Psilocin alleviates acute itch in mice: possible involvement of 5-HT2A receptors and kynurenine pathway.
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.