Mushroom Magic: A Discussion on Achieving Radiant Skin, Psilocybin Usage, and Fungi's Role in Combating Oil Spills

In the bustling city of Gusau, Nigeria, seven unique fungi species have been discovered in waste sites, showcasing their potential to degrade polythene bags. Among these, Aspergillus flavus stands out, with the ability to degrade up to 66.6% of polythene in just 60 days.

Meanwhile, in the world of health and nutrition, mushrooms are proving to be a powerhouse of benefits. The wild mushroom Lentinus squarrosulus has been found to stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus plantarum and L. pentosus, by up to 74%. Simultaneously, it suppresses harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) and oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are not left behind. Their polysaccharide extracts have been shown to strongly support digestive health, stimulating the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus strains, especially L. paracasei, nearly matching the standard prebiotic inulin. Additionally, these extracts enhance antioxidant defenses, with button mushroom extracts showing the highest free radical scavenging activity.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is another mushroom making waves in the medical field. Containing at least 26 active compounds, it has been mapped against over 5,000 colorectal cancer genes. Network analysis pinpointed nine core targets linked to tumor growth and survival, and docking studies showed strong binding of chaga compounds to these proteins.

The list of mushroom-derived discoveries continues. Shiitake mushrooms, when pan-fried in soy oil, bring out the most umami and savory amino acids, while oil-pan-fried samples develop nutty and chocolate-like notes compared to their natural flavor. Garlic compounds are also found to release hydrogen sulfide, which blocks tyrosinase activity in button mushrooms, slowing browning, preserving umami flavor, and keeping mushrooms fresher longer.

In terms of health benefits, a special shiitake strain (Lentinula edodes DMRO-356) has shown strong anti-inflammatory activity compared to other strains. In rats, it reduced swelling by 22% (vs just 7% in a comparison strain) and contains higher levels of β-glucans, ergosterol, and ergothioneine.

Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, has shown short-term relief for OCD symptoms in a small study, with significant drops in symptoms within one week. However, its use is not without risks, as a doctoral dissertation explored the experiences of adults with prior psychoses who used psilocybin, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks.

Golden oyster mushrooms enriched with selenium show higher protein and stronger antioxidant power, with yeast-based selenium giving the biggest gains. Ergothioneine, a natural antioxidant extracted from golden oyster mushrooms, has shown strong anti-aging benefits in a 28-day clinical trial.

Oyster mushrooms grown on agricultural byproducts like sawdust, corncob, and coconut fiber have been tested as natural filters for toxic landfill runoff, removing up to 84% of heavy metals within 12 hours. Deep-sea fungi have also made headlines, as they have been found to use crude oil as their only food source, potentially aiding in the cleanup of oil spills.

Finally, mushrooms are not just beneficial for the environment and health, but also for social media and ecommerce users. A survey is available for those who or someone they know has had a mushroom-focused social media or ecommerce account suspended, restricted, or shut down.

For those interested in learning more about mushrooms and their benefits, free resources such as The Shroomer Guide to Mushrooms and the Mushrooms and Medical Benefits Chart are available.

Mushroom Magic: A Discussion on Achieving Radiant Skin, Psilocybin Usage, and Fungi's Role in Combating Oil Spills