{
  "id": 4197359,
  "title": "Psilocybin reverses depressive behaviors and restores brain cell growth in stressed rats",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/psilocybin-reverses-depressive-behaviors-and-restores-brain-cell",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-29T13:00:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PsyPost",
    "slug": "psypost",
    "url": "https://www.psypost.org/psilocybin-reverses-depressive-behaviors-and-restores-brain-cell-growth-in-stres/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A study published in Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry found that psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, can alleviate depressive behaviors and stimulate brain cell regeneration in stressed rats. Psilocybin was administered in two low doses, administered weekly. The research, conducted by scientists from the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Medical University of Warsaw, aimed to investigate how the psychedelic could repair stress-related damage in the brain. Chronic stress was induced in the rats through various mild stressors, resulting in decreased pleasure-seeking behavior, heightened anxiety, and a decrease in hippocampal cell formation. Psilocybin treatment led to a return of normal sweet water consumption, reduced anxiety, and a resurgence of exploratory behavior in the stressed rats. Additionally, the drug stimulated the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus and boosted levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein crucial for neural growth and synaptic connectivity. Corticosterone, a major stress hormone, was also normalized in the stressed rats after psilocybin treatment. While the findings are promising, it is essential to note that animal models of depression do not perfectly reflect human conditions, and the study's results should be interpreted with caution.",
  "summary": "Two low doses of psilocybin helped chronically stressed rats recover their ability to experience pleasure while reducing anxiety. The psychedelic compound also promoted the birth of new neurons and normalized stress hormone levels.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}