Biochemical Insights into Diverse Psilocybe Mushrooms and Their Metabolites as Sources of Neuroactive Agents: A Review
Metabolites
Psilocybe species, commonly known as “magic mushrooms”, are a group of hallucinogenic fungi known for their psychoac-
tive compounds such as psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin. These species have been the focus of scientific
study due to their potential therapeutic applications, despite their classification as controlled substances in many jurisdic-
tions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various Psilocybe mushrooms, highlighting their chemical
compositions, genetic diversity, and therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of mental health conditions such as
depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and cluster headaches. By reviewing existing scientific literature, this review examines
the pharmacological effects and therapeutic applications of Psilocybe mushrooms. The review includes novel contributions
such as the identification of alternative pathways for psilocybin synthesis and taxonomic consolidations among Psilocybe
species. It also explores the cultural context and traditional uses of these mushrooms. The findings indicate that Psilocybe
mushrooms exhibit significant potential for therapeutic use in mental health treatment. The review also underscores the
importance of ongoing research into the pharmacological properties of these mushrooms to better understand their effects and
potential benefits. Despite their current legal status, Psilocybe mushrooms hold considerable promise for future therapeutic
applications. There is a need for further investigation to fully explore their potential in medical and cultural contexts. This
review sets a foundation for future research and drug development endeavors, advocating for a more nuanced understanding
of these complex biological entities.
Plant secondary metabolism encompasses diverse biochemical pathways that produce specialized metabolites crucial for plant defense, signaling, and interactions with the environment.
High-throughput metabolic profiling is an emerging transformative approach in plant natural product research, offering comprehensive insights into the complex metabolic networks of plants.
Psilocybe species, commonly known as “magic mushrooms”, are a group of hallucinogenic fungi known for their psychoac-
tive compounds such as psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and…