By Stephen Beech

Magic mushrooms could be used to treat alcoholism, according to new research.

A psychedelic chemical found in fungi is emerging as a potential treatment for alcohol-related disorders, say scientists.

American researchers discovered a mechanism in female mice that explains how psilocin - the active compound of a substance found in mushrooms - may reduce alcohol use.

Researchers, led by Dr. Sarah Magee and Professor Melissa Herman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , explored whether psilocin targets neurons in the central amygdala involved in emotional processing and stress to alter alcohol use.

Herman emphasised that preclinical work is necessary for filling gaps in knowledge about drug mechanisms, especially in the field of psychedelic research.

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