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 Edit this 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
View the Mycomorphbox template that generates the following list
Gills on hymenium
Cap is convex
Hymenium is adnexed
Stipe is bare
Spore print is black
Ecology is saprotrophic
Edibility is psychoactive

Characteristics

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Like 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

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Panaeolus microsporus is found growing on dung. Their distribution has been noted within the Central African Republic.[5]

Neurological effects

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Psilocybin 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

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Throughout 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

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References

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  1. ^ 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)
  2. ^ Andersson, Christer (2009). Occurrence and use of hallucinogenic mushrooms containing psilocybin alkaloids. Nordic Council of Ministers. ISBN 978-92-893-1836-5. OCLC 765948144.
  3. ^ a b "PANAEOLUS in the Pacific Northwest". www.svims.ca. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Index Fungorum - Names Record". www.indexfungorum.org. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  6. ^ "Neuroscience for Kids - Hallucinogenic Mushrooms". faculty.washington.edu. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  7. ^ "Serotonin: Function, uses, SSRIs, and sources". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  8. ^ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 December 2005. Retrieved 2022-05-15.