Life
November 5, 2021
Mateusz Kowalczyk, Edward Kowalczyk, Paweł Kwiatkowski et al.
16 citations
The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has increased the number of people experiencing depression, with about one third of the global population affected by mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. S-ketamine, approved by the FDA in March 2019 for drug-resistant depression, offers a rapid antidepressant effect, reaching maximum effectiveness within 24 hours and possibly reducing suicidal thoughts. However, further research on its side effects is needed, particularly for individuals prone to psychosis or those using alcohol or psychoactive substances.
International journal of molecular sciences
May 9, 2026
Marta Jóźwiak-Bębenista, Anna Stasiak, Monika Sienkiewicz et al.
Aging involves chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to depression and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Psilocybin, acting through its active metabolite psilocin as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor, may address these challenges by modulating cortical glutamate transmission, enhancing TrkB/BDNF pathways, and influencing neuroimmune cascades including NF-κB. Human studies report acute reductions in TNF-α with variable effects on IL-6 and CRP. Psilocybin's rapid onset, short half-life, and phase-II glucuronidation reduce drug interaction risks, making it potentially advantageous for older adults. Controlled studies show rapid antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and existential distress, with emerging signals in neurodegeneration. The review integrates current evidence and calls for targeted studies in older adults.
Preprints.org
April 15, 2026
Marta Jóźwiak-Bębenista, Anna Stasiak, Monika Sienkiewicz et al.
preprint
This review examines the potential therapeutic use of psilocybin in older adults for inflammation-driven disorders of aging, including depression and neurodegeneration. It discusses how psilocybin may modulate inflammatory pathways and promote neuroplasticity, offering benefits for age-related conditions where inflammation plays a key role. The authors suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy could address both mood disorders and cognitive decline in this population, though they note the need for further research to establish safety and efficacy in older adults.