Miraculous mushrooms help treat depression in humans

Scientists found a hallucinogenic compound derived from miraculous fungi that has many therapeutic benefits for patients with depression.

Miraculous mushrooms or magic mushrooms (Psilocybe pelliculosa) is a fungus of the Cortinariaceae family, which grows in many parts of the world such as North America, Mexico, South America, Scandinavia and some parts of Asia. This fungus when ingested may cause hallucinations because it contains psilocybin .

According to the International Business Times, psilocybin is a serotonin receptor stimulant that activates a physiological response in humans when combined with serotonin receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. Research published May 17 in the Lancet Psychiatry magazine explores the effects of this hallucinogenic compound on people's physical and mental health.

Some previous studies have shown promising initial results, including psilocybin which can be a useful compound to help solve many health problems, such as anxiety in old age, obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction. smoke.

The psilocybin compound in miraculous fungus works to treat depression.(Photo: iStock).

In the new study, scientists tested the ability to use psilocybin safely and effectively to treat depressed patients. They conducted a small-scale preliminary study with 12 patients, and obtained very positive results.

Volunteers take psilocybin in doses of 10mg and 25mg every 7 days apart. They also received psychological treatment during the test and performed magnetic resonance imaging to check if the compound had a negative impact on the brain.

The research team assessed the severity of symptoms through a standardized test table called Rapid detection of depression symptoms through 16 questions. They analyzed the answer and watched volunteers reduce symptoms of depression as well as anxiety after the second dose of psilocybin.

After a week of treatment, all patients showed signs of improvement, 8/12 even temporarily relieved. After three months, 7 patients continued to reduce symptoms. However, 5 people have a relapse after some time.

The study is limited due to a number of reasons, so the results cannot be generalized to people with depression. However, the study provides evidence that psilocybin is safe and effective in treating depression."We will need more rigorously designed tests to accurately test the therapeutic potential of this method," the team said.