Usos recreativos, medicinales y etnobotánicos de hongos alucinógenos: una revisión

Hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used for centuries across cultures, from Japan's 11th-century consumption of Panaeolus papilionaceus to modern recreational use of Psilocybe aztecorum in Mexico. In the United States, variability in psilocybin and psilocin levels affects recreational experiences, and Amanita muscaria is used despite risks. Psilocybin shows benefits for obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, addictions, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Ritual use in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Asia, and elsewhere underscores historical and cultural significance. These findings highlight both cultural and recreational value and potential for new psychological and pharmacological medical applications.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This research involved a literature review on the recreational, Western medicinal and ethnobotanical uses of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar, among others, and Boolean operators were used. A total of 60 scientific papers in both Spanish and English were analyzed. Since the 11th century, Japan has recorded the consumption of the butterfly mushroom, Panaeolus papilionaceus, known for its hallucinogenic effects. In Mexico, the water baby mushroom, Psilocybe aztecorum, is commercially available, demonstrating its recreational use. In the United States, variability in the levels of alkaloid substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, among others, affects the recreational experience. The fly agaric mushroom, Amanita muscaria, although risky, is also used recreationally. In Ecuador, the use of the North American variegated mushroom, Panaeolus antillanum, has been reported in the Galapagos Islands. Psilocybin shows benefits in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, addictions, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the ritual use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Asia, and other countries reinforces their historical and cultural significance. These findings highlight not only its cultural and recreational value, but also its capacity to offer new perspectives in psychological and pharmacological medicine