Psilocybin, one of the most potent ingredients in magic mushrooms, might be able to help cancer patients during their last days. Though it won't be of any use in reducing the effects of cancer, it would help cancer patients psychologically in facing life.

In the first of its kind study, Dr. Charles Grob studied the effects of psilocybin on twelve cancer patients. After the dosage, patients reported an improvement in the way they looked at life. In fact, even family members of patients reported marked improvements, which went up to 6 months after a single dose had been administered to the patients.

The research by Dr. Grob has appeared online on the 6th of September, 2010. The research would also appear in print on the Archives of General Psychiatry in the January issue of the next year.

The study was a first of its kind and the number of patients involved in the study was less. It took time to get approvals that are required and there was a delay in the funding as well. It took up to four years to finally start the research.

This research into hallucinogens has come after a span of thirty-five years, the last time hallucinogens were used for medical research was way back in the 50's and the 60's era.