Disease: migraines

A systematic review to assess the use of psilocybin in the treatment of headaches

Researchers reviewed eight studies examining whether psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, could treat various types of headaches and migraines. Most studies found that psilocybin provided clinically significant relief, with participants experiencing improvements in how often they got headaches, how intense they were, and how long they lasted. However, some users experienced side effects like hallucinations or temporary increases in anxiety, and the compound remains illegal in most countries, limiting current research.

Read More »

Biological studies of clavine alkaloids targeting CNS receptors

This paper reviews clavine alkaloids, a class of natural compounds from ergot fungi that show promise as psychiatric medications. Unlike well-known psychedelics like LSD, clavine alkaloids may provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety and depression without strong hallucinogenic effects. The authors highlight how these compounds interact with brain receptors in ways that could make them safer and more effective medications for treating mood and neurological disorders.

Read More »

Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes

This study surveyed over 250 million representative American adults about their use of psychedelic mushrooms. Researchers found that about 1.7% of US adults used psychedelic mushrooms in the past year, primarily for general mental health and well-being. Interestingly, those who used them reported higher levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting people with mental health challenges may be self-treating with mushrooms. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines as more Americans explore psychedelics for health purposes.

Read More »

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Psilocybe Mushrooms: Gaps and Perspectives

This comprehensive review examined what we know about Psilocybe mushrooms, which are known for their mind-altering effects due to compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. The study found that while these mushrooms show promise for treating depression and anxiety, most research has focused only on their psychoactive properties. The review identified over 30 chemical compounds in these mushrooms and noted that some species show potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The authors emphasize that much more research is needed to explore other potential health benefits and to understand exactly how individual compounds work in the body.

Read More »

mGem: How many fungal secondary metabolites are produced by filamentous fungi? Conservatively, at least 1.4 million

Scientists have discovered about 30,000 fungal compounds with useful properties, from life-saving antibiotics like penicillin to cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, new research suggests that fungi actually produce somewhere between 1.4 million and 4.3 million different chemical compounds, meaning we’ve only discovered about 1-2% of what’s out there. By studying the genomes of fungi, researchers estimate that for every fungal medicine we know about, there could be 50-100 more waiting to be discovered, representing an enormous opportunity for developing new drugs and therapies.

Read More »
Scroll to Top