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Psilocybin for Stroke Recovery, Split Gill Polypore & Brain Cancer

Author

Shannon Ratliff
October 18, 2024

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IN TODAY’S EDITION

  • 1️⃣ Slow prostate cancer with white button mushrooms

  • 2️⃣ Psilocybin changes your brain after the first use

  • 3️⃣ Shiitake’s favorite grow temperature

Hi Shroomer. A little mushroom math. This week, there’s more free research than paywalled studies. However, my jaw dropped to the floor when I found “A study on value chain of mushroom for value addition: challenges, opportunities and prospects of cultivation of mushroom,” which cost, at a minimum, $1,035.00, to download to read. I did not purchase that one.

—Shannon Ratliff

FEATURED EVENT

Today’s the day 🥳 shroomer is excited to sponsor and attend the first-ever Montreal Mushroom Festival today, Oct. 18, and tomorrow, Oct. 19. Blending science, art, sustainability, and community, it’s a celebration that brings together local & international nature lovers, foragers, artists, students, scientists, educators, myconauts, psychonauts — and the simply curious! I’m most excited for:

  • Educational talk: “Functional Mushrooms Saved My Daughter’s Life” with Sarah-Kate Boylan of Lily’s Lighthouse.

  • Panel discussion: "The Future of Psychedelics: A Conversation About Wellbeing, Ethics & Legalization", featuring notable voices such as Jay Katz from the Psychedelic Association of Canada.

  • The free-to-attend (!!!) Mushroom Bazaar featuring mushroom-themed artisans & their goods, curios & treats. There is nothing like being able to talk makers in person!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Brain cancer protection 🧠 A new study found that polysaccharides from the split gill polypore (Schizophyllum commune) could help fight brain cancer. In lab tests, these mushroom compounds slowed the growth of glioma cells by 47.39%, without toxic side effects. The polysaccharides also boosted beneficial gut bacteria in mice, potentially supporting overall health while fighting tumors.

Slow prostate cancer 🧬 A new study found that white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) consumption reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in both prostate cancer mouse models and patients. Usually, MDSCs help us, but in cancer, they switch sides and prevent the immune system from attacking the tumors. In mice, the treatment shrank tumors by 47.39% without side effects. In prostate cancer patients, 3 months of white button mushroom tablets similarly reduced circulating MDSCs and activated immune cells, suggesting it could slow prostate cancer progression.

IBD relief 😌 Mushroom beta-glucans (β-glucans) show potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. A new study reports up to 50% decrease in intestinal inflammation from lion’s mane and shiitake (Lentinus edodes) β-glucans. These β-glucans stimulate immune cells to better fight off threats, while also blocking pathways that cause excessive inflammation in the body. This dual action helps reduce inflammatory substances that worsen IBD symptoms.

Crohn's breakthrough 🍄 New research shows the fungi living in our intestines play a bigger role in Crohn's disease than we thought. While current treatments focus on reducing inflammation, they may accidentally disrupt the delicate balance of gut fungi and scientists are now exploring how probiotic fungi could help manage symptoms naturally.

The cordyceps archives 🍄 A new literature review of Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) reemphasizes its power in everyday health, potentially boosting athletic performance, heart health, and managing diabetes. From the research, two major highlights emerged: a 2017 study found it improved exercise tolerance; and a 2022 review of 19 studies with 1,805 patients showed it helped normalize heart rate in arrhythmia cases.

Hormonal heroines 📈 A new study found a serotonin-estrogen link that may contribute to women's 2-3 times higher risk of autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, certain mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane have been shown to modulate serotonin systems and possess estrogen-like effects, potentially offering natural alternatives for managing hormonal health issues. For instance, reishi mushrooms have demonstrated a 9.3% reduction in breast cancer cell viability, while lion's mane has shown promise in reducing menopausal symptoms by up to 50% in some studies.

Your superhero in disguise 🦸 Ergothioneine (ERGO), a powerful antioxidant found in mushrooms, could be your secret weapon against aging and disease. My alma mater and mushroom-obsessed Penn State University shared the research in a blog: a handful of wood blewit mushrooms contains as much ERGO as 10 servings of other mushrooms; lab studies show ERGO protects brain cells; and mice eating ERGO-rich diets lived 21% longer.

Mushroom makeup 💄 Reishi (Ganoderma lucidim), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), and lion's mane (Heracium erinaceus) are being incorporated into cosmetics for their anti-aging and skin-brightening properties, like reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. A South Korean study of 28 mushroom species found ergothioneine levels ranging from 0.06 to 5.54 mg/g dry weight, with some species containing up to 10.65 mg/g. Research suggests mushroom extracts can potentially reduce hyperpigmentation, while also providing hydration and supporting overall skin health.

A truffle night’s sleep 💤 Scientists found that protein from black truffles can help fruit flies sleep longer and better, identifying two small parts of the protein that were especially good at promoting sleep. Could fancy truffles be a natural sleep aid one day? The price will have to go way, way down for us citizen scientists to test.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Brain flexibility boost 🧠 In a groundbreaking study, 28 first-time psilocybin users received a high dose (25 mg), resulting in a 4.7-point increase in well-being after a month. The study found that psilocybin made different parts of the brain communicate more freely, and this increased brain activity right after the dose was linked to lasting mental health benefits. It suggests that psilocybin might help "reorganize" the brain in a way that supports better mental well-being.

Recovering from a stroke 🌱 Psilocybin could aid in stroke recovery by reducing brain damage and improving mobility. In stroke-affected rats, psilocybin treatment reduced the size of the brain injury by 45% and enhanced motor function by 37%. It also boosted protective brain proteins like BDNF and MAP2, and decreased harmful inflammation, offering a potential new approach for supporting brain health and recovery after a stroke.

A way through 🌱 A new study on psilocybin-assisted therapy shows its potential in treating PTSD linked to sexual abuse. Psilocybin helped participants recall and process repressed traumatic memories, leading to profound healing and identity reconstruction.

Neural boost ⚡️ A new study shows that psilocybin significantly enhances brain plasticity, including a persistent increase in spine density and size in the frontal cortex for at least one month. It also boosts excitatory neurotransmission, suggesting long-term cognitive benefits that could be harnessed in mental health treatments.

Psychedelic trial insights 🎢 A meta-analysis highlights that the antidepressant effects of psychedelics may be overestimated in studies with weaker designs like pre-post single-arm or non-active placebo controls. Psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD showed better efficacy compared to placebo in non-active placebo studies but not when active drugs were used as controls. Higher doses of psilocybin were associated with better antidepressant effects, underscoring the importance of rigorous study designs to accurately evaluate their therapeutic benefits.

Beware Big Tobacco’s path 🚬 This week, I’m resharing Matthew Stolz’s coverage of the comparisons of the current psychedelic “renaissance” to the history of Big Tobacco as a sacred indigenous plant that moved toward incredibly destructive commercialization. This is a great read, especially because he opens with the closing ceremony of last year’s Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Psychedelic Science Conference, where five indigenous protestors took the stage to share their ancestral convictions and why not a single one of us is exempt from how we shape the unfolding capitalist future of plant medicine.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Sustainable foraging 🌿 A recent study analyzed the ecological impacts of foraging for wild plants, fungi, and animal products like honey in protected areas, finding that overharvesting can reduce plant and fungi populations and harm biodiversity. For instance, unsustainable mushroom foraging can damage mycelium, affecting forest nutrient cycles. However, properly managed foraging can benefit local economies and promote conservation.

Indigenous fungi wisdom 🍄 The Karajá people of Bananal Island recognize and use fungi mainly as medicines, cultural adornments, and play items rather than food. Notably, 64% of those interviewed in this cultural study consider fungi important, primarily for their medicinal properties, while traditional stories reveal their use in cultural rituals and childhood play. This study emphasizes the significance of preserving ethnomycological knowledge to protect both cultural heritage and biodiversity.

The world of mushroom patents 📜 In a recent ruling, the Hague Local Division of the Unified Patent Court decided that a hybrid mushroom can be patented under the European Patent Convention, as mushrooms are considered fungi, not plants. This decision contrasts with earlier European Patent Office opposition and raises questions about how plant variety protection laws apply to fungi, something we’re seeing stateside when it comes to supplement language and the FDA.

GROWING GOURMET

Shiitake growth secrets 🪵 A recent study found that shiitake mycelium grows best at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 and a warm temperature of 82°F (28°C). These conditions resulted in the fastest mycelial growth and the highest dry matter weight, making them ideal for cultivating shiitake mushrooms.

Heavy metal defense 🛡️ A new study found that cadmium (Cd2+) in growth media inhibits the mycelial growth of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), but calcium (Ca2+) can counteract these effects. In simple terms, when oyster mushrooms were exposed to high levels of cadmium, their growth slowed down, and important cell components, like fats in their membranes, were affected. Adding calcium helped the mushrooms recover, grow normally, and restore their cell health—suggesting calcium could help protect mushrooms from harmful heavy metals.

Protect your tomatoes 🍅 Researchers discovered a compound called dihydroxy flavone from a fungus that can fight off a common tomato plant disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum, which leads to plant wilting. They found that this compound works best when the fungus is grown in a specific nutrient mixture and that it can stop the disease at a concentration of 80 µg/mL, promising for a natural fungicide.

Frickin fusarium 🌶️ Researchers found that using the mycelia of oyster mushrooms improved pepper plant growth and provided protection against the wilt-causing fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The mycelia inhibited growth by up to 66.5%, while enzymes like chitinase and siderophores boosted plant resilience. Treated plants showed enhanced biomass, chlorophyll content, and stress response enzymes, highlighting the potential of mushroom-based bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture.

FESTIVAL RECAP

The 2nd Annual Oklahoma Mushroom Festival

Oklahoma is right in the smack dab middle of the country, so it makes sense why mushroom enthusiasts would find a place to meet in the middle. That was the sentiment we kept hearing at Oklahoma Mushroom Festival. Jacob ran an incredible festival, and we can’t wait to see what the third year will bring. My highlights:

  • Oklahoma Fungi: Jacob is the brains behind Oklahoma Mushroom Festival, Oklahoma Fungi, and the discoverer of the coveted P. cubensis species, OK Wild. However, his Facebook account was taken down because algorithms are scared of the big, bad M-word. Consider joining his Patreon (linked above) or follow him on Instagram to see where he’ll appear next. Jacob crisscrosses this country in the name of mushrooms, y’all!

  • Fungi Florist: It was such a pleasure meeting Josh, the Fungi Florist, who came on down from Kansas City, Missouri, to show at his first-ever mushroom festival. His living art was the talk of the festival and incredibly moving to see in person. Can you believe he was a corporate accountant just four years ago? Follow him on Instagram.

  • Hamilton’s Mushrooms: Hamilton Pevec has been working with mushrooms for a long, long time. You may remember him from the documentary, Fest in Show, that we shared earlier this year from the Telluride Mushroom Festival. In Oklahoma, his presentation on the global mushroom trade was an honest and informative look on why China is the world’s largest mushroom supplier—it’s also because they consume the most. I hope to share more stats from his talk in future newsletters.

MUSH MORE

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SHROOM PICK

My go to holiday drink!

The holidays are filled with delicious indulgences that often lead to digestive discomfort. If you’re seeking a natural remedy, matcha is the answer! Did you know matcha green tea has 30 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries? One cup is like drinking 10 cups of regular green tea, packed with benefits like catechin antioxidants for recovery and L-theanine for calm energy. Gift wellness this season with Pique’s Sun Goddess Matcha, which is organic and quadruple toxin-screened. Enjoy 20% off site-wide for a limited time! Cheers to better health!

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