Magic mushrooms‐ P. cubensis and H. erinaceus a possible novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease symptoms

A research hypothesis proposes that two mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis and Hericium erinaceus, could mitigate neurological and neuropsychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Psilocybe cubensis may increase microglial cells and insulin-degrading enzymes to break down beta-amyloid plaques and reduce neuro-inflammation, while psilocybin interacts with the 5HT-2A serotonergic pathway dampened in Alzheimer's patients. Hericium erinaceus extracts (hericenones and erinacines) may mimic nerve growth factors to protect neurons from tau tangles, reduce tau and beta-amyloid levels, reverse myelin sheath degradation, and increase hippocampal cell proliferation. The authors suggest increased funding and lenience for experimental use of Psilocybe cubensis in mental and brain health.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Recent studies have highlighted the neuroprotective properties of certain mushrooms. Proposing a research hypothesis for a novel field of study into mitigating the neurological and neuropsychological symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and possible cure with natural methods. Psilocybe cubensis and Hericium erinaceus have proven to show therapeutic effects for anxiety and depression. H. erinaceus chemical extracts have shown to enhance cognitive function, memory and motor skills. Which are notable symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Method Oral supplementation of 1g‐3.5g P. cubensis , depending on individual patient whether to increase dosage and if ongoing treatment is needed. Tracking AD patient mental health symptoms prior to experiment and after initial first use, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). As well as using a CT or MRI to check for changes to neuro‐inflammation levels. Next, Continuous oral supplementation of chemical extracts of H. erinaceus , known as hericenones and erinacines, which are known to mimic Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotropic Factors (BDNF) which can possibly protect the neurons from hyperphosphorylated tau tangles. Result Inferring that the use of the P. cubensis will increase production of microglial cells and Insulin Degrading Enzymes (IDE) which may break down beta‐amyloid plaques and reduce neuro‐inflammation. Psilocybin also interacts with the 5HT‐2A serotonergic pathway which activity is dampened in AD patients leading to mood disorders. Inferring that H. erinaceus extracts will reduce tau and beta‐amyloid levels and reverse degradation of myelin sheath as well as increased cell proliferation in hippocampus. Conclusion Suggesting that more novel approaches should be proposed and increased funding and lenience into the tightly restricted experimental use of P. cubensis as it has promising potential in the realm of mental and brain health.