Researchers are intrigued by the potential advantages psilocybin provides mushrooms, with theories starting from a protection mechanism towards predators to a deterrent for terrestrial slugs following the post-dinosaur extinction ice age.

A groundbreaking research by the College of Utah and the Pure Historical past Museum of Utah reveals that psilocybin mushrooms, recognized for his or her psychoactive properties, have existed for about 65 million years, relationship again to the period of dinosaur extinction. This analysis, the most important genomic range research for the Psilocybe genus, uncovers the traditional evolutionary historical past of those mushrooms and their potential implications for contemporary psilocybin drugs.

The resurgence of curiosity in psilocybin, the psychoactive compound present in magic mushrooms, for psychological well being remedy has led researchers to delve into the evolutionary historical past of those fungi. A latest research revealed within the Proceedings of the Nationwide Academy of Sciences means that psilocybin mushrooms have been round for about 65 million years, coinciding with the extinction of dinosaurs. This discovery stems from the most important genomic range research on the Psilocybe genus, involving 52 specimens, together with 39 species that had not been beforehand sequenced.

The research recognized two distinct gene orders chargeable for psilocybin manufacturing, indicating two unbiased evolutionary paths for the compound’s growth. This discovering not solely highlights the historical origins of psilocybin mushrooms but additionally suggests a wealth of genetic range that might profit the long run growth of psilocybin-based therapeutics.

Researchers are intrigued by the potential advantages psilocybin provides mushrooms, with theories starting from a protection mechanism towards predators to a deterrent for terrestrial slugs following the post-dinosaur extinction ice age. The research’s findings pave the best way for additional analysis into the evolutionary position of psilocybin and its purposes in fashionable drugs.

Why It Issues: Understanding the traditional origins and evolutionary historical past of psilocybin mushrooms gives beneficial insights into their potential therapeutic advantages. This analysis may revolutionize the event of psilocybin-based therapies, providing new avenues for addressing psychological well being points.