Psilocin
Psilocin
Psilocin (pronounced: /ˈsaɪləsɪn/ or /ˈsɪləsɪn/) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, collectively known as psilocybin mushrooms.
Etymology
The term "Psilocin" is derived from the Greek words "psilos" (ψιλος) and "cin" (κιν), which mean "bare" and "move" respectively. This is likely a reference to the effects of the compound on the human mind.
Pharmacology
Psilocin is a serotonin receptor agonist that interacts primarily with the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain, which leads to its psychedelic effects. It is structurally similar to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition.
Medical Use
While psilocin is classified as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning its use for any purpose is prohibited, recent research has suggested potential therapeutic uses for the compound. Studies have indicated that psilocin may be effective in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Related Terms
- Psilocybin: The prodrug to psilocin, found in psilocybin mushrooms.
- Serotonin: A neurotransmitter to which psilocin is structurally similar.
- Psychedelic: A class of drugs that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
- 5-HT2A receptor: The primary receptor in the brain with which psilocin interacts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Psilocin
- Wikipedia's article - Psilocin
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski