Psilocybin and eugenol prevent DSS-induced neuroinflammation in mice
Timur Zanikov, Marta Gerasymchuk, Gregory Ian Robinson, Esmaeel Ghasemi Gojani, Shima Asghari, Alyssa Groves, Mackenzie Cameron, Rocio Rodriguez‐juarez, Alexandra Snelling, Darryl Hudson, Anna Fiselier, Olga Kovalchuk, Igor Kovalchuk
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology January 25, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103033 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOral psilocybin and eugenol, given after inflammation was induced in a colitis mouse model, each reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the brain, including IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2. The combined treatment produced the strongest reduction in IL-6 levels compared to the colitis group. However, across all markers, the combination did not show synergistic anti-inflammatory effects. These findings support the therapeutic potential of both compounds for psychiatric and neurodegenerative inflammatory disorders, though further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and clinical efficacy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Colitis mouse model |
| Interventions | Psilocybin Eugenol |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Neuroinflammation Eugenol Pharmacology Medicine |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key finding | Oral psilocybin and eugenol post-treatment reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain, but their combination did not produce synergistic anti-inflammatory effects across all markers. |
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has emerged as a central pathology common to several acute and chronic brain diseases. Recent studies have displayed the anti-inflammatory properties of naturally occurring compounds derived from mushrooms and plants could potentially reduce neuroinflammation and disease progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of psilocybin and eugenol, as well as their combinations, on neuroinflammation. To induce inflammation through the gut-brain axis, we employed a colitis mouse model via oral feeding of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). By administering various concentrations and combinations of treatments, both before and after inducing inflammation, we sought to assess the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin and eugenol. Our findings revealed oral psilocybin and eugenol post-treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators in the brain, including IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2. Notably, combined treatment of psilocybin and eugenol exhibited the strongest reduction in IL-6 levels when compared to the DSS group. While both psilocybin and eugenol possess anti-inflammatory effects, the combined treatment overall did not demonstrate synergistic reductions in neuroinflammation across all markers. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and eugenol in psychiatric and neurodegenerative inflammatory disorders. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their anti-inflammatory effects and to evaluate their efficacy in clinical settings.