Psychedelic Research Findings Revealed at MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 - Part 1

• Mushroom strains contain varying active ingredients levels
• Psilocybin could support traditional behavioral therapy to treat depression
• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy alleviates
• Psilocybin combined with therapy can help heavy drinkers
• People with mental health challenges are likelier to experiment with psychedelics
• Microdosing LSD can improve adult men's creativity and more
• Bottom Line

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The MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference in Denver was the largest psychedelic gathering in history, bringing together hundreds of experts and enthusiasts to share their latest insights. MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) is a nonprofit organization dating back to 1986 when founder Rick Doblin attempted to stop the DEA from classifying MDMA as a Schedule I substance. Although his efforts failed, MAPS continued its psychedelic research and advocacy for the past 35 years. 

MAPS’ fourth Psychedelic Science conference featured more than 300 speakers from various backgrounds, like NFL MVP Aaron Rogers and renowned journalist Michael Pollan. The movement’s top scientists, lawmakers, doctors, and professionals joined for three days of panels, experiential workshops, and exhibitions focused on the latest developments in psychedelic science. 

Here are some of the exciting findings revealed at MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023.

1. Mushroom strains contain varying active ingredient levels, guiding research into their unique effects & therapeutic profiles.

Study 

“Mapping the Metabolomes of Psychedelic Medicines”

Purpose & Methods 

Tryptomics researchers wanted to compare different Psilocybe cubensis strains’ alkaloid content, so they extracted samples from over 200 hydrated varieties. The team quantified concentrations of nucleosides, amino acids, tryptamines, and beta-carbolines using high-performance liquid chromatography equipment. 

Summary of Findings 

• Psilocin and psilocybin, the primary active ingredients in psilocybin mushrooms that cause psychedelic effects, accounted for the largest concentration of alkaloids (6.7 mg/g out of 7.16 mg/g total). 
• Other alkaloids varied dynamically between strains, indicating scientists could use the findings to inform research on strain type.
• Levels of adenosine, a natural body chemical related to sleep and the immune system, correlated negatively with psilocin/psilocybin content and positively with other tryptamine content (the general class of psychedelic alkaloids that psilocin and psilocybin belong to). Researchers say this relationship affirms adenosine’s importance as a metabolic regulator. 

Analysis 

Testing magic mushrooms and their concentrations of secondary compounds can help scientists better understand different mushroom strains and develop protocols for extraction, dosing research, and cultivation practices.

2. Psilocybin could support traditional behavioral therapy to treat depression