Discover the mechanism of hallucinogenic fungal action on the brain

The active ingredient psilocybin in hallucinogenic fungi (also known as "magic mushroom") is known for its sensational, euphoric, and even changing cognitive properties, but the scientific world is still unable to explain it. multiply. Recently, experts at King's University London (UK) have discovered the special mechanism behind these effects.

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According to the conclusion published in the Royal Society magazine, psilocybin works by breaking down the brain's normal communication network, allowing connections of brain regions that do not interact with each other.

Photo: testtube

In the study, physicist Paul Expert and colleagues conducted magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis of the placebo group and hallucinogenic mushroom users. They found a difference between the two groups, in which the brains of the group using "magic mushrooms" appear a series of interconnections between regions of the brain that do not interact with each other during normal functioning of the nervous system. . The researchers suggest that this increased brain activity may be related to synaesthesia - a phenomenon in which the senses feel. For example, some people who eat magic mushrooms say they taste the smell of orange, touch the melody, see the smell of coffee or see the noise.

The research team said that their tests could help better understand the potential benefits of psilocybin in treating mental disorders, such as depression. In addition, their discovery of the brain's extraordinary ability to connect may also help answer tough questions in the field of neuroscience, such as where consciousness comes from.

+ In another fungal study, a team at the University of Texas (USA) discovered that the active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) found in the type of shiitake mushroom grown on pine trees is very common in Japan. Help strengthen the immune system, kill viruses that cause cervical cancer and prevent tumor growth.

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The study was conducted on 10 women infected with human papilloma virus (HPV) - a type of infectious virus that affects the skin, mouth, and throat and involves 99% of cervical cancer cases. All were given the AHCC extract (including amino acids, polymers and minerals) from shiitake once a day and lasted for 6 months. Results showed that 8 people were treated for HPV. According to Professor Judith Smith, the lead researcher, AHCC is an active ingredient that does not cause side effects but also has many immunological benefits, so her team is promoting phase 2 of a long-term clinical trial. 6 months more patients.

This is a follow-up study of a trial published earlier this year, in which Smith demonstrated AHCC to completely eliminate HPV in mice within 90 days. An earlier study also found that AHCC works by boosting the immune system by increasing the number of cells that help the body fight HPV infection and prevent cancer tumors from growing.