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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

Single dose of magic mushroom psychedelic can cause anatomical brain changes, study finds

Two magic mushrooms growing with greenery behind
Psychedelic mushrooms containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Photograph: Reuters

A single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can induce anatomical changes in the brain, according to research among people who took the psychedelic compound for the first time.

Scientists spotted apparent changes in the brain’s structure which were still apparent a month after healthy volunteers took the drug. If confirmed, they may help explain the therapeutic effects that psychedelics can have on anxiety, depression and addiction, researchers said.

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