New psychedelic candidate may spare the gut while still healing the brain
Psychedelic drugs are best known for altering perception and producing vivid hallucinations, but scientists are increasingly interested in what else they might do. A growing body of research suggests that these mind-altering substances could hold real promise as treatments for mental health conditions like depression, acting faster and requiring far fewer doses than standard antidepressants.…
Recent research has unveiled a new psychedelic compound, VCU-1012, which may provide the therapeutic benefits of traditional serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, without the unwanted gastrointestinal side effects. This innovative compound is a modified version of quipazine, an existing psychedelic known for its depression-relieving properties but also for causing nausea and stomach discomfort.
By targeting the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) in the brain while avoiding activation of the serotonin 3A receptor in the gut, VCU-1012 could potentially spare the gut while still healing the brain. In preclinical studies, VCU-1012 demonstrated antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects in mice, increased dendritic spine density in the frontal cortex, and did not slow digestion.
However, further research is needed to fully understand the compound's selectivity, pharmacological properties, safety, and dosage.
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