top of page

Mushroom Pharmacology

Purple Abstract
Mushroom pharmacology image
Psilocin vs. Serotonin comparison

             Mushrooms are a monoaminergic psychedelic that has a chemical structure very similar to the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) serotonin. This fungus is called “psilocybin” mushrooms because the chemical psilocybin is present in high concentrations. Mushrooms are not able to be injected, snorted, or dissolved in the mouth. The stems and caps of Mushrooms can only be eaten to be effective because of the metabolizing action necessary for the drug to work. Psilocybin present in mushrooms needs to be digested and metabolized into the chemical “psilocin” which is the actual molecule responsible for the psychedelic effects. Psilocybin is 4-phosphoryloxy-dimethyltryptamine. When ingested, the liver breaks off the phosphate group and the molecule Psilocin is created (4-hydroxy-dimethyltryptamine). Psilocin crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to different serotonin receptors mainly the 5HT2A  receptor. Psychedelic mushrooms function very similarly to LSD in the brain but mushrooms have a shorter duration compared to LSD because Psilocin molecules spend less time activating the serotonin receptors and are broken down faster than LSD. The most notable difference between LSD and Psilocybin mushrooms is the length of trip and subjective visual distortion differences. LSD visuals are often explained as geometric and rainbow whereas mushroom visuals are often described as more fluid and wavy. LSD is more straight lines and geometric shapes and mushrooms are more wavy lines and melting/flowing colors. But the mechanism of action in the brain between LSD and Mushrooms are very similar pharmacology wise.

psilocybin conversion to psilocin

Chemical reaction in the liver

Phosphate group is removed and psilocin is formed. Psilocin is the active ingredient that activate serotonin receptors in the brain

bottom of page