Natural Shrooms Outshine Synthetic Psychedelics in Therapeutic Impact

A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research found that natural “shrooms” online work better for therapy than the synthetic version of psilocybin (a substance usually studied for its medical potential as a psychedelic drug). The research suggests that these natural extracts could have more uses in treating severe mental health issues like depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

Synthetic vs. Natural Psilocybin

Synthetic psilocybin and natural psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, are alike and different in how they’re made, their effects, and their uses.

Production

• Synthetic Psilocybin: Made in labs through chemicals by combining certain substances in a controlled setting.
• Natural Psilocybin: Comes from certain mushroom species like Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata. These mushrooms grow in different parts of the world and contain psilocybin and other mind-altering compounds.

Purity and Dosage

• Synthetic Psilocybin: Can be made very pure and consistent in strength. This makes it easier to measure exact doses, especially in research.
• Natural Psilocybin: The amount of psilocybin in mushrooms can vary. Factors like the type of mushroom and growing conditions affect this. It may be harder to predict the strength of doses and may need extra preparation.

Medical and Therapeutic Applications

• Synthetic Psilocybin: Used in many studies for treating different mental health disorders. It’s given in controlled settings as part of therapy.
• Natural Psilocybin: Also researched for its therapeutic effects, especially in therapies using psychedelics. Some believe natural sources offer extra benefits from other mushroom compounds.

The Effects of Natural vs. Synthetic Psilocybin on Synaptic Plasticity: Insights from Mouse Studies

Psilocybin is being studied for its potential in treating mental health conditions. Researchers have found that a psilocybin-containing mushroom extract, known as “full-spectrum” or psychedelic mushroom extract (PME), may have different effects compared to chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSIL).

A psychiatry professor at the Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research at Hebrew University led a study involving male mice. Together with other researchers, they compared the effects of PME and PSIL. 

Initially, they observed similar effects of both substances on a behaviour called the head twitch response (HTR) over 20 minutes. 

Examination of Synaptic Proteins

They also looked at levels of synaptic proteins in different brain regions, which indicate synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory.

• After three days, minimal changes in synaptic protein levels were noted.
• After 11 days, a significant increase in levels of certain proteins was observed in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala for both PSIL and PME.
• PSIL and PME increased levels of proteins linked to synaptic plasticity, such as GAP43 and synaptophysin.
• PME exhibited a broader effect across brain regions than PSIL.
• PSIL affected protein levels to a lesser extent and in fewer brain areas.

Metabolomic Analysis

• Differences were detected in metabolites between PME and PSIL groups.
• PME group showed a gradual decline in specific metabolites associated with oxidative stress and energy production pathways.

Note: Further research is still needed to confirm these findings and identify the specific molecules responsible for the enhanced effects of PME.

Components of Natural Magic Mushrooms

Natural magic mushrooms contain various compounds contributing to their psychoactive and therapeutic effects. These components are associated with the holistic benefits of consuming magic mushrooms.

Psilocybin

• Psilocybin is the #1 psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms.
• When ingested, psilocybin is transformed into psilocin in the body. Then, associates with specific serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception and consciousness.
• Research points out that psilocybin may have therapeutic effects on mood disorders, anxiety, and depression by modulating brain activity and promoting neuroplasticity.

Psilocin

• Psilocin is the metabolite of psilocybin responsible for the psychedelic effects experienced after consuming magic mushrooms.
• Like psilocybin, psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. Thus leading to changes in perception, mood, and cognition.
• The rapid conversion of psilocybin to psilocin in the body contributes to the relatively short duration of psychedelic experiences induced by magic mushrooms.

Baeocystin

• Baeocystin is another psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, although in lower concentrations compared to psilocybin and psilocin.
• While its specific effects are less studied, baeocystin is believed to contribute to the overall psychedelic experience induced by magic mushrooms.
• Research on baeocystin’s pharmacology and potential therapeutic benefits is ongoing, with emerging evidence suggesting its role in the entourage effects of magic mushrooms.

Entourage Effects Enhance Psilocybin Therapy

Mushrooms containing psilocybin also contain various other psychoactive and non-psychoactive compounds, which might collaborate to enhance therapeutic effects, known as the entourage effect. However, most studies on psilocybin focus on synthesized forms that lack these additional compounds.

In Western medicine, there’s a preference for isolating active compounds for better dosage control. Ancient medicinal practices, on the other hand, used extracts or the whole product. They do it for important spiritual and religious ceremonies, encouraging the entourage effect.

Researchers used a twitch response experiment to study psilocybin’s effects on brain behaviour and changes. They found that magic mushroom extract creates stronger and longer-lasting brain connections than synthetic psilocybin, suggesting unique health benefits. Both forms had similar short-term effects but differed in their long-term impact on brain metabolism and connection proteins.

Explore the Available Dried Shrooms Online

Note: A trusted online dispensary offers shroom edibles, shroom tea, and other forms of psychoactive substances, including “only premium magic mushrooms.” For those looking for “online magic mushrooms,” Health Canada – approved sources ensure safety and quality.

Buy Magic Mushrooms Online

Exploring the differences between synthetic and natural psilocybin shows how complex using psychedelics for therapy can be. Synthetic psychedelics have set doses and focused research, while natural magic mushrooms have deep cultural roots and may have combined effects.  

Zoomies Canada is a trusted website where you can buy dried magic mushrooms online. We sell premium magic mushrooms that can help improve your mood or give you an intense experience, depending on your needs. Buy shrooms online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure I’m purchasing the best psilocybin mushrooms online?

• Find online sellers with strong reputations by reading reviews and ratings. 
• Choose sellers that focus on safety and quality. Their psychedelic mushrooms should be properly grown, harvested, and processed.
• Select sellers offering detailed product information for quality assurance.
• Prefer sellers that test their mushrooms for potency and safety.
• Look for sellers with certifications like GMP or third-party lab testing.
• Consider the seller’s customer service and return policies. Good sellers quickly answer questions and offer returns or guarantees.

What do the entourage effects feel like?

The entourage effect refers to how different compounds in a substance, like cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis or various compounds in magic mushrooms, work together to produce a unique set of effects. Experiencing the entourage effect might produce enhanced mood, more vivid perceptions, reduced anxiety, deeper thoughts, varied physical sensations, and possibly broader therapeutic benefits. Due to the synergistic interactions, these effects can be more complex and nuanced than those of any single compound. The experience is subjective and can vary widely among individuals.

How to microdose psilocybin containing mushrooms?

1. Determine Your Dose. A microdose commonly ranges from 0.1g to 0.5g of dried magic mushrooms. Start with the lower end of the scale and adjust based on your experience.
   
2. Choose Your Schedule. Common microdosing schedules include:
   • One day on, two days off: This allows you to gauge the effects on your day of dosing and observe residual effects on your off days.
   • Four days on, three days off: Suitable for those seeking to explore sustained effects throughout the workweek. Experiment to find what works best for you.
     
3. Prepare Your Dose. If using dried mushrooms, grind them into a fine powder to ensure even distribution of psilocybin and accurate dosing. Some people capsule the powder for easy consumption and to avoid the taste.
   
4. Take Your Dose in the Morning. Microdose magic mushrooms in the morning to prevent interference with sleep and allow you to observe its effects throughout the day.
   
5. Track Your Experience. Keep a journal to note any changes in mood, creativity, focus, and overall well-being. This will help you fine-tune your dosing schedule and amount.
   
6. Safety First. Ensure you’re in a safe and familiar environment, especially when starting out. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery on dosing days until you know how microdosing affects you.
   
7. Health Considerations. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
   
8. Take Breaks. Periodically taking breaks from microdosing magic mushrooms can prevent tolerance build-up and allow you to assess the long-term effects on your well-being.

References: 

• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-024-02477-w 
• https://hightimes.com/news/study-finds-natural-mushroom-extract-has-better-therapeutic-effects-than-synthesized-psilocybin/ 
• https://doubleblindmag.com/mushrooms/about-magic-mushrooms/psilocybin-magic-mushrooms-compounds/

Author Information

Orr Shahar, Alexander Botvinnik, Amit Shwartz, Elad Lerer, Peretz Golding, Alex Buko, Ethan Hamid, Dani Kahn, Miles Guralnick, Karin Blakolmer, Gilly Wolf, Amit Lotan, Leonard Lerer, Bernard Lerer & Tzuri Lifschytz.

Affiliations:

• Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
• Israel Institute for Biology, Nes Ziona, Israel.
• Human Metabolome Technologies, Boston, MA, USA.
• Parow Entheobiosciences (ParowBio), Chicago, IL, USA.
• Achva Academic College, Beer Tuvia, Israel.
• Back of the Yards Algae Sciences (BYAS), Chicago, IL, USA.

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