Legal Psilocybin Begins in Colorado, Mushroom Support for MS, and Eco-Friendly Fungi

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMILTON’S MUSHROOMS

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• ✨ | Anti-aging magic

• 🧢 | Mindset matters

• 🪙 | Toxic soil cleanup

Hi Shroomers. This week, we’re witnessing real-world psychedelic history, powerful mushroom allies for brain and gut health, and surprising eco-wins—from greener psilocybin to mushrooms that protect your liver and clean up soil. Whether you’re microdosing or meal-prepping, let’s dive in.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Multiple sclerosis support 🧠 A new review explores how medicinal mushrooms may help manage multiple sclerosis by reducing inflammation, boosting immune responses, and protecting nerve cells. Compounds like polysaccharides and terpenes were linked to enhanced B and T cell activity, stronger antioxidant defenses, and better gut-liver function, all of which may contribute to slowing MS progression.

Colitis recovery 💓 White button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder helped mice recover from colitis by improving stool consistency, preserving colon length, and reducing markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. It lowered IL-1β and TNF-α levels, boosted antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, and supported gut barrier function, all without altering the microbiome during recovery.

Anti-aging magic ✨ Different parts of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus pulmonarius), especially stem waste, were rich in phenolic compounds like p-coumaric acid and showed strong anti-aging effects. Extracts inhibited key enzymes linked to skin aging, including tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase, with the cap and stem parts offering targeted benefits depending on the substrate used.

Cholesterol control 🍽️ Soluble dietary fiber extracted from white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels in high-fat diet mice. The fiber’s unique structure—rich in β-glucans and uronic acids—also improved bile acid binding and supported gut health.

Easing colitis 🌿 Maitake (Grifola frondosa) helped reduce gut inflammation in vitamin D–deficient mice with severe colitis. It improved vitamin D status by boosting 25(OH)D₂ levels, normalized key immune and gut barrier gene expression, and reduced immune cell buildup in the colon, showing effects comparable to direct vitamin D₂ supplementation.

Pancreas protection 🧬 Shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus) extract supported pancreatic regeneration in mice after acute stress damage. It helped restore normal tissue structure, reduced inflammation, and boosted antioxidant enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Brain boost 🚀 Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) and its key compound cordycepin significantly improved memory, focus, and learning in mice with scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. In just two weeks, they enhanced spatial awareness, object recognition, and both short- and long-term memory.

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PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Chronic stress relief 🐁 Psilocybin significantly reversed depression-like symptoms in mice exposed to chronic stress. A single weekly dose improved motivation, reduced anxiety, and restored brain chemicals like serotonin and BDNF.

Greener trips 🌱 Producing psilocybin synthetically has a higher carbon footprint than growing Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, but mushroom cultivation still has room for improvement. Researchers call for better substrate sourcing, renewable energy use, and reduced plastic to make psychedelic production truly sustainable.

Mindset matters 🧢 The metaphors used in psychedelic-assisted therapy shape how people experience it. While “journeys” and “brain rewiring” are common, they don’t resonate with everyone. Researchers propose “batting practice” instead—framing therapy as skill-building with a coach, which is especially helpful for those using CBT approaches.

First legal session 🏢 The Center Origin just conducted Colorado’s first state-regulated high-dose psilocybin session under the Natural Medicine Program. The June 6 milestone included licensed psilocybin, a five-hour guided experience, and post-session integration, all in a trauma-informed setting. It marks a major step toward legal, ethical psychedelic care in the U.S.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Root resilience 🌲 A tree-dwelling fungus (Phialocephala bamuru) living in the roots of Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis) helps the tree survive in iron-heavy soils by producing siderophores, compounds that bind excess metals. This symbiotic relationship improves iron tolerance and soil adaptation, offering insights into forest resilience and mycorrhizal support.

Upcycling 🍫 Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) grew vigorously on agricultural waste like cocoa husks, sugarcane bagasse, rice hulls, and coconut shells, especially when anaerobic digestate was added. Not only did this low-cost substrate boost protein and mineral content, but it also produced mushrooms with strong flavor and high nutritional value.

Vineyard revival 🍇 Spent mushroom substrate (especially from Pleurotus eryngii) dramatically improved vineyard soil health, boosting multifunctionality by 48%, enriching microbial diversity, and increasing key species involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling. This fungi-powered fertilizer also helped bind heavy metals in soil.

Toxic soil cleanup 🪙 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) supercharged vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) to pull heavy metals like nickel and chromium from chromite-asbestos mine soil. One species, Glomus hoi, boosted root uptake by up to 27% and tripled protective glomalin proteins, showing fungi-plant teamwork can speed up ecosystem recovery.

Fight crop toxins 🌽 Spent mushroom substrate from Pleurotus species helped suppress Aspergillus flavus, the fungus behind dangerous aflatoxins in maize and other crops. Researchers found the substrate not only inhibited fungal growth but also reduced aflatoxin levels, offering a natural and sustainable approach to managing food contamination. 

Waste to medicine 🧫 Scientists transformed oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus florida) waste into antibacterial nanofiber membranes by combining cellulose with silver nanoparticles. The result? Over 99% of E. coli and S. aureus were wiped out within 2 hours—while remaining safe for human skin cells. A promising leap for sustainable, fungi-powered biomedicine.

GROWING & GOURMET

Liver protection upgrade 🍶 Fermenting Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) with nutrient-rich substrates like adlay, oats, and brown rice dramatically increased its liver-protective effects. The process boosted key compounds like cordycepin, adenosine, and ergosterol, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in liver cells. Supplement makers could leverage this fermentation approach for more effective adaptogenic formulas.

Terroir in a glass 🍷Fungi found on Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in China’s Penglai region—including Colletotrichum, Alternaria, Saccharomyces, and Hanseniaspora—shaped each wine’s unique flavor and aroma during spontaneous fermentation. Despite being grown within just 18 miles of one another, vineyards had distinct microbial profiles that influenced 64 different volatile compounds. This deep microbial imprint reveals just how much fungi contribute to regional wine character.

Saltier with shrooms 🧂 Fried white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) naturally produce aroma compounds like 3-(methylthio)propanal and 1-octen-3-one that enhance the perception of saltiness. These odorants trick the brain into tasting more salt—even with less sodium—making them a potential game-changer for healthier, low-salt cooking.

Harvest timing matters ⏳ Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) produces beneficial fatty compounds like squalene and linoleic acid—but levels shift as the mushroom matures. Squalene, known for its antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties, peaks in young fruiting bodies and declines with age, while oleic acid increases. Foragers and cultivators aiming for maximum nutritional value should pay close attention to when they harvest.

Agro-waste changes nutrition 🌾 Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) grown on different agricultural waste substrates show major shifts in yield and nutrition. Black gram straw produced the highest yields and protein levels (up to 27.6%), while rice straw boosted carbs in P. djamor to 56.2%. Mustard straw underperformed across the board. For sustainable growers, the right substrate can dramatically enhance both productivity and nutritional value.

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