Mushroom Stems: Are They A Psychedelic Source?

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a group of hallucinogenic fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin mushrooms are used as recreational drugs and have been for a long time, as they may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. The mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. While the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are well-documented, less is known about the psilocybin content in different parts of the mushroom.

Magic mushrooms are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.

Magic mushrooms have a long history of use, dating back thousands of years. Prehistoric rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to around 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the user's transformation under their influence. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in rituals 6,000 years ago. The hallucinogenic species of the Psilocybe genus have been used by the native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing since pre-Columbian times.

When consumed, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person. The strength of the mushrooms can also differ significantly, depending on the concentration of active ingredients in each mushroom. The effects typically include hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness, with perceptual changes such as visual and auditory distortions. Other possible effects include anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure.

Magic mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, lasting approximately four to six hours. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, consuming a large amount or a strong batch can lead to a "'bad trip'" or, in rare cases, acute serotonin syndrome.

There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Clinical trials with psilocybin have shown promising results, but there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin.

Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms

Psilocybin is a mind-altering substance found in magic mushrooms. It is a chemical present in the cap and stem of over 200 different types of mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic fungi that contain psychoactive compounds. Psilocybin is one of two hallucinogenic compounds obtained from Teonanácatl, the sacred mushroom of Mexico, the other being psilocin.

Psilocybin is similar to LSD in that it has the same chemical structural backbone, a substance called an "indole". It alters mood, perception, and cognition, similar to other serotonergic hallucinogens such as LSD and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The effects of psilocybin can be noticed 15-45 minutes after consumption and can last between four and six hours. The most effective dose seems to be about 5 mg, with higher doses causing some unpleasant effects.

The concentration of psilocybin varies based on factors such as species and preparation. The commonly used mushroom Psilocybe cubensis contains 10–12 mg of psilocybin per gram of dried mushrooms, and effective oral doses range from 6 to 20 mg. The psilocybin content in the whole mushroom can range from 0.14-0.42%/0.37-1.30%, with higher concentrations in the cap than in the stem. However, the difference in potency between the cap and the stem is negligible, and users should focus on the overall quality and potency of the mushrooms rather than prioritising one over the other.

The effects of psilocybin include changes in awareness and judgment, which can lead to unwanted experiences such as paranoia, risk-taking behaviours, and a false sense of self. At high doses (5.0 g), psilocybin causes open-eye hallucinations. There is also interest in using psilocybin to treat mental health disorders through psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. However, it is important to note that psilocybin-containing mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are illegal in some countries due to their hallucinogenic effects.

The hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin is found in the stems of some mushrooms

Psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms", are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. They are similar to other hallucinogens, such as mescaline and peyote, and are found throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Psilocybin mushrooms are also used as recreational drugs and have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. They are also represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas.

The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a prodrug that turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin and psilocin are the two primary hallucinogenic toxins found in the most commonly ingested genus of psilocybin mushrooms, Psilocybe. Psilocybe cubensis, the most popular species, has been reported to contain 0.63% psilocybin and 0.6% psilocin, or about 1.2% combined. However, there is significant variation in different P. cubensis strains.

Psilocybin mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly with large doses.

While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, they can have physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. Psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence, and there are not many known withdrawal effects. However, it is important to note that taking mushrooms can affect everyone differently, and use of any drug comes with risks.

Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties

Psilocybin is a mind-altering substance found in the caps and stems of over 200 different types of mushrooms. It is a hallucinogen, also known as a psychedelic. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin are commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms".

Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical compound that is pharmacologically active and responsible for the psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms. It is an indole derivative with structural similarities to serotonin and acts as a high-affinity agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which are especially prominent in the prefrontal cortex. The mental status changes associated with psilocybin use are supported by the fact that, in the presence of the 5-HT2A antagonist ketanserin, these changes do not occur.

The conversion of psilocybin to psilocin occurs during the first-pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Psilocybin (N-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is dephosphorylated to psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) by alkaline phosphatase.

The onset time of the effects of magic mushrooms may differ depending on whether one consumes the caps or stems of the mushrooms, as the caps tend to contain more psilocybin and psilocin than the stems. However, the difference in potency is negligible, and the overall quality and potency of the mushrooms should be prioritized over the specific part of the mushroom. The ratio of caps to stems can also vary depending on the mushroom flush, making it difficult to find a consistent balance.

The effects of magic mushrooms can vary, but they can include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality

Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, can have a variety of effects on individuals. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical that works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the potency of the mushroom. However, some common effects include hallucinations, an altered perception of reality, and an altered perception of time and space.

Hallucinations can manifest as either visual or auditory experiences. They may also distort how individuals perceive objects and people in their environment. In addition to hallucinations, individuals may experience an altered sense of time, place, and reality. This distortion of perception can lead to feelings of euphoria or anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The effects of magic mushrooms can also include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination.

The psychological consequences of psilocybin use can be significant. Individuals may experience panic reactions, anxiety, and psychotic-like episodes, especially if they ingest a high dose. Psilocybin use can also lead to longer, more intense "trip" episodes, challenging physical and emotional experiences, and, in rare cases, psychosis and possible death. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary, and it is challenging to predict how an individual will respond to magic mushrooms.

It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are not always positive. While some individuals may experience feelings of euphoria and relaxation, others may have terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Additionally, individuals may continue to experience flashbacks anywhere from weeks to years after using psilocybin, a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. It is crucial to approach the consumption of magic mushrooms with caution and to be aware of the potential risks involved.

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