''Panaeolus microsporus'' is a species of mushroom in the
Bolbitiaceae family. It is a
psychoactive
A psychoactive drug, psychopharmaceutical, psychoactive agent or psychotropic drug is a chemical substance, that changes functions of the nervous system, and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition or behavior.
Th ...
species of the ''
Panaeolus'' genus, containing
alkaloids like
psilocybin and
psilosin. All ''Panaeolus'' species produce
serotonin
Serotonin () or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Its biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vas ...
and serotonin derivatives.
Characteristics
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.
Habitat & Distribution
''P. microsporus'' is found growing on dung. Their distribution has been noted within the
Central African Republic.
Neurological effects
Psilocybin has a chemical structure similar to that of serotonin, a
neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, any main body part or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell.
Neuro ...
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.
Legality
Throughout the world, the legality of psilocybin containing mushrooms varies. Under the
United Nations 1971
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 is a United Nations treaty designed to control psychoactive drugs such as #Amphetamine-type stimulants, amphetamine-type stimulants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Psychedelic drug, psychede ...
, psilocybin is listed as a
Schedule I substance in the US, and a
Class A drug in the UK.
Therefore, the possession and consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is prohibited by federal law. Local and state laws may vary.
See also
*
Psilocybin mushrooms
*
Psilocybe
*
Baeocystin
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q7129787
microsporus