Natural hallucinogens of fungal and animal origin: action and potentialapplications - a narrative review.

Hallucinogens from fungi and animals, such as psilocybin, ergot alkaloids, and bufotenine, have been used traditionally for centuries and are now being studied for therapeutic applications. These compounds vary widely in chemical structure and mechanism, affecting neurotransmitter systems to alter perception, cognition, and mood. A review of literature from 1983 to 2025 indicates that preclinical and limited clinical data suggest benefits for mood and anxiety disorders, treatment-resistant depression, pain, and possibly neurodegenerative diseases. Some compounds may serve as leads for new drugs. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms, safety, and therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatry.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Natural hallucinogens derived from fungi and animals have been used for centuries in shamanic, ritualistic, and medicinal practices across diverse cultures. These compounds exhibit a widerange of structures and mechanisms of action, affecting various neurotransmitter systems pathways. Fungal hallucinogens, primarily indole alkaloids like psilocybin and ergot alkaloids, as well as animal-derived toxins, such as bufotenine, ciguatoxins, or semiochemicals from insects, can induce profound alterations in perception, cognition, and mood. Despite their traditional use and psychoactive effects, many of these substances remain underexplored in terms of pharmacology and therapeutic potential. Recent studies suggest their possible roles in treating neuropsychiatric disorders, inflammatory conditions, and chronic pain, highlighting the need for a systematic review of their biological activity and medical applications. This review aims to provide an overview of hallucinogenic compounds of fungal and animal origin, focusing on their chemical nature, pharmacodynamic properties, and current evidence for potential therapeutic use. The review was based on publications retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, covering the period from 1983 to 2025. Search terms included: fungal hallucinogens, animal-derived psychedelics, natural psychoactive compounds, toxicity, therapeutic application of hallucinogens, and psychedelic drug research. The analyzed hallucinogens differ markedly in terms of chemical structure, receptor activity, intensity of hallucinogenic effects, and potential for clinical use. Preclinical and limited clinical data suggest beneficial effects in mood and anxiety disorders, treatment-resistant depression, pain syndromes, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. Some compounds show promise as leads for the synthesis of novel bioactive molecules. Hallucinogens of fungal and animal origin represent a biologically diverse and pharmacologically rich group of natural substances. Further interdisciplinary research is required to explore their mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and therapeutic potential. Their continued investigation may lead to the development of innovative treatments in neuropsychiatry and beyond.