Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities and acute toxicity evaluation of the Psilocybe cubensis mushroom in experimental models in mice.
Journal of ethnopharmacology February 10, 2024 Alberto Hernandez-Leon, Raúl Iván Escamilla-Orozco, Aylín R Tabal-Robles et al. 29 citations
High doses of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom, given orally or by injection, produced antidepressant- and anxiety-reducing effects in mice without signs of neurotoxicity. The mushroom's polar aqueous extract, which contained psilocybin and psilocin, was particularly effective. In behavioral tests, the mushroom and its extracts matched the effects of standard antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. The lethal dose was greater than 2000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. These preclinical results suggest the mushroom may be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety and depression.