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Canadian-based health supplements company Psyched Wellness Ltd., one of the company’s included in the recently launched psychedelics ETF, is the only company in the group working with Amanita muscaria mushrooms.
The distinctive red and white mushrooms are poisonous, though can be consumed after being boiled multiple times, which weakens the toxicity. They are native to the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Psyched Wellness announced last month that they are studying the therapeutic value of muscimol, a psychoactive ingredient in the mushrooms, for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.
“This initial preliminary study will provide more insight into the potential health and wellness properties of the active compound muscimol of the Amanita Muscaria mushroom, which may lead into advanced preclinical areas of study for further work into a natural therapeutic agent,” study lead Brian Tancowny said in a press release.
According to the release, Psyched Wellness is developing a line of Amanita muscaria-derived water-based extracts, teas and capsules designed with potential applications to reduce stress, induce relaxation and improve sleep.
“The launch of the ETF so early in the renaissance of the industry speaks to the excitement both the investment and medical communities have for these transformative molecules,” said Jeff Stevens, CEO of Psyched Wellness, in a statement. “As we move forward and grow, we look forward to educating the industry on the potential of Amanita Muscaria and helping to bring psychedelics into the mainstream.”
Beyond Super Mario Bros, where the mushrooms offer superpowers to Mario, they have also been depicted in Alice in Wonderland, and are believed to have been consumed by Vikings before going into battle.