Psilocybin – Summary of knowledge and new perspectives

Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is increasingly studied as a research tool for modeling psychosis and for its potential therapeutic effects, though it remains a frequently abused natural hallucinogen. This review covers past and recent knowledge on psilocybin, including its history, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, and compares its effects in humans and animals. It describes the mechanism of psychedelic effects, using modern imaging and psychometric methods to objectify its action, and discusses both therapeutic and abuse potential.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid contained in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is nowadays given a lot of attention in the scientific community as a research tool for modeling psychosis as well as due to its potential therapeutic effects. However, it is also a very popular and frequently abused natural hallucinogen. This review summarizes all the past and recent knowledge on psilocybin. It briefly deals with its history, discusses the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and compares its action in humans and animals. It attempts to describe the mechanism of psychedelic effects and objectify its action using modern imaging and psychometric methods. Finally, it describes its therapeutic and abuse potential.