3034 results for "Psilocybin"
363. DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN AND LISURIDE ON SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE NEURONAL ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOR
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
A compelling finding in Neuroscience reveals Lisuride, a chemical synthesis and alkaloid, produces antidepressant-like effects in adult male C57BL6/N mice without the hallucinogenic head twitch response seen with Psilocybin. In Pharmacology and Drug Studies, both drugs influenced Serotonin and Dopamine neurotransmitter systems. Crucially, their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior differed: Psilocybin's Serotonin inhibition was 5-HT2A receptor-dependent, while Lisuride's was not. This suggests Lisuride holds promise for Medicine in Psychology, offering therapeutic benefits without psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psychedelics hold potential as therapeutics in psychological disorders. Even if they primarily act on 5-HT2A receptors, their m...
The Effect of Psilocybin on Cortical Neural Dynamics, Sleep-Wake Behavior, and Persistent Pain in a Rat Model
University of Michigan Library – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, demonstrates potent analgesic properties in rat models of persistent pain, extending its use beyond psychiatry. This medicine shows promise for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, addressing nociplastic pain's complex etiology. Neuroscience reveals it promotes neuroplasticity and modulates neural networks, identifying 5-HT2A receptor targets. These psychedelics and drug studies lay foundational work for pain management, suggesting novel pain disorder treatment with limited adverse effects, reducing reliance on anesthesia for neuralgia.
Abstract
Psilocybin containing mushrooms have been utilized for ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual purposes for millennia. Recently there has been a surge...
Tū Wairua: Development of an Indigenous Rongoā Māori Approach to Healing with Psilocybin Containing Mushrooms
OpenAlex – February 27, 2025
Summary
While Western medical models often lack Indigenous wisdom, a groundbreaking Indigenous-led project in Aotearoa is integrating traditional Māori healing with psilocybin-assisted therapy for problematic methamphetamine use. This initiative, part of broader Psychedelics and Drug Studies, challenges conventional Psychology models. Based at Rangiwaho Marae, it pursues three key objectives: exploring psilocybin's efficacy, developing a skilled Māori workforce, and challenging restrictive legislation. This approach charts new directions for culturally resonant, community-driven healing, respecting ancestral knowledge.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain fungi, has long been used by Indigenous cultures worldwide for healing and ...
Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action
Neuroreport – December 01, 1998
Summary
A compelling neuroscience finding: the hallucinogen Psilocybin, a psychotomimetic, induces a psychosis-like state resembling Schizophrenia. In a pharmacology study of 25 volunteers, the serotonin-2A antagonist Ketanserin and an atypical antipsychotic blocked it, while the dopamine antagonist Haloperidol intensified it. This medicine insight, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, reveals Psilocybin-induced psychosis stems from 5-HT receptor overactivation, independent of dopamine. Understanding this neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior could guide Antipsychotic development for Schizophrenia research and treatment.
Abstract
Psilocybin, an indoleamine hallucinogen, produces a psychosis-like syndrome in humans that resembles first episodes of schizophrenia. In healthy hu...
Is there mush-room to improve the environmental sustainability of psilocybin production?
Journal of CO2 Utilization – June 10, 2025
Summary
Australia's 2023 approval of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression highlights a critical need for sustainable production. Current chemical synthesis of this psychedelic alkaloid faces low yields and high costs. An environmentally conscious alternative, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction from fungi biomass, offers promise. Operating at just 31.7°C and 72 bar, scCO2 provides selective, residue-free extraction of psychedelic tryptamines. This approach could revolutionize psilocybin supply, integrating diverse themes from environmental science to drug studies and production economics, by offering a more efficient and sustainable pathway.
Abstract
Mental health disorders and associated economic impact continue to rise domestically and globally. In 2023, to expand treatment options for individ...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Psilocybin.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, shows remarkable potential in treating depression, with some early trials reporting remission rates of up to 57%. Recent research reveals this naturally-occurring compound is generally safe when used in controlled settings, causing mainly temporary effects like nausea. Clinical data suggests it's particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and end-of-life anxiety, with benefits lasting months after just 1-2 doses. While larger trials show more modest success rates of 25-29%, the significant reduction in depressive symptoms still outperforms many traditional treatments.
Abstract
The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, induces profound alterations in consciousness through the 5-HT2A receptor. This revie...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Psilocybin
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid, shows remarkable promise as a medicine in psychiatry. Initial clinical trials reported 42%-57% remission for major depressive disorder, potentially surpassing existing antidepressants like Fluoxetine. Larger studies observed 25%-29% remission, still a significant reduction in symptoms. Its pharmacology, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, offers sustained benefits from 1-2 doses. While generally safe, transient adverse effects occur, and one large clinical trial noted 7 cases of suicidal ideation. Psychedelics and drug studies continue to explore its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Background: The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, induces profound alterations in consciousness through the 5-HT 2A recepto...
Knocking on the Doors of Perception: the role of psilocybin in substance use disorder treatment
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Addiction treatments face high relapse rates, with 50-60% returning to substance use within 6-12 months. Emerging Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest hallucinogens like psilocybin, mescaline, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may reduce craving. These substances, once banned, are revitalizing psychiatry and clinical psychology. Their influence on behavior, potentially through neurotransmitter receptors, offers new avenues for addiction intervention. A psychotherapist might integrate these approaches, shifting psychology beyond traditional digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
Introduction Substance use disorders(SUDs) are a major health concern and current treatment interventions have proven only limited success. Despite...
Evaluation of behavioural and neurochemical effects of psilocybin in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress
Translational Psychiatry – June 14, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reversed depressive and anxiolytic-like behaviors caused by chronic stress in an animal model. Two 1 mg/kg doses revealed neurochemical changes, boosting serotonin-2A-receptors—key for neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior—and increasing glucocorticoid-receptor expression. This Neuroscience and Psychology research, relevant for Medicine and Psychiatry, suggests psilocybin's potential. A psychotherapist might consider these insights from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, understanding how this tryptophan-derived compound modulates brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Depression and anxiety are disabling and high incidence mental disorders characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity. Currently available tr...
Psilocybin dose-dependently causes delayed, transient headaches in healthy volunteers.
Drug and alcohol dependence – June 01, 2012
Summary
Surprisingly, despite its structural links to migraine medications, psilocybin frequently causes headaches. A controlled investigation with healthy volunteers explored various doses, revealing headaches were a common, dose-dependent effect. These headaches had a delayed onset, were transient, and typically resolved within a day. Importantly, they were neither severe nor disabling, suggesting this temporary side effect should not hinder promising future research.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a well-characterized classic hallucinogen (psychedelic) with a long history of religious use by indigenous cultures, and nonmedical u...
Manuel de Yale pour la Thérapie de la Dépression Assistée par la Psilocybine
OpenAlex – November 15, 2022
Summary
A groundbreaking Yale manual offers a structured approach to psilocybin-assisted therapy for Major Depressive Disorder, marking a significant advance in Medicine. This comprehensive guide, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, uniquely integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as its core psychotherapeutic framework. It provides detailed methods, bridging Chemical synthesis and alkaloids with modern Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications. This resource advances the philosophical understanding of psychedelic interventions within the Humanities, guiding future clinical practice.
Abstract
This is the French translation of the Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression. Le Manuel de Yale pour le traitement thérapeutique...
[Psilocybin in the setting of treatment-resistant unipolar depression: A case report].
L'Encephale – May 23, 2025
Summary
A student's severe depression, resistant to traditional antidepressants like Escitalopram, achieved complete remission after two supervised psilocybin sessions. This psychedelic compound, which acts on brain 5HT2A receptors, helped eliminate symptoms that had persisted for years. The treatment provided deeper insights and emotional healing, demonstrating psilocybin's potential as a breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Current antidepressants have shown certain limitations in the treatment of unipolar depression. Their long onset of action, interactions, and side ...
Content analysis of Reddit posts about coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psilocybin mushrooms.
Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2024
Summary
Reddit users report mixed experiences when combining antidepressants with psilocybin mushrooms. Analysis of 443 online posts reveals that while most people experienced diminished psychedelic effects, 8% noted concerning drug-drug interactions affecting serotonin levels. Though rare, some users reported potential toxicity. The findings suggest that mixing these substances impacts their effectiveness and safety.
Abstract
Treatments with the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin are being investigated for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Because many patients with ...
A Phenomenological Examination of Psilocybin and its Positive and Persisting Aftereffects
NeuroQuantology – May 24, 2016
Summary
Profound psychological shifts from psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can last long after consumption. Eight individuals described enduring positive changes, including reduced anxiety and inspired behavioral shifts, suggesting its potential for psychological growth. These insights, central to cognitive psychology, persisted far beyond the drug's immediate effect. This work, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psilocybin could enhance psychotherapy techniques, offering new avenues for psychotherapists beyond traditional psychoanalysis for psychological healing.
Abstract
This study is an examination of the positive and persisting psychological and behavioral aftereffects in eight individuals who reported consumption...
Psilocybin Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal – July 19, 2023
Summary
A systematic review of seven peer-reviewed studies reveals a compelling finding: psilocybin significantly reduces major depressive disorder symptoms. Doses from 15mg to 25mg/70kg showed meaningful improvements, with higher doses generally more effective. This promising psychedelic alkaloid demonstrated minimal side effects. Such findings, crucial for psychology and medicine, informed by rigorous library science, could reshape psychotherapist training in medical education. The efficacy of psychedelics and drug studies like this may also influence political science discussions on future therapeutic access.
Abstract
Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and complex mood disorder. Its psychotherapies often involve delayed treatment-respons...
Single-dose psilocybin promotes cell-type-specific changes of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex
Neurotherapeutics – January 01, 2026
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, a key compound in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, profoundly alters brain biology. Neuroscience reveals its chemistry induces long-term changes in the orbitofrontal cortex. Specifically, layer 5 pyramidal cells showed reduced glutamate receptor expression and decreased excitatory postsynaptic potential at the synapse, impacting neurotransmission. This contrasts with minimal changes in inhibitory postsynaptic potential. This work illuminates the neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, offering insights for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Recent clinical breakthroughs hold great promise for the application of psilocybin in the treatments of psychological disorders, such as depression...
Public Interest in Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Google Trends Analysis
JMIR Formative Research – November 28, 2023
Summary
Public interest in psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, surged after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Over four years of Google Trends (March 2018-March 2022) showed significant increases for "psilocybin" and "psychedelic therapy." This rise in psychedelic medicine, relevant to psychiatry, coincided with heightened population anxiety, even as depression interest decreased. While cannabis interest remained stable, psilocybin's unique surge suggests evolving psychology and a broader context for drug studies.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic substances have demonstrated promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Significant media...
The Unique Neural Signature of Your Trip: Functional Connectome Fingerprints of Subjective Psilocybin Experience
OpenAlex – March 21, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, creates highly unique "brain fingerprints" that predict subjective psychedelic experiences. Using functional neuroimaging (fMRI), individual functional connectomes became more idiosyncratic post-psilocybin, concentrating in the Default Mode Network (DMN). This DMN connectome pattern, showing reduced internal and limbic connectivity but increased links to attentional systems, was central. This neuroscience and psychology work, leveraging brain fingerprinting, advances psychedelics and drug studies, bridging brain changes with behavior and highlighting psilocybin's (an alkaloid) neurotransmitter receptor influence.
Abstract
Abstract The emerging neuroscientific frontier of brain fingerprinting has recently established that human functional connectomes (FCs) exhibit fin...
Public Interest in Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Google Trends Analysis (Preprint)
OpenAlex – October 26, 2022
Summary
Google Trends data from a four-year period reveal a significant surge in public interest in psilocybin and psychedelic medicine after the declaration of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While mental health challenges like anxiety and depression increased in the general population, online searches for psilocybin and psychedelic therapy showed positive trends, surpassing prepandemic levels. This suggests a growing public awareness of psilocybin's potential in psychiatry, with interest possibly driven by both the pandemic's impact on mental health and popular culture, rather than solely by traditional drug studies or misinformation. The changing context is key.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychedelic substances have demonstrated promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Significant media...
Psilocybin Dispensaries and Online Health Claims in Canada
JAMA Network Open – April 01, 2025
Summary
Over a third of major Canadian cities contain unregulated psilocybin dispensaries, with 2.6% of Canadians living near one. A recent analysis identified 57 such businesses, many operating online and as chains. While 86.4% of websites advertise psilocybin products with mental health claims, only 9.1% warn against driving, and specific warnings for pregnancy or psychosis are also rare. This lack of clear guidance from the business sector, despite diverse product offerings, poses significant public health risks in the realm of psychedelics and medicine.
Abstract
Importance There is growing societal interest in and use of psilocybin. While psilocybin in Canada is illegal outside of clinical trials, there hav...
The Tolerability and Safety of Psilocybin in Psychiatric and Substance-Dependence Conditions: A Systematic Review
Annals of Pharmacotherapy – October 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a unique hallucinogen, demonstrated remarkable tolerability with no reported cases of psychosis or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder in 16 clinical trials. This systematic review, synthesizing diverse academic research themes, confirms its potential as Medicine in Psychiatry and Substance use. Adverse effects were largely transient; only 3 participants needed benzodiazepines for anxiety, and one received blood pressure medication. This promising safety profile, stemming from studies involving psilocybin's chemical synthesis and alkaloids, underscores its role in Psychedelics and Drug Studies for various conditions.
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine the tolerability and safety of psilocybin in a variety of psychiatric and substa...
Role of 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT1A and TAAR1 receptors in the head twitch response induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan and psilocybin: Translational implications
OpenAlex – July 23, 2022
Summary
The therapeutic promise of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, hinges on its pharmacology and interaction with brain serotonin 5-HT receptors. In mice, psilocybin (e.g., 4.4 mg/kg) and the serotonin precursor 5-HTP (e.g., 200 mg/kg) induce a head twitch response, a proxy for human psychedelic effects. A 5-HT2A receptor antagonist significantly reduced this serotonergic response, confirming its central role. Further, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist also attenuated the effect. Other 5-HT receptors modulate these effects, offering new insights into neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior for internal medicine and future psychedelic drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in psychiatric disorders. In common with other serotonergic psyche...
Psilocybin mitigates behavioral despair and cognitive impairment in treatment-resistant depression model using wistar kyoto rats.
Scientific reports – May 26, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin shows promise in treating severe depression by targeting unique biological pathways. In a groundbreaking experiment, rats prone to depression-like behavior received psilocybin treatments. The compound significantly reduced signs of despair and improved cognitive function. It also boosted thyroid hormones and affected brain cannabinoid receptors, suggesting multiple ways it may help fight treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability that affects over 300 million people globally. Despite multiple antidepressant tri...
A multi-institutional investigation of psilocybin’s effects on mouse behavior
OpenAlex – April 09, 2025
Summary
A rigorous multi-lab study on the hallucinogen psilocybin, a compound related to tryptophan, revealed surprising acute effects on mouse behavior. Across five labs using ~200 mice, psilocybin acutely increased anxiety but decreased fear expression. However, 24 hours later, this drug, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, showed no replicable persistent effects on reducing anxiety or depression-like behaviors, including anhedonia, or facilitating fear extinction. This finding in psychology and drug studies suggests psilocybin's long-term efficacy for conditions like social anxiety, impacting clinical and developmental psychology, might be less consistent in mice.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Studies reporting novel therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs are rapidly emerging. However, the reproducibility and reliability of the...
Psilocybin biosynthesis enhancement through gene source optimization.
Metabolic engineering – April 16, 2025
Summary
Scientists achieved record-breaking production of psilocybin by mixing and matching genes from different mushroom species. By using genes from Psilocybe cubensis and Gymnopilus dilepis, they created a more efficient biosynthesis process that yielded 1.46 g/L of psilocybin - the highest ever recorded. This breakthrough could make it easier to produce this promising mental health treatment.
Abstract
Psilocybin, the prodrug to the psychoactive compound in 'magic' mushrooms, is currently being studied in clinical trials as a treatment for severe ...
Effects of Psilocybin on Mouse Brain Microstructure.
AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology – June 03, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, creates measurable changes in brain structure that last for days after treatment. Scientists tracked these changes in mice using advanced brain imaging, revealing increased connectivity in areas controlling complex thinking and altered tissue structure in regions involved in memory and visual processing. These physical brain changes may explain psilocybin's promising effects on depression.
Abstract
There is surging interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds like psilocybin in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses like majo...
The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act
Neuropharmacology – June 05, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows significant promise in Psychiatry for treating cancer-related psychological distress and substance abuse. Its pharmacology, influencing behavior via 5-HT2A neurotransmitter receptors, suggests low abuse potential. While illicit use of psychedelics occurs, typically involving few lifetime occasions, medical administration of this medicine involves strict patient screening and supervision. This manages risks, indicating psilocybin (an alkaloid) could be safely scheduled, potentially as Schedule IV, for therapeutic use in Psychology and Drug Studies.
Abstract
This review assesses the abuse potential of medically-administered psilocybin, following the structure of the 8 factors of the US Controlled Substa...
Psilocybin Promotes Cell-Type-Specific Changes in the Orbitofrontal Cortex Revealed by Single-Nucleus RNA-seq
OpenAlex – January 07, 2024
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen Psilocybin profoundly impacts brain function, a key finding in Neuroscience. This psychedelic, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, induces long-term genetic and functional changes in neurons within the orbitofrontal cortex, a region crucial for Psychology and vulnerable in brain disorders. These changes, affecting excitatory and inhibitory neurons, collectively reduce circuit activity. Blocking the 5-HT 2A receptor, central to Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, in specific neurons reversed these effects, highlighting psilocybin's precise mechanisms.
Abstract
Abstract Recent clinical breakthroughs hold great promise for the application of psilocybin in the treatments of psychological disorders, such as d...
Chronic psilocybin administration increases sociability and alters the gut microbiome in male wild-type mice but not in a preclinical model of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Neuropharmacology – August 21, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin significantly boosts sociability in male wild-type mice, a compelling finding for psychology and psychiatry. While not alleviating obsessive-compulsive behaviors in a mouse model, chronic psilocybin (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) did not induce psychosis-like effects. A dose-dependent impact on gut motility was observed. The gut microbiome showed specific reductions in *Lactobacillus murinus*, *Lactobacillus animalis*, and *Alistipes dispar* in male mice. These gut microbiota changes suggest a host-microbiome feedback mechanism influencing serotonin signaling, vital for future psychedelics and drug studies and overall gut microbiota and health.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a serotonergic compound that produces psychedelic effects primarily through activation of the 5-HT2A receptor, has shown promise in tre...
Psilocybin Mitigates Behavioral Despair and Cognitive Impairment in Treatment-resistant Depression Model using Wistar Kyoto Rats
OpenAlex – May 06, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically improved severe depression and cognitive impairment in a recent preclinical study. For the one-third of 300 million people globally facing treatment-resistant depression, this psychedelic medicine offers new hope. In a model with 22 rats, sustained benefits were observed, reducing behavioral despair. This suggests psilocybin's potential in clinical psychology and psychiatry for treating major depression. Its effects on cognition and brain chemistry, including thyroid-stimulating hormone, highlight novel pathways for medicine and broader drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability that affects over 300 million people globally. Despite multiple antidepre...
Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Qualitative Health Research – February 17, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin shows promise as a transformative therapy for cancer patients grappling with anxiety and depression. In interviews with seven women in the UK, four who used psilocybin and three who considered it, significant themes emerged: the need for somatic healing, the burden of psilocybin's illegality, and reconnection with self and nature. Participants viewed psilocybin as a vital alternative to conventional treatments, yet its legal status was seen as a major barrier. Implementing compassionate access could greatly enhance mental health outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Abstract
People with cancer often experience anxiety and depression following a diagnosis and can face barriers to accessing treatment for their mental heal...
Preliminary Evidence of Sleep Improvements Following Psilocybin Administration, and their Involvement in Antidepressant Therapeutic Action
Current Psychiatry Reports – November 01, 2024
Summary
Severe insomnia and sleep disturbances can hinder psilocybin's antidepressant effects in treating major depressive disorder. While clinical trials demonstrate large improvements in depressive symptoms, psilocybin's direct impact on sleep quality has been less explored in psychology and psychiatry. Preliminary clinical psychology data suggests both depression and sleep issues decrease after psilocybin use, though sleep improvements are smaller. This highlights a critical intersection for mental health research topics and medicine. Addressing sleep, perhaps related to tryptophan pathways, could optimize psychedelic-assisted therapy, leading to more effective strategies in drug studies and clinical trials for depression.
Abstract
Abstract Purpose of the study Psilocybin is a rapidly-emerging treatment for depression, yet its impact on sleep is not well understood. We sought ...
Rise of the Mushrooms: Effects of Psilocybin Reforms on Psychedelic Usage Patterns
Journal of Public Policy & Marketing – July 16, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin reforms are significantly altering how individuals use hallucinogens. Analysis of extensive drug use panel data from the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future project reveals a clear substitution: as access to psilocybin, a natural alkaloid, increases, use of LSD and MDMA declines. This trend, critical for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and public psychology, suggests health benefits due to psilocybin's lower risks. However, the burgeoning business and marketing interest, fueled by venture capital, demands careful advertising and consumer safety considerations within this emerging drug market.
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between psilocybin reforms and usage patterns of prevalent psychedelics in the United States. Given decriminal...
Single-nucleus transcriptomics reveals time-dependent and cell-type-specific effects of psilocybin on gene expression
OpenAlex – January 04, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, profoundly alters brain Biology, a key Neuroscience finding. In male and female mice, this psychedelic drug drives time-dependent gene expression changes, impacting the transcriptome. Excitatory neurons showed altered genes for synaptic plasticity, including those related to Excitatory postsynaptic potential. GABAergic neurons exhibited shifts in mitochondrial function genes. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest a Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, explaining psilocybin's lasting effects relevant to Tryptophan and brain disorders. Ketamine produced similar gene expression shifts.
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is growing interest to investigate classic psychedelics as potential therapeutics for mental illnesses. Previous studies have demons...
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 30, 2016
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid, offers profound relief for cancer patients struggling with anxiety and depression. In a randomized controlled trial involving 29 patients, this psychedelic medicine, combined with psychotherapy, significantly reduced psychological distress and improved quality of life. Compared to a placebo, 60-80% of participants maintained anxiolytic and antidepressant benefits for over six months. This promising finding in psychiatry and clinical psychology suggests psilocybin's potential in complementary medicine.
Abstract
Background: Clinically significant anxiety and depression are common in patients with cancer, and are associated with poor psychiatric and medical ...
Psilocybin for End-of-Life Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Psychiatry Investigation – October 10, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, significantly alleviates end-of-life anxiety, offering promising medicine. A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials showed psilocybin was superior to placebo, reducing trait anxiety with effect sizes up to -1.08 at two weeks. Tolerability was good for this chemical synthesis and alkaloid-derived treatment in internal medicine and psychiatry. Despite transient blood pressure increases (systolic 19.00 mm Hg, diastolic 8.66 mm Hg), no increased adverse effect or discontinuation occurred versus placebo, supporting its potential in complementary and alternative medicine studies.
Abstract
Objective To systematically examine the effectiveness and tolerability of psilocybin for treating end-of-life anxiety symptoms.Methods The Medline,...
Psilocybin exerts distinct effects on resting state networks associated with serotonin and dopamine in mice
OpenAlex – September 01, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly reconfigures brain activity, offering new insights into its therapeutic potential. Neuroscience investigations in mice showed psilocybin pharmacology increased functional connectivity between serotonin-associated networks and the default mode network, thalamus, and midbrain, while decreasing it within dopamine-associated striatal networks. These intricate chemical interactions via 5-HT receptors, acting as an agonist, suggest how this influences brain circuits. Understanding this neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is crucial for developing new psychedelics and drug studies for brain disorders and psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Hallucinogenic agents have been proposed as potent antidepressants; this includes the serotonin (5-HT) receptor 2A agonist psilocybin. In ...
Age- and estrous-dependent effects of psilocybin in rats
OpenAlex – January 14, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, elicits vastly different responses depending on age and biological sex. Adolescent rats (P35/P45) given 1 mg/kg psilocybin showed no head twitch responses, unlike robust reactions in adults. Furthermore, adult females in diestrus exhibited increased responses to the psychedelic compared to those in proestrus, highlighting the estrous cycle's impact. These findings are crucial for psychology, internal medicine, and future psychedelics and drug studies, emphasizing neuroendocrine regulation and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior within neuroscience.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in “magic” mushrooms, has promise as a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders, many of which are mor...
Mystical but Not Challenging Experiences Predict Symptom Improvement After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant OCD
OpenAlex – February 11, 2026
Summary
Greater mystical experiences during psilocybin treatment significantly reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. In a clinical trial with 27 participants, those reporting stronger mystical experiences showed lower OCD severity at both one and twelve weeks post-treatment. Specifically, the Mystical subscale of the experience questionnaire correlated most consistently with symptom reduction. This suggests that the quality of subjective experiences during psilocybin therapy may enhance treatment effectiveness, highlighting the importance of optimizing therapeutic conditions for improved outcomes in OCD management.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin treatment has shown promise across a range of psychiatric conditions. Mystical-type experiences during dosing sessions have ...
Structural basis for psilocybin biosynthesis.
Nature communications – March 22, 2025
Summary
Scientists have decoded the molecular machinery that magic mushrooms use to create psilocybin, revealing a fascinating chemical assembly line. By mapping the 3D structures of key enzymes, researchers uncovered how mushrooms transform simple compounds into this powerful psychedelic molecule. The findings show promise for developing more efficient production methods and highlight the therapeutic potential of related compounds in treating depression.
Abstract
Psilocybin shows significant therapeutic potential for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in addressing various psychiatric conditions. The biosynth...
The use of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Læknablaðið – September 06, 2022
Summary
Approximately one-third of participants with treatment-resistant depression experienced rapid response and remission within three weeks following a single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, combined with psychological support. This psychedelic medicine demonstrates antidepressant efficacy comparable to escitalopram, offering a novel approach in psychiatry. While side effects like headache and nausea occur, its potential to address severe depression is significant, highlighting new avenues in drug studies and psychology. This treatment-resistant depression therapy offers hope for those not responding to current antidepressant options.
Abstract
The hallucinogen psilocybin is a potential novel treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Our goal is to review current knowledge on psi...
Psilocybin induces dose-dependent changes in functional network organization in rat cortex
OpenAlex – February 12, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters brain functional organization. Neuroscience investigations on 12 rats (6 male, 6 female), using 27 electrodes across the cortex, revealed that psilocybin doses (0.1-10 mg/kg) disrupted how theta and gamma brain waves synchronize. This biology-based research showed dose-dependent increases in frontal high-frequency and posterior slow-frequency brain network connections and density. These findings in psychology and drug studies suggest psilocybin's chemistry drives a distinct network signature underlying altered consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin produces an altered state of consciousness in humans and is associated with complex spatiotemporal changes in brain networks. G...
Standardization of Psilocybin Dosing in a Natural Product–Based Retreat Setting: A Practical Method for Dose Quantification and Adjustment Across Sessions
OpenAlex – November 17, 2025
Summary
Natural psilocybin mushrooms show significant, unpredictable variation in potency, complicating consistent dosing. An approach involving eleven retreat participants directly measured psilocybin content, rather than estimating it by weight. This revealed substantial variability across samples. Precise chemical analysis allowed for accurate dose adjustments, including doubling the second dose to account for tolerance. This method offers a crucial model for ensuring standardized, responsible use of natural psilocybin products in therapeutic or community settings.
Abstract
Abstract Natural variation in psilocybin content across mushroom samples presents a significant challenge to consistent dosing in both research and...
The psychedelic psilocybin and light exposure have similar and synergistic effects on gene expression patterns in the visual cortex.
Molecular brain – March 18, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, the compound in magic mushrooms, triggers gene changes in the brain's visual center that remarkably mirror those caused by light exposure - even in complete darkness. Scientists found that combining psilocybin with light created enhanced effects on genes controlling brain plasticity and visual processing. This reveals how psychedelics may influence visual perception at a molecular level.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in specific hallucinogenic mushrooms, is known to induce changes in visual perception and experience in hu...
Clinical and preclinical evidence of psilocybin as antidepressant. A narrative review
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin demonstrates large, rapid, and persistent antidepressant effects, offering a compelling new direction in Medicine and Psychiatry. Clinical trials reveal significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, alongside a favorable safety profile. This psychedelic compound, often integrated with a psychotherapist in Psychology, holds novel treatment potential. Preclinical drug studies are actively elucidating psilocybin's neurobiological actions and therapeutic mechanisms, exploring its profound impact as an alternative approach to traditional chemical synthesis in mental health.
Abstract
In the rapidly growing field of psychedelic research, psilocybin (and active metabolite psilocin) has been proposed as a promising candidate in the...
The unique neural signature of your trip: Functional connectome fingerprints of subjective psilocybin experience
Network Neuroscience – November 01, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, makes the brain's functional connections—its "connectome" or "brain fingerprint"—more distinct among healthy volunteers. Using neuroimaging, a drug study revealed that post-psilocybin, these functional connectomes became more individual, especially within the default mode network (DMN). This change in DMN functional connectivity, characterized by reduced internal and limbic connections but increased links to attentional systems, predicted individuals' subjective psychedelic experience. This neuroscience work bridges how this alkaloid influences brain activity, offering insights into its psychological effects and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract The emerging neuroscientific frontier of brain fingerprinting has recently established that human functional connectomes (FCs) exhibit fin...
A comparison between psilocybin and esketamine in treatment-resistant depression using number needed to treat (NNT): A systematic review.
Journal of affective disorders – April 01, 2024
Summary
Both psilocybin and esketamine show promising results for people who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. Analysis reveals that for every 5 patients treated with psilocybin and 7 with esketamine, one patient achieves significant improvement. While both treatments can cause mild side effects like nausea, their effectiveness in treatment-resistant depression marks a breakthrough in mental health care.
Abstract
Inadequate outcomes with monoamine-based treatments in depressive disorders are common and provide the impetus for mechanistically-novel treatments...
Long term efficacy of psilocybin in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Journal of Clinical Oncology – June 01, 2023
Summary
A single psilocybin dose, combined with therapy, offers remarkable long-term relief for cancer patients with major depressive disorder. In a study of 28 evaluable patients, 64.2% showed a robust clinical response, and 57.1% achieved full remission from depression 18 months after treatment. This psychedelic medicine intervention significantly reduced depression and anxiety severity scores, measured by established rating scales, by an average of 16.7 and 14.4 points respectively. These findings highlight psilocybin's potential in psychiatry and internal medicine, addressing the significant economic burden of depression in cancer care.
Abstract
12021 Background: Up to 25% of people living with cancer have depression. Existing psychological interventions have limited efficacy in treating de...
Meta-correlation of the effect of ketamine and psilocybin induced subjective effects on therapeutic outcome.
Npj mental health research – October 06, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic experiences during ketamine and psilocybin therapy may influence healing, but their importance varies. Analysis of 654 patients across multiple studies revealed that subjective effects during treatment explained about 5-10% of ketamine's therapeutic benefits and 24% of psilocybin's benefits. The healing impact was stronger for addiction treatment than depression, with psilocybin showing more connection between experience and outcome.
Abstract
There is some evidence that the subjective effects of ketamine and other psychedelics like psilocybin are crucial for their therapeutic outcomes, s...
Can the gut-brain axis provide insight into psilocybin's therapeutic value in reducing stress?
Neurobiology of Stress – May 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows profound promise for treating stress-related neuropsychiatric conditions like anxiety and addiction. Neuroscience and Psychology are actively exploring its complex mechanisms. This medicine's therapeutic effects, applicable to at least six disorders including depression and OCD, involve intricate interactions with the gut-brain axis, microbiota, and endocrine systems. Understanding these pathways, crucial for Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, could revolutionize treatments. Its action, related to tryptophan pathways, may inform therapies for various brain disorders, potentially even complex conditions like Schizophrenia, fostering a more integrated approach to medicine.
Abstract
There is growing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of psilocybin on stress-related neuropsychiatric disorder...
Intravenous psilocybin induces dose-dependent changes in functional network organization in rat cortex
Translational Psychiatry – March 25, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin creates a unique brain signature for non-ordinary states of consciousness. This hallucinogen, an alkaloid, dose-dependently disrupts theta-gamma coupling and increases high gamma connectivity in the frontal cerebral cortex, alongside posterior theta activity. Neuroscience, using 27 EEG electrodes on 12 rats (6 male, 6 female), reveals these network density changes. Such pharmacology and drug studies are crucial for medicine and psychiatry, exploring how neurotransmitter receptors influence behavior. Understanding these effects, beyond chemical synthesis, offers deep insights into psychology.
Abstract
Psilocybin produces an altered state of consciousness in humans and is associated with complex spatiotemporal changes in cortical networks. Given t...
An Integrative Review of Measures of Spirituality in Experimental Studies of Psilocybin in Serious Illness Populations
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine® – January 05, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapies for emotional distress frequently prompt mystical experiences and enhanced meaning. Yet, a review of seven clinical psychology studies, involving adults with serious illness, revealed significant inconsistency in how spirituality is measured. Across these studies, 12 different instruments were used, with the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality (FACIT-Sp-12) each appearing in four. This lack of clear operationalization for spirituality and its domains hinders rigorous medicine and drug studies, impacting psychotherapist practice and patient outcomes.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin-assisted therapies (PAT) are reemerging as a treatment for complex distress often prompting mystical experiences, enhanced m...
Psilocybin Exposures Reported to U.S. Poison Centers: National Trends Over a Decade.
The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine – May 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin exposures among young Americans have risen dramatically, with cases more than tripling in adolescents by 2022. Analysis of National Poison Data System (NPDS) surveillance reveals over 4,000 cases from 2013-2022, with most patients requiring medical care. While exposure rates remained stable until 2018, they surged significantly afterward, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Two-thirds of cases involved psilocybin alone, suggesting targeted rather than poly-substance use patterns.
Abstract
We describe trends in psilocybin exposures among adolescents and young adults as reported to US poison centers over the past decade. We queried the...
Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain.
Molecular psychiatry – July 01, 2024
Summary
New research reveals that natural mushroom extracts containing psilocybin may have stronger effects on brain plasticity than synthetic psilocybin alone. Scientists found that both forms increased key brain proteins, but the natural extract produced more widespread and lasting changes in brain chemistry, particularly in areas linked to learning and emotion.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorde...
Attenuation of psilocybin mushroom effects during and after SSRI/SNRI antidepressant use
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 08, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin's effects are significantly diminished by certain antidepressants, a critical finding for psychiatry, psychology, and internal medicine. An online survey of 611 reports showed individuals taking serotonergic reuptake inhibitors like SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine or Sertraline) experienced weaker psilocybin effects 47-55% of the time, versus 29% for Bupropion. Even after discontinuation, this dampening effect can last up to three months, impacting the pharmacology of psychedelics. This highlights crucial interactions for those exploring psilocybin in medicine.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin is being studied for depression, but little is known about how it interacts with common antidepressants. Limited data sugges...
Psilocybin—Mediated Attenuation of Gamma Band Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSR) Is Driven by the Intensity of Cognitive and Emotional Domains of Psychedelic Experience
Journal of Personalized Medicine – June 19, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly alters brain activity linked to cognitive processing. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 20 healthy volunteers (10M/10F) received an oral ingestion of psilocybin (0.26 mg/kg) or placebo. Electroencephalography, a tool in Audiology, revealed psilocybin decreased 40 Hz auditory steady-state responses, crucial for Cognition, compared to placebo. This effect, relevant to Psychology and Neuroscience, mirrored psychosis-like disruptions. This Medicine and Drug Studies finding highlights how psychedelics impact brain synchronization, offering insights into neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a classical serotoninergic psychedelic that induces cognitive disruptions similar to psychosis. Gamma activity is affected in psychos...
Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 30, 2008
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can occasion profound spiritual experiences with lasting impact. A follow-up of 36 adults, who received psilocybin under supportive conditions, revealed that 14 months later, 58% considered the experience among their five most personally meaningful, and 67% among their most spiritually significant. Furthermore, 64% reported increased well-being. These outcomes, relevant to Clinical Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, were strongly linked to the depth of mystical experience during the session, suggesting psilocybin's potential in fostering religious experience and spirituality, a key area for Psychology and Psychiatry.
Abstract
Psilocybin has been used for centuries for religious purposes; however, little is known scientifically about its long-term effects. We previously r...
Structure–Activity Relationships for Psilocybin, Baeocystin, Aeruginascin, and Related Analogues to Produce Pharmacological Effects in Mice
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – November 02, 2022
Summary
Only specific tryptamines, like the tertiary amine psilocybin, act as potent psychedelics. In drug studies, psilocybin and its active form psilocin, an agonist at the 5-HT receptor, induced psychedelic-like head twitches in mice (ED50 0.11-0.29 mg/kg). Other related tryptamines, despite their chemistry showing nanomolar affinity for serotonin receptors, lacked this hallucinogen effect. This pharmacology highlights how subtle chemical differences in these compounds dictate their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, revealing critical insights for future psychedelic research.
Abstract
4-Phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocybin) is a naturally occurring tertiary amine found in many mushroom species. Psilocybin is a prodrug...
Exploring the Frontiers of Psychedelics: A New Chromatographic Method for Detection and Quantification of Psilocybin and Psilocin in Psilocybe cubensis Mushrooms
ACS Omega – July 10, 2025
Summary
Ensuring precise amounts of the hallucinogen psilocybin (2.57%) and psilocin (0.16%) in medicinal extracts is vital for safe therapies. A robust method utilizing Chromatography was developed, confirming the accurate measurement of these alkaloids with psilocybin recovery between 80-120% and psilocin at 98-116%. This advance in Chemistry and Chemical synthesis is crucial for drug studies involving Psychedelics, allowing for reliable application of these compounds in therapeutic contexts, highlighting progress in Alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology.
Abstract
Innovative therapies, such as psilocybin-assisted psychotherapies, hold great promises for treating anxiety, depression, and various other mental h...
Evolution of the Toxins Muscarine and Psilocybin in a Family of Mushroom-Forming Fungi
PLoS ONE – May 23, 2013
Summary
Muscarine, a toxic alkaloid, evolved independently multiple times within *Inocybaceae* fungi, a key insight for evolutionary biology. Analysis of 30 new samples revealed its complex biology. Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic alkaloid relevant to psychedelics and drug studies, also arose separately, between 10-20 million years ago, from muscarine-free ancestors. Muscarine's chemical synthesis and pharmacology show it was ancestral for three of seven major lineages, around 60 million years ago, with its loss often preceding psilocybin's appearance.
Abstract
Mushroom-forming fungi produce a wide array of toxic alkaloids. However, evolutionary analyses aimed at exploring the evolution of muscarine, a tox...