Magic mushroom chemical psilocybin could be key to treating depression - studies

Immediate reduction in depression and anxiety for up to eight months seen in patients with advanced cancer given a single dose of psilocybin

A single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient of magic mushrooms, can lift the anxiety and depression experienced by people with advanced cancer for six months or even longer, two new studies show.

Researchers involved in the two trials in the United States say the results are remarkable. The volunteers had "profoundly meaningful and spiritual experiences" which made most of them rethink life and death, ended their despair and brought about lasting improvement in the quality of their lives.