Mushrooms - Hope For The Future?

For centuries, mushrooms have occupied a vague yet interesting position in the public consciousness. While some varieties are prized for their rich, earthy flavours and use in local and international cuisine, others have been feared for their toxic properties that can cause illness or even death if consumed (Diaz, 2005). However, recent scientific research has shown an incredible potential of mushrooms, revealing an array of therapeutic and medicinal applications that could shape the future of healthcare as we know it (Wasser, 2011).

On the other hand, the dangers of poisonous mushrooms cannot in any way be overstated. Amatoxins, the toxic compounds found in death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides), are capable of inducing liver failure by inhibiting RNA polymerase II, an essential enzyme for protein synthesis (Vetter, 1998). Consuming just half a mushroom cap can be fatal for an adult (Zilker et al., 2013). Other species such as "the destroying angel" (Amanita virosa), contain different toxins such as "viroidins" that also attack the liver and kidneys (Broers et al., 2021). These risks make it all the more important to ensure proper identification of mushrooms when making your choice, and also the need to exercise caution when for aging for wild mushrooms.

Yet alongside their toxic counterparts, a vast array of edible and medicinal mushrooms offer promising health benefits. Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) contain polysaccharide-K, a potent anticancer compound that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumours (Torkelson et al., 2012). Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have traditionally been used in Asian medicine and contain triterpenoids and polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential neuroprotective effects (Zhang et al., 2021). Even the humble white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is rich in ergothioneine, an antioxidant that may protect against chronic diseases (Masline et al., 2021).

Perhaps the most exciting avenue of research involves the potential use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in species like Psilocybe cubensis, as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and addiction (Johnson and Griffiths, 2017). There are recent clinical trials that have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with patients experiencing sustained relief from symptoms after just one or two doses (Davis et al., 2021). While the underlying mechanisms are still being investigated, psilocybin is thought to promote neuroplasticity and cause a "reset" of brain networks associated with mental health disorders (Vollenweider and Preller, 2020).

As our understanding of the fungal kingdom deepens, it is clear that mushrooms represent both a risk and an opportunity. While the dangers of poisonous species demand vigilance and responsible utilization, mushrooms may indeed prove to be a hope for the future.

References

1. Diaz, J. H. (2005). Evolving global educational needs surrounding clinical toxicology. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 207(2), pp: 653-658.

2. Wasser, S. P. (2011). Current findings, future trends, and unsettled problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 89(5), pp: 1323-1332.

3. Vetter, J. (1998). Toxins of Amanita phalloides. Toxicon, 36(1), pp: 13-24.

4. Zilker, T., Jenner, G., Elliott, P., & Davenport, A. (2013). Mushroom Poisoning: The Role of the Nephrologist. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 28(6), pp: 1412-1417.

5. Broers, E., Hauss, M., Stanciu, C., Anghelescu, I. G., Mirea, L., & Draghici, C. (2021). Mushroom Poisoning: Toxicological and Clinical Review. The American Journal of Case Reports, 22, e931832.

6. Torkelson, C. J., Sweet, E., Martzen, M. R., Sasagawa, M., Wenner, C. A., & Gay, J. (2012). Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer. ISRN Oncology, 2012, pp: 1-7.

7. Zhang, J., Shen, Y., Wang, J., & Wei, D. (2021). Medicinal Value of Ganoderma Mushroom for State of Diseases and Prospective for Dietary Supplementation. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 105(14), pp: 5763-5785.

8. Masline, C. C., Beam, J., Le, T., Demuth, B. R., & Raj, N. B. K. (2021). Ergothioneine: A Potential Anti-Aging Compound Found in Edible Mushrooms. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(21), pp: 11780.

9. Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2017). Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), pp: 734-740.

10. Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., May, D. G., Cosimano, M. P., Sepeda, N. D., Johnson, M. W., ... Griffiths, R. R. (2021). Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(5), pp: 481-489.

11. Vollenweider, F. X., & Preller, K. H. (2020). Psychedelic Drugs: Neurobiology and Potential for Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 21(11), pp: 611-624.