Psilocybin: between myth, mystery, science, and medicine
From ancient roots in spiritual rituals to their rediscovery in modern science, certain naturally occurring psychedelic substances in mushrooms influence human perception and consciousness, altering how the brain processes reality. Psilocybin, a chemical compound produced by certain mushrooms of the Psilocybe genus, belongs to this very category.
What is psilocybin and what are its effects?
Psilocybin is a psychoactive molecule present in over 200 species of mushrooms, commonly known as hallucinogens. This substance has always aroused interest for its effects on the human mind, particularly on creativity and perception.
The Aztecs called hallucinogenic mushrooms teonanácatl, "the flesh of the gods," and used them in rituals to connect with the divine. In various indigenous tribes of America, psilocybin mushrooms were taken to commune with deities, ancestors, and the forces of nature, fostering experiences of profound spiritual significance.
More recently, starting from around the 1960s, various philosophers, psychologists, and doctors have explored and documented the effects of psychoactive substances, writing and recounting their experiences and reflections.
Aldous Huxley, a writer and philosopher, was among the first exponents of the twentieth century to explore the potential of psychedelic substances as tools to expand consciousness. In his book The Doors of Perception (1954), he described in detail his experience and how these substances profoundly alter his perception of reality.
From his direct experiences, Huxley introduced the idea of the "Mind at Large," a concept according to which humans are naturally capable of perceiving a vast and complex reality, but the mind, to avoid being overwhelmed, acts as a reducing valve, filtering only what is necessary for daily survival. Psychoactive substances, according to him, can temporarily deactivate this filter, opening the mind to broader levels of perception and intuition, facilitating deep and original creative processes.
In the 1960s, Timothy Leary, a psychologist and Harvard professor, became a symbolic figure of the psychedelic movement. Leary conducted several studies on psilocybin, exploring its effects on the brain, mind, consciousness, and behavior. He believed that these substances acted as "a chemical key, capable of opening the mind and freeing the nervous system from its habitual patterns and structures." His famous motto "Turn on, tune in, drop out" fully reflects his philosophy of conscious use of psychedelics for spiritual and creative awakening.
More recently, the writer and journalist Michael Pollan brought public and scientific attention back to psilocybin with his book How to Change Your Mind (2018). Pollan experienced guided psychedelic sessions firsthand and interviewed neuroscientists, therapists, and patients to explore their potential effects on the mind. According to Pollan, psilocybin interrupts rigid mental circuits and stimulates neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to create new neural connections. This makes possible a radical change in the way one thinks, feels, and sees the world.
One of the effects discussed by the writer is the so-called "ego dissolution," a state in which the individual stops perceiving themselves as separate from their surroundings and can experience a profound sense of unity with the environment or with the universe as a whole. This type of experience, often described as spiritual or mystical, can foster greater open-mindedness and creativity, reducing mental patterns that often limit imagination. In his speeches, Pollan also emphasized how incorrect the belief is that psychedelics "make you crazy." On the contrary, he argues that these substances, in a safe and guided context, can help people become "healthier", for example, by helping to reduce fear, cope with trauma, or overcome anxiety and depression. In these contexts, psilocybin would act by "unlocking" the mind, favoring the emergence of new inner perspectives.
Has psilocybin shaped our evolution?
The thought of Terence McKenna, an ethnobotanist, philosopher, and writer, brings psilocybin into an even more fascinating perspective. McKenna, in fact, advanced one of the most interesting theories on the connection between mushrooms and the human brain, hypothesizing that the consumption of mushrooms, particularly those containing psilocybin, played a key role in the evolution of human consciousness. According to his "Stoned Ape Theory," our ancestors, accidentally consuming these mushrooms, would have experienced an expansion of perception and cognitive abilities, favoring the development of language, art, and abstract thought. Although this theory has never been scientifically proven, it has stimulated a new wave of research on the potential effects of psychoactive mushrooms and the numerous therapeutic uses they can offer against neuropsychiatric disorders.
Psilocybin in medicine
Psilocybin was first isolated in the 1950s by the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, known for also discovering LSD. He first isolated the molecule by studying some sacred mushrooms used in indigenous ceremonies in Mexico, thus paving the way for scientific research on this substance. However, in the 1970s, the wave of drug restrictions led to the prohibition of psilocybin, not only for recreational use but also for medical and research purposes.
In recent years, however, science has rediscovered psilocybin as a potential therapeutic tool, especially for disorders such as depression, anxiety, addictions, and psychological distress related to terminal illnesses. Clinical studies have shown that this substance can significantly reduce anxiety and depression, often with results comparable to those of traditional antidepressants, but with fewer administrations. A particularly interesting area of research concerns advanced-stage oncology patients: psilocybin seems to help reduce the fear of death, improving emotional well-being and quality of life. In the treatment of addictions, psilocybin is also showing promising results. Some studies suggest that it can help to break rigid and harmful mental patterns, facilitating a profound change in behaviors and self-perception. Research has focused mainly on nicotine and alcohol addictions, with some results superior to those of traditional therapies. Another interesting aspect is that, unlike many other psychoactive substances, psilocybin has low toxicity and a very low risk of dependence. Side effects are mostly mild and temporary, and unlike conventional drugs, which often require daily intake for long periods, psilocybin seems to offer lasting benefits even with a few administrations.
Despite promising results, it is important to remember that psilocybin is still in the experimental phase. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety, and its legal status represents a significant obstacle: being classified as a controlled substance, its medical use is not yet legally permitted in many countries.
Furthermore, the fact that it is still an unconventional therapy makes it a subject of debate among experts and the public.
To date, legal therapeutic use is possible in Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and in authorized centers in Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, D.C.
Psilocybin in Italy
In July 2025, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) also approved the first trial on psilocybin in Italy: the study, conducted at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Chieti hospital, will involve 68 patients with depression resistant to traditional drugs, with the aim of evaluating its efficacy.
Thanks to this research and the growing interest of the scientific community, psilocybin could become part of the available therapeutic options in the future, contributing to an increasingly personalized approach.
Present has always taken the extraordinary potential of this molecule seriously, and from its inception, it has contributed to the cause by donating part of the proceeds to the Luca Coscioni Association, which actively advocates for Italy, through the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, to open up to psychedelic therapies.
Learn more about the Luca Coscioni Association.
The information contained in this article is for informational and cultural purposes only. It does not intend to promote or justify the use of psychoactive or psychedelic substances in any way.