Muscimol
Muscimol
Muscimol (pronounced: muh-sim-uh-lol) is a psychoactive compound found in certain types of mushrooms, particularly those of the Amanita genus.
Etymology
The term "Muscimol" is derived from the Latin musca, meaning "fly", and the suffix -mol, which is short for "molecule". This is in reference to the compound's presence in the Amanita muscaria mushroom, commonly known as the fly agaric.
Definition
Muscimol is a potent, naturally occurring GABAergic agonist. It acts on the GABA receptor, specifically the GABAA receptor, to produce its psychoactive effects. These effects can include hallucinations, changes in perception, and, in some cases, convulsions.
Related Terms
- Amanita muscaria: The species of mushroom in which muscimol is most commonly found.
- GABAergic: Pertaining to or affecting the neurotransmitter GABA.
- GABA receptor: A class of receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
- Psychoactive compound: A chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.
See Also
- Ibotenic acid: A neurotoxic isoxazole found in Amanita muscaria and other Amanita species, which is a prodrug to muscimol.
- Psychedelic drug: A class of drug that primarily affects the serotonin receptors in the brain, causing a range of perceptual and cognitive changes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Muscimol
- Wikipedia's article - Muscimol
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