Psilocybin mushrooms contain the psychoactive alkaloids psilocybin and psilocin, which induce changes in perception, cognition, and emotion through their action on the serotonergic system. Contemporary research on psilocybin is advancing rapidly, providing increasing insight into its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of depression. The aim of this bachelor's thesis is to present the biological characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms, describe the biosynthesis and mechanism of action of psilocybin, and review current research on its therapeutic applications, safety, and microdosing. The thesis presents the basic biological characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms, including their taxonomy, ecology, and evolution, with particular emphasis on horizontal gene transfer and convergent evolution. It also describes the chemical structure, biosynthetic pathway, and molecular mechanisms of action of psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin. A review of clinical studies indicates that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and certain forms of addiction, with its therapeutic effects being primarily associated with the promotion of neuroplasticity. Despite these encouraging findings, significant challenges remain regarding safety, standardization of therapeutic protocols, and the implementation of larger clinical trials, which are necessary to support the broader clinical application of psilocybin.
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