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How does the consumption of Psilocybe mushrooms affect the brain's neural activity? 

Biology
Default mode network
Electroencephalography
Psilocybin
Retrosplenial cortex
Best insight from top research papers

Consumption of Psilocybe mushrooms, containing the compound psilocybin, impacts neural activity by inducing hyperactivity in various brain regions, including the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum . Psilocybin has been linked to increased functional connectivity (FC) within the brain, particularly in regions like the cingulate cortex, dorsal striatum, and limbic areas . Additionally, psilocybin has shown to promote neuroplasticity, as evidenced by increased electroencephalographic (EEG) theta power, which correlates with improvements in depression symptoms . Furthermore, psilocybin alters the brain's functional connectomes, leading to more idiosyncratic features post-consumption, with distinct changes in connectivity patterns within the default-mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and attentional systems . These findings collectively highlight the profound impact of psilocybin on neural processing and connectivity in the brain.

Answers from top 4 papers

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Papers (4)Insight
Open access•Journal Article•DOI
Magic Mushrooms
01 Jan 2023-The Meducator
Consumption of Psilocybe mushrooms, containing psilocybin, enhances neuroplasticity by rewiring the brain, forming new neural connections, and breaking negative cognitive patterns, aiding in mental health disorders and addiction treatment.
Open access•Posted Content•DOI
The unique neural signature of your trip: Functional connectome fingerprints of subjective psilocybin experience
Hanna M. Tolle, Juan Carlos Farah, P. Mallaroni, Natasha L. Mason, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Enrico Amico 
21 Mar 2023-bioRxiv
Consuming Psilocybe mushrooms alters functional connectomes, making them more individualized post-psilocybin administration. This change is characterized by increased dissimilarity and specific connectivity patterns within brain networks.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI
Acute psilocybin increased cortical activities in rats
Junhong Liu, Yuanyuan Wang, Ke Xia, Jinfeng Wu, Danhao Zheng, Aoling Cai, Haitao Yan, Ruibin Su 
23 May 2023-Frontiers in neuroscience
Psilocybin from Psilocybe mushrooms increases cortical activities in rats, particularly in the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, leading to hyperconnectivity and activation throughout the brain.
Journal Article•DOI
Sub-acute effects of psilocybin on EEG correlates of neural plasticity in major depression: Relationship to symptoms
Patrick D. Skosnik, Jordan Sloshower, Hamideh Safi-Aghdam, Surbhi Pathania, Shariful A. Syed, Brian Pittman, Deepak Cyril D'Souza 
30 Jun 2023-Journal of Psychopharmacology
1 Citations
Consuming psilocybin from Psilocybe mushrooms increases EEG theta power, indicating enhanced neural plasticity. This correlates with improved depression symptoms, suggesting a potential mechanism for its antidepressant effects.

Related Questions

Are magic mushrooms addictive ?5 answersMagic mushrooms, containing psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, have shown therapeutic potential for mental health disorders without the addictiveness of other substances like cocaine or methamphetamines. Despite historical controversy, recent studies highlight the positive effects of psilocybin in treating conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and addiction disorders. While some fungal psychoactive compounds have been associated with neurotoxicity, psilocin from magic mushrooms has shown the ability to improve perception and mental skills, contradicting the belief that hallucinogens reduce cognitive functions. Therefore, magic mushrooms, particularly due to the non-addictive nature of psilocybin, present promising therapeutic applications without the typical risks associated with addictive substances.
What effect does psilocybin have on depression?4 answersPsilocybin has shown promising potential for the treatment of depression. Studies have demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin can lead to rapid and long-lasting improvements in depressive symptoms. Psilocybin therapy, when combined with psychological support, has been found to be safe and effective in relieving depression in cancer patients. Psilocybin has been shown to increase electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of neuroplasticity, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects. However, the effects of psilocybin on brain responsiveness to emotional stimuli are still unclear. Psilocybin therapy has the potential for a rapid onset of action, with many patients reporting improvements in mood and well-being within hours or days after a single session. Further research is needed to fully understand the safety, optimal dosages, and long-term effects of psilocybin therapy.
What are the potential health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms?5 answersPsilocybin mushrooms have potential health benefits. They have been found to have antidepressant effects and can be cardio-protective against oxidative stress induced by angiotensin II, a factor in cardiac hypertrophy. Psilocybin consumption has been associated with positive acute effects, such as somatic and visual alterations, connectedness with the world, and mystical experiences. Mushrooms, including psilocybin-containing ones, are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immune-boosting properties. They have been used in traditional medicine and have potential therapeutic value in treating neurological dysfunctions, preventing cancer, and reducing the risk of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and stroke. Psilocybin itself has been studied for its potential benefits in mental disorders. Overall, mushrooms, including psilocybin mushrooms, have various nutraceutical qualities and can be beneficial for health when included in the diet.
What are the different effects of psychedelic drugs on the brain?5 answersPsychedelic drugs have different effects on the brain. Imaging studies suggest that psychedelics can alter neuronal firing rates, excitability, and functional connectivity between brain nodes. These drugs also modulate the functional hierarchy of brain dynamics, compressing the functional hierarchy and affecting the default mode network. Additionally, psychedelics increase the complexity of brain activity, moving the system towards a critical point between order and disorder, and leading to more dynamic and complex patterns of neural activity. Neuroimaging documentation shows that psychedelics can have therapeutic effects on addicted patients and clarity of the mind. Furthermore, psychedelics can elicit prosocial, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects through neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, and neuro-immunomodulatory mechanisms.
What are the effects of psilocybin? does it kill brain cells?5 answersPsilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, has been studied for its effects on the brain and its potential therapeutic applications. Research suggests that psilocybin can increase brain entropy, which is a measure of the complexity and flexibility of brain activity. It has also been found to modulate serotonin receptors, leading to increased brain plasticity, inflammation suppression, and cognitive flexibility. Psilocybin has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving quality of life, and promoting spiritual experiences. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to induce dendritic spine formation in cortical neurons, providing a potential cellular mechanism for its antidepressant effects. In animal studies, psilocybin has been shown to alter functional connectivity within the brain, particularly within the default-mode network and dopamine-associated striatal networks. There is no evidence to suggest that psilocybin kills brain cells.
What does psilocybin do to neurons?9 answers

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