The Effect of Psilocybe cubensis on Spatial Memory and BDNF Expression in Male Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 13, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal promising insights for chronic stress. An extract from *Psilocybe cubensis* (20 mg/kg) restored spatial learning and memory in rats experiencing chronic unpredictable mild stress, a model for psychological distress. This suggests a potential neurological and endocrinological pathway, as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, crucial for neuroscience, also increased. The timing of administration proved critical; a single dose 48 hours before training was most effective for memory, highlighting the complex neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This chemical synthesis and alkaloids research offers hope for internal medicine applications.
Abstract
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, drastically affect mental processing, cognitive functioning, and the mood state. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the Psilocybe cubensis extract on spatial memory and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The duration of CUMS was 4 weeks. Spatial learning and memory were measured using the Morris water maze apparatus. The Psilocybe cubensis extract was intraperitoneally injected (20 mg/kg) in different time periods: 5 min before training, 24 h before training, 48 h before training, 5 min after training, and 5 min before the probe test. Results showed that CUMS impaired spatial learning and memory, and decreased BDNF in the hippocampus. Psilocybe cubensis (24 and 48 h before training) restored spatial learning, while (48 h before training) restored spatial memory impairment in CUMS rats. Psilocybe cubensis (24 and 48 h before training) increased BDNF in CUMS rats. Psilocybe cubensis administrations (expect 48 h before training) impaired spatial learning and memory and decreased BDNF levels in controls. In conclusion, we suggested that Psilocybe cubensis may be beneficial for the improvement of memory deficits induced by CUMS, while the time of injection seems to be an important factor in its final effect.