'Magic Mushroom' Hallucinogen Might Help Cancer PatientsBy Amanda Gardner, HealthDay NewsA controlled dose of the main ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms appears to reduce anxiety and lift spirits in people battling advanced cancer, researchers report. In a small pilot study, the compound psilocybin appeared to be safe, with no participants reporting a "bad trip," said study author Dr. Charles Grob. His research was published online Sept. 6 and will appear in the January 2011 print issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. In fact, the trips tended to be good, with patients and their families reporting improvements up to six months after their single-dose experience with the substance. |