‘Unparalleled’ study finds psilocybin protects against nerve damage from chemotherapy
The findings, which were made in mice, may offer a new way to prevent a common chemotherapy side effect that can last well beyond treatment
A team of researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has discovered that administering psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, to mice before chemotherapy treatment can protect them from nerve damage caused by the treatment. The study, published in Science, found that two doses of psilocybin administered prior to chemotherapy prevented peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in mice while maintaining the drug's ability to kill tumors.
CIPN is a common and debilitating side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, causing loss of sensation in the fingers and toes and increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Lead researcher Moran Amit expressed astonishment at the results, stating that the findings could open new avenues for mitigating chronic pain issues and restoring patients' sense of well-being.
The researchers hypothesized that psilocybin may protect nerve cells by influencing mitochondrial function, a process that is disrupted during chemotherapy. This discovery could potentially lead to new treatments for nerve injuries and enhance nerve recovery, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. Further research is needed to confirm the findings in humans and explore the potential of psilocybin for treating chronic pain and other conditions.
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