Infographic: What a Trip

Researchers took a mind-bending trip to understand the connections between psychedelic compounds produced by fungi, plants, and humans.

Written byIris Kulbatski, PhD

| 2 min read

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Humans have consumed hallucinogenic fungi and plants for thousands of years. Many of these compounds share a common chemical structure with one another and with neurotransmitters widely produced by the human body, such as serotonin. Classic examples are psilocybin, which is synthesized by certain species of fungi, and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is produced by some plants. The basic chemical structure of DMT is embedded in other psychedelics, including psilocybin.

Chemical structures of DMT, Psilocybin, Serotonin

MODIFIED FROM © ISTOCK.COM, Olesia Lapshina, Eva Almqvist, bestdesigns, Shaiith, designed by Erin Lemieux

The human body also produces DMT. Endogenous psychedelics may perform the following physiological roles:

Protect the brain from hypoxic injury
Act as neurotransmitters
Play a role in an endogenous antidepression system, much like the endogenous opioid system acts against pain

MODIFIED FROM © ISTOCK.COM, Eva Almqvist, bestdesigns, designed by Erin Lemieux

MODIFIED FROM © ISTOCK.COM, bestdesigns, Shaiith, designed by Erin Lemieux

Fungi serve as the digestive and nervous systems
of the forest floor. Their sprawling subterranean mycelia decompose organic detritus into usable nutrients. Mycelia also communicate with soil microorganisms and the root systems of plants and trees. They sense and integrate information using electrical signals and some of the same neurotransmitters as in the human brain and gut.

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Meet the Author

Iris Kulbatski, PhD
Iris, a neuroscientist by training and word surgeon by trade, is an associate science editor with The Scientist's Creative Services Team. Her work has appeared in various online and print publications, including Discover Magazine, Medgadget, National Post, The Toronto Star and others. She holds a PhD in Medical Science and a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto. Her left and right brain converse on a regular basis. Once in a while, they collaborate.
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