Content:
1. Active ingredients of red fly agaric: muscimol and ibotenic acid
2. Important criteria when choosing a mushroom
3. Use of fly agaric in old age
Muscimol - is a psychoactive isoxazole that is one of the key components found in Amanita mushrooms. Together with ibotenic acid and muscarine, it forms the trio of substances responsible for the unique properties of these mushrooms. Muscimol is known for its effects on the central nervous system and has the ability to cause changes in perception and consciousness.
Muscimol is isolated from various species of Amanita mushrooms, such as Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina. These mushrooms have traditionally been used in shamanic rituals, particularly in Siberian cultures, where muscimol was used as an entheogen to induce altered states of consciousness. Despite its ancient history of use, it was not until the early 1960s that muscimol was synthesized, opening up new horizons for its study.
Muscimol acts as a high-affinity GABA receptor agonist. Structurally related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it mimics its action in the brain, resulting in inhibition of neuronal activity. This can cause relaxation, drowsiness, and altered perception of reality. Because of these properties, muscimol has attracted the attention of researchers as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain and other neurological disorders.
The safe use of muscimol requires careful dosage control. Although the exact safe doses vary due to individual metabolism and sensitivity, it is believed that low doses can cause mild sedative effects without significant adverse reactions. However, exceeding safe limits can lead to toxicity and adverse health effects. For this reason, the use of muscimol outside the context of scientific research or traditional practices is not recommended.
Despite the lack of clinical approval for widespread use in humans, muscimol remains an important tool in neuroscience. Its use as a radioligand drug allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of how GABA receptors work and explore the potential for new therapeutic approaches to treating neurological diseases.
Ibotenic acid is another interesting compound found in Amanita mushrooms, such as the fly agaric. This substance has unique properties and has attracted considerable interest from researchers due to its effects on the central nervous system.
Ibotenic acid is a natural component of some mushrooms, such as Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina. In the laboratory, it can be isolated from mushroom raw materials by extraction and subsequent purification. The chemical structure of ibotenic acid is an amino acid with an isoxazole ring, which makes it similar in structure to glutamic acid, one of the key neurotransmitters in the brain.
Because ibotenic acid is a potent neurotoxin, its use requires caution. Scientific studies typically use microdoses to study its effects on the nervous system of animal models. Safe doses have not been established for humans, as direct ingestion of this substance can lead to serious toxic effects. It is important to note that ingestion of mushrooms containing ibotenic acid can cause hallucinations and other psychoactive effects, so they are not recommended for consumption without strict supervision.
Ibotenic acid acts as an agonist of glutamate receptors in the brain, causing neurons to become excited. This can cause a wide range of effects, from mild changes in perception to more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Because of its ability to stimulate glutamate receptors, ibotenic acid is used in scientific research to model various neurological conditions in animals, such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases.
However, it is worth emphasizing that the use of ibotenic acid outside of controlled scientific conditions can be dangerous to health. Its potential use in medicine is still at the research stage, but understanding the mechanism of action of this substance is already helping scientists develop new approaches to the treatment of neurological disorders.
Thus, despite its dangers when used unsupervised, ibotenic acid represents an important tool in the field of neuroscience, opening up new horizons for understanding brain function and developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
The selection of fly agarics, in particular the red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), for use in the elderly requires careful consideration. Below are listed important selection criteria, as well as diseases that can be partially alleviated or cured with this mushroom.
• When choosing fly agarics, it is necessary to pay attention to the season of collection. Mushrooms should be collected in ecologically clean areas, away from polluted places (roads, industrial zones)
• Dried mushrooms should have a bright cap color (red) and white spots.
• Red fly agaric can be toxic in its raw form. Therefore, it is important to know how to process it correctly (dry at a temperature of 40-60 degrees, boil for 15-20 minutes, or insist in a thermos for at least 8 hours) to minimize toxicity and maximize beneficial properties.
• For older people, it is better to use tinctures or extracts, which provide a safer and more controlled intake of active substances.
• Before using fly agarics, it is necessary to conduct a test for individual tolerance, as elderly people may have increased sensitivity to various substances.
• It is recommended to start with minimal doses of 0.5-1 grams and gradually increase them, observing the body’s reaction.
• Before using fly agarics, you should consult a doctor, especially if an elderly person has chronic diseases or is taking other medications.
• A specialist will help determine whether a given mushroom is suitable as an adjunct to therapy and how best to use it.
Ailments that can be alleviated by red fly agaric in old age:
• Fly agaric contains substances such as muscimol and ibotenic acid, which may have a sedative and relaxing effect. This may help in the treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia and stress.
• For older adults suffering from depression or anxiety, fly agaric may help relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, red fly agaric can help with arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases.
• Tinctures or extracts can be used topically or internally to reduce pain and swelling.
• Red fly agaric can have an immunostimulating effect, which is especially important for older people whose immune system may be weakened.
• Regular but controlled use can help improve overall health and increase resistance to infections and viruses.
• For older adults suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, fly agaric may help increase energy levels and improve overall well-being.
• This is due to its ability to affect the nervous system and improve metabolism.
Dried mushrooms need to be stored properly. Storage conditions affect the preservation of bioactive substances How to store dried fly agarics: preparing the mushroom for storage, temperature conditions, packaging methods
Citric acid is a natural compound found in citrus fruits. It is responsible for the sour taste and has a pronounced ability to reduce the pH of the environment. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is chemically similar to citric acid in its acidity, but is more often found in synthetic form in tablets. At the same time, natural lemon juice, in addition to acid, contains flavonoids and other biologically active substances that can affect the metabolic process.
pH-dependent transformation. One of the key aspects is the influence of the acidic environment on the conversion of ibotenic acid into muscimol. When the pH decreases (acidity increases), the decarboxylation process begins, in which the molecule of ibotenic acid loses the –COOH group, turning into the more active muscimol.
Adding lemon juice, rich in citric acid, can create favorable conditions for this reaction even before the substance enters the small intestine. This, according to some researchers and fans of "experimental" recipes, can shift the ratio of active substances in favor of muscimol, which affects the body with a more "calming" effect.
Based on multiple reviews and experimental data from lovers of traditional recipes, the following is noted:
When using lemon juice, a more “harmonized” effect is observed: the active substances of the fly agaric, due to gradual transformation, show less sharp stimulation and fewer manifestations of toxicity.
Vitamin C tablets, being a pure source of ascorbic acid, can speed up the decarboxylation process, but the effect can be ambiguous: some report a rapid onset of “those” hallucinogenic sensations, others - a sharp increase in stomach acid, which negatively affects the digestive system.
It is important to emphasize that user opinions vary widely and the impact may depend on:
The effect of citric acid on the active components of the red fly agaric is primarily due to its ability to change the acid-base balance, facilitating the conversion of ibotenic acid into muscimol. This can lead to a more pronounced sedative, hallucinogenic effect and a change in the perception of the active substance.
When comparing natural lemon juice and vitamin C tablets, the following points can be highlighted:
– Lemon juice has many additional phytochemicals that can soften the effect and promote a more balanced impact on the body.
– Vitamin C tablets, due to their purity, can provide a more dramatic and rapid pH reduction, but lack the benefits of a whole natural product.
The interaction of citric acid with the components of the red fly agaric is an interesting example of how organic acids can affect biochemical reactions in plant matrices and, accordingly, change the pharmacological profile of a substance. Natural lemon juice and synthetic vitamin C, despite similar acidic properties, demonstrate differences in action due to their constituent components and the effect on the absorption of active substances. Any experiments in this area require special caution, preliminary study of the issue and awareness of potential risks.
Important: When considering such questions, always consult a qualified professional and do not experiment with unknown dosages or combinations at your own risk.