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Holikulov U, Kazachenko AS, Issaoui N, Kazachenko AS, Raja M, Al-Dossary OM, Xiang Z. The molecular structure, vibrational spectra, solvation effect, non-covalent interactions investigations of psilocin. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 320:124600. [PMID: 38852303 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Psilocin, or 4-HO-DMT (or 3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1H-indol-4-ol), is a psychoactive alkaloid substance from the tryptamine family, isolated from Psilocybe mushrooms. This substance is being studied by various research groups because it has a clear therapeutic effect in certain dosages. In this work, the study of the structure and properties of psilocin was carried using theoretical methods: the effects of polar solvents (acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, water, and tetrahydrofuran) on the structural parameters, spectroscopic properties (Raman, IR, and UV-Vis), frontier molecular orbital (FMO), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface, and nonlinear optical parameters (NLO). Theoretical calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level by the density functional theory (DFT) method. IEFPCM was used to account for solvent effects. The types and nature of non-covalent interactions (NCI) between psilocin and solvent molecules were determined using Atoms in Molecules (AIM), the reduced density gradient method (RDG), the electron localization function (ELF), and the localization orbital locator (LOL). Experimental and calculated FT-IR, FT-Raman, and UV-Vis spectra were compared and found to be in good agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkirjon Holikulov
- Department of Optics and Spectroscopy, Samarkand State University, 15 University Blvd., 140104 Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Aleksandr S Kazachenko
- Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology SB RAS, Federal Research Center, Krasnoyarsk Science Center SB RAS, Akademgorodok, 50/24, Krasnoyarsk 660036, Russia; Siberian Federal University, pr. Svobodny 79, Krasnoyarsk 660041 Russia.
| | - Noureddine Issaoui
- Laboratory of Quantum and Statistical Physics, University Monastir, Monastir 5079, Tunisia
| | - Anna S Kazachenko
- Siberian Federal University, pr. Svobodny 79, Krasnoyarsk 660041 Russia
| | - Murugesan Raja
- Department of Physics, Govt. Thirumagal Mills College, Gudiyatham, Vellore 632602, India
| | - Omar M Al-Dossary
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhouyang Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 China
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Darke S, Duflou J, Peacock A, Farrell M, Hall W, Lappin J. A retrospective study of the characteristics and toxicology of cases of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)- and psilocybin-related death in Australia. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 38771189 DOI: 10.1111/add.16518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are used as recreational drugs, and there is renewed interest in their clinical use. The current study aimed to (1) determine the circumstances of death and case characteristics of LSD- and psilocybin-related death in Australia, 2000-23; and (2) determine the toxicological profile and major autopsy findings of these cases. METHODS This was a retrospective exploratory study of all cases of LSD- and psilocybin-related death in Australia, 2000-23, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System. RESULTS A total of 43 cases were identified: 33 LSD and 10 psilocybin. The median ages were 24 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 13, range = 16-53] (LSD) and 26 years (IQR = 18.5, range = 20-58) (psilocybin), and fewer than five cases were female. The most common circumstance of death among both groups was traumatic accident (LSD 36.4%, psilocybin 40.0%). There were 12 cases of self-harm, all of which involved LSD, all by physical means. In a fifth, death was attributed to multiple drug toxicity (LSD 18.2%, psilocybin 20.0%). In one case, death was attributed solely to LSD toxicity, while in a further two cases death was attributed to a cardiovascular event following LSD consumption (one LSD only, one multiple drug toxicity). In four psilocybin cases, the cause of death was undetermined. The most common clinical presentation was severe agitation (LSD 27.3%, psilocybin 20.0%). Median blood concentrations were LSD 0.8 μg/l (IQR = 1.7, range = 0.1-3), psilocin 20 μg/l (IQR = 53.5, range = 6-83). LSD was the only drug present in 25.0% of LSD cases and psilocybin in 20.0% of psilocybin cases. Pre-existing organ pathology was uncommon. CONCLUSIONS Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)- and psilocybin-related death in Australia from 2000 to 2023 was primarily due to traumatic injury, whether through accident or self-harm. Cases of acute toxic reactions that were attributed solely to LSD were rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Johan Duflou
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julia Lappin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Sinha JK, Trisal A, Ghosh S, Gupta S, Singh KK, Han SS, Mahapatra M, Abomughaid MM, Abomughayedh AM, Almutary AG, Iqbal D, Bhaskar R, Mishra PC, Jha SK, Jha NK, Singh AK. Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102211. [PMID: 38307424 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelics have traditionally been used for spiritual and recreational purposes, but recent developments in psychotherapy have highlighted their potential as therapeutic agents. These compounds, which act as potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonists, have been recognized for their ability to enhance neural plasticity through the activation of the serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems. However, the implications of these findings for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly dementia, have not been fully explored. In recent years, studies have revealed the modulatory and beneficial effects of psychedelics in the context of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related dementia, which lacks a definitive cure. Psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Psilocybin have shown potential in mitigating the effects of this debilitating disease. These compounds not only target neurotransmitter imbalances but also act at the molecular level to modulate signalling pathways in AD, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling pathway and the subsequent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and other autophagy regulators. Therefore, the controlled and dose-dependent administration of psychedelics represents a novel therapeutic intervention worth exploring and considering for the development of drugs for the treatment of AD-related dementia. In this article, we critically examined the literature that sheds light on the therapeutic possibilities and pathways of psychedelics for AD-related dementia. While this emerging field of research holds great promise, further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. Ultimately, the integration of psychedelics into the current treatment paradigm may provide a transformative approach for addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with AD-related dementia and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anchal Trisal
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Shampa Ghosh
- GloNeuro, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishna Kumar Singh
- Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Rajiv Gandhi InfoTech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411057, India
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Abomughayedh
- Pharmacy Department, Aseer Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah 51418, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Prabhu Chandra Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India.
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India.
| | - Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
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Vandevelde M, Simoens A, Vandekerckhove B, Stevens C. Synthesis and bioactivity of psilocybin analogues containing a stable carbon-phosphorus bond. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:998-1002. [PMID: 38516602 PMCID: PMC10953488 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00043a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin analogues have been synthesized comprising a non-hydrolysable P-C bond to evaluate the biological activity and the selectivity towards 5-HT2AR, 5-HT2BR and the TNAP receptor. No activity was observed towards the phosphatase, however all compounds showed good binding affinity for 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2BR and one compound showed a higher selectivity towards 5-HT2AR than psilocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe Vandevelde
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Synthesis, Bioresources and Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Andreas Simoens
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Synthesis, Bioresources and Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bavo Vandekerckhove
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Synthesis, Bioresources and Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Christian Stevens
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Synthesis, Bioresources and Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent Belgium
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Gonzales SAB, Alexopoulos C, Arkfeld DG. Potential Benefits of Psilocybin for Lupus Pain: A Case Report. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:97-99. [PMID: 37670693 DOI: 10.2174/1573397119666230904150750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Outcomes of treatment for patients with Lupus have shown overall improvement and benefit from the more aggressive use of immunosuppressants and biological agents through a treat-to-target approach. However, chronic musculoskeletal pain can be refractory to treatment despite the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and other analgesic agents, leading to patient dissatisfaction. The concept of new neural pathways from psilocybin usage has been proposed in a variety of pain syndromes; however, it is not trialed for patients with Lupus pain. CASE PRESENTATION The patient was a 67-year-old male with positive anti-dsDNA antibody Lupus with a predominance of chronic polyarticular joint pain treated with hydroxychloroquine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without pain relief. Pain dramatically improved after a one-time macro-dosing of 6 grams of Psilocybin cubensis in Oregon, which he expected would only provide a sense of enlightenment. After 12 months, he continued without debilitating joint pain. CONCLUSION The serotonin-2A receptor's activation triggers an array of neurophysiological reactions that disrupt the functional connections in areas of the brain that are associated with chronic pain. These neuroplastic effects can generate healthy connections, resulting in long-lasting pain relief. However, this is a process that has not been fully analyzed. While there is anecdotal evidence to suggest the therapeutic benefits for autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, there is no specific research that explores its use for lupus-related pain. Since this is the first case that shows the benefit of psilocybin in a patient with Lupus, further studies on macro-dosing psilocybin to treat Lupus pain are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Audrey B Gonzales
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo St Los Angeles, CA90033-5310, United States
| | - Christine Alexopoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo St Los Angeles, CA90033-5310, United States
| | - Daniel G Arkfeld
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Southern California, 1520 San Pablo St Los Angeles, CA90033-5310, United States
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Haikazian S, Chen-Li DCJ, Johnson DE, Fancy F, Levinta A, Husain MI, Mansur RB, McIntyre RS, Rosenblat JD. Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 329:115531. [PMID: 37844352 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to determine the effect of psilocybin on depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses or major depressive disorder. Systematic searches were conducted to search for randomized clinical trials and open-label trials that evaluated depression symptoms after psilocybin therapy. Data was pooled using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) in depression severity, determined by calculating the change in depression ratings from baseline to the primary endpoint in the psilocybin arm versus the control arm. The literature search yielded 1734 studies, and 13 studies (n = 686) were included in either qualitative and/or quantitative analyses. The meta-analysis included 9 studies (pooled n = 596) and yielded a large effect size in favour of psilocybin (SMD = -0.78; p<0.001). Risk ratios for response and remission were large and significant in favour of psilocybin. A review of open-label trials showed robust decreases in depressive symptoms following psilocybin administration. These findings provide preliminary evidence for antidepressant efficacy with psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, however, further studies are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy and to optimize treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipan Haikazian
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David C J Chen-Li
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danica E Johnson
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Farhan Fancy
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anastasia Levinta
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Ishrat Husain
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rodrigo B Mansur
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence, Mississauga, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Depression Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Lawrence DW. Self-administration of Psilocybin for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: A Case Report. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 20:37-39. [PMID: 37817818 PMCID: PMC10561985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder with a pathophysiology related to the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) system. Pharmacologic modulation of 5-HT receptors has demonstrated efficacy in the acute treatment of migraines. Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic with 5-HT receptor activity, has demonstrated therapeutic potential in the management of neuropsychiatric conditions. To date, no reports have investigated the effect of psilocybin administered acutely during a migraine episode. Case presentation The case of a 33-year-old male patient with a history of migraines with aura, who had acute administration of oral psilocybin (in the form of the dried fruiting body of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms) at migraine onset is presented. Headache intensity was rated hourly using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and compared to three previous migraines. Profound reductions in headache intensity and emetic episodes were reported during the migraine treated acutely with oral psilocybin administration, compared to three previous migraines. Discussion The severe, disabling, and treatment-resistant nature of migraines warrants continued surveillance for novel pharmacologic interventions. The established congruous pathophysiology of migraine and pharmacology of psilocybin, via the 5-HT receptor system, positions psilocybin as a potential therapeutic target. Conclusion While this report highlights the potential role of psilocybin in the acute management of migraines, it is essential to note that it should not be considered a basis for guiding clinical practice at this point. Further research is necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of psilocybin as a treatment option for migraines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wyndham Lawrence
- Dr. Lawrence is with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System in Toronto, Canada; and Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada
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Kinderlehrer DA. The Effectiveness of Microdosed Psilocybin in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease: A Case Study. Int Med Case Rep J 2023; 16:109-115. [PMID: 36896410 PMCID: PMC9990519 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s395342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease can result in severe neuropsychiatric symptoms that may be resistant to treatment. The pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease is associated with autoimmune induced neuroinflammation. This case report describes an immunocompetent male with serologically positive neuropsychiatric Lyme disease who did not tolerate antimicrobial or psychotropic medications and whose symptoms remitted when he began psilocybin in microdosed (sub-hallucinogenic) amounts. A literature review of its therapeutic benefits reveals that psilocybin is both serotonergic and anti-inflammatory and therefore may offer significant therapeutic benefits to patients with mental illness secondary to autoimmune inflammation. The role of microdosed psilocybin in the treatment of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease and autoimmune encephalopathies warrants further study.
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