When people take psilocybin mushrooms, they look at images differently – they focus more on visually striking regions while keeping their eyes in smaller areas. Brain recordings showed changes in electrical activity patterns. The research suggests psilocybin alters how the brain balances what naturally catches attention versus where we intentionally choose to look.
This research examined how Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts made with different liquids can fight infections and oxidative damage. The water-based extract was best at preventing viruses and free radical damage, while the ethyl acetate extract worked best against bacteria and fungi. The study identified 16 beneficial compounds in the mushroom and suggests it could be used as a daily supplement to protect against infections and oxidative stress.
This systematic review examines how psychedelic-assisted therapies like ketamine and psilocybin help people with severe, treatment-resistant depression that doesn’t respond to standard antidepressants. The analysis of 10 recent clinical trials shows these therapies work quickly, often providing symptom relief within days rather than weeks, and importantly, they also help people return to work and daily functioning. These treatments are generally well-tolerated with minimal cognitive side effects, suggesting they could become important new options for patients who haven’t benefited from conventional depression treatments.
This study of over 13,000 people examined how using psychedelics relates to meditation practices. Researchers found that people who used psychedelics during the study period increased their meditation practice more than those who didn’t. Importantly, people who already had higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion before using psychedelics had less difficult experiences during their use. However, among people who were already meditating regularly, psychedelic use was linked to more difficulties during meditation.
This study compared white and brown varieties of beech mushrooms, which are popular edible mushrooms in South Korea. Brown beech mushrooms were found to have higher levels of beneficial compounds called phenolics, which give them a more bitter taste and brown color. The research showed that brown mushrooms have stronger health-promoting properties, including better abilities to fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress, making them potentially more valuable as functional foods for health and nutrition.
This study compared psychedelic drugs (psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ayahuasca) with the antidepressant escitalopram for treating depression. Researchers analyzed 19 clinical trials and found that while psilocybin showed promise, its actual effectiveness was smaller than previously reported due to blinding issues in earlier studies. High-dose psilocybin performed better than escitalopram in some comparisons, but had a similar small effect size to current antidepressants.
Researchers are rediscovering psychedelic compounds from traditional plants and fungi as potential treatments for mental health conditions and addiction. These substances work by interacting with brain chemistry, particularly serotonin systems, to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and drug cravings. Recent clinical studies show promising results, especially for treating opioid addiction with single doses that can produce lasting improvements. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand how these compounds work and to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.
Scientists are developing new ways to fight dangerous infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and drug-resistant pathogens. Recent discoveries include safer uses of existing drugs, better dosing strategies tailored to individual patients, and effective combination therapies that reduce antibiotic resistance. These advances represent important progress in treating serious infectious diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections.
Poria cocos is a medicinal mushroom commonly used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. This study found that its polysaccharides act as prebiotics by feeding beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful bacteria. The fermentation produces beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health and may help prevent diseases like obesity and inflammation.
Mushrooms contain special compounds called peptides and proteins that can boost your immune system and fight harmful bacteria. These mushroom-derived compounds show promise as natural alternatives to antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to antibiotic resistance. Researchers are studying how these mushroom compounds could help treat difficult infections, wounds that won’t heal, and cancer, though more testing is needed before they can be used widely as medicines.