On Monday, it was reported by the researchers of Los Angeles that an active ingredient in the `magic mushrooms' has the ability to reduce depression and anxiety in cancer patients.

The ingredient, psilocybin, which is a tarnished psychedelic drug, is found in mushrooms that help in keeping at bay conditions of anxiety, depression and mood swings in the cancer patients.

As per the Department of Justice, psilocybin is an illegal drug and is listed in the same class of drugs as LSD and heroin.

Though the ingredient is a controversial one, the researchers claim that it can improve the condition of the patients and they can be peaceful in the last counted days of their lives. A period of 6 months functioning of the patients can be catered to in one modest dosage.

Delighted with the outcome of the research, Dr. Stephen Ross, Clinical Director of the Center of Excellence on Addiction at New York University's Langone Medical Center said, "This is a landmark study in many ways. This is the first time a paper like this has come out in a prestigious psychiatric journal in 40 years". The doctor was not involved in the research.

Reports claim that the result was based on a pilot study of 12 patients; however, it is being considered as the first step to establish the credibility of the tainted drug.