Panaeolus microsporus is a species of mushroom in the Bolbitiaceae family.[1] It is a psychoactive species of the Panaeolus genus, containing alkaloids like psilocybin and psilosin.[2] All Panaeolus species produce serotonin and serotonin derivatives.[3][4]
| Panaeolus microsporus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Bolbitiaceae |
| Genus: | Panaeolus |
| Species: | P. microsporus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Panaeolus microsporus Ola'h & Cailleux
| |
Panaeolus microsporus | |
|---|---|
 | Gills on hymenium |
 | Cap is convex |
 | Hymenium is adnexed |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Spore print is black |
 | Ecology is saprotrophic |
 | Edibility is psychoactive |
Characteristics
editLike all Panaeolus species, they form small mushrooms with black spores and mottled gills. The gills form spots from the uneven maturation of the spores.[3]
Habitat & distribution
editPanaeolus microsporus is found growing on dung. Their distribution has been noted within the Central African Republic.[5]
Neurological effects
editPsilocybin has a chemical structure similar to that of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, concentration, and sleep. Psilocybin's structure is likely the reason for its effects on serotonin receptors which can impact mood and cause difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and hallucinations.[6][7]
Legality
editThroughout the world, the legality of psilocybin containing mushrooms varies. Under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I substance in the US, and a Class A drug in the UK.[8] Therefore, the possession and consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is prohibited by federal law. Local and state laws may vary.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Gastón Guzmán; John W. Allen; Jochen Gartz (1998). "A worldwide geographical distribution of the neurotropic fungi, an analysis and discussion" (pdf). Annali del Museo civico di Rovereto (14): 189–280. (on Fondazione Museo Civico di Rovereto)
- ^ Andersson, Christer (2009). Occurrence and use of hallucinogenic mushrooms containing psilocybin alkaloids. Nordic Council of Ministers. ISBN 978-92-893-1836-5. OCLC 765948144.
- ^ a b "PANAEOLUS in the Pacific Northwest". www.svims.ca. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ Rutter, G. (2010-04-26). "Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: an identification guide. Paul Stamets". Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 56 (3): 466–467. doi:10.1017/s0960428600001426. ISSN 1474-0036.
- ^ "Index Fungorum - Names Record". www.indexfungorum.org. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ "Neuroscience for Kids - Hallucinogenic Mushrooms". faculty.washington.edu. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ "Serotonin: Function, uses, SSRIs, and sources". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 December 2005. Retrieved 2022-05-15.