Psilocybin May Have Helped Evolve Our Brains, But In A Disgusting Way
The history of our species is one of the biggest mysteries of the scientific community. Opinions are divided about our evolution tree but the general consensus is that we are the way we are thanks to our big brains.
Tool use which led to improved diet and nutrition is considered the key reason for our high intelligence. But some believe that psilocybin may have also been a contributing factor.
A recent study published in Fundación Miguel Lillo 2024 suggested that psilocybin mushrooms may have triggered “significant neurological and psychological effects” which influenced the development of our species over time.
The theory is, when ancient humans moved out of their forested habitats and into grassier areas it exposed them to hoofed animals – and their excrements. And in those excrements is where psilocybin mushrooms can be found.
In other words, scientists believe that our ancestors got high off dung mushrooms.
The ‘Stoned Ape’ Theory
The ‘Stoned Ape’ theory was proposed by American ethnobotanist Terence McKenna in his book, ‘Food of the Gods’. In it he proposes that our evolution from Homo erectus to Homo sapiens was the result of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms about 100,000 years ago.
The cognitive enhancement it provided was the ‘evolutionary catalyst’ which led to language, imagination and tool building. This improved hunting and food-gathering as well as ‘sexual stimulation and mating opportunities.’
“The idea that psilocybin mushrooms might have played a role in shaping human consciousness—either by sparking mystical experiences or influencing our thinking—really makes you think about how our ancestors interacted with their environment,” says the study’s author.
“Considering the importance of psilocybin mushrooms in the interaction with human consciousness, it is crucial to explore both their brain and evolutionary implications.”
The 12-page literature review consist of “a multidisciplinary approach spanning biology, ethnobotany and neuroscience,” and is led by Jehoshua Macedo-Bedoya of the University Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, in Lima, So, we have Peru and Fatima Calvo-Bellido from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
Ongoing studies theorize that psilocybin mushrooms evolved roughly 65 million years ago. This coincides with the extinction of the dinosaurs and suggests that wood decomposition was fertile ground for mushroom development instead of animal feces.
The South American researchers hope that their efforts will not only uncover the missing pieces of our evolutionary history but also pave the way for psilocybin as a treatment for depression and other mental health issues.
“Psilocybin interacts with different parts of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex. These interactions can impact memory, decision-making, and how we reflect on things. That’s why there’s a growing interest in using it for therapy, especially for mental health issues like depression and anxiety,” the authors explained.
“Considering the importance of psilocybin mushrooms in the interaction with human consciousness, it is crucial to explore both their brain and evolutionary implications.”
