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  • ✨ Psilocybin Breakthrough, Gut-Healing Chanterelles, and Mushrooms vs. Plastic

✨ Psilocybin Breakthrough, Gut-Healing Chanterelles, and Mushrooms vs. Plastic

Author

Shannon Ratliff
January 10, 2025

IN TODAY’S EDITION

  • 🌤️ | Psilocybin breakthrough for Major Depressive Disorder

  • 🔬 | Oyster mushrooms for cancer

  • 🌾 | Blood sugar breakthrough

Hi Shroomer. This week, I’m reminded of both the challenges we face and the strength in our communities. The devastating LA wildfires have displaced families, while surging flu and norovirus cases call for care and vigilance.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Blood sugar breakthrough 🌾 A mix of germinated brown rice (GBR) and oyster mushroom flour significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance in aged, hyperglycemic rats, matching levels in healthy controls. The fiber and β-glucans in the mix improved glucose regulation and metabolic health, suggesting potential for diabetes management.

Heal your gut 🌟 Polysaccharides from golden chanterelle mushrooms (Cantharellus cibarius) improved gut health in mice with colitis. They reduced inflammation, restored protective gut barriers, and balanced gut bacteria.

Helping fat cells 🛡️ Bamboo mushroom extract (Phallus indusiatus) reduced fat accumulation and inflammation in fat cells, lowering lipid droplets and cutting inflammatory markers MCP-1 and PAI-1 by up to 72%. With bioactives like adenosine and L-carnitine, it’s promising for managing obesity.

Aging with grace 💓 Long-term consumption of Tamogi-take mushrooms (Pleurotus cornucopiae), rich in ergothioneine (EGT), significantly improved heart and blood vessel function in aging mice. The study found reduced oxidative stress, lower inflammation, and enhanced antioxidant activity. Mice fed the mushrooms also showed better exercise tolerance and reduced signs of heart aging.

Against alcohol damage 🍷 A special compound from the cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis latifolia), called SLP-2, showed powerful protection for stomach cells against alcohol damage. It worked by lowering harmful oxidative stress, boosting natural antioxidants, and reducing cell death. It also helped repair stomach lining by supporting key healing pathways.

Supercharged snow ❄️ Modified snow mushrooms (Tremella fuciformis) with gallic acid and zinc showed powerful antioxidant and antibacterial effects, neutralizing harmful radicals and targeting bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus, making it a candidate for use in food, cosmetics, and health applications.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Breaking through ☺️ A meta-analysis of three clinical trials with 389 participants found that psilocybin significantly reduced symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with the greatest effects seen at Day 15 using a 25 mg dose.

Personal growth 🌿 Psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression, PTSD, and neuroticism over three months, while enhancing openness and conscientiousness in a study with 83 participants. Emotional breakthroughs and mystical-type experiences played a key role in moderating these changes, alongside factors like prior trauma and support systems.

An open-label trial 📈 In a trial with 12 participants facing severe treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a single 25 mg dose of COMP360 psilocybin reduced depressive symptoms by 50% or more in 58% of patients after 12 weeks. Remission was achieved in 25% of participants, with improvements linked to the intensity of their psilocybin experience.

Healthcare worker support ❤️‍🩹 A clinical trial with 25 healthcare workers combined psilocybin-assisted group therapy with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to address COVID-related depression and burnout. Participants receiving psilocybin saw significantly greater improvements in depression, emotional exhaustion, and connectedness compared to MBSR alone.

Changing the default 🍺 Psilocybin-assisted therapy reduced neuroticism and impulsiveness while increasing openness and extraversion in a study of 84 participants with alcohol use disorder, and these changes correlated with reduced alcohol consumption.

Trust the process 🌱 A challenging psilocybin therapy experience led to worsened suicidal thoughts and prolonged eating issues, but over time, the participant saw meaningful life improvements, highlighting the duality and complexity of psilocybin therapy, where difficult moments can pave the way for personal growth.

Structured support 📕 Compass Pathways released the Compass Psychological Support Model (CPSM) to accompany their COMP360 synthetic psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

Pathways to relief 🧬 A systematic review of nine studies involving 241 healthy participants found psilocybin influences biomarkers linked to depression, including decreases in inflammatory markers like IL-6 and CRP, and increases in neuroplasticity-related BDNF and hormones like cortisol and oxytocin.

New species alert 🔍️ Four new psilocybin-producing Conocybe species were discovered on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in China.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Buttons to the rescue 🌊 Agaricus bisporus enzymes removed 55% of a tough industrial dye, Cibacron D-Blue SGL, when paired with a helper compound, showing big potential for cleaning polluted water sustainably.

Pollution solution 🗑️ Certain fungi, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium species, show promise in degrading polyethylene (PE), with mechanisms like biofilm formation and enzyme secretion. Studies highlight degradation rates of up to 20% over months under optimal conditions.

Natural pigments 🎨 The fungus Epicoccum sorghinum produces vibrant pigments with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These natural pigments, optimized at 77°F and pH 7, could replace harmful synthetic dyes in food, textiles, and more.

Squalene unlocked 🧪 Certain mushrooms, like Tyromyces chioneus and Mucidula mucida, contain more squalene than amaranth oil, with young mushrooms yielding the most. This sustainable alternative could support the production of skincare products, vaccine adjuvants, and cholesterol-lowering treatments.

Flame retardant cleanup 🧯 White-rot fungi like turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) and reishi effectively degraded up to 100% of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) such as TBEP and 76.7% of TCPP.

Soil savior ⛏️ A system combining Trichoderma reesei, biochar, and genetically engineered laccase (TLBS) reduced heavy metals like nickel (93.63%) and cadmium (89.68%) while breaking down organic pollutants (71.41–96.79%) such as pesticides in contaminated soils.

GROWING GOURMET

The best aroma 🦪 Oyster mushrooms cultivated on poplar logs produced the most intense and desirable aroma compared to those grown on beech or chestnut logs, making them a top choice for enhancing flavor and market appeal.

Salt substitute 🧂 Coprinus comatus is spotlighted for its potential as a low-sodium salt substitute thanks to a peptide called GDNVGF that enhanced saltiness by 17%. While thermal treatments and Maillard reactions slightly reduced the saltiness effect, the umami flavor remained strong, which is a promising solution for healthier seasoning.

Mushroom flour 🧁 Researchers optimized the transformation of Agaricus bisporus and oyster mushrooms stems into functional flours, reducing waste while preserving nutrients.

KNOW YOUR EXTRACTS

Choosing the best mushroom supplement can feel overwhelming, but it all comes down to what works best for your lifestyle and needs.

Tinctures (Liquid extracts)

Tinctures are quick and easy to use. They’re absorbed under the tongue, so the active compounds reach your bloodstream faster—up to 2-4 times quicker than other forms.

  • Why choose them? Tinctures are precise (thanks to droppers), portable (small bottles fit anywhere), and ideal if you have digestive issues.

  • Consider this: They can be pricey (2-3x more per dose than powders), and the alcohol used in extraction doesn’t capture all the good stuff (60-75% efficiency for some compounds). Plus, the quality can vary depending on the brand.

Powders (Whole Form)

If you’re looking for maximum value and flexibility, powders are the way to go. They’re made with minimal processing, so they keep all the beneficial compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes.

  • Why choose them? Powders are the most cost-effective option and allow you to adjust your dose to fit your needs.

  • Consider this: You’ll need to measure doses accurately, and their earthy taste can be strong. Proper storage is also important—airtight and dry to keep them fresh.

Capsules (Standardized Dose)

Capsules are the ultimate convenience. They offer a fixed dose, usually 500-1000mg, making them the easiest option for busy days or travel.

  • Why choose them? Capsules are mess-free, have a long shelf life (up to 3 years), and are travel-friendly.

  • Consider this: They take longer to absorb (15-45 minutes), and if you need to adjust your dose, you’ll have to take multiple capsules. They’re also more expensive than powders.

How to Decide

  • Looking for quick results? Go with tinctures.

  • Want the best bang for your buck? Powders are your friend.

  • Need something simple and portable? Capsules are a great choice.

WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORTS

California, a mushroom lover’s paradise, is home to many of our fellow Shroomers who could use support right now. The grassroots organizations below are ready to make an immediate impact. If you’re able, please consider donating.

MUSH MORE

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