Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma
Published on: June 2, 2023
Psilocybin containing mushrooms: a rapidly developing biotechnology industry in the psychiatry, biomedical and
Dominique Strauss1, Soumya Ghosh1, Zurika Murray1
1Department of Genetics, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9301 South Africa.
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.
More Related Videos
11:44Cellular Membrane Affinity Chromatography Columns to Identify Specialized Plant Metabolites Interacting with Immobilized Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor B
Published on: January 19, 2022
07:30HSV-Mediated Transgene Expression of Chimeric Constructs to Study Behavioral Function of GPCR Heteromers in Mice
Published on: July 9, 2016
Related Concept Videos
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics