09/17/2024
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Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, primarily affects the brain by interacting with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. When psilocybin is ingested, it’s converted into psilocin, which then binds to these receptors. This binding alters the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to changes in perception, mood, and cognition.
One of the key mechanisms is the disruption of the default mode network (DMN), a network of brain regions that is active when the mind is at rest and involved in self-referential thoughts. By reducing activity in the DMN, psilocybin can lead to a state of ego dissolution, where the boundary between the self and the external world blurs, allowing for a greater sense of interconnectedness and altered perception of reality. Additionally, psilocybin enhances neuroplasticity, promoting the growth of new neural connections, which can lead to lasting changes in behavior and cognition, particularly in the context of therapeutic use.
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