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Review
. 2022 Apr;126(4):308-319.
doi: 10.1016/j.funbio.2022.01.003. Epub 2022 Feb 11.

Diversity, biology, and history of psilocybin-containing fungi: Suggestions for research and technological development

R C Van Court  1 , M S Wiseman  2 , K W Meyer  3 , D J Ballhorn  4 , K R Amses  2 , J C Slot  5 , B T M Dentinger  6 , R Garibay-Orijel  7 , J K Uehling  8
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Free article
Review

Diversity, biology, and history of psilocybin-containing fungi: Suggestions for research and technological development

R C Van Court et al. Fungal Biol. 2022 Apr.
Free article

Abstract

Therapeutic use of psilocybin has become a focus of recent international research, with preliminary data showing promise to address a range of treatment-resistant mental health conditions. However, use of psilocybin as a healing entheogen has a long history through traditional consumption of mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe. The forthcoming adoption of new psilocybin-assisted therapeutic practices necessitates identification of preferred sources of psilocybin; consequently, comprehensive understanding of psilocybin-containing fungi is fundamental to consumer safety. Here we examine psilocybin producing fungi, discuss their biology, diversity, and ethnomycological uses. We also review recent work focused on elucidation of psilocybin biosynthetic production pathways, especially those from the genus Psilocybe, and their evolutionary history. Current research on psilocybin therapies is discussed, and recommendations for necessary future mycological research are outlined.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest JCS is a paid scientific advisor to Back of the Yards Algae Sciences and served on the board of the Entheome Foundation. All other authors declare no conflict of interest.

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