Zalsupindole is a Nondissociative, Nonhallucinogenic Neuroplastogen with Therapeutic Effects Comparable to Ketamine and Psychedelics
ACS Chemical Neuroscience October 13, 2025 Rajiv Agrawal, Daniel J. Gillie, Alison E. Mungenast et al. 8 citations
A new compound called zalsupindole, designed to promote brain cell regrowth without causing hallucinations or dissociation, shows promise for treating depression. In rats, it produced robust structural and functional neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex and sustained antidepressant-like effects, comparable to or greater than ketamine, psilocybin, and DMT. Unlike these other compounds, zalsupindole lacked hallucinogenic or dissociative properties, suggesting it could be a safer and more scalable treatment for depression. This work addresses the need for neuroplastogens that promote cortical neuron regrowth without the safety concerns of psychedelics and dissociative anesthetics.