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Effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushroom extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes

Summary

Researchers tested whether magic mushrooms containing psilocybin could be safely used by people with heart failure, especially those dealing with depression. Using laboratory rat heart cells, they found that extracts from Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens mushrooms actually protected heart cells from damage and reduced harmful inflammation. The mushroom extracts worked similarly to standard heart medications at the tested concentrations, suggesting they may be safe for use under controlled medical supervision.

Background

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with high prevalence of comorbid major depression. Psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms have been used for mental health benefits, but their safety in cardiovascular disease remains unknown. Magic mushrooms are known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially posing risks to heart failure patients.

Objective

To investigate the effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens water extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced cell injury in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. The study aimed to determine whether these mushroom extracts would exacerbate or ameliorate pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Results

Both mushroom extracts significantly reduced endothelin-1-induced cell size and brain natriuretic peptide levels, improved mitochondrial activity, and decreased reactive oxygen species production comparable to the positive control ambrisentan. The extracts protected against TNF-α-induced cell injury and death in a dose-dependent manner, with hot-water extracts showing more pronounced cardioprotective effects than cold-water extracts.

Conclusion

The water extracts of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens demonstrated cardioprotective properties and did not aggravate endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy at the concentrations investigated. The study supports the safe medicinal use of these mushrooms under controlled conditions, though caution is advised with higher concentrations. Further investigation of underlying mechanisms is recommended.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:In vitro Cell Culture Study,
  • Source: PMID: 33339902, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79328-5
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