The evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature.
Fungal Genetics and Biology June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103812 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Evolutionary chemical ecology Specialized metabolites Fungi mushrooms Mycology Neurotransmitters brain chemicals Neural signaling Psilocybin magic mushrooms Hallucinogens Biological defense |
| Citations | 28 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin and related psiloids may enhance fungal fitness through interference with serotonergic processes in animals, though no precise ecological roles have been experimentally determined. |
Abstract
Fungi produce diverse metabolites that can have antimicrobial, antifungal, antifeedant, or psychoactive properties. Among these metabolites are the tryptamine-derived compounds psilocybin, its precursors, and natural derivatives (collectively referred to as psiloids), which have played significant roles in human society and culture. The high allocation of nitrogen to psiloids in mushrooms, along with evidence of convergent evolution and horizontal transfer of psilocybin genes, suggest they provide a selective benefit to some fungi. However, no precise ecological roles of psilocybin have been experimentally determined. The structural and functional similarities of psiloids to serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter in animals, suggest that they may enhance the fitness of fungi through interference with serotonergic processes. However, other ecological mechanisms of psiloids have been proposed. Here, we review the literature pertinent to psilocybin ecology and propose potential adaptive advantages psiloids may confer to fungi.
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 22
- Phylogenomics of the psychoactive mushroom genus Psilocybe and evolution of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 9, 2024
- Dissimilar Reactions and Enzymes for Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Inocybe and Psilocybe Mushrooms Angewandte Chemie International Edition September 21, 2025
- Cultivation, chemistry, and genome of Psilocybe zapotecorum Journal of Psychedelic Studies April 5, 2024
- Toward Standardized Products Containing Biomass of Psilocybe Cubensis Fungi Journal of AOAC International August 13, 2025
- Comprehensive analysis of 42 psilocybin-producing fungal strains reveals metabolite diversity and species-specific clusters. Scientific Reports April 22, 2025
and 17 more in the library
Cites 69
- Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels Neuropsychopharmacology January 26, 2019
- The pharmacology of psilocybin Addiction Biology October 1, 2002
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants: Tryptamine and β-carboline constituents of Ayahuasca Journal of Ethnopharmacology April 1, 1984
- Receptor interaction profiles of novel psychoactive tryptamines compared with classic hallucinogens. European Neuropsychopharmacology May 20, 2016
- Psychedelics and the Human Receptorome PLoS One 2010
and 64 more in the library