Psilocybe mushrooms are known for the special effects they have on our human brain. The substance contained by these mushrooms, known as psilocybin, has an impact on the serotonin receptors which are found in several different parts of the brain, including the thalamus and the cortex. It was Albert Hofmann who initially isolated psilocybin from Psilocybe Mexicana, a type of mushroom which can be found in the Central American regions. Psilocybe mushrooms can be found growing in the wild, but can also be cultivated under special, sterile conditions in specific laboratories and growing farms. Silocybe cubensis as a species was first detailed in 1906 as “Stropharia cubensis” by mycologist Franklin Sumner Earle. It is believed that this strain was discovered growing wild in Florida in the 1980’s. Golden Teacher mushrooms are popular among researchers today. Here are 3 major studies about the use of psilocybe mushrooms that could certainly be considered as good examples of the benefits of these natural remedies:
- Among the very first clinical researches on the effects of psilocybin focused on their use for treating anxiety in patients suffering from cancer. This pilot study was conducted by Grob CS, Danford et al.
- In 2015, Hendricks et al. published an article presenting the results of a study which, among other substances of natural origin, also included psilocybin. According to this study, psilocybin can greatly reduce depression symptoms and suicidal tendencies.
- Bogenschutz MP, Forcehimes AA and others initiated a study about the use of psilocybin for treating alcohol dependence.