Neurobiology of psilocybin: a comprehensive overview and comparative analysis of experimental models
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience August 5, 2025 Dotun Adeleye Adeyinka, Donelson R. Forsyth, Suzanne Currie et al. 7 citations
Psilocybin, from Psilocybe mushrooms, shows promise for treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder by promoting neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity. It may help combat mild neurodegeneration by increasing synaptic density and supporting neuronal growth, with low addiction risk and few adverse effects. Animal models, including Drosophila and fish, have provided insights into its mechanisms, aiding high-throughput screening of neural development, behavior, and genetic pathways. While mammalian models are needed for pharmacokinetics and complex nervous system interactions, small non-mammalian models help identify early targets. This complementary approach suggests psilocybin could potentially halt or reverse neurodegenerative processes.