Can psychedelics soothe an overactive immune system? New meta-analysis investigates
The same substances that can alter perception and shift moods are now drawing scientific interest for their potential therapeutic abilities. Researchers across the globe are investigating whether psychedelics, such as psilocybin from magic mushrooms or LSD, could help treat mental health and brain-related disorders. In a recent study, researchers gathered many such studies and carried out a…
Recent study analyzes 61 investigations into the potential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects of serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD. The meta-analysis, published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, found that these substances often reduce inflammation in lab-grown cells and animal models, particularly when immune systems are already overactive.
However, human trials showed more mixed results, with only three of the ten trials demonstrating reduced inflammation. When researchers combined data from mouse studies, they found that serotonergic psychedelics exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties only when baseline inflammation is already elevated. The findings suggest that psychedelics could be a potential therapeutic option for conditions involving the central nervous system, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits in humans, especially those with active inflammatory diseases.
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