They are known to induce psychedelic experiences.
And now a new study has revealed another side effect of magic mushrooms and LSD.
Researchers at Imperial College London say these drugs can increase sexual arousal and performance.
“We believe this is the first scientific study to explore the effects of psychedelics on sexual functioning,” said Tommaso Barba, first author of the study.
“Our findings suggest possible implications for conditions that negatively affect sexual health, including clinical depression and anxiety.”
Researchers at Imperial College London say psychedelic drugs can increase sexual arousal and performance (file image)
The first known scientific research into the effects of psychedelics has found that people report improvements in sexual function for several weeks after a “trip.”
Researchers at Imperial College London asked almost 300 people to fill out questionnaires before and after a psychedelic experience.
They focused on two groups: people taking psychedelics for recreational or wellness purposes, as well as a small group from a clinical trial testing psilocybin, which is the compound found in magic mushrooms.
The analysis revealed that, on average, people reported improvements in a variety of areas of sexual function up to six months after their psychedelic experience.
This included enjoyment of sex, sexual arousal, satisfaction with sex, attraction to a partner, their own physical appearance, communication, and their sense of connection.
Among the small group who took psilocybin in the clinical trial for depression, they found that almost half of the participants reported improvements in sexual arousal, interest and satisfaction with sex (file image)
Among the small group who took psilocybin in the clinical trial for depression, they found that almost half of the participants reported improvements in sexual arousal, interest, and satisfaction with sex.
However, people treated with a leading antidepressant mostly reported declines in sexual functioning.
According to the team, the findings, published in Nature Scientific Reports, open the possibility of applications in a variety of therapeutic settings, such as couples therapy.
They also highlight other potential benefits in the treatment of depression, where psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin could help prevent drug-induced sexual dysfunction, one of the biggest side effects of current standard-of-care antidepressants.
Barba said: “At first glance, this type of research may seem ‘quirky’, but the psychological aspects of sexual function – including how we think about our own bodies, our attraction to our partners and our ability to connect intimately with people – are all important to the psychological well-being of sexually active adults.
‘Sexuality is a fundamental human impulse. For example, we know that sexual dysfunction is related to lower well-being in healthy adults, can affect relationship satisfaction, and is even related to subjective happiness and “meaning in life.”
The authors said that overall, no study found a significant change in participants’ perceived importance of sex after a psychedelic experience.
This indicates that psychedelics do not cause excessive focus on sex or “hyperarousal”; Instead, they can transform the way individuals perceive and relate to sexual experiences, which could lead to improved sexual well-being.
They warned that while their findings are encouraging, people with depression should not try to self-medicate with psychedelics.
Dr David Erritzoe, clinical director of the Center for Psychedelic Research, said: “This study sheds even more light on the far-reaching effects of psychedelics on a variety of psychological functions.
“While the findings are really interesting, we are still far from a clear clinical application, because psychedelics have not yet been integrated into the medical system. In the future, we may be able to see a clinical application, but more research is needed. ‘
Both LSD and magic mushrooms are illegal Class A drugs and possession carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.