Psychedelics in neuroinflammation: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry January 31, 2025 Júnia L. de Deus, Juliana Marino Maia, Renato Nery Soriano et al. 27 citations
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT show promise for reducing neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and major depressive disorder. They act mainly through serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulating microglial activity, and shifting metabolite balance toward neuroprotection. They also influence NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR pathways, promoting neuroplasticity and anti-inflammatory effects. Other neurotransmitter systems—glutamatergic, dopaminergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic—contribute to these effects. The review highlights psychedelics as potential treatments for neuroinflammatory and neuropsychiatric disorders.