Scientists Identify Mushroom Species Causing Visual Hallucinations
Summary
Scientists have identified Lanmaoa asiatica as a mushroom species that can trigger vivid Lilliputian hallucinations, causing people to see tiny human figures after eating it. The responsible chemical has not yet been isolated, and researchers say further study could help explain how the brain processes visual perception.
Key Points
- Researchers identified Lanmaoa asiatica as the mushroom linked to unusual visual hallucinations of tiny human figures.
- The effect, known as Lilliputian hallucination, has been reported in China, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines after eating wild mushrooms.
- No known psychoactive compound, including psilocybin, has yet been detected in the mushroom.
- Scientists say isolating the unknown chemical could help research on brain perception, biodiversity, and hallucinations.
