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Substance Profile
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine derivative found in over 200 species of mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe. After oral ingestion, it is rapidly dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatases to psilocin, the actual active compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Psilocin acts primarily as an agonist at the serotonergic 5-HT2A receptor, inducing profound alterations in perception, cognition, and emotional experience. In clinical trials, psilocybin has shown promising results for treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and existential anxiety in terminal illness.
Primary mechanism of psychedelic action via cortical serotonin receptor activation
Decreases connectivity in the DMN, facilitating novel cognitive patterns
Promotes dendritic spine growth and synaptogenesis via BDNF/TrkB signaling
Reported subjective effects based on clinical and community data
Common questions about Psilocybin