Overview of mushrooms in biohacking – tiger, royal, and red toadstools

Amanita mushrooms are no longer just a fairy-tale symbol. Recently, they have also appeared in discussions about biohacking and microdosing. Red, tiger, and royal mushrooms attract experimenters who see them as a path to deeper sleep, calmness, or creative thinking. But what do we really know about them, and why is it worth treating them with caution?

From fairy tales to biohacking

The iconic fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) is a symbol of the forest for most of us—it appears in fairy tales, pictures, and children’s books. But the reality is more complex. This striking mushroom contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, substances that affect our nervous system. They can cause drowsiness, vivid dreams, but also hallucinations or loss of balance.

The panther cap (Amanita pantherina) differs from the red fly agaric in that it has a brown cap dotted with white spots. Its effects are similar, but tend to be stronger – experts classify it as a more dangerous species and warn against consuming it. The royal amanita (Amanita regalis) is a „cousin“ of the red amanita. It has a brownish cap, but is otherwise chemically almost identical. It is better known outside Czechia, as it appears in traditional rituals in Nordic countries, where shamans use it for their ceremonies.

What happens in the body

The main „active ingredient“ of these mushrooms is muscimol, which binds to GABA receptors in the brain. These affect our relaxation and sleep, so the effect can be similar to sedatives, only less predictable. The second substance, ibotenic acid, has a more stimulating effect and can cause restlessness or convulsions. Drying the mushrooms partially converts this acid into muscimol, so dried fruiting bodies tend to be less „wild.“

However, the difference between pleasant relaxation and unpleasant poisoning can be very thin. Precise dosing is almost impossible because the concentration of active substances varies between individual mushrooms and locations. This is why modern toxicology considers experimenting with amanitas to be risky.

Microdosing: stories and reality

Today, you can find many stories online from people who claim that small doses of magic mushrooms have helped them sleep better or get rid of anxiety. Some even describe feeling calmer and more focused after a few weeks. It sounds tempting, but it is fair to say that we do not yet have any scientific studies that actually confirm these effects.

Doctors therefore warn that with the growing interest in microdosing, there are also more cases of poisoning. Sometimes it is a case of confusing mushrooms, other times it is because people underestimate the potency of the active substances. The problem is that the effects sometimes take a long time to manifest, making it easy to consume more than intended. The result? Nausea, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, and, in the worst case, a trip to the hospital.

Comparison: red, tiger, royal

The table shows that the tiger toadstool is the most dangerous. Even a small amount can cause very unpleasant symptoms. The royal toadstool differs from the red toadstool more in appearance than in effect.

History and tradition

The fly agaric mushroom played a role in Siberian shamanism, where it was used in rituals to induce trances. Some researchers even speculate that it may have been the inspiration for the myth of „flying reindeer.“ After ingesting the mushrooms, shamans reportedly experienced feelings of lightness and „flying.“ However, this does not mean that it is safe to consume them today. Doses were carefully controlled and experiences were passed down through generations.

Risks that cannot be ignored

Symptoms of poisoning usually appear within an hour. They begin with nausea and vomiting, followed by confusion, hallucinations, and, in more severe cases, convulsions. Some people also describe „memory gaps,“ where they cannot remember what they did after the experience. If this happens, it is necessary to immediately contact a poison control center and take a sample of the mushroom with you.

Psychology and the fascination with the „forbidden“

Why are we so attracted to toadstools? Psychologists say that it is not only their striking appearance that plays a role, but also the aura of „forbidden fruit.“ Since time immemorial, people have been looking for ways to expand their consciousness or experience something unusual. The internet and social networks only reinforce this trend—shared stories of „miraculous experiences“ arouse curiosity, even in those who would otherwise never pick mushrooms.

In addition, there is an element of adventure, as some people find it interesting to try what is „beyond the edge“ of the ordinary. Even the very act of collecting fly agaric mushrooms is like a small ritual: finding them, drying them, preparing them. Although scientists warn of the risks, for many it is a way to feel more connected to nature and to themselves.

What science and future research say

Today, scientists are looking at muscimol mainly from the perspective of its possible effects on sleep, anxiety, and even epileptic seizures. Initial laboratory experiments look promising and suggest that it may have some therapeutic potential. However, we still have a long way to go before it can become a safe medicine. There is a lack of clinical studies on humans, so we do not yet know what dose would be effective and, more importantly, safe. Perhaps in a few years we will have clearer answers—but for now, fly agaric mushrooms remain more of a curiosity for scientists than a recommended tool for biohacking.

In the future, research is expected to focus on isolating the active ingredients and determining their precise dosage, similar to what is being done with psilocybin from magic mushrooms. Only when standardization and safety can be ensured could muscimol-based drugs or supplements appear. Until then, however, experimenting with fruiting bodies remains more of a game of chance than a reliable method of personal development.

Summary and recommendations

Amanita mushrooms are a fascinating part of nature and human culture. They attract adventurers and scientists alike and offer the possibility of new insights into sleep and anxiety. However, science has not yet been able to confirm their safe use for microdosing. The risk of overdose is real and the consequences can be unpleasant.

If you are interested in the topic, read scientific articles, follow news in neuroscience, and do not be tempted by unverified advice from discussion forums. Experimenting with fly agaric mushrooms should only be done under controlled conditions and under the supervision of experts, definitely not at home on your own.