Rendering of Psilocybe cubensis ‘Magic Mushrooms’ (Watercolour on paper) to illustrate the fungi’s biosynthesis of psilocybin. Published in Current Opinion in Plant Biology Vol. 82: 102626 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102626. Open access, used with permission.
‘Magic Mushrooms’ is a common name for hallucinogenic fungi containing psilocybin, a natural prodrug that, upon ingestion, yields the psychedelic agent psilocin. The most prominent Magic Mushrooms are members of the Psilocybe genus, which are distributed globally. Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries by indigenous Central Americans in rituals and ceremonies. Beyond their traditional importance, scientific research has revealed promise for psilocybin and other psychedelics in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions.