Psilocybin, aka 'Magic Truffles' or 'Magic Mushrooms'
When people say Magic Mushrooms or Magic Truffles, they typically refer to psilocybin mushrooms. In smaller doses magic mushrooms or truffles produce euphoric effects, while larger doses would cause a trip often involving change in perception, visuals, emotional shifts and even spiritual awakenings.
The chemical structure of psilocybin and psilocin is similar to the neurotransmitter called serotonin. In fact, the primary effect of psilocin is on the receptors for serotonin. There is also evidence that psilocybin reduces the reuptake of serotonin by neurons in the brain allowing this neurotransmitter more time to act in the synapse.
Research into psilocybin dates back to the 1960s and suggests that the substance could play a promising role in treating various disorders. Psilocybin mushrooms appear in therapeutic settings for ailments such as cluster headaches, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction.
Research indicates psilocybin “produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer.”
Another study by a prestigious research group in London suggests psilocybin could be used to treat all-cause major depression.
A 2015 study found psilocybin useful in treating alcoholism.
Amanita Muscaria
Amanita muscaria mushrooms don’t contain psilocybin or psilocin. Instead, the primary active ingredients are muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. Muscimol and ibotenic acid are the primary compounds responsible for Amanita muscaria’s psychoactive effects.
Chemically, muscimol is a potent agonist (activator) of GABA, a brain neurotransmitter known for calming effects. This activation plays a significant role in controlling body functions like mood, anxiety, and sleep.
How it works:
GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which dampens nervous system activity. Imbalances in GABA levels are often linked to conditions like anxiety disorders, insomnia, and epilepsy.
When muscimol interacts with GABA receptors, it reduces central nervous system activity, contributing to the compound’s characteristic sedative and relaxing qualities.
At high enough doses, muscimol’s GABA action can cause sensory deprivation, leaving users with a deep sense of tranquility, a dream-like state of mind, and an altered perceptive state.
The effects
Like psilocybin (magic mushrooms’ active ingredient), muscimol will produce different dosage-dependent effects but is mainly psychoactive, meaning a change of mind state, but not overwhelmingly psychedelic like traditional magic mushrooms. People won’t experience the same intense effects as psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms, such as intricate visual patterns and intense body sensations. Its influence is much more nuanced and subtle. However, high doses of muscimol can have psychedelic effects, altering hearing, taste, and sensory perception. Visions from muscimol commonly occur in vivid dreams while asleep.
Dosage
There is also a big difference between recommended dosage. For microdosing with psilocybin truffles, recommended dose is 1g per day as the truffles are fresh produce. When microdosing with dried magic mushrooms, that dose is approx 0.1-0.2g.
However, microdose with Amanita muscaria dried mushroom is 0.5-1g per day.
Bottom line
Muscimol is not a “classic psychedelic” compound like psilocybin in magic mushrooms. The two differ significantly in many respects, including how they work in the body, effects, and medical value.
How they work: Muscimol works through GABA neurotransmitter activation, primarily affecting nervous system function. Psilocybin’s chemical structure is similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. When psilocybin activates serotonin receptors, neural regions process information and communicate differently, affecting mood, cognition, and perception.
Effects: Unlike muscimol, which is more sedative, psilocybin’s psychedelic effects tend to be more intense and entail visual effects, sensory enhancement, and vivid colors and geometric patterns. Some users experience spiritual insights.
Medical value: Currently, most muscimol trials and studies focus on pain relief, sleep, and relaxation. Psilocybin studies focus on the compound’s power to help with mental and emotional conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction.