A recent study by Israeli scientists found that the mushroom extract may demonstrate superior effectiveness compared to chemically synthesized psilocybin, especially in stimulating neuroplasticity and promoting the development of new connections between nerve cells - a very important property. This breakthrough opens up potential applications for treating depression, PTSD and schizophrenia. The study results were published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

In work led by researchers Dr. Tsuri Lifshitz and psychiatrist Prof. Bernard Lehrer from Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, with the participation of graduate student Orrom Shahar and Dr. Alexander Botvinnik, the scientists found that a mushroom extract containing psilocybin may have more potent and long-lasting effects on synaptic plasticity in the brain. compared to chemically synthesized psilocybin.

Millions of people around the world suffer from mental disorders, and many patients remain refractory to existing pharmaceutical treatments. Alarming statistics show that 40% of people suffering from depression find no relief from currently available medications, a similar trend among people with OCD.

Moreover, with approximately 0.5% of the population suffering from schizophrenia, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions tailored to those who do not benefit from existing medications.

Preliminary study results shed light on the discrepancy in effectiveness between psilocybin-containing mushroom extract and chemically synthesized psilocybin. Notably, the extract increased levels of synaptic proteins associated with neuroplasticity in key brain regions including the frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and striatum.

Metabolomic analysis also revealed notable differences between the mushroom extract containing psilocybin and ocd chemically synthesized psilocybin. The extract demonstrated a distinct metabolic profile related to oxidative stress and energy production pathways.

These findings open up new possibilities for the therapeutic use of natural psychedelic compounds, offering hope to those who have found little relief in traditional psychiatric treatments. As demand for innovative solutions continues to grow, psychedelic drug research represents a critical avenue for the development of novel and personalized medicines.

Additionally, Western medicine has historically favored the isolation of active compounds rather than the use of extracts, primarily to achieve better control over dosages and the onset of known effects during treatment. The challenge with extracts has been that in the past it has not been possible to consistently produce an accurate product with a consistent composition. In contrast, ancient medical practices, especially those that attributed therapeutic benefits to psychedelic medicine, included the use of extracts or whole foods, such as consuming the entire mushroom.

The main problem with natural extracts is achieving a stable composition, especially in plants, but mushrooms are unique in this regard. The composition of fungi is influenced by their growth environment, including factors such as substrate composition, CO2/O2 ratio, light exposure, temperature and microbiological environment. Despite these factors, controlled cultivation makes it possible to “tame” the mushrooms and obtain a reproducible extract.