Psilocybin is a natural chemical compound known as 4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Psilocybin is contained in magic mushrooms. These fungi grow naturally in the northwestern and southern regions of the United States, as well as in Europe, Mexico and South America. Psilocybin is an indole-alkylamine and has the same chemical structure as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). When consumed, magic mushrooms cause euphoric and hallucinogenic effects.
Their psychoactive properties have great potential in the world of psychotherapy, as recent studies revealed. More and more researchers cultivating psilocybe spores raise awareness about their use for medicinal purposes, in the process of treating conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Psilocybin has a similar structure to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls important brain functions such as emotions, cognition and perception. As a result, psilocybin binds to the same serotonin receptors in the brain, having similar effects.
However, psilocybin excites the overall activity of the brain, instead of reducing it, like some drugs do. Specifically, the brain is “hyperconnected”, allowing regions that normally do not communicate with each other to do so.
Beyond the mental and emotional aspects of psilocybin, some studies have shown that this substance may also repair damaged brain cells. This could be how psilocybin helps people fight against serious diseases such as OCD and PTSD, helping to restructure damaged portions of the brain.