Magic mushrooms‐ P. cubensis and H. erinaceus a possible novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease symptoms
Alzheimer s & Dementia December 1, 2025 Anjali Rose Friedman
A research hypothesis proposes that two mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis and Hericium erinaceus, could mitigate neurological and neuropsychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Psilocybe cubensis may increase microglial cells and insulin-degrading enzymes to break down beta-amyloid plaques and reduce neuro-inflammation, while psilocybin interacts with the 5HT-2A serotonergic pathway dampened in Alzheimer's patients. Hericium erinaceus extracts (hericenones and erinacines) may mimic nerve growth factors to protect neurons from tau tangles, reduce tau and beta-amyloid levels, reverse myelin sheath degradation, and increase hippocampal cell proliferation. The authors suggest increased funding and lenience for experimental use of Psilocybe cubensis in mental and brain health.