Latest news with #nootropic
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The growing fad of ‘microdosing' mushrooms is leading to an uptick in poison control center calls and emergency room visits
Imagine you purchase a bag of gummies labeled nootropic – a term used to describe substances that claim to enhance mental ability and function, or 'smart drugs.' However, within hours of consuming them, your heart starts racing, you're nauseated and vomiting. Then you begin convulsing and have a seizure, resulting in a trip to the hospital. You certainly did not expect to have such a severe reaction to an over-the-counter edible product, which is available online and in herbal and vape shops nationwide. What happened? So-called 'microdosing' of mushrooms has been on the rise over the past few years, accompanying a shift in local policy in some areas and increasing research into its potential benefits for mood and mental health. Microdosing involves the ingestion of small quantities of psychoactive mushrooms, less than a regular dose and not in sufficient quantities to induce a 'trip' or psychedelic experience, but to boost mood, creativity, concentration or productivity. Psychedelic mushrooms are illegal at the federal level, restricted as a 'Schedule 1' substance by the Food and Drug Administration, though some states and local municipalities have begun the process of decriminalizing the possession of these mushrooms. This greater acceptance of mushrooms and psychedelics has led to a growing market for edible products containing non-hallucinogenic mushroom species that are appearing on the shelf at grocery stores, vape shops, even gas stations, with claims that these products improve mental function. To meet demand, manufacturers are also turning to other types of mushrooms – including both psychoactive and non-psychedelic – some of which are potentially more toxic. But key pieces of information are often missing for consumers to make informed decisions about which products to consume. I am a natural product scientist at Pennsylvania State University, where my lab specializes in understanding the molecules found in plants, mushrooms and other natural resources and how they can benefit or harm human health. Our team actively researches these small molecules to uncover how they can address infectious and chronic diseases, but also monitors them for toxic or adverse effects on human health. While nootropic products have potential to boost health, there can be little transparency surrounding many commercial mushroom products, which can have dangerous consequences. Chemistry and toxicology of psychoactive mushrooms The main psychoactive components of traditional 'magic' mushrooms, found in the genus Psilocybe, are psilocybin and psilocin. These two small molecules are alkaloids that activate receptors in the brain to trigger the main psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms. Both psilocybin and psilocin have a high therapeutic index – meaning they are generally nontoxic in humans because the amount that must be ingested to be fatal or dangerous is more than 500 times the dose at which it has been shown to be therapeutically effective. Therefore, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are generally considered to have a low potential for acute toxicity in humans, to the point where it is believed to be nearly impossible to achieve a toxic dose from oral consumption. Demand breeds diversification in mushroom sourcing With the growth in popularity of psychedelic mushrooms, companies have been looking for ways to meet consumer demand. And in some cases, this has meant finding mushrooms that do not contain psilocybin and are therefore not restricted by the FDA. The result has been an increase in products that come without legal entanglements, which means there are products that can contain other types of mushrooms, including lions mane, chaga, reishi, maitake and a genus of mushrooms called Amanita, which can be hallucinogenic. Amanita mushrooms are the quintessential white-flecked, red-capped toadstools – the stereotypical image of a mushroom. These fungi contain very different compounds compared to the Psilocybe mushrooms, such as muscarine and ibotenic acid. These compounds function differently in the brain and, while also capable of producing psychedelic experiences, are generally considered to be more toxic. Nootropic and other mushroom products are often found as edibles, including chocolates and gummies. However, there is little enforcement surrounding the ingredient labeling of such dietary supplements; products that have a proprietary blend of ingredients generally do not have to report individual ingredients to the species level. This protects trade secrets regarding unique blends of ingredients, but it can also obscure the actual composition of some edible nootropic and microdosing products. And this can have dangerous consequences. Increasing adverse effects The explosion of nootropic mushroom products has led to a wide variety of products on the market that potentially contain wildly differing levels of mushrooms, many times containing blends of multiple mushroom species. And with little reporting guidelines in effect, it can be hard to know exactly what you're taking. One case study in Virginia involved five people who were hospitalized after they ingested gummies from different nootropic brands that were labeled to contain muscarine, muscimol and ibotenic acid, all compounds found in Amanita mushrooms. A follow-up analysis of locally available gummy brands that contained 'mushroom nootropic' ingredients revealed the presence of psilocybin, but also caffeine, the stimulant ephedrine and mitragynin, a potential painkiller found in Southeast Asian plant products like kratom. None of these ingredients were listed on the product label. Therefore, the cocktail of mushrooms and substances that these people were exposed to was not necessarily reflected on the label at the time of purchase. The increase in use of other, potentially toxic, mushrooms in over-the-counter products has been reflected in reported poisoning cases in the United States. In 2016, out of more than 6,400 mushroom-related poisoning cases in the U.S., only 45 were Amanita mushrooms. In the past few years since certain states began decriminalizing psilocybin, the U.S. has seen an increase in calls and reports to poison control centers of people feeling nauseous and experiencing vomiting, seizures, cardiovascular symptoms and other adverse effects after ingesting edible mushroom products such as chocolates and gummies. This prompted a multistate investigation beginning in 2023 that uncovered over 180 cases in 34 states of people who had ingested a particular brand of mushroom-based edibles, Diamond Shruumz. A 2024 recall required that stores remove these products from their shelves. And in late 2024, the FDA put out a letter to warn consumers and manufacturers of the dangers associated with Amanita mushrooms, saying they 'do not meet the Generally Recognized As Safe, or GRAS, standard and that Amanita mushrooms are unapproved food additives.' Despite this warning, such products are still available from producers. Even when a product is labeled with the relevant ingredients, mushrooms are notoriously easy to misidentify when collected. Numerous mushroom species have similar shapes, colors and habits. But, despite their visual similarities, these different mushrooms can have drastically different chemistry and toxicity. This even plagues foragers of culinary mushrooms, with hundreds of emergency department visits due to fungal misidentification every year in the U.S. There is little current regulation or oversight for species identification in dietary supplements or over-the-counter mushroom edible products, leaving consumers at the mercy of producers to accurately list all raw products and ingredients on the product label. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Joshua Kellogg, Penn State Read more: Calls to US poison centers spiked after 'magic mushrooms' were decriminalized Pennsylvania's mushroom industry faces urgent labor shortage − and latest immigration policies will likely make it worse Beyond flora and fauna: Why it's time to include fungi in global conservation goals Joshua Kellogg does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BioAdaptives Announces National Launch of NeuroRush™ — A Cutting-Edge Adaptogenic Nootropic for Mental Clarity, Focus, and Resilience
NeuroRush™ delivers a unique blend of adaptogens and nootropic herbs designed to enhance cognitive performance, stress response and long-term brain health, without dependency or burnout. LAS VEGAS, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioAdaptives, Inc. (OTC: BDPT), an innovator in evidence-based wellness solutions, today announced the upcoming national release of NeuroRush™, a next-generation nootropic designed to support sustained cognitive performance, mental clarity, and stress adaptability. Following strong results in targeted test markets, NeuroRush™ is scheduled for full commercial release in August/September 2025. Developed as a premium adaptogen-based formula, NeuroRush™ combines six clinically studied ingredients—including Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri, Panax Ginseng, and Mucuna Pruriens—to deliver a balanced, non-jittery experience designed for high-functioning individuals. The product will be available in two formulations: one with natural caffeine for fast-acting mental energy, and a caffeine-free version for users sensitive to stimulants. 'We saw exceptional results in controlled launch markets,' said James Keener, CEO of BioAdaptives. 'Customers reported not only better focus and productivity, but also a noticeable improvement in mood, stress control, and cognitive stamina. NeuroRush™ represents our commitment to delivering plant-based performance solutions grounded in science.' NeuroRush™ is formulated to target multiple pathways involved in brain function and stress resilience, making it ideal for professionals, students, athletes, and older adults seeking enhanced mental performance without dependency or crash. The proprietary blend includes adaptogens, neurotransmitter precursors, and nootropic herbs that work synergistically to support dopamine balance, neuroplasticity, and mental endurance. BioAdaptives plans to distribute NeuroRush™ through select online retailers, direct-to-consumer channels, and strategic health & wellness partners nationwide. Initial consumer feedback has highlighted NeuroRush™ as a high-performance solution that stands apart from conventional stimulant-based brain products. About BioAdaptives, Inc. BioAdaptives, Inc. develops and markets science-based natural health and wellness products for both humans and animals. Its formulations leverage cutting-edge research in stem cell biology, adaptogens, and regenerative nutrition. The company's mission is to enhance the quality of life through innovation that works in harmony with the body's natural processes. For more information, visit: Contact:Emily HarrisonInvestor RelationsBioAdaptives, Inc.(702) 659-8829info@ Wire Service Contact:IBNAustin, OfficeEditor@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Does methylene blue really have health benefits? Pharmacologist gives verdict
The internet is abuzz with tributes to a liquid chemical called methylene blue that is being sold as a health supplement. Over the past five or 10 years, methylene blue has come to be touted online as a so-called nootropic agent – a substance that enhances cognitive function. Vendors claim that it amps up brain energy, improves memory, boosts focus and dispels brain fog, among other supposed benefits. Health influencers, such as podcaster Joe Rogan, have sung its praises. In February 2025, shortly before he was confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared in a video squirting a blue liquid widely presumed to be methylene blue into a glass, though he never verbally endorsed the substance. As a researcher studying inflammation and cancer, I investigate how dyes affect human health. Claims about methylene blue are alluring, and it's easy to buy into its promise. But so far, evidence supporting its health benefits is scant, and there are some serious risks to using the substance outside of medical practice. What is methylene blue? Methylene blue is a synthetic dye that exists as a dark green powder and takes on a deep blue colour when dissolved in water. My work and that of others suggest that many synthetic dyes widely used in foods and medicines can trigger potentially harmful immune system reactions in the body. But unlike commonly used food dyes – one of which was recently banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – methylene blue is not derived from petroleum, also known as crude oil. Instead, it comes from a different family of dyes, which isn't thought to have these health concerns. Methylene blue was first synthesised in 1876 as a dye for textiles and was valued for its intense colour and ability to bind well to fabrics. Soon after, German physician Paul Ehrlich discovered its ability to stain biological tissues and to kill the parasite that causes malaria, making it one of the first synthetic drugs used in medicine. The chemical didn't gain widespread use as a malaria treatment because it was no more effective than quinine, the standard therapy at the time. But in the 1930s, the dye found a new use in testing the safety of raw or unpasteurized milk. If its blue colour faded quickly, the milk was contaminated with bacteria, but if it remained blue, the milk was considered relatively clean. This safety test is now largely obsolete. But it works thanks to methylene blue's chemical superpower, which is that its molecules can swap electrons with other molecules, like a tiny battery charger. How do doctors use it today? That same chemical superpower enables some of methylene blue's medical uses. Most significantly, doctors use it to treat a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, in which haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, takes on a different form that can't do the job. Methylene blue restores haemoglobin's function by transferring an electron. Doctors also sometimes use methylene blue to treat the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, septic shock or toxicities from drugs such as chemotherapy. It is also used as a surgical dye to highlight specific tissues, such as lymph nodes, or to identify where tissue is leaky and therefore may be damaged. How does methylene blue affect the brain? Methylene blue can enter the brain by crossing the protective tissue barrier that surrounds it. Researchers have also found that the chemical can protect and support mitochondria, cell structures that are often described as the powerhouses of the cell. Methylene blue may help mitochondria generate energy for cells to use. For these reasons, researchers are studying methylene blue's effect on the brain. So far, most of what's known about the substance's effects on the brain comes from studies in rats and in cells grown in a lab dish, not in people. For example, researchers have found that methylene blue may improve learning, boost memory and protect brain cells in rats with a condition that mimics Alzheimer's disease. Studies in rodents have also found that methylene blue can protect the brain from damage from brain injury. Other studies showed that methylene blue is useful in treating ischemic stroke in rats. However, no research to date has examined whether it protects people's brains from traumatic brain injury or stroke. A handful of clinical trials have investigated the effects of methylene blue in treating aspects of Alzheimer's disease in people, but a 2023 review of these trials notes that their results have been mixed and not conclusive. A small study of 26 people found that a single low dose of the chemical boosted memory by about 7 per cent and increased brain activity during thinking tasks. Another study by the same researchers found that methylene blue changed how different parts of the brain connected, though it didn't improve thinking skills. Although some studies in people have shown hints that methylene blue may be beneficial for some brain-related issues, such as pain management and neuropsychiatric disorders, such studies to date have been small. This suggests that while there may be patient circumstances where methylene blue is beneficial, researchers have not yet pinned down what those are. Is methylene blue safe? Methylene blue is generally safe when used under medical supervision. However, the chemical has some serious risks. For one thing, it can interact with widely used medications. Methylene blue inhibits a molecule called monoamine oxidase, whose job is to break down an important brain chemical, serotonin. Many commonly used medications for treating anxiety and depression target serotonin. Taking the supplement along with these medicines can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can lead to agitation, confusion, high fever, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness and, in severe cases, seizures or even death. In people with a rare genetic deficiency of an enzyme called G6PD, methylene blue can cause a dangerous condition in which red blood cells break down too quickly. At high doses, the chemical can also raise blood pressure or cause heart problems. Also, it's considered unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women because it may harm the fetus or baby. Overall, while scientists have found hints of some fascinating properties of methylene blue, much larger, longer trials are needed to know if it truly works, what the right dose is and how safe it is over time.
