University of Utah Scientists Chase New Psychedelic Hallucinogen in ‘Fairy’ Mushroom

Imagine seeing dozens of tiny, lively figures dressed in bright colors climbing over your surroundings — not in a dream, but after eating a mushroom. That’s exactly what Lanmaoa asiatica, a red-stemmed, brown-capped mushroom native to parts of Asia, reportedly does. Now, University of Utah researchers are diving deep into this curious fungus, aiming to uncover a new psychedelic compound that defies current scientific understanding.

Colin Domnauer, a doctoral student at the Dentinger Lab housed in the Natural History Museum of Utah, is spearheading this rare research. His work is among only two labs worldwide studying Lanmaoa asiatica, a mushroom long known in China’s Yunnan Province for causing “fairytale-like hallucinations.” Unlike typical closed-eye visions, those who consume it report seeing dozens or even hundreds of animated little people interacting with the real world — climbing chairs, teasing observers, and creating an atmosphere of playful abundance.

Domnauer personally experienced these effects during a visit to China, where the mushroom is a popular market food often cooked in hot-pot style dishes. Diners are warned to wait 15 minutes before eating to avoid premature hallucinations. Despite the unusual side effect, locals regard the mushroom as a safe, amusing novelty rather than a sought-after recreational drug. Chinese medical studies back this up, reporting no deaths or organ damage despite hundreds of cases annually.

What makes Lanmaoa asiatica especially intriguing is that it does not contain psilocybin, the psychedelic compound common in “magic mushrooms.” Using genome sequencing and chemical analysis, the Dentinger Lab has ruled out all known hallucinogens, signaling the presence of a new, undiscovered psychedelic substance. This mystery compound could open fresh avenues for mental health treatment, especially as President Trump’s recent executive order directs $50 million toward expanding psychedelic therapies and fast-tracking FDA reviews of drugs like psilocybin.

The mushroom’s hallucinogenic reputation dates back decades, with early reports in 1934 from Papua New Guinea describing locals’ strange behavior after consumption. Initial scientific investigations dismissed these accounts as hoaxes due to a lack of identified active compounds. However, independent reports from southern China echoed the same experiences, prompting renewed interest.

Dentinger credits Domnauer’s persistence and willingness to trust anecdotal evidence for pushing this research forward. Securing authentic mushroom samples required collaboration with Chinese partners and international fieldwork, overcoming challenges that had stalled earlier efforts. Fortunately, Lanmaoa asiatica is not legally restricted in the United States, allowing the team to explore its properties without regulatory hurdles.

As psychedelics enter mainstream medical and political discourse, this research stands at the intersection of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science. The Dentinger Lab’s work not only challenges previous skepticism but also highlights the potential for new psychedelic therapies hidden in nature’s overlooked corners.

We will be watching closely as these “whimsical little fairies” might just lead to serious breakthroughs in understanding the brain and treating mental illness — a far cry from the authoritarian distractions dominating the national stage.