‘Magic mushrooms’ seen to be effective in treating depression, Brit studies show

By Lindsay Goldwert / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Tuesday, January 24 2012, 11:07 AM

Scientists wonder whether to use active ingredient psilocybin on patients in therapy

Scientists seeking new ways to treat depression are seeing magic in psychedelic mushrooms.

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in the druggy fungus, seems to affect the medial prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is hyperactive in people who suffer from depression, reports Reuters.

Mushrooms seem to work similarly to anti-depressant drugs like Prozac but with additional, mind-opening benefits.

Two British studies found that psilocybin affects the area of the brain that keeps the world orderly and prevents thing from appearing new and strange, allowing for “loosened” thoughts and keener experience of personal memories.

Study authors are pondering whether that the chemical could used on patients in addition to psychotherapy.

Scientists have been touting the mind-altering effects of psilocybin since the 1960s, claiming that it can cure everything from anxiety to cluster headaches

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