Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

In recent years, certain fungi—particularly psychedelic mushrooms containing compounds like psilocybin—have been the subject of scientific research for their potential to treat depression. Clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated that psilocybin-assisted therapy may provide significant, rapid, and sustained reductions in depressive symptoms, especially in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The proposed mechanisms involve alterations in brain network connectivity and increased neuroplasticity, which are thought to disrupt maladaptive patterns associated with depressive states.

In 2021, a landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine compared psilocybin to a standard antidepressant (escitalopram) and found that psilocybin was at least as effective, with some secondary outcomes favoring psilocybin. However, these studies typically involve guided therapeutic settings and the results may not generalize to unsupervised use. Other non-psychedelic fungi, such as Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), have been investigated in preliminary studies and animal models, with some promising but inconclusive results regarding mood and neurogenesis.

While the body of evidence is growing, psilocybin remains a controlled substance in many jurisdictions, and more research is needed to fully establish its safety, efficacy, and appropriate therapeutic protocols. Thus, the use of certain fungi for depression is supported by emerging scientific evidence, but is not yet considered standard clinical practice.

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