Psilocybe cyanescens

Horizontal gene cluster transfer increased hallucinogenic mushroom diversity

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Scientists discovered that distantly related hallucinogenic mushrooms produce psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, through a shared set of genes that were likely transferred between species living in similar environments like dung and decaying wood. By sequencing the genomes of three different hallucinogenic mushroom species, researchers found nearly identical gene clusters responsible for making psilocybin, and evidence showing these genes jumped between unrelated fungal lineages. This discovery suggests that fungi in dung and wood environments may be rich sources of other bioactive compounds with potential medical applications.

Cystathionine Gamma-Lyase Regulate Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Gymnopilus dilepis Mushroom via Amino Acid Metabolism Pathways

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Researchers studying the ‘magic mushroom’ Gymnopilus dilepis discovered that a specific enzyme called CTH plays a crucial role in producing psilocybin, the compound with potential antidepressant effects. By blocking this enzyme, they reduced psilocybin production, but adding a related compound called L-cysteine restored it. This finding suggests that controlling amino acid metabolism could help increase psilocybin production for medical use.

A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe

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Scientists have discovered that magic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin that show promise in treating depression and other psychiatric conditions. However, extracting enough of these compounds from mushrooms is difficult, so chemists have developed multiple ways to synthesize them in laboratories. This review examines different chemical and biological methods for producing these therapeutic compounds, from traditional synthesis techniques to modern approaches using special catalysts and enzymes, making these medicines more accessible for clinical research.

Psilocybin, an Effective Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults – A Systematic Review

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Psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound found in certain mushroom species, shows significant promise as a treatment for depression. Clinical studies reviewed in this research found that psilocybin-assisted therapy reduced depressive symptoms in every patient studied, with improvements lasting months after treatment. Unlike traditional antidepressants, psilocybin caused only mild temporary side effects and worked faster, suggesting it could become an important alternative treatment for depression.

Injury-Triggered Blueing Reactions of Psilocybe “Magic” Mushrooms

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When magic mushrooms are injured or bruised, they turn blue—a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for decades. Researchers discovered that two enzymes work together in a two-step process: first, an enzyme removes a protective chemical tag from psilocybin, converting it to psilocin; then, a second enzyme oxidizes this molecule, causing it to link together into larger chains that appear blue. This blue color appears to be a defense mechanism that protects the mushroom from insects.

Three New Fungi from China: A Potentially Psychoactive Psilocybe and Two Deconica Species

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This research describes three new mushroom species from China: Psilocybe striata and two Deconica species. Psilocybe striata is notable for its blue bruising and potential psychoactive properties, expanding where we know psilocybin mushrooms grow. The study used both physical characteristics and genetic analysis to identify and classify these fungi, discovering that China has much greater fungal diversity than previously documented.

“Plants of the Gods” and their hallucinogenic powers in neuropharmacology — A review of two books

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This review examines two books about plants that have been used in religious and healing rituals across many cultures for their mind-altering properties. The author verifies that the hallucinogenic plants described in Carlos Castaneda’s popular books about a Yaqui sorcerer are accurately portrayed pharmacologically. The review explains how different sacred plants like peyote, certain mushrooms, and nightshade varieties affect the brain through various chemical pathways, while noting their dangers when misused.

DNA Authentication and Chemical Analysis of Psilocybe Mushrooms Reveal Widespread Misdeterminations in Fungaria and Inconsistencies in Metabolites

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Researchers examined museum specimens of magic mushrooms and found that many are mislabeled and don’t reliably contain the psychoactive compounds they should. The study shows that psilocybin breaks down unpredictably during storage, and these mushrooms contain thousands of unknown chemical compounds. These findings suggest that current regulations and our understanding of these mushrooms need significant updates.

Genetic regulation of l-tryptophan metabolism in Psilocybe mexicana supports psilocybin biosynthesis

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Researchers studied how magic mushrooms (Psilocybe mexicana) regulate their chemistry to produce psilocybin, the psychoactive compound. They found that when mushrooms start fruiting, they turn on genes that make tryptophan (an amino acid building block) and turn off genes that break it down, directing all the tryptophan toward psilocybin production. This coordinated genetic control ensures the mushroom has enough of this key ingredient. This knowledge could help grow these mushrooms in labs for legitimate medical research into treating depression.

Exploring Psilocybe spp. mycelium and fruiting body chemistry for potential therapeutic compounds

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This study analyzed the chemical composition of ‘magic mushrooms’ (Psilocybe) at different growth stages—liquid cultures, grain cultures, and mature fruiting bodies. Using advanced laboratory techniques, researchers found that fruiting bodies contain the highest levels of psilocybin (the psychoactive compound), while mycelium contains unique beneficial compounds like alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine that may have therapeutic value without strong psychedelic effects. The findings suggest that Psilocybe mycelium could be developed as a non-intoxicating health supplement with potential therapeutic applications.

Fungal Species: Psilocybe cyanescens