Magic mushroom for anxiety and depression: Is this a myth or a fact?

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress.

A new study conducted by researchers at Yale University confirmed the potent antidepressant effect of psilocybin in 200 mushroom species. Psychedelic substances (found in mushrooms) can restore neural networks destroyed by depression and return the brain to orbit to escape the lethargic state created by this psychosocial pathology.

This alkaloid, also known as the “magic mushroom,” increases both the number and size of synapses, the connections made between neurons, and the promotion of cognitive processes by a factor of 10. Scientists attribute the growth of neural connections to the psychological effects of psilocybin, known to Native Americans.

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In the 1960s, after purifying the active ingredient from Psilocybe mexicana, it was the Swiss chemist Albert Hoffmann who developed the first synthetic method for producing a psilocybe-based drug. However, dozens of communities in North America, Central America, and South America have historically used it to promote religious ceremonies, healing treatments, and all sorts of spiritual experiences.

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Magic mushroom for anxiety and depression

A research work carried out by scientists belonging to the Psychedelic Research Center of the Imperial College of London and published in the New England Journal of Medicine with the title “Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression” states that this alkaloid present in a certain family of mushrooms is more effective than the aforementioned drug, which is usually prescribed in cases of depression and also when episodes of a panic attack, generalized anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobia social and slightly less frequently to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Magic mushroom for anxiety and depression: Impact on the brain

In the brain, psilocybin functions as a serotonin receptor booster. The effect lasts for 3-8 hours, depending on the type of mushroom used. However, for experienced people, the effect appears to be much longer, as it distorts the perception of time as a psychedelic drug.

Various previous studies have shown that the drug is less toxic and, when used in small doses, can improve mood and reduce anxiety in people experiencing traumatic conditions, such as end-stage patients.

Currently, new research by American scientists proves a beneficial effect on depression, the world’s most prevalent mental illness.

According to the press release, they not only confirmed an increase in neural connections after administration of psilocybin to rodents but also observed that the new connections were larger and stronger.

Psychedelic drugs increase the density of dendrite spines. It is a small process of neurons that is essential for transmitting information to other nerve cells. In depression, these types of neural connections are significantly reduced.

After receiving psilocybin, the rodents showed changes in their brain activity over 24 hours. The changes were maintained up to one month after drug administration. Among the effects observed, the researchers highlighted that the mice affected by depression showed a clear improvement in their behavior, while at the same time registering a greater activity of the most important neurotransmitters.

In the conclusions of their study, published in the journal Neuron, the specialists highlighted that it would be the same psychological experiences promoted by the drug obtained from mushrooms, which generate the reestablishment of neuronal connections. The discovery could be the first step in the development of new therapies that include psilocybin in the treatment of depression.

Magic mushroom for anxiety and depression: Conclusion

After ingesting psilocybin, rodents showed changes in brain activity over a 24-hour period. Changes were maintained up to 1 month after drug administration. Among the observed effects, researchers emphasized that depression-affected mice showed significant behavioral improvements while at the same time recording the higher activity of major neurotransmitters.

In the conclusions of their study, published in the journal Neuron, experts emphasized that it is the same psychological experience promoted by mushroom-derived drugs that result in the restoration of neural connections.

This discovery could be the first step in the development of new therapies that include psilocybin in the treatment of depression.

Do you have depression or anxiety? Contact us on WhatsApp to find out more on how to treat it completely.

Are there other health benefits of magic mushrooms?

Yes, there are.

Researchers believe that psilocybin may reduce addiction to nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and possibly opioids. In a small study of nicotine addiction (only 9 participants), 80% of participants who received psilocybin therapy quit smoking and 60% were abstinent after 16 months, and other therapies were successful. It was impressive compared to the rate of 35% or less. However, larger studies need to be undertaken before it is advertised as a cure for smoking.

Are there risks to taking magic mushrooms for anxiety and depression?

Taking magic mushrooms for anxiety and depression is not a bad idea. However, there is a certain risk that comes with it.

• People with a personal or family history of schizophrenia, are at high risk of long-term harm and need to stay away from psilocybin, as psilocybin can exacerbate or induce an underlying psychotic condition. I have.
• When not used in a controlled environment with psychologists, psilocybin is a powerful tool that can harm one person or others when used in dangerous ways.
• Finally, chronic use of magic mushrooms is associated with cardiovascular risk. It can bind to HT2B receptors and cause dangerous changes in the structure and shape of heart valves.

Experts said that taking this magic mushroom would probably be a problem. I believe it won’t be if taken in the right quantity. Several more due to the therapeutic effect.