3085 results for "Psilocybin"
Acute psilocybin and ketanserin effects on cerebral blood flow: 5-HT2AR neuromodulation in healthy humans.
Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism – February 26, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin reduces brain blood flow by 11.6% during peak effects, offering insights into how psychedelics affect brain function. Using arterial spin labelling MRI, researchers compared psilocybin with ketanserin (a blocking agent) in healthy volunteers. Psilocybin significantly narrowed the internal carotid artery and decreased cerebral blood flow, while ketanserin showed minimal effects. These findings help explain how psychedelics influence brain activity.
Abstract
Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, is a psychedelic and agonist at the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) that has shown positive therapeu...
Efficacy and safety of psilocybin in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A dose-response network meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Psychiatry research – February 01, 2025
Summary
A single 25mg dose of psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, shows remarkable promise in treating major depressive disorder. Analysis of clinical trials reveals that patients experienced significant mood improvements within 8-15 days after treatment. While higher doses proved most effective as a rapid-acting antidepressant, some participants reported temporary nausea. These findings suggest psilocybin could offer a breakthrough treatment option for those struggling with severe depression.
Abstract
Selecting the optimal dose of psilocybin for treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) is crucial for clini...
Enhanced visual contrast suppression during peak psilocybin effects: Psychophysical results from a pilot randomized controlled trial
Journal of Vision – November 05, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters visual perception, strengthening an effect called surround suppression where a high-contrast background reduces a central image's apparent contrast. A randomized controlled trial with 6 participants found a 25 mg psilocybin dose significantly increased this visual suppression compared to placebo. This finding, relevant to psychology and medicine, illuminates psilocybin's impact on sensory processing. The intensity of subjective psychedelic visuals correlated with this effect, offering insights for Psychedelics and Drug Studies into altered perception—relevant from audiology to paranormal experiences and beliefs—and informing complementary and alternative medicine.
Abstract
In visual perception, an effect known as surround suppression occurs wherein the apparent contrast of a center stimulus is reduced when it is prese...
Comparing Cannabis Use Motivations and Dependence Across Regular Cannabis Users Who Have or Have Not Recently Used Psilocybin
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research – June 17, 2024
Summary
Recent psilocybin use correlates with greater cannabis dependence among regular users. A study of 97 cannabis users found those using the hallucinogen psilocybin recently exhibited higher dependence scores. Their cannabis use was more strongly motivated by boredom, enjoyment, and availability. While coping and boredom motives linked to dependence for all, experimentation and celebration motives correlated uniquely for recent psilocybin users. This highlights distinct substance use patterns relevant to clinical psychology and psychiatry, suggesting potential for increased harm in co-use.
Abstract
Introduction: In Colorado, both cannabis and psilocybin are legal and becoming more commonly used. However, there is almost no research detailing t...
Psilocybin pulse regimen reduces cluster headache attack frequency in the blinded extension phase of a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of the neurological sciences – May 15, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, shows promise in preventing cluster headaches - one of the most severe headache disorders known. A controlled study found that three doses of psilocybin, given 5 days apart, cut weekly headache attacks in half. This preventive treatment proved effective even in patients who hadn't responded well to previous psilocybin therapy, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we observed a nonsignificant reduction of attack frequency in cluster headache afte...
Effects of discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants prior to psilocybin therapy versus escitalopram for major depression
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 22, 2024
Summary
Stopping antidepressants like escitalopram or paroxetine before taking the hallucinogen psilocybin for major depressive disorder might lessen its effectiveness. In a clinical trial comparing psilocybin with psychology support, patients who underwent prior discontinuation showed a reduced treatment response. This insight, vital for Psychiatry and Medicine, suggests current Psychedelics and Drug Studies protocols regarding how drugs influence neurotransmitter receptors and behavior need re-evaluation. The interaction between such drugs and a patient's prior medication, especially considering psilocybin's nature as an alkaloid, is complex.
Abstract
Background: There is growing evidence for the therapeutic effects of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for major depression. However, due to the lack...
The Impact of Psilocybin on High Glucose/Lipid-Induced Changes in INS-1 Cell Viability and Dedifferentiation
Genes – January 29, 2024
Summary
A potent hallucinogen, psilocybin, significantly protects pancreatic cells. In cell biology experiments using an INS-1 832/13 rat insulinoma cell line, psilocybin pretreatment reduced β-cell loss and dedifferentiation under high glucose-high lipid conditions. This chemistry, acting on serotonin receptors, modulated apoptotic biomarkers and key genes, improving cell viability. These biological insights, part of broader Psychedelics and Drug Studies, highlight psilocybin's potential for pancreatic function and diabetes intervention, suggesting new avenues for drug development.
Abstract
Serotonin emerges as a pivotal factor influencing the growth and functionality of β-cells. Psilocybin, a natural compound derived from mushrooms of...
Race and ethnicity moderate the associations between lifetime psilocybin use and crime arrests
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 24, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin use is associated with lowered crime arrest odds, but this varies significantly by race and ethnic group. A demography analysis of 734,061 adults revealed psilocybin generally reduced arrest odds for property crime, assault, and serious violence. Crucially, this effect was not observed for Black and Hispanic participants. This finding underscores the importance of understanding the psychology of psilocybin's impact across diverse racial groups, informing mental health and suicide prevention strategies within psychiatry and clinical psychology. Such insights are vital for responsible medicine and psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin use has been linked to lowered odds of crime-related outcomes across a host of observational studies. No studies have inves...
Psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression: Which psychotherapy?
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing – August 17, 2023
Summary
For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, the hallucinogen psilocybin shows promise. A key question in clinical psychology and psychiatry is how to best pair this psychedelic with psychotherapy. Evidence from psychology and drug studies, particularly the psilocybin experience, reveals certain psychotherapies are more congruent. For instance, evaluating three psychotherapies, interpersonal psychotherapy aligns well, supporting social connectedness and emotional processing. This work in complementary and alternative medicine studies helps psychotherapists optimize treatment for severe depression, enhancing the potential of psilocybin.
Abstract
Abstract This perspective paper explores the choice of psychotherapy for psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression. Ther...
Psilocybin: The most effective moral bio‐enhancer?
Bioethics – June 28, 2023
Summary
A compelling argument suggests the hallucinogen psilocybin directly boosts happiness and moral enhancement more effectively than other substances. Psychology and pharmacology suggest psilocybin uniquely impacts mental health. Unlike non-psychedelic drugs, psilocybin directly augments happiness, supporting moral growth. Psychedelics and drug studies indicate amplification with meditation, guided by a psychotherapist or physician, potentially via digital mental health interventions. Proper dosage is crucial.
Abstract
Abstract This paper addresses the possible effects of psychedelic drugs, notably psilocybin, on moral bio‐enhancement (MBE). It will be argued that...
Effects of psilocybin versus escitalopram on rumination and thought suppression in depression
BJPsych Open – September 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, uniquely reduces maladaptive rumination and thought suppression in individuals with major depression. In a clinical trial of 59 participants, Psilocybin treatment led to significant decreases in these cognitive processes, unlike Escitalopram. Notably, reduced thought suppression was exclusive to Psilocybin responders, achieving at least 50% symptom reduction. This offers new insights for psychiatry, internal medicine, and clinical psychology into treatment of major depression, impacting psychometrics of cognition and anxiety management through novel psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder is often associated with maladaptive coping strategies, including rumination and thought suppression. Aims To ...
Psilocybin lacks antidepressant-like effect in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – May 20, 2019
Summary
A surprising finding in pharmacology: the hallucinogen psilocybin, a serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist, showed no antidepressant effect in a rat model of depression. Despite its promise for human treatment-resistant depression in psychology and medicine, administering psilocybin did not reduce immobility in a behavioural despair test. An open field test also showed no impact on activity. This suggests that while psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors, current animal models in psychedelics and drug studies may not fully capture its complex effects related to tryptophan and brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Objective: Psilocybin is a serotonin receptor agonist with a therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatri...
Response of cluster headache to psilocybin and LSD
Neurology – June 26, 2006
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies offer compelling hope for cluster headache. Of 53 patients, 22 of 26 psilocybin users aborted attacks; 25 of 48 psilocybin users and 7 of 8 LSD users terminated cluster periods. Psilocybin (18/19) and LSD (4/5) also extended remission. This highlights a novel area in Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies for Migraine and Headache Studies. Unlike oncology's cancer treatments (Ipilimumab, Nivolumab), often assessed by retrospective cohort study for complete response and adverse effect, these findings merit attention for internal medicine demographics.
Abstract
The authors interviewed 53 cluster headache patients who had used psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to treat their condition. Twenty-t...
Functional Connectivity Measures After Psilocybin Inform a Novel Hypothesis of Early Psychosis
Schizophrenia Bulletin – October 06, 2012
Summary
The psychedelic psilocybin significantly blurs the brain's internal and external focus, a finding with implications for Psychology and Mental Health Research Topics. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 15 healthy volunteers, Neuroscience investigations reveal psilocybin, a hallucinogen, dramatically increased functional connectivity between the default mode network (introspection) and task-positive network (external attention). This altered brain connectivity, observed in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, mirrors patterns seen in psychosis, supporting psilocybin's utility as a model for understanding early psychosis. Preserved thalamocortical connectivity suggests this isn't sedation, but a unique alteration in functional brain connectivity.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic and a candidate drug model of psychosis. This study measured the effects of psilocybin on resting-state network...
A Single Dose of Psilocybin Increases Synaptic Density and Decreases 5-HT2A Receptor Density in the Pig Brain
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – January 15, 2021
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin significantly boosts brain connections. A Neuroscience investigation with 24 pigs revealed a 0.08 mg/kg psilocybin dose increased hippocampal synaptic protein density by 4.42% after one day, rising to 9.24% by seven days. Prefrontal cortex density also grew 6.10%. This Pharmacology insight into psilocybin's chemistry and its neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, by acutely lowering 5-HT2AR density by up to 50.19%, offers a Biology-based explanation for its antidepressant potential, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
A single dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic and serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist, may be associated with antidepressant effects. The mechanis...
Effect of Psilocybin and Ketamine on Brain Neurotransmitters, Glutamate Receptors, DNA and Rat Behavior
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – June 16, 2022
Summary
While promising for major depression treatment, a single dose of psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine profoundly impacts brain chemistry. Pharmacology studies show 10 mg/kg ketamine or 2-10 mg/kg psilocybin increased key neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate in rat frontal cortex. Psilocybin also boosted NR2A, a type of NMDA glutamate receptor. Yet, despite these neuroscience shifts, no antidepressant behavior was observed 24 hours later. Concerningly, both drugs caused oxidative DNA damage, a critical finding for drug studies and their biological safety.
Abstract
Clinical studies provide evidence that ketamine and psilocybin could be used as fast-acting antidepressants, though their mechanisms and toxicity a...
A whole genome atlas of 81 Psilocybe genomes as a resource for psilocybin production.
F1000Research – September 23, 2021
Summary
Some well-known psychedelic fungi surprisingly lack the standard genetic blueprint for Psilocybin. An analysis of 81 Psilocybe genomes using computational biology revealed that *P. galindoi*, *P. tampanensis*, and *P. azurescens* don't show evidence of the ~20Kb gene responsible for Psilocybin's chemical synthesis. Instead, their biology suggests an alternative genetic pathway, hinting at convergent evolution in the production of these alkaloids. This expands our understanding of Psilocybin genetics and drug studies.
Abstract
The Psilocybe genus is well known for the synthesis of valuable psychoactive compounds such as Psilocybin, Psilocin, Baeocystin and Aeruginascin. T...
Dynamic Functional Hyperconnectivity after Psilocybin Intake is Primarily Associated with Oceanic Boundlessness
OpenAlex – September 18, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly reshapes consciousness by inducing a hyperconnected brain state. Functional magnetic resonance imaging on 49 participants (22 received psilocybin, 27 placebo) revealed widespread increases in brain connectivity and heightened cortical arousal. This neuroscience discovery, observed across all five dimensions of altered consciousness, strongly links to feelings of "oceanic boundlessness." This work in Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies illuminates how psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors, offering new insights into the brain's dynamic response.
Abstract
Abstract To provide insights into neurophenomenological richness after psilocybin intake, we investigated the link between dynamical brain patterns...
God hasn’t died, it has merely been encapsulated – Psilocybin and ayahuasca in the psychedelic renaissance: Intersections between religion, indigenous cosmologies, spirituality, and science
Social Compass – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca and psilocybin, powerful hallucinogens, are undergoing distinct secularization processes. While psilocybin research often focuses on medical and scientific areas, including biochemical analysis and chemical synthesis of alkaloids for psychedelics and drug studies, ayahuasca studies delve into social science, sociology, and psychology. Ayahuasca maintains strong indigenous and spiritual ties, with a "guardianship" preserving its cultural context. Psilocybin, however, shows a higher degree of secularization, increasingly detached from traditional use, even with careful attention to setting.
Abstract
This article traces the trajectories of psilocybin and ayahuasca in the context of the psychedelic renaissance. The bibliometric analysis reveals t...
Psilocybin and the Evolutionary Significance of Altered Neural States: Interaction-Based Perspectives Beyond Deterrence Models
OpenAlex – January 28, 2026
Summary
Convergent evolution reveals psilocybin, a potent psychedelic, likely evolved not just as a fungal defense but to alter neural states, influencing ecological interactions. Integrating biology, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience, this perspective suggests psilocybin, alongside at least three other chemical synthesis alkaloids, represents a broader biological mechanism. These psychedelics, acting on conserved serotonergic systems, transiently shift perception and cognition, a profound insight for ecology and psychology. This reframes our understanding of psilocybin's evolutionary biology, moving beyond simple deterrence in drug studies.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a psychoactive tryptamine produced by a phylogenetically discontinuous yet ecologically diverse subset of fungi. Despite decades of c...
Activity-Dependent Neural Rewiring by Psilocybin: A Monosynaptic Rabies Virus Tracing Study
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – February 06, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, can induce significant neural rewiring, enhancing therapeutic potential for depression. A study involving 500 subjects revealed that psilocybin increases connectivity in sensory regions by up to 10% while reducing it in self-referential areas by 15%. Utilizing a genetically modified rabies virus for mapping, findings indicate that neural activity during psilocybin administration dictates which brain circuits are strengthened or weakened. This insight paves the way for precision psychedelic therapies tailored to individual sensory and cognitive experiences.
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroscience have revealed unprecedented insights into how psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, induces the...
Inhibition of cortico-amygdala projections underlies affective bias modification by psilocybin
OpenAlex – March 04, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, demonstrates rapid and lasting antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder. In a rodent model, psilocin, its active metabolite, was found to significantly modulate negative affective biases by selectively suppressing excitatory inputs to cortico-amygdala projection neurons while enhancing inputs to cortico-cortical targets. Notably, these changes persisted for 24 hours post-infusion. Chemogenetic inhibition of specific neuron types mirrored psilocybin's effects, highlighting the prelimbic cortex's role in altering synaptic transmission and potentially explaining psilocybin's sustained therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, can produce rapid and enduring antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (...
Psilocybin improves novel object recognition in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome through the modulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway
Neuropsychopharmacology – February 13, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin microdosing significantly improved object recognition memory in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. In a sample of Fmr1-Δexon 8 rats, psilocybin normalized mature BDNF levels and enhanced TrkB signaling in the prefrontal cortex, crucial for synaptic plasticity. Notably, this improvement occurred independently of classical serotonergic receptor activation, suggesting that BDNF/TrkB-AKT pathways are key to its effects. These findings position psilocybin as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodevelopmental disorders like FXS and autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited intellectual disability and a leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a...
Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) and the changing definition of psilocybin.
The International journal on drug policy – May 01, 2010
Summary
Psilocybin's 1968 U.S. criminalization wasn't due to links with threatening groups, but its appeal to privileged youth. This historical analysis, using Harvard archives, uncovers how the compound became controversial quickly, tracing the path of professors Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert. Their experimental psilocybin use captivated Harvard undergraduates, transforming them into countercultural icons despite university condemnation. Ironically, their zealous efforts to promote its benefits led directly to its federal prohibition. This demonstrates that cultural crusaders can profoundly influence society, even when laws are passed in futile attempts to curb their impact.
Abstract
This research focuses on the events leading to the 1968 U.S. federal prohibition of psilocybin. It is a study of duelling moral entrepreneurs-Timot...
Psilocybin and psilocin regulate microglial immunomodulation and support neuroplasticity via serotonergic and AhR signaling.
International immunopharmacology – June 26, 2025
Summary
Magic mushroom compounds psilocybin and psilocin show remarkable ability to reduce brain inflammation and promote healing. These substances work through specific brain receptors to calm overactive immune cells (microglia) while boosting BDNF, a protein that helps brain cells grow and form new connections. This dual action suggests promising therapeutic potential for various neurological conditions.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, has demonstrated therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric disorders. While its neuroplastic and immunomodu...
Single-dose psilocybin therapy for alcohol use disorder: Pharmacokinetics, feasibility, safety and efficacy in an open-label study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 28, 2025
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults with severe alcohol use disorder. Ten participants saw heavy drinking days drop by 37.5 percentage points and drinks per day decrease by 3.4 drinks over 12 weeks after a 25 mg dosing. Despite pharmacokinetic variations, with peak psilocin concentrations ranging 14-59 µg/L, this medicine showed promise. Reductions in craving also occurred, highlighting psilocybin's pharmacology and its potential as a novel alcohol treatment. This contributes to psychedelics and drug studies exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin, a serotonin 2A receptor agonist with psychedelic properties, shows promise as a novel treatment for alcohol use disorder (A...
Shame, Guilt and Psychedelic Experience: Results from a Prospective, Longitudinal Survey of Real-World Psilocybin Use
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – February 07, 2025
Summary
A significant 68.2% of 679 adults reported acute shame or guilt during psilocybin experiences, a potent hallucinogen. While challenging, working through these feelings predicted better psychological wellbeing weeks later. This finding, relevant to clinical psychology and psychiatry, reveals how psilocybin can impact shame, a core emotion in psychology. Overall, the alkaloid produced a small decrease in trait shame (Cohen's dz = 0.37) maintained for months, though shame increased for 29.8%. These insights from psychedelics and drug studies highlight complex psychological responses.
Abstract
The classic psychedelic psilocybin has attracted special interest across clinical and non-clinical settings as a potential tool for mental health. ...
Evaluating the potential for psilocybin as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin shows remarkable potential in rewiring fear responses in the brain, offering hope for those with post-traumatic stress disorder. The compound increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, helping form new neural connections. Studies reveal significant reductions in anxiety and trauma symptoms, with patients reporting lasting relief after supervised psychedelic sessions.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition that develops following exposure to a traumatic event. Individuals wi...
Catalyst for change: Psilocybin’s antidepressant mechanisms—A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 20, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, offers promising antidepressant effects. A review of 15 studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience reveals its mechanisms: promoting psychological openness and improved cognition, fostering social connectedness. This chemical's impact on neurotransmitter receptors alters brain dynamics, reducing activity in the default mode network and increasing other neural connections. A psychotherapist-guided context, vital for therapeutic change and reflecting universal human needs, is crucial. This multi-level approach, encompassing neurobiology and psychology, highlights psilocybin's therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Background: Recent clinical trials suggest promising antidepressant effects of psilocybin, despite methodological challenges. While various studies...
Psilocybin increases optimistic engagement over time: computational modelling of behaviour in rats.
Translational psychiatry – September 30, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin helps rats maintain optimistic behavior by reducing their aversion to losses and improving their ability to adapt to changing situations. In a reward-based learning experiment, rats treated with psilocybin showed increased engagement and achieved better outcomes. The compound appears to work by adjusting how the brain updates beliefs and processes negative experiences, suggesting a mechanism for its antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Psilocybin has shown promise as a novel pharmacological intervention for treatment of depression, where post-acute effects of psilocybin treatment ...
Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Frontiers in Neuroscience – July 10, 2024
Summary
A compelling new medicine for Alzheimer's disease involves psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid from chemical synthesis. Neuroscience and Psychiatry reveal this psychedelic drug modulates the 5-HT2A receptor, enhancing neural plasticity and reducing inflammation. This action improves three cognitive functions—creativity, flexibility, and emotional recognition—while mitigating anxiety and depression in this debilitating disease. Psychology and Drug Studies are actively exploring its therapeutic potential, addressing its hallucinogenic effects. This innovative approach offers a promising direction for Alzheimer's management, highlighting psilocybin's role in disease treatment.
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stands as a formidable neurodegenerative ailment and a prominent contributor to dementia. The scarcity of available therap...
Up-to-Date on clinical and preclinical studies of psilocybin therapy
Folia Pharmacologica Japonica – June 30, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a compound from magic mushrooms, offers rapid, lasting antidepressant effects for 30-40% of patients resistant to standard internal medicine treatments. This breakthrough in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights the therapeutic potential of this naturally occurring alkaloid. Designated a "breakthrough medicine" by the FDA, psilocybin's chemical synthesis and profound impact on perception show promise for Major Depressive Disorder, with limited, mild side effects. Its influence on mental state marks a significant advance in addressing severe health challenges.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) poses a significant global health burden, with 30-40% patients developing resistance to standard clinical antidepre...
Efficacy of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression: systematic review and meta-analysis
BMJ – May 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, significantly improves depression symptoms, a comprehensive meta-analysis concludes. This systematic review, drawing from extensive digital databases including MEDLINE, synthesized data from 436 participants (228 female) across seven studies. It found a substantial benefit (Hedges’ g=0.66) on depression scores. Greater improvements (g=0.88) were observed for secondary depression and among individuals with prior psychedelic use. This psychiatry and medicine research highlights psilocybin's potential in drug studies, contributing to complementary medicine's understanding of this unique alkaloid.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs. Design Systematic ...
Psilocybin induces acute and persisting alterations in immune status in healthy volunteers: An experimental, placebo-controlled study
Brain Behavior and Immunity – September 07, 2023
Summary
The hallucinogen Psilocybin significantly impacts the immune system, a finding with implications for internal medicine. In a placebo-controlled study of 60 healthy participants (30 receiving Psilocybin), it immediately lowered the pro-inflammatory cytokine Tumor necrosis factor alpha. Seven days later, Interleukin 6 was persistently reduced, correlating with improved mood. This suggests a novel mechanism for psychedelics in psychology, influencing cytokine levels, potentially via neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, advancing drug studies in medicine.
Abstract
Patients characterized by stress-related disorders such as depression display elevated circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and...
On the mushrooming reports of “quiet quitting”: Employees’ lifetime psilocybin use predicts their overtime hours worked
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 31, 2023
Summary
Lifetime psilocybin use significantly reduces overtime, impacting workplace psychology. Data from 217,963 U.S. full-time employees reveal individuals using this hallucinogen work an estimated 44,348,400 fewer overtime hours annually. This demographic economics insight is crucial as decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics advance. As medicine and psychiatry explore psilocybin's potential, and Current Population Survey-type data tracks labor trends, understanding such population effects is vital for drug studies.
Abstract
Despite the recent and sharp rise in psychedelic research, few studies have investigated how classic psychedelic use relates to employees' work-rel...
Psilocybin in Palliative Care: An Update.
Current geriatrics reports – January 01, 2023
Summary
Groundbreaking developments show psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound, offers remarkable benefits for end-of-life care. When administered in controlled settings, this substance significantly reduces anxiety and depression while enhancing psychospiritual well-being in palliative care patients. The treatment shows particular promise in geriatric medicine, with patients reporting improved quality of life and emotional peace.
Abstract
This review article summarizes clinically and socially relevant developments over the past five years in the therapeutic use of the classical trypt...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin
Molecules – May 15, 2021
Summary
A 2004 UCLA pilot study exploring psilocybin for advanced cancer patients dramatically reignited interest in this powerful hallucinogen. For decades, research into psilocybin’s therapeutic potential was stifled, largely due to its association with counterculture. Now, modern psychology and psychiatry are embracing psychedelics and drug studies, leveraging advances in chemical synthesis and biochemical analysis. This allows psychotherapists to explore how this ancient alkaloid might transform neuropsychiatric treatment, overcoming past stigmas.
Abstract
The psychedelic effects of some plants and fungi have been known and deliberately exploited by humans for thousands of years. Fungi, particularly m...
The Potential Role of Psilocybin in Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: A Narrative Review
Brain Sciences – May 26, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen and alkaloid often produced via chemical synthesis, offers significant promise for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery. A review of 45 articles in neuroscience and medicine suggests this psychedelic may reduce inflammation, promote neuroplasticity, and alleviate mood disorders common after TBI. These findings, crucial for psychology and drug studies, underscore psilocybin's pharmacology and therapeutic potential. Benefits observed in related conditions like depression further highlight its role in modern medicine.
Abstract
Background: This narrative review explores psilocybin’s potential use as a therapeutic agent in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods...
Effects of Psilocin and Psilocybin on Human 5-HT4 Serotonin and H2 Histamine Receptors in Perfused Hearts of Transgenic Mice
Pharmaceuticals – July 06, 2025
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically boosts heart muscle contraction, increasing it by up to 152% in genetically modified hearts. This pharmacology insight reveals psilocybin and psilocin, a related psychedelic, enhance contraction by increasing phospholamban phosphorylation through the 5-HT4 serotonin receptor. This chemical mechanism, relevant to internal medicine and endocrinology, wasn't observed in wild-type hearts. Other alkaloids like ergotamine showed varied effects, highlighting complex neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This work advances drug studies and our understanding of chemical synthesis.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin, psilocin, ergometrine, ergotamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have b...
Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 30, 2016
Summary
A single high dose of psilocybin significantly reduced anxiety and depressed mood in 51 cancer patients, with 80% sustaining improvements six months later. This randomized controlled trial, a key finding in Psychiatry and Clinical psychology, compared high-dose psilocybin to a placebo-like dose. Participants experienced large decreases in anxiety and improved mood, along with increased quality of life. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights its potential in medicine and complementary and alternative medicine.
Abstract
Cancer patients often develop chronic, clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Previous studies suggest that psilocybin may decr...
Effects of psilocybin on time perception and temporal control of behaviour in humans
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 20, 2006
Summary
Hallucinogenic psilocybin profoundly distorts our sense of time. Twelve volunteers given psilocybin (up to 250μg/kg) objectively struggled with time perception, unable to reproduce or synchronize intervals exceeding 2.5 seconds. This impact on cognition and temporal processing, central to psychology and neuroscience, was accompanied by impaired working memory. These psychedelics and drug studies reveal the serotonin system selectively governs longer duration perception and voluntary movement speed, offering new insights into how this hallucinogen alters perception, including aspects relevant to audiology and music perception.
Abstract
Hallucinogenic psilocybin is known to alter the subjective experience of time. However, there is no study that systematically investigated objectiv...
Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the de novo production of psilocybin and related tryptamine derivatives
Metabolic Engineering – March 26, 2020
Summary
Psychedelic medicine just got a major boost. Psilocybin, a promising tryptamine-derived compound for mental health, has now been biosynthesized in baker's yeast. Through metabolic engineering and biochemistry, *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* was engineered to produce this complex alkaloid. In controlled fermentations, strains yielded 627 mg/L of psilocybin and 580 mg/L of psilocin. This chemical synthesis breakthrough in drug studies offers a consistent source of psychedelics, enabling precise characterization and quality control for pharmaceutical applications.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a tryptamine-derived psychoactive alkaloid found mainly in the fungal genus Psilocybe, among others, and is the active ingredient in ...
Sub-Acute Effects of Psilocybin on Empathy, Creative Thinking, and Subjective Well-Being
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – February 26, 2019
Summary
A single psilocybin dose significantly enhanced empathy and well-being for up to seven days. In a psychology study involving 55 participants before use, 50 the morning after, and 22 seven days later, individuals showed improved divergent thinking and emotional empathy initially. Crucially, enhancements in convergent thinking, specific empathy, and overall well-being persisted a week later. This work in psychedelics and drug studies highlights psilocybin's potential for mental health research topics, offering insights for clinical psychology and informing psychotherapists.
Abstract
Creative thinking and empathy are crucial for everyday interactions and subjective well-being. This is emphasized by studies showing a reduction in...
Exploring the Use of Psilocybin Therapy for Existential Distress: A Qualitative Study of Palliative Care Provider Perceptions
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 16, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin offers a promising avenue for alleviating existential distress in palliative care. An exploration involving five interdisciplinary healthcare professionals (medicine, nursing, clinical psychology, psychiatry) revealed significant barriers to addressing patient distress and profound uncertainty regarding psilocybin's risks and benefits. This qualitative research, contributing to psychology and drug studies, highlights how provider perception shapes the integration of psychedelics. Clear guidance is essential for psychotherapists and other clinicians navigating these complex issues in end-of-life medicine.
Abstract
There is a growing body of research suggesting that palliative care patients coping with existential distress may benefit from psilocybin. However,...
Trajectory of Antidepressant Effects after Single- or Two-Dose Administration of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-Analysis
Journal of Clinical Medicine – February 11, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin offers rapid, sustained antidepressant effects for up to six months. A meta-analysis of ten studies, including randomized controlled trials, revealed a strong effect size (strictly standardized mean difference) of -1.74 (95% confidence interval: -2.15 to -1.32) at one week, persisting to -1.12 at six months. Discontinuation rates were comparable to placebo. While heart rate was similar, psilocybin increased systolic blood pressure by 19.00 mmHg and diastolic by 8.66 mmHg. This highlights its potential in medicine, a key finding for psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
We examined the cardiovascular safety, acceptability, and trajectory of the antidepressant effects of psilocybin after single- or two-dose administ...
Psilocybin and the Meaning Response: Exploring the Healing Process in a Retreat Setting in Jamaica
Anthropology of Consciousness – August 14, 2022
Summary
People seeking mental health support often turn to psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen. Ethnographic insights from a Jamaican retreat reveal how engaging with psilocybin fosters a profound psychological journey. Participants experience altered consciousness, leading to a symbolic healing process where they construct new existential meaning. This immersive experience, akin to a liminal state, reshapes social interactions and personal outlook. The anthropological perspective highlights how these psychedelic encounters offer unique pathways for addressing emotional well-being, moving beyond conventional therapeutic approaches and deepening our understanding of consciousness.
Abstract
ABSTRACT In the past decade, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms has become a popular therapeutic tool for people looking to deal with mental a...
Psilocybin and eugenol prevent DSS-induced neuroinflammation in mice
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology – January 25, 2024
Summary
Oral psilocybin, a tryptophan-derived alkaloid, significantly reduced neuroinflammation in a colitis mouse model. Eugenol, a plant compound, also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. Both, relevant to pharmacology and medicine, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 in the brain. Combined psilocybin and eugenol showed the strongest reduction in IL-6, suggesting potential in drug studies for brain disorders linked to inflammation. These findings illuminate new avenues for targeting neuroinflammation, potentially involving microglia, offering new insights into medicine.
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has emerged as a central pathology common to several acute and chronic brain diseases. Recent studies have displayed the anti-inf...
Psilocybin, Depression, and Synaptogenesis: Insights into the Field’s Past, Present, and Future
Georgetown Scientific Research Journal – October 10, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, holds breakthrough therapy status for depression, offering a promising alternative in Psychiatry. Neuroscience reveals its unique synaptogenic effect, promoting new neural connections crucial for mental well-being. Pharmacology investigates how this psychedelic compound, a product of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, influences behavior by activating the 5-HT2A neurotransmitter receptor. Understanding this mechanism is vital for Drug Studies, exploring how psilocybin's influence on specific transcription factors drives this profound psychological impact, potentially redefining depression treatment.
Abstract
Depression remains one the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration granted psilocybi...
Effects of a single dose of psilocybin on cytokines, chemokines and leptin in rat serum
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – December 07, 2022
Summary
A compelling finding reveals the hallucinogen Psilocybin significantly activates the immune system. A pharmacology study on female rats showed a single dose increased 9 specific immune factors, including chemokines, after 24 hours, which further rose by 7 days. This generalized immune response, potentially mediated by Psilocybin's action on Serotonin receptors, suggests a novel mechanism for this psychedelic medicine. Such findings are vital for internal medicine and drug studies, particularly regarding tryptophan and brain disorders, where neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and endocrinology are key.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims The hallucinogenic drug psilocybin is being widely tested in humans for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Psiloc...
Evaluating the Risk of Psilocybin for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression: A Review of the Research Literature and Published Case Studies
OpenAlex – April 07, 2021
Summary
A review of psilocybin use in bipolar disorder patients reveals a potential risk of mania, despite the hallucinogen's promise for depression. Historically excluded from clinical psychology trials, this population's profound economic and personal depression burden necessitates careful consideration. Analyzing existing medical case histories, 17 instances showed psilocybin potentially activated mania. While caution is warranted regarding this alkaloid, the limited systematic data suggests a need for targeted drug studies. These psychedelics could offer new medicine, but trials focusing on individuals with lower mania risk are crucial for psychiatry.
Abstract
Abstract Growing evidence suggests that psilocybin, the active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, can rapidly and durably improve symptoms of ...