Mushrooms are one of the most mysterious kingdoms of living organisms. They are not like plants or animals and move along in their unique way of development. In order to survive more effectively and protect themselves from anyone who wants to eat them, they have learned to produce powerful substances — alkaloids. But the mushrooms did not manage to outwit the most intelligent creatures on our planet — people. They have learned how to use the unique substances in mushrooms to their advantage.
Today we know hundreds of mushrooms with psychoactive properties. And each of them has a specific combination of substances that influence the nerve system. The main types of mushrooms that have psychoactive effects are fly agaric, which contains muscimol and psilocybin mushrooms.
Today we will try to understand the difference between psychedelic mushrooms and muscimol.
Why are they constantly compared? And are they really that similar?
What is muscimol?
Muscimol is a psychoactive molecule found in fly agaric and other mushrooms of the Amanita genus. This is not the only substance in these mushrooms that influences the human nervous system. Ibotenic acid and muscarine are other molecules in these mushrooms with psychoactive abilities.
Effect of muscimol
Compared to classic psychedelics, muscimol has a relatively mild effect on the nervous system. In small doses, it causes the following effects:
- relaxation of muscles
- reducing anxiety
- improving sleep
- pain relief
- warmth in the body
- creativity boost
- improving digestion and even skin condition
However, high doses of muscimol can also cause psychedelic effects, including sensory and visual hallucinations.
Medical application of muscimol
The therapeutic effect of muscimol is actively researched. Scientists conduct research using muscimol in the following conditions:
- anxiety disorder
- chronic pain
- muscle spasms
- sleep disturbance
Their results are very encouraging, but we still need more rigorous studies with larger groups of participants. Nevertheless, many people believe that muscimol can change the approach to the treatment of many serious conditions and can become a natural alternative solution.
Today, scientists consider muscimol a relatively safe substance, which can still cause certain side effects:
- sweating
- nausea
- involuntary movements and others
Psychedelic Mushrooms
This is the name of mushrooms that cause psychedelic effects in people after consumption. They are also called magic mushrooms or psilocybin mushrooms. About 200 species of mushrooms belong to this group. The main substance that causes the effect of these mushrooms is psilocybin.
Psilocybin is a psychoactive molecule of biological origin, an alkaloid contained in certain types of mushrooms. It is interesting that this substance itself is not biologically active, but in the human body it quickly turns into psilocin, which causes psychedelic effects.
How does psilocybin affect the nervous system?
Psilocybin is known for its distinct psychedelic effects:
- visual hallucinations
- sensory hallucinations
- the appearance of geometric patterns
- strong feeling of euphoria
These powerful effects were noticed by people thousands of years ago. That is why psychedelic mushrooms were used by our ancestors for various activities that required the expansion of consciousness, such as conducting rituals.
Potential use of psychedelic mushrooms in medicine
Today, psilocybin is an interesting and promising substance for medical use. Scientists are conducting research on the therapeutic effects of this substance in such serious disorders as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, there are some researches focused on the use of psilocybin for the treatment of addictions.
Psychedelic mushrooms vs muscimol: comparison
Amanita muscaria vs Psychedelic mushrooms
Let's first deal with the source of psychoactive substances — mushrooms. Muscimol is found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita. Almost all of them have a large cap with typical flaky spots.
Psilocybin is found in mushrooms of several families, including Stropharia, Hymnopil and others. But the most popular mushrooms with psilocybin are undoubtedly Psilocybe mushrooms. Usually, they are small sized, have a thin elongated leg and a fragile cap. They are typically imagined when it comes to magic mushrooms.
Muscimol vs Psilocybe
Much more captivating is the difference between the active substances of mushrooms, namely muscimol and psilocybin. Both substances are psychoactive and can temporarily change the functioning of the nervous system, affecting the mood and state of a person.
Psilocybin has distinct hallucinogenic sensory effects. On the other hand, muscimol is not a typical psychedelic. The type and severity of the psychedelic effect of muscimol depends significantly on the dose, and usually does not occur with microdosing. Instead, it is popular precisely for its calming effect on the nervous system, which is described above.
Mechanism of influence
Muscimol is an agonist of GABA receptors. These are receptors for gamma aminobutyric acid, which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of our nervous system. Accordingly, the activation of GABA receptors has mainly calming and relaxing effects.
At the same time, psilocybin is an agonist for serotonin receptors. Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter, but an excitatory one. It is often also called the “hormone or neurotransmitter of happiness”. Activation of these receptors causes such a bright euphoria, which is typical for psilocybin.
So, what is the main difference between muscimol and psychedelic mushrooms?
1. Mechanism of action
Muscimol is an agonist of GABA receptors, so it has a more pronounced calming effect on the nervous system. Psilocybin is a serotonin receptor agonist, so it mainly causes excitation and euphoria.
2. Effect
The effect of muscimol is more moderate and more predictable. At the same time, psilocybin can cause vivid psychedelic effects in a more specific way.
3. Origin
These two substances are extracted from mushrooms, but of entirely different species.
4. Therapeutic effect and prospects
Current clinical studies of muscimol are focused on the treatment of anxiety, pain reduction and sleep problems. At the same time, psilocybin is considered as a promising drug against depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and as an alternative for severe addictions.
Although both muscimol and psilocybin are derived from mushrooms and are psychoactive substances, the difference between them is significant. Both substances are of increased interest among scientists and have a high potential for use as medical instruments.
However, they have a different mechanism of action and cause different effects. That is why they should be considered separately. It is crucial to pay attention to the important differences between them before making a decision about their usage.
