Acute toxicity of Psilocybe cubensis (Ear.) Sing., Strophariaceae, aqueous extract in mice
Thiago Berti Kirsten, Maria Martha Bernardi
Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia July 1, 2010 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-695x2010000300017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adult Swiss mice |
| Dose | 0.1 mL/10 g i.p. |
| Duration | 29-38 minutes observation |
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Pharmacology Hallucinogen Toxicity 5-HT Receptor Aqueous extract Open field Endocrinology Traditional medicine |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key findings | Aqueous extract of Psilocybe cubensis increased gnawing and wet-dog shakes while decreasing locomotion and rearing in mice, with females more sensitive than males. |
Abstract
Psilocybe cubensis (Ear.) Sing., Strophariaceae, is a hallucinogen mushroom that has been used since the old times by humans, causing several psychotic effects. P. cubensis contains two tryptamine derivates: psilocybin and psilocin, agonists of the 5-HT2 receptor (serotonin). The main objective of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity effects of P. cubensis aqueous extract (PCAE) administration in mice. Male and female adult Swiss mice received PCAE 0.1 mL/10 g i.p., and were observed individually, directly in a glass box and in an open-field. In relation to the data of the control group, PCAE-treated animals presented: an increased gnawing, appearance of wet-dog shakes and a decreased locomotion and rearing frequencies after 29-38 min. Also a clear gender difference was detected, being female mice more sensible to the PCAE than males. It was suggested that PCAE administration produced specific effects on mice behaviors, characteristic of drugs which interfere on central serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. Finally, the observational methods here employed were efficient to evaluate the toxic effects of the extract.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on serotonin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Mice | 2021 | Observational cohort | |
| Neurotoxicity of the psychedelic amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Rats (implied by typical neurochemical study context) | 1987 | Experimental study | |
| Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity through the activation of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors In vitro and in vivo (rodent) models | 2023 | Experimental study | |
| 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine destroy serotonin terminals in rat brain: quantification of neurodegeneration by measurement of [3H]paroxetine-labeled serotonin uptake sites. Rat brain | 1987 | Animal experiment | |
| Comparison of the monoamine transporters from human and mouse in their sensitivities to psychostimulant drugs Human and mouse dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters expressed in cells | 2006 | In vitro laboratory study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Behavioural Investigations of Psilocybin in Animals 1962-2021: A Scoping Review bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) January 5, 2024
- Behavioural investigations of psilocybin in non-human animals 1962–2021: A scoping review Journal of Psychedelic Studies September 11, 2025
- [Evaluation of Psilocybe cubensis (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) toxicity over Artemia franciscana (Crustacea, Anostraca)]. Revista iberoamericana de micologia January 3, 2013
Cites 7
- Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Neuroreport December 1, 1998
- Increasing Use of “Ecstasy“ (MDMA) and other Hallucinogens on a College Campus Journal of American College Health May 1, 1994
- Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Clinical Pediatrics February 1, 1988
- Between Prohibitions: Patterns and Meanings of Magic Mushroom Use in the UK Substance Use & Misuse 2008
- II. The Effects of Some Hallucinogens on Aggressiveness of Mice and Rats Pharmacology 1972
and 2 more in the library