Molecules
March 14, 2023
Timur Zanikov, Marta Gerasymchuk, Gregory Ian Robinson et al.
48 citations
In a mouse model of systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide injection, psilocybin combined with eugenol reduced brain levels of several inflammatory cytokines. Pre-treatment with psilocybin alone or in a 1:50 combination with eugenol most effectively lowered COX-2 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Post-treatment with the 1:50 combination produced the strongest reductions across multiple markers, including IL-6 and IL-8, as measured by ELISA. Western blot confirmed decreased COX-2 and IL-1β proteins. The findings suggest that psilocybin and eugenol together have anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, potentially relevant to disorders like depression and PTSD.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
August 15, 2023
Gregory Ian Robinson, Dongping Li, Bo Wang et al.
20 citations
Psilocybin (Psi) and eugenol (Eug) together reduced inflammation in human small intestinal epithelial cells. Cells were treated with inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, then exposed to compounds targeting serotonin 2A receptors (Psi, 4-AcO-DMT, ketanserin) or transient receptor potential channels (capsaicin, curcumin, eugenol). Alone, Psi (40 μM), curcumin (0.5 μM), and eug (50 μM) lowered COX-2 protein without killing cells. The Psi–curcumin combination synergistically cut COX-2 by 28-fold but reduced IL-6 only 1.6-fold. The Psi–eug combination produced the best results: COX-2 dropped 19-fold and IL-6 dropped 10-fold, with no toxicity at any dose. This is the first work to examine psilocybin and 4-AcO-DMT's anti-inflammatory effects in intestinal cells.
Life
December 15, 2023
Gregory Ian Robinson, Dongping Li, Bo Wang et al.
19 citations
Psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT, and eugenol significantly reduce levels of the inflammatory markers TNF-α and IFN-γ in human 3D EpiIntestinal tissue, while capsaicin and curcumin decrease these markers to a lesser extent. Psilocybin effectively lowers IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF levels, but curcumin, capsaicin, and 4-AcO-DMT have limited effects on these markers. Ketanserin lowers IL-6 and GM-CSF levels but has no effect on TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-8, or MCP-1. Synergistic effects between 5-HT2A ligands and TRP channel ligands are minimal. The results provide further evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin and eugenol, though more research is needed on mechanisms and therapeutic feasibility for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
January 25, 2024
Timur Zanikov, Marta Gerasymchuk, Gregory Ian Robinson et al.
10 citations
Oral psilocybin and eugenol, given after inflammation was induced in a colitis mouse model, each reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the brain, including IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2. The combined treatment produced the strongest reduction in IL-6 levels compared to the colitis group. However, across all markers, the combination did not show synergistic anti-inflammatory effects. These findings support the therapeutic potential of both compounds for psychiatric and neurodegenerative inflammatory disorders, though further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and clinical efficacy.
Pharmaceuticals
March 23, 2025
Gregory Ian Robinson, Marta Gerasymchuk, Timur Zanikov et al.
4 citations
Psilocybin and eugenol, both individually and combined, reduced inflammation in a mouse model of liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharides. Post-treatment administration produced stronger anti-inflammatory effects than pre-treatment. Psilocybin alone showed the most pronounced reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1, while the combination with eugenol (1:50 ratio) also strongly reduced COX-2 and TNF-α. Histological analysis indicated improved nuclear circularity and less inflammatory infiltration. Eugenol alone increased MCP-1 and GM-CSF, an adverse effect that was mitigated by co-administration with psilocybin. The findings suggest psilocybin and its combination with eugenol as potential therapies for hepatic inflammation.