show its therapeutic potential, particularly for mental health disorders.
Psilocybin is still illegal in most countries, although places like Denver and Oregon have decriminalized or legalized its use in therapeutic settings.3
Legal barriers have slowed research, but changing laws allow for the study of psilocybin and its ability to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. An evolving legal landscape could make psilocybin-assisted therapy more accessible in the future.
Psilocybin is found in over 200 species of mushrooms, especially those that form part of the Psilocybe genus. Common types of magic mushrooms include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps), and Psilocybe cyanescens.4
These species are spread across diverse areas, thriving in temperate, tropical, and subtropical environments. Psilocybe cubensis, for example, grows in areas with high humidity, including parts of Southeast Asia, Central America, and the southern US.
Magic mushrooms grow naturally in specific environments, but they can also be cultivated. Home growers often use a substrate, like grain or sawdust, inoculated with spores.
There are sustainability concerns around wild harvesting, which can deplete local ecosystems if not managed responsibly. Cultivating mushrooms indoors allows for controlled growth conditions without disturbing natural habitats.5
Besides psilocybin, magic mushrooms also contain other psychoactive compounds, like psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin. Psilocybin is the primary hallucinogenic agent, while psilocin (its active metabolite) produces most of the effects.6
The combination of these compounds contributes to the overall experience. Some studies suggest they work synergistically, enhancing or modulating the effects of psilocybin.7
This synergy is an area of active research. Understanding these interactions could improve psilocybin’s therapeutic applications.
When consumed, psilocybin is quickly converted into psilocin, the active compound responsible for its effects.
Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors, including the 5-HT2A receptors, which are involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition. This interaction leads to the hallucinogenic experiences associated with psilocybin.8
By mimicking serotonin, psilocin changes the normal brain signaling, causing changes in perception, mood, and thought processes.9
Psilocybin mostly modulates serotonin levels, but it also influences other neurotransmitters, like dopamine.
Serotonin regulation is key to its hallucinogenic effects, but dopamine’s involvement may explain the euphoria or heightened sense of well-being some users report.10
Other neurotransmitter systems, including glutamate, are thought to be indirectly affected. They may contribute to psilocybin’s overall impact on cognition and emotion.11
One important effect of psilocybin is its ability to alter brain connectivity, leading to better communication between different brain regions.12
This enhanced connectivity is thought to contribute to the vivid visual experiences and emotional insights users often describe.
Psilocybin also suppresses activity in the default mode network (DMN), the brain’s system responsible for self-referential thinking and mind-wandering.
Lower DMN activity may explain why some users feel a sense of ego dissolution or oneness with their surroundings.13
Various studies show the effects of psilocybin on the brain.
Studies using fMRI and PET scans have provided valuable insights into how psilocybin affects brain activity. Research shows decreased activity in the default mode network (DMN), which is linked to self-referential thinking.
This suppression may explain the ego dissolution many users experience. Increased connectivity between different brain regions has also been observed, contributing to enhanced creativity and altered perception.
Changes in areas related to cognition, like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, have also been noted in these studies.
Psilocybin has been shown to promote the growth of neural connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. This ability to form new neural pathways may offer long-term benefits and help in the treatment of mental health disorders, like depression and PTSD.14
Studies suggest psilocybin may create lasting changes in brain function, with effects on emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility. These findings show a link between psilocybin and neuroplasticity, suggesting a possible new approach in neuroscience research.
Psilocybin induces altered states of consciousness, often characterized by vivid sensory experiences and emotional introspection. Users report enhanced visual and auditory perception, along with a sense of unity with their surroundings.15
This shift in perception is closely tied to changes in brain connectivity and reduced DMN activity.
Psilocybin therapy could offer a different approach to mental health treatment. Administered in controlled settings, it’s often paired with psychotherapy to enhance emotional introspection and openness.16
Studies show psilocybin therapy may ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD by promoting neural plasticity and reducing activity in the brain’s default mode network, which is linked to self-centered thinking and rumination.
There’s growing evidence that shows using psilocybin for depression may help, even with treatment-resistant cases.
Clinical trials show psilocybin can produce significant and sustained reductions in depressive symptoms after just a few sessions.
These effects are believed to result from enhanced emotional processing and a deeper understanding of personal traumas and experiences.
Studies have shown that psilocybin may reduce anxiety, especially in patients with life-threatening illnesses.
In these cases, psilocybin for anxiety works by altering the brain’s fear response and promoting a sense of peace and acceptance.
Research has found long-lasting reductions in anxiety symptoms after psilocybin-assisted therapy.17
Preliminary research suggests using psilocybin for addiction treatment could be effective18.
Psilocybin appears to reduce cravings and promote new behavioral patterns, making it a potential option for treating alcohol, nicotine, and opioid addiction19.
Microdosing psilocybin involves taking very small amounts of psilocybin, usually about 1/10th to 1/20th of a full recreational dose.
Full-dose experiences often lead to hallucinations and deep shifts in consciousness. Microdosing aims for subtle effects that enhance daily functioning without altering perception. People typically take small doses every few days, rather than daily.
The benefits of microdosing psilocybin include increased creativity, focus, and productivity. There are also claims of mood improvements, with some people experiencing reduced anxiety and enhanced emotional resilience.20
Some users even suggest microdosing helps with symptoms of depression and ADHD.
Despite its growing popularity, the benefits and risks of microdosing psilocybin are not well-understood due to a lack of research. Most evidence is anecdotal, with few scientific studies confirming the reported benefits.
Microdosing also raises legal and ethical concerns, as psilocybin remains a controlled substance in many regions.
Long-term effects and potential risks, like tolerance buildup or psychological dependence, are still unknown, making careful consideration essential for anyone exploring this practice.
There are some ongoing and upcoming clinical trials exploring the benefits of psychedelic mushrooms in treating various mental health conditions.
Studies are looking at psilocybin’s impact on major depressive disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Emerging areas of research include its application in treating conditions like PTSD and OCD, which are challenging to manage with traditional therapies.
Researchers are also investigating the long-term effects of psilocybin therapy, microdosing, and optimal dosing protocols.
New therapeutic applications for psilocybin are being explored, particularly in end-of-life care, where it’s shown promise in easing anxiety and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
Psilocybin’s neuroplasticity-promoting properties could potentially lead to breakthroughs in cognitive rehabilitation and neurodegenerative disorders.21
As psilocybin research advances, it’s important to address ethical and regulatory concerns. Balancing safe access to treatments while preventing misuse is critical.
Ongoing discussions in policy and healthcare aim to shape the future of psilocybin therapy by ensuring that clinical settings are safe and well-regulated. Regulatory decisions will impact how widely and quickly these therapies become available.
Psilocybin may offer various therapeutic applications. Scientifically, it’s known to interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors, promoting neural plasticity and altering brain connectivity.
Studies show it has potential to treat mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, and addiction, offering hope where conventional therapies may fail. Ongoing research into psilocybin is essential to fully understand its effects, safety, and therapeutic benefits.
As clinical trials progress, psilocybin’s role in mental health treatment could become more accepted, especially for treatment-resistant conditions and end-of-life distress. It’s important to continue exploring this compound to ensure safe and regulated applications.
Education and awareness are also crucial. It’s important to create informed discussions about its potential, ethics, and legal considerations.
By promoting open dialogue, we can build a more educated society around psychedelics and mental health treatment options.
Stay informed on the latest psilocybin research and related topics with our Good Moods blog. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments and help create a supportive community for those curious about psilocybin’s potential.
1. PubChem. (n.d.). Psilocybine. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Psilocybin
2. Wikipedia Contributors. (2018, December 16). Psilocybin. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin
3. Wikipedia. (2021, October 8). Psilocybin decriminalization in the United States. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_decriminalization_in_the_United_States
4. Bradshaw, A. J., Backman, T. A., Ramírez-Cruz, V., Forrister, D. L., Winter, J. M., Guzmán-Dávalos, L., Furci, G., Stamets, P., & Dentinger, B. T. M. (2022). DNA Authentication and Chemical Analysis of Psilocybe Mushrooms Reveal Widespread Misdeterminations in Fungaria and Inconsistencies in Metabolites. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 88(24). https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01498-22
5. Dhar, B. L., & Shrivastava, N. (2012, July 14). Mushrooms and Environmental Sustainability. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325120361_Mushrooms_and_Environmental_Sustainability
6. Glatfelter, G. C., Pottie, E., Partilla, J. S., Sherwood, A. M., Kaylo, K., Pham, D. N. K., Naeem, M., Sammeta, V. R., DeBoer, S., Golen, J. A., Hulley, E. B., Stove, C. P., Chadeayne, A. R., Manke, D. R., & Baumann, M. H. (2022). Structure–Activity Relationships for Psilocybin, Baeocystin, Aeruginascin, and Related Analogues to Produce Pharmacological Effects in Mice. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsptsci.2c00177
7. Plazas, E., & Faraone, N. (2023). Indole Alkaloids from Psychoactive Mushrooms: Chemical and Pharmacological Potential as Psychotherapeutic Agents. Biomedicines, 11(2), 461. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020461
8. Madsen, M. K., Fisher, P. M., Burmester, D., Dyssegaard, A., Stenbæk, D. S., Kristiansen, S., Johansen, S. S., Lehel, S., Linnet, K., Svarer, C., Erritzoe, D., Ozenne, B., & Knudsen, G. M. (2019). Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(7), 1328–1334. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0324-9
9. Madsen, M. K., Stenbæk, D. S., Arvidsson, A., Armand, S., Marstrand-Joergensen, M. R., Johansen, S. S., Linnet, K., Ozenne, B., Knudsen, G. M., & Fisher, P. M. (2021). Psilocybin-induced changes in brain network integrity and segregation correlate with plasma psilocin level and psychedelic experience. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 50, 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.06.001
10. Sakashita, Y., Abe, K., Katagiri, N., Kambe, T., Saitoh, T., Utsunomiya, I., Horiguchi, Y., & Taguchi, K. (2015). Effect of Psilocin on Extracellular Dopamine and Serotonin Levels in the Mesoaccumbens and Mesocortical Pathway in Awake Rats. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 38(1), 134–138. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b14-00315
11. Mason, N. L., Kuypers, K. P. C., Müller, F., Reckweg, J., Tse, D. H. Y., Toennes, S. W., Hutten, N. R. P. W., Jansen, J. F. A., Stiers, P., Feilding, A., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2020). Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(12), 2003–2011. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0718-8
12. Madsen, M. K., Stenbæk, D. S., Arvidsson, A., Armand, S., Marstrand-Joergensen, M. R., Johansen, S. S., Linnet, K., Ozenne, B., Knudsen, G. M., & Fisher, P. M. (2021). Psilocybin-induced changes in brain network integrity and segregation correlate with plasma psilocin level and psychedelic experience. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 50, 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.06.001
13. Gattuso, J. J., Perkins, D., Ruffell, S., Lawrence, A. J., Hoyer, D., Jacobson, L. H., Timmermann, C., Castle, D., Rossell, S. L., Downey, L. A., Pagni, B. A., Galvão-Coelho, N. L., Nutt, D., & Sarris, J. (2022). Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyac074
14. Marino, R. (2022, May 15). “Magic mushrooms,” psilocybin and mental health. Www.uhhospitals.org. https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/05/magic-mushrooms-psilocybin-and-mental-health
15. Winkelman, M. J. (2017). The Mechanisms of Psychedelic Visionary Experiences: Hypotheses from Evolutionary Psychology. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2017.00539
16. Psychedelics paired with therapy could treat chronic mental health conditions | Research and Innovation. (2022, October 24). Projects.research-And-Innovation.ec.europa.eu. https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/psychedelics-paired-therapy-could-treat-chronic-mental-health-conditions
17. Ross, S., Bossis, A., Guss, J., Agin-Liebes, G., Malone, T., Cohen, B., Mennenga, S. E., Belser, A., Kalliontzi, K., Babb, J., Su, Z., Corby, P., & Schmidt, B. L. (2016). Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1165–1180. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116675512
18. Bogenschutz, M. P., Forcehimes, A. A., Pommy, J. A., Wilcox, C. E., Barbosa, P. C. R., & Strassman, R. J. (2015). Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: a proof-of-concept study. Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 29(3), 289–299. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881114565144
19. Floris, G., Dabrowski, K. R., Zanda, M. T., & Daws, S. E. (2024). Psilocybin reduces heroin seeking behavior and modulates inflammatory gene expression in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex of male rats. BioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.28.596205
20. Murphy, R. J., Muthukumaraswamy, S., & de Wit, H. (2024). Microdosing Psychedelics: Current Evidence From Controlled Studies. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.01.002
21. Saeger, H. N., & Olson, D. E. (2021). Psychedelic‐inspired approaches for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Journal of Neurochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15544
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