Effects of psychedelics on neurogenesis and brain plasticity: A systematic review
Rafael Vitor Lima Da Cruz, Richardson N. Leão, Thiago C. Moulin
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) July 20, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.19.549676 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic compounds are linked to increased adult neurogenesis and brain plasticity, which may have implications for treating mood disorders. A systematic review analyzed 205 articles, with 68 meeting criteria for inclusion, focusing on various psychedelic categories including tryptamines and CB1 agonists. The review highlights how these substances could influence the generation of new neurons and related behavioral effects, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for neuropsychiatric conditions.
Study at a glance
| Design | systematic review |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 68 |
| Population | studies assessing neurogenesis or neurogenesis-associated brain plasticity after psychedelic interventions |
| Key finding | The review presents evidence that different psychedelics may affect the birth of new neurons and other brain-related processes. |
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, new neurons continue to be generated throughout life in a process known as adult neurogenesis. The role of adult-generated neurons has been broadly studied across laboratories, and mounting evidence suggests a strong link to the HPA axis and concomitant malfunctions in patients diagnosed with mood disorders. Psychedelic compounds, such as phenethylamines, tryptamines, cannabinoids, and a variety of ever-growing chemical categories, have emerged as therapeutic options for neuropsychiatric disorders, while numerous reports link their effects to increased adult neurogenesis. In this systematic review, we examine studies assessing neurogenesis or neurogenesis-associated brain plasticity after psychedelic interventions and aim to provide a comprehensive picture of how this vast category of compounds regulates the generation of new neurons. We conducted a literature search on PubMed and Science Direct databases, considering all articles published until January 31, 2023, and selected articles containing both the terms "neurogenesis" and "psychedelics". We analyzed experimental studies using either in vivo or in vitro models, employing classical or atypical psychedelics at all ontogenetic windows, as well as human studies referring to neurogenesis-associated plasticity. Of a total of 205 articles, 68 met all the necessary conditions for further review. Our findings were divided into five main categories of psychedelics: CB1 agonists, NMDA antagonists, harmala alkaloids, tryptamines, and entactogens. We described the outcomes of neurogenesis assessments and investigated related results on the effects of psychedelics on brain plasticity and behavior within our sample. In summary, this review presents an extensive study into how different psychedelics may affect the birth of new neurons and other brain-related processes. Such knowledge may be valuable for future research on novel therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.