Molecular neurobiology
June 4, 2025
Naser-Aldin Lashgari, Mahla Khalaji, Pouria Rana et al.
7 citations
Psychedelic compounds such as LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and ketamine show therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric disorders including depression, PTSD, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Their benefits arise from multiple mechanisms: anti-inflammatory effects (reducing cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α), antioxidant activity (inducing SOD), and enhancing neuroplasticity via increased BDNF expression. They also modulate serotonin and dopamine systems. Compared to conventional treatments, psychedelics offer faster onset, longer-lasting effects, and possible disease-modifying properties, making them promising candidates for future therapies.
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
February 25, 2025
Mohammad Balabandian, Mohammad Amin Manavi, Ali Lesani et al.
4 citations
Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, shows anticonvulsant effects in mice at a modest dose of 3 mg/kg. Behavioral seizure models and electrophysiological recordings indicate that psilocin modulates seizure activity. The anticonvulsant effects were diminished by administration of 1-MT, L-NAME, naltrexone, sildenafil, and AM-251, implicating the kynurenine pathway, nitrergic and opioidergic systems, cGMP, and CB1 receptors. Western blotting revealed upregulation of 5-HT1A and downregulation of IDO and CB1 expression. Acute psilocin administration exerts anticonvulsant effects mediated at least partly through these systems.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
April 15, 2025
Arya Afrooghe, Elham Ahmadi, Ali Lesani et al.
Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, reduced scratching in mice by interfering with the kynurenine pathway and interacting with 5-HT2A receptors. In a study with eight mice per group, psilocin at 1 mg/kg produced the strongest antipruritic and hallucinogenic effects, as measured by head-twitch response. Combining psilocin with 1-MT further enhanced itch relief. Psilocin decreased expression of TLR-4, TNF-α, and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in skin tissue. This is the first evidence that psychedelics may combat itching, suggesting a potential new use for psilocin in conditions involving pruritus.