Psilocybin – the active ingredient in magic mushrooms

Psilocybin is the active ingredient in the famous magic mushrooms, well-known within the psychedelic community. However, according to the latest scientific findings, these potent psychedelic mushrooms can be used in many other areas beyond hallucinogenic experiences. If you are interested in psilocybin, this article is for you. Below, you will find all the important information on this fascinating topic.

For example, the key questions of how psilocybin works, how it is typically dosed, and which mushrooms actually contain the active ingredient. In addition, we will look ahead to possible therapeutic applications. Since psilocybin is a comprehensive and complex topic, we have divided this article into several chapters. This not only provides a clear introduction to the topic but also allows you to quickly find the information you are looking for:

Before we delve into topics such as the effects and application of psilocybin, it is important to define the active ingredient: Psilocybin is an indole alkaloid belonging to the tryptamine group, found naturally primarily in mushrooms. Psilocybin is primarily known for its intoxicating, hallucinogenic effects. Due to these qualities, psilocybin is also classified as a psychedelic.

There are numerous mushrooms that contain psilocybin. Most belong to the family of liberty caps (Psilocybe), which occur naturally in various parts of the world. The psilocybin content, however, varies depending on the species. For your practical overview, below is a list of the most common psilocybin-containing mushrooms:

• Psilocybe azurescens: The impressive liberty cap, native to North America, contains 1.78% psilocybin relative to its dry weight.

• Psilocybe cyanescens: The wavy cap is widespread in North America, Europe, and Asia. 

• Psilocybe mexicana: As the name suggests, the Mexican liberty cap is native to Mexico. Dried specimens contain approximately 0.5% psilocybin.

•  Psilocybe semilanceata: The liberty cap is widely distributed in Europe. On average, dried specimens contain 0.98% psilocybin.

Before we examine the effects of psilocybin in detail, it is important to describe the substance's mechanism of action in the human brain. This allows for a better understanding of its potential effects and establishes a general comprehension of this potent active ingredient. The secret of the active ingredient lies in its ability to interact with the serotonin receptors in the human brain. 

This is achieved by converting psilocybin into psilocin in the body, which has a similar structure to the body's own serotonin. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter for human feelings and is commonly referred to as the "happiness hormone." 

Among other things, it is responsible for regulating satisfaction, the day-night rhythm, and appetite. Both the psychotropic effect and the dampening effect on the central nervous system of psilocybin are attributed to this interaction.

Psilocybin belongs to the psychedelics and can therefore produce hallucinogenic effects. However, the exact effects are difficult to determine as they depend on several factors. Psilocybin dosage, personal tolerance, and body weight play a central role. Nevertheless, there are fundamental effects that are documented in most reports, but their intensity can vary:

•  Hallucinations: The hallucinogenic effect of psilocybin-containing mushrooms manifests at least in visual changes. For example, colors are perceived much more intensely. But strange geometric shapes can also appear. The patterns and colors of objects often change.

•  Synesthesias: Synesthesias are also documented in connection with psilocybin. Synesthesias involve the merging of different sensory impressions. For example, people report being able to see colors when listening to music.

There are several ways to use psilocybin to achieve these and similar effects. To give you an insight into possible applications, we will present the forms in which psilocybin exists and how they differ.

When psilocybin-containing mushrooms are used, natural application is possible. They can be consumed raw, cooked, as a tea, or with food. The quantity differs depending on whether the mushrooms are used dried or fresh. For fresh specimens, ten times the amount of dried specimens is needed to achieve the same effects.

There are also synthetic analogues of psilocybin, such as  4‑PrO‑MET. These preparations are synthetic active ingredients that are structurally similar to psilocybin but still show differences. The amount to be used for these preparations depends on the dosage of the psilocybin analogue contained. These alternatives make storage and use easier, as they do not spoil compared to fresh psilocybin mushrooms, can be stored more easily, and do not need to be dried first.

The dosage of psilocybin depends on several factors. Individual tolerance limits, weight, and the form in which the active substance is present all play a role. Generally, however, average application amounts have been established, which differ depending on whether fresh or dried psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms are used.

While an amount of 1 to 5 grams has been established for dried specimens, ten times the amount, i.e., 10 to 50 grams, is needed for fresh psilocybin mushrooms to produce the same intensity. With this amount, the intoxicating state usually sets in after about 30 minutes and then lasts between 4 to 6 hours.

Regarding the use of psilocybin, there are different traditions and intentions. Besides the intoxicating state, which often comes with hallucinogenic experiences and creative impulses, there are other contexts in which the active substance is used. Below, we will discuss the traditional use of the substance and the attempts to support the therapy of depression with psilocybin.

Today, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are again used in spiritual contexts to connect with the greater whole and with nature. While the psychedelic and spiritual community may have rediscovered this practice, it dates back far into history. It is documented that the ancient Aztecs in what is now Mexico already used psilocybin mushrooms for ritual and religious practices to connect with the gods and receive guidance. However, they are also said to have been used as an intoxicant in profane contexts.

Even though psilocybin mushrooms are not legal in most countries, such as Germany, and are not approved for medical purposes, studies are being conducted to investigate their suitability. The results are mostly positive. It is suspected that the substance can build new connections in the brain, and some subjects have experienced the consciousness-expanding intoxication as a liberation and gained better access to their own emotional world.

In addition, it is reported that many subjects showed more openness to various therapeutic approaches, as barriers and inner inhibitions could be overcome, which generally benefited the treatment. Based on these findings, research promises great potential in accompanying depression therapies with psilocybin.

In Germany, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are prohibited. They fall under the Narcotics Act (BtMG), which means they are not marketable and cannot be prescribed. Even though a promising study on the complementary use of psilocybin for the treatment of depression was conducted in Australia in 2023, the legal situation in Germany remains unchanged. An alternative for therapeutic procedures can be synthetic analogues such as 4-PrO-MET, which are not explicitly covered by the legal texts yet.

With this article, you have received a concise introduction to all important aspects concerning psilocybin. The results show a potent, psychotropic active substance that has accompanied humans for centuries and also promises great potential for modern therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the legal situation will be liberalized in the future to utilize the natural potential of the known active substance of magic mushrooms.