Scientists Investigate Unique Hallucinations from Lanmaoa asiatica Mushroom Consumption
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Researchers have identified a unique hallucination of tiny people caused by the mushroom Lanmaoa asiatica, which contains an unknown psychoactive substance. This discovery may help understand similar neurological syndromes. Meanwhile, Israeli biotech firms face financial and clinical milestones, and Shaare Zedek develops a new test to detect lung toxicity from a common heart medication.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Lanmaoa asiatica mushroom causes consistent hallucinations of small human-like figures worldwide.
- Genetic analysis found no known psychoactive genes, indicating a novel brain-active compound.
- Hallucinations resemble symptoms in neurological disorders like Todd’s syndrome and visual distortions.
- CryoPharm, an Israeli-founded cancer drug company, warns of possible bankruptcy by September 2024.
- Remepy, an Israeli biotech, raised $36 million for Parkinson’s hybrid drug-software trials.
- Shaare Zedek researchers developed a CT scan to detect lung toxicity from the heart drug Procor early.
Recent research published in the journal Mycologia has revealed that the psychedelic mushroom Lanmaoa asiatica induces a distinctive hallucination experienced by users worldwide: seeing small human-like figures. Unlike typical psychedelic experiences influenced by personal memories and emotions, consumers of this mushroom consistently report visions of tiny, vividly colored people about 7 centimeters tall, interacting with their surroundings as if part of reality. This phenomenon occurs regardless of cultural background or setting.
Genetic sequencing of 53 Lanmaoa asiatica specimens found no known psychoactive compounds, suggesting the presence of a novel brain-active substance. The mushroom, related to the porcini and commonly consumed cooked in China and the Philippines without hallucinogenic effects, is gaining scientific interest for potentially revealing new neurological mechanisms, similar to how cannabis research uncovered the endocannabinoid system.
These miniature human hallucinations also appear rarely in certain neurological conditions such as Todd’s syndrome, visual distortion syndromes, and during withdrawal from substances like alcohol or Parkinson’s medication. Understanding the mushroom’s genetics and active compounds may shed light on these brain processes.
Separately, Israeli-founded cancer drug company CryoPharm faces financial distress, warning of possible bankruptcy by September 2024 due to cash flow issues and regulatory setbacks, including FDA revocation of a lymphoma treatment approval. Meanwhile, Israeli biotech firm Remepy raised $36 million to advance hybrid drug-software therapies for neurological diseases, including a Phase III Parkinson’s trial.
Additionally, researchers at Shaare Zedek Medical Center developed an advanced CT scan method to detect early lung toxicity in patients taking the common heart arrhythmia drug Procor, potentially improving patient safety by identifying risks before severe damage occurs.