How Can Magic Mushrooms Affect Brain Function?

Magic mushrooms, a type of hallucinogenic drug, have been found to affect the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which regulates abstract thinking, thought analysis, mood, and perception. Scientists have constructed a model of the human brain on psilocybin, which allows the brain to access information. Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been found to temporarily reset entire networks of neurons in the brain responsible for controlling a person’s sense of self.

Psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin activate serotonin receptors on brain cells, reducing the energy needed for the brain to switch between different states. This has led to some lasting changes to the communication pathways that connect brain regions. However, leading mycologist Paul Stamets believes it may be time for fans of psilocybin mushrooms to leave the childish slang behind.

Psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a substance being studied as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions. Studies are finding psychedelic therapy could reverse the debilitating effects of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). These changes were driven by desynchronization of brain activity across spatial scales, such as area, network, or whole brain.

Psilocybin-driven desynchronization was found to be a key factor in the effects of magic mushrooms on the brain. Researchers are exploring the effects of ayahuasca, MDMA, DMT, and psilocybin mushrooms on the body and how they can help people with mental health issues.