Psychedelics and the Gut Microbiome: Unraveling the Interplay and Therapeutic Implications.
Xue Wang, Fan Jun, Cong Lin, Xiaohui Wang
ACS chemical neuroscience July 9, 2025 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00418 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractClassic psychedelics and the gut microbiome influence each other through 5-HT2A receptor signaling, neuroplasticity, and microbial metabolism. Psychedelics may alter the composition of gut bacteria, while the microbiome can affect how well these compounds work. The authors propose using microbiome-informed approaches, such as probiotics or dietary changes, to tailor and improve psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Viewpoint Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Gut microbiome Gut−brain axis Inflammation Neuropsychiatric disorders |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Psychedelics and the gut microbiome interact bidirectionally, suggesting that microbiome-informed strategies could personalize and enhance psychedelic-based mental health therapies. |
Abstract
Classic psychedelics and the gut microbiome interact bidirectionally through mechanisms involving 5-HT2A receptor signaling, neuroplasticity, and microbial metabolism. This viewpoint highlights how psychedelics may reshape microbiota and how microbes influence psychedelic efficacy, proposing microbiome-informed strategies─such as probiotics or dietary interventions─to personalize and enhance psychedelic-based mental health therapies.