John Miller
Mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, mouldy bread was applied to wound infections. Turkey tail, or Coriolus versicolor, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system. In Japan, it is used in conjunction with standard cancer treatment. Reishi mushrooms, known as Ling Zhi in China and Reishi in Japan, have also been used medicinally in East Asia for a long time. However, the classification of mushrooms as drugs is a complex issue. While some mushrooms are marketed as dietary supplements for their health benefits, there is a lack of scientific evidence for their safety and effectiveness. Nevertheless, researchers are exploring the therapeutic benefits of certain mushrooms, such as psilocybin, which has been used by Indigenous communities for over 1000 years and is now being studied for its potential in treating depression and PTSD.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Magic Mushrooms | Psilocybin, or ‘magic mushrooms’, belongs to a group of drugs called psychedelics. |
| Medicinal Properties | Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat lung diseases, infections, and cancer. |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Psilocybin has therapeutic benefits for people with depression, PTSD, and addiction. |
| Safety | Mushroom supplements may vary in quality due to inconsistent processing and labeling. |
| Vitamin D | Mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, which helps maintain and build strong bones. |
| Vitamin B6 | Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B6, which helps form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are classified as psychedelics, a group of drugs
- Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine
- Turkey tail mushrooms have been used to treat lung diseases in traditional Chinese medicine
- Magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential in treating depression and PTSD
- Mushroom supplements are marketed for health benefits but lack scientific evidence for safety
Magic mushrooms are classified as psychedelics, a group of drugs
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are classified as psychedelics, a group of drugs that can cause hallucinations and alter a person's thinking, senses, mood, perception, thoughts, sense of time and emotions. They have been used by some Indigenous communities for over 1000 years and are believed to be depicted in ancient rock paintings in Western Australia and Africa.
Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, and when ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically occur around 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours, with the first 3-4 hours considered the 'peak'. During this time, the user experiences more vivid visuals and distortions in reality, with the ability of psilocybin to alter time perception making the experience seem longer.
The potency of psilocybin-containing mushrooms varies between and within species, with the most potent species belonging to the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens and P. semilanceata. The dosage of these mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight of the mushroom.
Magic mushrooms are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea, and microdosing has become a popular technique, involving taking less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms for a milder experience. While magic mushrooms are not known to cause addiction, there are risks associated with their use, including the possibility of a "bad trip", which can be influenced by the user's state of mind, surroundings, and the combination of magic mushrooms with other drugs.
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Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, belong to a group of drugs called psychedelics. However, the FDA in the US regulates dietary supplements separately from foods, cosmetics, and drugs. This means that all batches and brands of mushroom supplements may not be the same.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Known as Ling Zhi in China and Reishi in Japan, these mushrooms are believed to possess medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners have historically prescribed reishi to balance Qi (vital energy). It is also known as the "herb of spiritual potency" or the "mushroom of immortality", symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity.
Reishi mushrooms are native to tropical and temperate climates of Asia, North America, and Europe, and can be found growing on live trees or dead and fallen logs of deciduous trees. They have a glossy veneer and a hard kidney-like shape. The mushroom has a high concentration of polysaccharide compounds called beta-glucans, which are believed to support immune function.
Studies have been conducted on the effects of reishi mushrooms on tumors, including lung cancer. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may help strengthen the immune system in patients with lung cancer. Additionally, products made from reishi have been studied in China and Japan, suggesting that they may have potential as adjuvant therapy for cancer patients.
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Turkey tail mushrooms have been used to treat lung diseases in traditional Chinese medicine
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, mainly in Asia. Turkey tail mushrooms, or Coriolus versicolor, are one such type of medicinal mushroom. They are named for their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. These mushrooms grow on trees and fallen logs worldwide.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and other ailments for many years. In China, it is known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, it is called Kawaratake (roof tile fungus). In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail mushrooms are believed to promote good health, strength, and longevity. Ancient formulations based on this mushroom have been and are still widely used. Turkey tail mushrooms are also believed to have anti-tumour properties and support certain types of immune responses.
Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. PSK has been used to treat cancer in Japan, where it is an approved mushroom product. In China, there are currently at least 12 C. versicolor-based drugs approved by the State Administration of Food and Drugs (SAFD) for clinical use. However, the FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail or its active compound PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been studied for their potential to treat lung diseases and cancer. Laboratory and animal studies have been conducted to test the effects of PSK on the immune system, including immune cells called natural killer cells and T-cells. Modern research confirms that compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms have an effect on the immune system. They act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they either stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. A clinical trial conducted in 2012 found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy faster than those who didn't take the capsules.
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Magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential in treating depression and PTSD
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are classified as psychedelic drugs. They are usually eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea. While they are known for their ability to cause changes in mood, perception, and thought, they have also been used by some Indigenous communities for over 1000 years.
In the 1950s and 1960s, scientists became interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms for people with mental illnesses. In recent years, magic mushrooms have been studied for their potential in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A study presented at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver found that psilocybin could alleviate depression for at least five years after a single dose. Sixty-seven percent of participants reported being in remission from depression five years after treatment, with less anxiety and improved daily functioning. The study's co-author, Alan Davis, cautioned that other factors may have contributed to the participants' long-term mental health benefits, such as psychotherapy sessions or other antidepressants.
Another study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that psilocybin treatment produced large decreases in depression, with severity remaining low one, three, six, and twelve months after treatment. The researchers emphasized that psilocybin treatment must be carefully controlled and administered by trained clinicians and therapists.
In addition to depression, psilocybin is being studied for its potential in treating PTSD. Psilocybin has been found to decrease amygdala reactivity during emotion processing, which may help individuals with PTSD process traumatic memories. It also increases emotional empathy, mindfulness-related capacities, acceptance, and connectedness, while reducing avoidance. Researchers have begun pairing psilocybin with various forms of psychotherapy, called Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (P-AT), to support the healing of mental health conditions, including PTSD. While psilocybin has shown promise in treating PTSD, more research is needed, as there is currently no published data on its use for this specific condition.
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Mushroom supplements are marketed for health benefits but lack scientific evidence for safety
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are classified as a group of psychedelic drugs. They have been used by some Indigenous communities for over a thousand years and are believed to have been depicted in rock paintings in Western Australia over 10,000 years ago. In modern times, they have been explored for their therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating mental illnesses such as depression and PTSD. However, the recreational use of magic mushrooms carries risks, including the possibility of consuming poisonous mushrooms and adverse effects from contaminants or individual surroundings.
Beyond magic mushrooms, there is a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of medicinal mushrooms, including their pharmacological activities and health benefits. Medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their antitumor, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, and other beneficial properties. For example, turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system during cancer treatment. Reishi mushrooms, known as Ling Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, have also been used medicinally for a long time in East Asia.
While there is initial research supporting the health benefits of mushrooms, the focus of this discussion is on mushroom supplements. Mushroom dietary supplements, often made from powdered or extracted fruiting bodies or mycelium, are increasingly being marketed for various health advantages. However, these supplements lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness claims. The quality and composition of mushroom supplements can vary due to inconsistent processing and labeling practices, making it challenging to standardize and compare different products.
The regulatory landscape for dietary supplements also contributes to the lack of scientific evidence. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers to prove the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements, although they must have a history of safe use. Similarly, in Europe, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulates nutritional health claims but does not classify botanical supplements as actual drugs. As a result, the safety and efficacy of mushroom supplements are often based on traditional use, in vitro studies, animal model studies, and case reports rather than extensive clinical trials on humans.
While there is preliminary research and traditional knowledge supporting the health benefits of mushrooms, more rigorous scientific evidence is needed to substantiate the claims made by mushroom supplement manufacturers. Well-designed clinical trials that address the current shortcomings and inconsistencies in the field are necessary to provide definitive conclusions about the safety and effectiveness of mushroom supplements for human consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Medicinal mushrooms are fungi that contain metabolites or can be induced to produce metabolites through biotechnology to develop prescription drugs. However, the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, including mushroom supplements, in the same way that it does foods, cosmetics, and drugs.
Mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also a source of vitamin D and vitamin B6. Furthermore, mushrooms can help to keep cholesterol levels low.
Turkey tail, reishi, and shiitake mushrooms are all used medicinally. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used to treat lung diseases and cancer, while reishi mushrooms have been used to treat lung cancer and strengthen the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms are the best source of vitamin B6.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and are considered a psychedelic drug. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no known medical benefit. However, researchers have suggested that it be reclassified for medical use in treating anxiety and depression.
