Novel Perspective of Medicinal Mushroom Cultivations: A Review Case for ‘Magic’ Mushrooms
Sarana Rose Sommano, Ratchuporn Suksathan, Thanarat Sombat, Pimjai Seehanam, Sasithorn Sirilun, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Sutee Wangtueai, Noppol Leksawasdi
Agronomy December 15, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12123185 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Mushroom Phytochemical Traditional medicine Mycelium Biotechnology Medicinal fungi Medicinal plants |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have therapeutic potential for mental health conditions, and biotechnological approaches for cultivation and secondary metabolite production are needed to sustainably meet growing demand and reduce stigma. |
Abstract
Fruiting bodies, mycelia, or spores in the form of extracts or powder of various medicinal mushrooms are used to prevent, treat, or cure a range of ailments and balance a healthy diet. Medicinal mushrooms are found in several genera of fungi and their fruit bodies, cultured mycelia, and cultured broth contains phytochemical constituents such as triterpenes, lectins, steroids, phenols, polyphenols, lactones, statins, alkaloids, and antibiotics. Edible mushrooms are considered functional foods that can be used as supplements for complementary and alternative medicines where the markets are growing rapidly. Several species of edible mushrooms possess therapeutic potential and functional characteristics. The psilocybin-containing types, sometimes known as magic mushrooms, have been utilized for generations by indigenous communities due to their hallucinogenic, medicinal, and mind-manifestation properties. Recent clinical research also convinces that these psychedelics have the potential to treat addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. This has escalated the demand for the natural products derived from the mushrooms of these sources, yet the agronomic aspect and biotechnology approaches to produce the active ingredients are not collectively documented. The objectives of this review article are to examine the general type and variation of therapeutic mushrooms, especially those belonging to the Psilocybe. The biotechnology approach for cultivation and the production of secondary metabolites is also appraised. The ultimate purposes are to provide guidance for farmers and companies to pursue sustainable ways to produce natural products for the development of functional food and pharmaceuticals and to support the alteration of the stigmatic drug concerns around psychedelic mushrooms.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- A journey with psychedelic mushrooms: From historical relevance to biology, cultivation, medicinal uses, biotechnology, and beyond Biotechnology Advances August 31, 2023
- A Proposal to Study the Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybe cubensis in Preclinical and Clinical Studies as a Therapeutic Alternative for Major Depressive Disorder Journal of Psychoactive Drugs August 18, 2023
- Mushroom bioactives—polysaccharides to psilocybin: a viewpoint on the therapeutic use of mushrooms for consumers and patients for health and neuroplasticity Translational Food Sciences 2025
- Phytochemical screening, phenolic and flavonoid contents, psilocybin, antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities of the aqueous extract from the fungi Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus Brazilian Journal of Science November 1, 2024
- The Psychedelic Social Club: a regulatory concept for people who use psychedelics? Drugs Education Prevention and Policy October 30, 2023
and 2 more in the library
Cites 26
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Psilocybin in 9 Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry November 15, 2006
- Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics July 1, 2017
and 21 more in the library