HealthJuly 10, 2026
psilocybin
/ˌsaɪləˈsaɪbɪn/
Definition
A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of fungi, currently being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for various mental health conditions.
Etymology
Derived from the scientific name of the mushroom genus 'Psilocybe', which comes from the Greek words 'psilos' (meaning bare or naked) and 'kube' (meaning head), referencing the appearance of the mushrooms.
In the news
The term appears in a sidebar suggestion regarding a new clinical trial, highlighting its emerging role as a medical treatment for mental health rather than as a recreational substance.
Older adults face greater risk of mental health hospitalizations during extreme heatwaves
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