Mycotherapy: Potential of Fungal Bioactives for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders and Morbidities of Chronic Pain

Author: mycolabadmin
2022-03-11
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Summary

This research explores how compounds from mushrooms could provide new treatments for mental health conditions and chronic pain. Traditional mushroom-based medicines are being scientifically studied as potential alternatives to current psychiatric medications, especially for patients who don’t respond well to existing treatments. The studies show promising results with fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Impacts on everyday life: – Could provide new treatment options for people suffering from depression and anxiety who haven’t found relief with current medications – May offer safer alternatives with fewer side effects than existing psychiatric drugs – Could help reduce chronic pain without the risks associated with opioid medications – May provide faster-acting treatments for mental health conditions compared to current options that take weeks to work – Could lead to new ways of treating addiction and PTSD that are more effective than current methods

Background

Mushrooms have been used as traditional medicine for millennia, with fungi being the main natural source of psychedelic compounds. Mental health disorders affect approximately 165 million people yearly in Europe, with anxiety, mood and addictive disorders being most common. Current treatments often have significant side effects and around 30% of clinically depressed patients are treatment resistant.

Objective

This literature review aims to explore recent evidence relating to the application of fungal bioactives in treating chronic mental health and chronic pain morbidities. The review examines the potential of fungal compounds like psilocybin, LSD, and other bioactives as therapeutic alternatives for alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders and associated chronic pain conditions.

Results

Studies showed that fungal bioactives like psilocybin and LSD demonstrated rapid and long-lasting therapeutic effects for conditions including depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain. Psilocybin reduced symptoms of major depressive disorder within one week of administration. LSD showed positive effects on anxiety related to terminal illness and pain management. Compounds from H. erinaceus demonstrated potential benefits for depression and anxiety through nerve growth factor enhancement.

Conclusion

Bioactive compounds from fungi show promising potential as alternative treatments for mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions where current therapeutic needs are unmet. While initial results are encouraging, more research is needed to fully determine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles before implementation as drug therapy. Current challenges include drug prohibition policies and the need for standardized production methods.

Published in:Journal of Fungi,
Study Type:Literature Review,
Source: 10.3390/jof8030290