Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are one of the most popular psychedelics. They contain the psychoactive ingredients psilocybin and psilocin, which affect the brain and body in various ways. While the mushrooms have been linked to several purported health benefits, such as relieving anxiety and depression, they also come with risks. The effects of magic mushrooms on the brain are still being studied, but research has shown that psilocybin causes profound disturbances in brain activity patterns and decreases blood flow and connectivity between important areas of the brain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin |
| Effects | Positive and enjoyable, life-altering, mind-expanding, relief from anxiety and depression, relaxation, severe anxiety, bizarre trips and experiences, vomiting, paranoia, psychotic behaviour, severe hallucinations, nausea, poor limb and muscle coordination |
| Impact on brain | Disrupts brain network, profound disturbance, acute changes in perception of time, space and self, decreased blood flow, decreased connectivity between important areas of the brain, stimulates serotonin release, warps neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex, changes in brain activity patterns, loosening of connections in the brain |
| Side effects | Distressing hallucinations, agitation, psychosis, high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, seizures, overdose, long-term psychosis, death |
| Health benefits | Potential to relieve anxiety and depression, therapeutic effects, help with cancer-related anxiety |
| Health risks | Should not be consumed outside a supervised medical setting, risk of side effects is higher for people with high blood pressure or a history of stroke, can be toxic or poisonous |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' active ingredients
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, contain the active ingredients psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid, is a prodrug of psilocin. This means that psilocybin is biologically inactive until it is converted into psilocin by the body.
Psilocybin and psilocin are classified as hallucinogens and produce effects similar to LSD. They activate serotonin receptors in the brain, inducing euphoria, hallucinations, a distorted sense of time, and spiritual experiences. Psilocybin also decreases blood flow and connectivity between brain regions that control perception and cognition. These regions include the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. The disruption in these areas may explain the therapeutic effects of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 15-45 minutes of consumption and can last for four to six hours. The duration and intensity of the experience depend on the dose and type of mushroom, as well as individual factors such as set and setting. Set refers to an individual's state of mind, previous experiences with psychedelics, and expectations, while setting pertains to the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed.
While magic mushrooms have been associated with positive experiences, they can also lead to harmful side effects, including distressing hallucinations, agitation, psychosis, nausea, and panic attacks. It is important to note that magic mushrooms should not be consumed outside a supervised medical setting, as they may have adverse interactions with certain medications and can be dangerous when consumed with other drugs.
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Brain function and perception
Magic mushrooms contain the psychoactive ingredients psilocybin and psilocin, which affect the brain and body in various ways. The effects of magic mushrooms on the brain are profound and can be both positive and negative.
Psilocybin has a chemical structure similar to serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood. Psilocybin binds to serotonin receptors on nerve cells in the brain, which may explain its therapeutic potential. Research has shown that psilocybin decreases blood flow and connectivity between brain regions that control perception and cognition. These regions include the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Psilocybin also disrupts the default mode network, which is involved in creating a person's sense of self, space, and time. This disruption may explain why people experience altered perceptions of self, space, and time during a psychedelic experience.
Users of magic mushrooms often report positive effects such as feelings of relaxation, relief from anxiety and depression, and a sense of freedom from inhibitions. Some people describe the experience as "mind-expanding," with enhanced perception and the ability to see sounds or hear colours.
However, the negative side effects of magic mushrooms can be harmful and include severe anxiety, bizarre experiences, paranoia, psychotic behaviour, severe hallucinations, nausea, and poor limb and muscle coordination. In some cases, magic mushrooms can lead to distressing hallucinations, agitation, or long-term psychosis. The risk of negative side effects is higher for individuals with a history of high blood pressure or stroke, and consuming magic mushrooms can be deadly for those with certain medical conditions.
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is promising, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, more research is needed to fully understand how magic mushrooms affect brain function and perception.
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Therapeutic potential
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and they are now being recognised for their medicinal qualities in Western medicine. Magic mushrooms, in particular, have been used by Indigenous communities around the world for over a thousand years, and some researchers believe rock paintings in Western Australia show their use in Indigenous ceremonies over 10,000 years ago.
The therapeutic potential of mushrooms is vast, and they are currently being investigated for their ability to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Oncology
Mushrooms have been shown to have anti-tumour properties. In a randomised clinical trial of 100 patients with various gynecological cancers, an extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill Kyowa was administered alongside chemotherapy. The treated group showed increased NK cell activity and a reduction in chemotherapy-related side effects, such as loss of appetite and alopecia.
Psychiatry
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been found to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. It is thought that psilocybin disrupts connections in the brain responsible for symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also activating other parts of the brain that help combat these symptoms. It has a similar chemical structure to serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood, and binds to serotonin receptors on nerve cells in the brain. This is significant because the serotonin system is also a target for existing antidepressants.
Research has also shown that psilocybin temporarily disrupts the brain network involved in creating a person's sense of self, which may explain its efficacy in treating conditions such as PTSD.
It is important to note that psilocybin may worsen the symptoms of certain conditions, such as personality disorders and schizophrenia, and can be harmful if it leads to distressing hallucinations, agitation, or psychosis. Therefore, it should only be consumed in a supervised, medical setting.
Cardiology
Some varieties of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster, have been found to help keep cholesterol levels low. They contain compounds that inhibit the production and absorption of cholesterol, lowering the overall amount in the blood.
Neurology
Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also low in sodium, which can help to reduce blood pressure.
Immunology
Mushrooms have been shown to have immunomodulating properties, which can help to ward off chronic diseases.
Endocrinology
Mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
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Health risks and side effects
While there is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms, there are also health risks and side effects associated with their consumption. Magic mushrooms are considered psychoactive substances, meaning they can alter a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions, and induce hallucinations. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, has a chemical structure similar to serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood.
One of the primary health risks of consuming magic mushrooms is the potential for negative interactions with other substances, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Combining magic mushrooms with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can increase the chances of a "bad trip" and lead to panic. Additionally, individuals taking psychiatric medications should avoid magic mushrooms as they may trigger a relapse or worsen the underlying condition. The development of rapid tolerance with continued use is also a concern, as it may lead individuals to increase the dosage or frequency of consumption, potentially enhancing the risks.
Another significant risk associated with magic mushrooms is the possibility of experiencing flashbacks or hallucinations that persist for minutes, hours, or even days after the initial consumption. These flashbacks can be triggered by various factors, including stress, tiredness, or exercise, and can be highly disturbing, especially if they involve frightening experiences or hallucinations.
Consuming magic mushrooms may also impact an individual's memory recall. Studies suggest that portions of the brain fire at different rates when influenced by mushrooms, leading to potential distortions in memory, including remembering things that did not happen or embellishing actual events. This effect raises concerns about the potential for triggering or exacerbating mental health issues, particularly in individuals with unsettling past experiences.
Furthermore, the consumption of magic mushrooms carries the risk of adverse physical effects, such as delayed headaches, heart difficulties, and overheating. In rare cases, individuals may experience life-threatening symptoms, particularly when consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms. Additionally, there is a risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms that closely resemble magic mushrooms, which can result in severe health consequences, including kidney damage, and even death.
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History and legality
The use of magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, dates back to ancient cultures that ingested them for recreational, religious, and medicinal purposes. However, their history of use may not be as extensive as that of other substances. Magic mushrooms contain psychoactive ingredients, primarily psilocybin and psilocin, which affect the brain and body in various ways. These substances are classified as Schedule 1 drugs, indicating that they have "no accepted medical use" and are illegal in many places.
Psilocybin and psilocin are responsible for the mind-altering effects of magic mushrooms, and they achieve this by activating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a key chemical that influences mood, perception, and vital body functions such as heart rate. When under the influence of magic mushrooms, individuals may experience hallucinations, such as seeing sounds or hearing colours, due to the impact on their brain's prefrontal cortex, which regulates abstract thinking, thought analysis, mood, and perception.
The legality of magic mushrooms is evolving. While they are currently illegal in many places, there is a growing recognition of their therapeutic potential, particularly in mental health. Global drug policies are shifting, and psychedelic therapies are being considered for decriminalization, research, and sale. Preliminary research suggests that psilocybin may be effective in treating brain injuries and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms vary depending on the individual and their underlying mental health. While some people report positive and enjoyable experiences, others may encounter harmful and distressing side effects. Additionally, the combination of magic mushrooms with other substances or the consumption of the wrong type of mushroom can lead to significant damage to the brain and other organs. Therefore, it is strongly advised against self-medicating with psilocybin without the supervision of trained mental health experts.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the psychoactive ingredients psilocybin and psilocin. They are often referred to as "shrooms".
Magic mushrooms have been shown to decrease blood flow and connectivity between important areas of the brain that control perception and cognition. They also activate serotonin receptors in the brain, which can lead to changes in mood and perception.
Some people report positive experiences with magic mushrooms, including feelings of relaxation, relief from anxiety, and a sense of seeing a "force greater than themselves". Researchers are also investigating the potential therapeutic effects of magic mushrooms in treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Magic mushrooms can cause severe anxiety, bizarre experiences, vomiting, paranoia, psychotic behaviour, severe hallucinations, nausea, and poor limb and muscle coordination. They can also be deadly for individuals with a history of stroke or high blood pressure.
