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Zheng S, Ma R, Yang Y, Li G. Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1420601. [PMID: 39050672 PMCID: PMC11266071 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1420601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a formidable neurodegenerative ailment and a prominent contributor to dementia. The scarcity of available therapies for AD accentuates the exigency for innovative treatment modalities. Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid intrinsic to hallucinogenic mushrooms, has garnered attention within the neuropsychiatric realm due to its established safety and efficacy in treating depression. Nonetheless, its potential as a therapeutic avenue for AD remains largely uncharted. This comprehensive review endeavors to encapsulate the pharmacological effects of psilocybin while elucidating the existing evidence concerning its potential mechanisms contributing to a positive impact on AD. Specifically, the active metabolite of psilocybin, psilocin, elicits its effects through the modulation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A receptor). This modulation causes heightened neural plasticity, diminished inflammation, and improvements in cognitive functions such as creativity, cognitive flexibility, and emotional facial recognition. Noteworthy is psilocybin's promising role in mitigating anxiety and depression symptoms in AD patients. Acknowledging the attendant adverse reactions, we proffer strategies aimed at tempering or mitigating its hallucinogenic effects. Moreover, we broach the ethical and legal dimensions inherent in psilocybin's exploration for AD treatment. By traversing these avenues, We propose therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the nuanced management of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Srivastava M, Kumari M, Karn SK, Bhambri A, Mahale VG, Mahale S. Submerged cultivation and phytochemical analysis of medicinal mushrooms ( Trametes sp.). FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1414349. [PMID: 38919599 PMCID: PMC11196847 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1414349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Mushrooms are widely available around the world and have various nutritional as well as therapeutic values. Many Asian cultures believe that medicinal mushrooms can prolong life and improve vitality. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical and polysaccharide content, mainly β-glucan content, of mycelial biomass and fruiting bodies collected from the Himalayan region, particularly Uttarakhand. Through molecular analysis of the LSU F/R-rDNA fragment sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the strain was identified as Trametes sp. We performed screening of phytochemicals and polysaccharides in mushroom and biomass extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a PC-based UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The macrofungal biomass was found to be high in saponin, anthraquinone, total phenolic, flavonoid, and β-glucan content. In biomass extract, we observed a high level of saponin (70.6µg/mL), anthraquinone (14.5µg/mL), total phenolic (12.45 µg/mL), and flavonoid (9.500 µg/mL) content. Furthermore, we examined the contents of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and sterols in the biomass and mushroom extracts; the concentration of these compounds in the ethanol extract tested was minimal. We also looked for antioxidant activity, which is determined in terms of the IC50 value. Trametes sp. mushroom extract exhibits higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (62.9% at 0.5 mg/mL) than biomass extract (59.19% at 0.5 mg/mL). We also analyzed β-glucan in Trametes sp. from both mushroom and biomass extracts. The biomass extract showed a higher β-glucan content of 1.713 mg/mL than the mushroom extract, which is 1.671 mg/mL. Furthermore, β-glucan analysis was confirmed by the Megazyme β-glucan assay kit from both biomass and mushroom extract of Trametes sp. β-glucans have a promising future in cancer treatment as adjuncts to conventional medicines. Producing pure β-glucans for the market is challenging because 90-95% of β glucan sold nowadays is thought to be manipulated or counterfeit. The present study supports the recommendation of Trametes sp. as rich in β-glucan, protein, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities that help individuals with cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moni Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Karn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, India
| | - Anne Bhambri
- Department of Biotechnology, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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Al Qutaibi M, Kagne SR. Exploring the Phytochemical Compositions, Antioxidant Activity, and Nutritional Potentials of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms. Int J Microbiol 2024; 2024:6660423. [PMID: 38841191 PMCID: PMC11152763 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6660423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mushrooms are a valuable source of food and medicine that have been used for centuries in various cultures. They contain a variety of phytochemicals, such as terpenoids and polysaccharides, that exhibit diverse biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic effects. However, mushroom's phytochemical composition and bioactivity vary depending on their species, cultivation conditions, processing methods, and extraction techniques. Therefore, using reliable analytical methods and standardized protocols is important for systematically evaluating the quality and quantity of mushroom phytochemicals and their therapeutic potential. This review provides a bibliometric analysis of the recent literature on biological activities, highlights trends in the field, and highlights the countries and journals with the highest contribution. It also discusses the nutritional value of the total content of phenolic and other phytochemicals in some species of mushrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al Qutaibi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
- Department of Microbiology, Badrinarayan Barwale College, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431001, India
| | - Suresh R. Kagne
- Department of Microbiology, Badrinarayan Barwale College, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431001, India
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Shahar O, Botvinnik A, Shwartz A, Lerer E, Golding P, Buko A, Hamid E, Kahn D, Guralnick M, Blakolmer K, Wolf G, Lotan A, Lerer L, Lerer B, Lifschytz T. Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02477-w. [PMID: 38378926 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical reports suggest that the biological effects of psilocybin-containing mushroom extract or "full spectrum" (psychedelic) mushroom extract (PME), may differ from those of chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSIL). We compared the effects of PME to those of PSIL on the head twitch response (HTR), neuroplasticity-related synaptic proteins and frontal cortex metabolomic profiles in male C57Bl/6j mice. HTR measurement showed similar effects of PSIL and PME over 20 min. Brain specimens (frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, striatum) were assayed for the synaptic proteins, GAP43, PSD95, synaptophysin and SV2A, using western blots. These proteins may serve as indicators of synaptic plasticity. Three days after treatment, there was minimal increase in synaptic proteins. After 11 days, PSIL and PME significantly increased GAP43 in the frontal cortex (p = 0.019; p = 0.039 respectively) and hippocampus (p = 0.015; p = 0.027) and synaptophysin in the hippocampus (p = 0.041; p = 0.05) and amygdala (p = 0.035; p = 0.004). PSIL increased SV2A in the amygdala (p = 0.036) and PME did so in the hippocampus (p = 0.014). In the striatum, synaptophysin was increased by PME only (p = 0.023). There were no significant effects of PSIL or PME on PSD95 in any brain area when these were analyzed separately. Nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant increase in each of the 4 proteins over all brain areas for PME versus vehicle control, while significant PSIL effects were observed only in the hippocampus and amygdala and were limited to PSD95 and SV2A. Metabolomic analyses of the pre-frontal cortex were performed by untargeted polar metabolomics utilizing capillary electrophoresis - Fourier transform mass spectrometry (CE-FTMS) and showed a differential metabolic separation between PME and vehicle groups. The purines guanosine, hypoxanthine and inosine, associated with oxidative stress and energy production pathways, showed a progressive decline from VEH to PSIL to PME. In conclusion, our synaptic protein findings suggest that PME has a more potent and prolonged effect on synaptic plasticity than PSIL. Our metabolomics data support a gradient of effects from inert vehicle via chemical psilocybin to PME further supporting differential effects. Further studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings and to identify the molecules that may be responsible for the enhanced effects of PME as compared to psilocybin alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orr Shahar
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander Botvinnik
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amit Shwartz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Lerer
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Israel Institute for Biology, Nes Ziona, Israel
| | - Peretz Golding
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alex Buko
- Human Metabolome Technologies, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ethan Hamid
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dani Kahn
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Miles Guralnick
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Gilly Wolf
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Achva Academic College, Beer Tuvia, Israel
| | - Amit Lotan
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leonard Lerer
- Parow Entheobiosciences (ParowBio), Chicago, IL, USA
- Back of the Yards Algae Sciences (BYAS), Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bernard Lerer
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Tzuri Lifschytz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Robinson GI, Li D, Wang B, Rahman T, Gerasymchuk M, Hudson D, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Psilocybin and Eugenol Reduce Inflammation in Human 3D EpiIntestinal Tissue. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2345. [PMID: 38137946 PMCID: PMC10744792 DOI: 10.3390/life13122345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by contributing to tissue damage and exacerbating the immune response. The investigation of serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A) ligands and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel ligands is of significant interest due to their potential to modulate key inflammatory pathways, mitigate the pathological effects of inflammation, and offer new avenues for therapeutic interventions in IBD. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of 5-HT2A ligands, including psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT, and ketanserin, in combination with TRP channel ligands, including capsaicin, curcumin, and eugenol, on the inflammatory response induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in human 3D EpiIntestinal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF. Our results show that psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT, and eugenol significantly reduce TNF-α and IFN-γ levels, while capsaicin and curcumin decrease these markers to a lesser extent. Psilocybin effectively lowers IL-6 and IL-8 levels, but curcumin, capsaicin, and 4-AcO-DMT have limited effects on these markers. In addition, psilocybin can significantly decrease MCP-1 and GM-CSF levels. While ketanserin lowers IL-6 and GM-CSF levels, there are no effects seen on TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-8, or MCP-1. Although synergistic effects between 5-HT2A and TRP channel ligands are minimal in this study, the results provide further evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin and eugenol. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action and the feasibility of using these compounds as anti-inflammatory therapies for conditions like IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Ian Robinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Dongping Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Tahiat Rahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Marta Gerasymchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Darryl Hudson
- GoodCap Pharmaceuticals, 520 3rd Avenue SW, Suite 1900, Calgary, AB T2P 0R3, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
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Syed OA, Tsang B, Gerlai R. The zebrafish for preclinical psilocybin research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105381. [PMID: 37689090 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the possible utility of zebrafish in research on psilocybin, a psychedelic drug whose recreational use as well as possible clinical application are gaining increasing interest. First, we review behavioral tests with zebrafish, focussing on anxiety and social behavior, which have particular relevance in the context of psilocybin research. Next, we briefly consider methods of genetic manipulations with which psilocybin's phenotypical effects and underlying mechanisms may be investigated in zebrafish. We briefly review the known mechanisms of psilocybin, and also discuss what we know about its safety and toxicity profile. Last, we discuss examples of how psilocybin may be employed for testing treatment efficacy in preclinical research for affective disorders in zebrafish. We conclude that zebrafish has a promising future in preclinical research on psychedelic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer A Syed
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada.
| | - Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada.
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7
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Robinson GI, Li D, Wang B, Zahoruiko Y, Gerasymchuk M, Hudson D, Kovalchuk O, Kovalchuk I. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Serotonin Receptor and Transient Receptor Potential Channel Ligands in Human Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6743-6774. [PMID: 37623246 PMCID: PMC10453699 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45080427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis can lead to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and systemic inflammation, affecting multiple organs. Developing novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics is crucial for preventing IBD progression. Serotonin receptor type 2A (5-HT2A) ligands, including psilocybin (Psi), 4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT), and ketanserin (Ket), along with transient receptor potential (TRP) channel ligands like capsaicin (Cap), curcumin (Cur), and eugenol (Eug), show promise as anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of Psi, 4-AcO-DMT, Ket, Cap, Cur, and Eug on human small intestinal epithelial cells (HSEIC). HSEIC were exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ for 24 h to induce an inflammatory response, followed by treatment with each compound at varying doses (0-800 μM) for 24 to 96 h. The cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and protein expression by Western blot (WB) analysis. As single treatments, Psi (40 μM), Cur (0.5 μM), and Eug (50 μM) significantly reduced COX-2 levels without cytotoxic effects. When combined, Psi (40 μM) and Cur (0.5 μM) exhibited synergy, resulting in a substantial decrease in COX-2 protein levels (-28× fold change), although the reduction in IL-6 was less pronounced (-1.6× fold change). Psi (20 μM) and Eug (25 μM) demonstrated the most favorable outcomes, with significant decreases in COX-2 (-19× fold change) and IL-6 (-10× fold change) protein levels. Moreover, the combination of Psi and Eug did not induce cytotoxic effects in vitro at any tested doses. This study is the first to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of psilocybin and 4-AcO-DMT in the intestines while highlighting the potential for synergy between the 5-HT2A and TRP channel ligands, specifically Psi and Eug, in alleviating the TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced inflammatory response in HSEIC. Further investigations should evaluate if the Psi and Eug combination has the therapeutic potential to treat IBD in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Ian Robinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Dongping Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Yeva Zahoruiko
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Marta Gerasymchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Darryl Hudson
- GoodCap Pharmaceuticals, Calgary, AB T2P 0R3, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (G.I.R.); (M.G.)
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Avram I, Pelinescu D, Gatea F, Ionescu R, Barcan A, Rosca R, Zanfirescu A, Vamanu E. Boletus edulis Extract-A New Modulator of Dysbiotic Microbiota. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1481. [PMID: 37511858 PMCID: PMC10381576 DOI: 10.3390/life13071481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The regular administration of antibiotics is a public concern due to the prejudices of large population groups and the high frequency with which antimicrobial products are prescribed. The current study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a new extract from Boletus edulis (BEE) on the human microbiota. One of the disadvantages of this extensive use is the disruption of the human microbiota, leading to potential negative health consequences. The in vitro evaluation of BEE consisted in determining its cytotoxicity, influence on the concentration of four types of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNFα), and capacity to modulate the human microbiota after administering antibiotics. The latter was assessed by microbiome analysis and the evaluation of short-chain fatty acid synthesis (SCFAs). Simultaneously, the content of total polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity, and the compositional analysis of the extract (individual polyphenols composition) were determined. The results showed that BEE modulates the microbial pattern and reduces inflammatory progression. The data demonstrated antioxidant properties correlated with the increase in synthesizing some biomarkers, such as SCFAs, which mitigated antibiotic-induced dysbiosis without using probiotic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionela Avram
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, 36-46 Bd. M. Kogalniceanu, 5th District, 050107 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Pelinescu
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, 36-46 Bd. M. Kogalniceanu, 5th District, 050107 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Gatea
- Centre of Bioanalysis, National Institute for Biological Sciences, 296 Spl. Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Robertina Ionescu
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, 36-46 Bd. M. Kogalniceanu, 5th District, 050107 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Barcan
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan Rosca
- Anoom Laboratories SRL, București, 28 Vintila Mihaileanu Sector 1, 024023 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emanuel Vamanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
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The Effect of Combined Treatment of Psilocybin and Eugenol on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Brain Inflammation in Mice. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062624. [PMID: 36985596 PMCID: PMC10056123 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an organism’s biological defense mechanism. Acute and chronic inflammation of the body triggers the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways that can affect the content of cytokines in the brain and thus cause brain inflammation. Disorders such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often associated with elevated inflammation. Recently, positive and promising clinical results of psilocybin for the treatment of depression and PTSD were reported. Thus, we decided to test whether psilocybin alone or in combination with eugenol, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, would prevent the increase in or decrease the content of cytokines in the brain of C57BL/6J mice injected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Two experiments were performed, one with pre-treatment of mice through gavage with psilocybin (0.88 mg/kg), eugenol (17.6 mg/kg), or combinations of psilocybin and eugenol (1:10, 1:20, or 1:50), followed by intraperitoneal injection of LPS, and the second, post-treatment, with initial injection with LPS, followed by treatment with psilocybin, eugenol, or their combination. Brain tissues were collected, and cytokines were analyzed by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. Data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test or with multiple unpaired t-tests. LPS upregulated mRNA expression of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. All pre-treatments decreased the expression of COX-2 and TNF-α, with psilocybin alone and in 1:50 combination, with eugenol being the most effective. In the post-treatment, all combinations of psilocybin and eugenol were effective in reducing inflammation, with the 1:50 ratio displaying the most prominent results in reducing the mRNA content of tested cytokines. Western blot analysis confirmed the effect on COX-2 and IL-1β proteins. Finally, the ELISA showed that post-treatment with psilocybin + eugenol (1:50) demonstrated the best results, decreasing the expression of multiple markers including IL-6 and IL-8. This demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of psilocybin and eugenol in the brain of animals with systemically induced inflammation.
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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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Zuo YL, Hu QN, Qin L, Liu JQ, He XL. Species identity and combinations differ in their overall benefits to Astragalus adsurgens plants inoculated with single or multiple endophytic fungi under drought conditions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:933738. [PMID: 36160950 PMCID: PMC9490189 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.933738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although desert plants often establish multiple simultaneous symbiotic associations with various endophytic fungi in their roots, most studies focus on single fungus inoculation. Therefore, combined inoculation of multiple fungi should be applied to simulate natural habitats with the presence of a local microbiome. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to test the synergistic effects between three extremely arid habitat-adapted root endophytes (Alternaria chlamydospora, Sarocladium kiliense, and Monosporascus sp.). For that, we compared the effects of single fungus vs. combined fungi inoculation, on plant morphology and rhizospheric soil microhabitat of desert plant Astragalus adsurgens grown under drought and non-sterile soil conditions. The results indicated that fungal inoculation mainly influenced root biomass of A. adsurgens, but did not affect the shoot biomass. Both single fungus and combined inoculation decreased plant height (7-17%), but increased stem branching numbers (13-34%). However, fungal inoculation influenced the root length and surface area depending on their species and combinations, with the greatest benefits occurring on S. kiliense inoculation alone and its co-inoculation with Monosporascus sp. (109% and 61%; 54% and 42%). Although A. chlamydospora and co-inoculations with S. kiliense and Monosporascus sp. also appeared to promote root growth, these inoculations resulted in obvious soil acidification. Despite no observed root growth promotion, Monosporascus sp. associated with its combined inoculations maximally facilitated soil organic carbon accumulation. However, noticeably, combined inoculation of the three species had no significant effects on root length, surface area, and biomass, but promoted rhizospheric fungal diversity and abundance most, with Sordariomycetes being the dominant fungal group. This indicates the response of plant growth to fungal inoculation may be different from that of the rhizospheric fungal community. Structural equation modeling also demonstrated that fungal inoculation significantly influenced the interactions among the growth of A. adsurgens, soil factors, and rhizospheric fungal groups. Our findings suggest that, based on species-specific and combinatorial effects, endophytic fungi enhanced the plant root growth, altered soil nutrients, and facilitated rhizospheric fungal community, possibly contributing to desert plant performance and ecological adaptability. These results will provide the basis for evaluating the potential application of fungal inoculants for developing sustainable management for desert ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Zuo
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity Research and Application of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
| | - Qian-Nan Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Le Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Jia-Qiang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xue-Li He
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity Research and Application of Hebei Province, Baoding, China
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12
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Refaey MS, Abouelela ME, El-Shoura EAM, Alkhalidi HM, Fadil SA, Elhady SS, Abdelhameed RFA. In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cotula anthemoides Essential Oil and In Silico Molecular Docking of Its Bioactives. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27061994. [PMID: 35335356 PMCID: PMC8953163 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Cotula (Asteraceae) comprises about 80 species, amongst them Cotula anthemoides L. It is a wild plant growing in Egypt that possesses many traditional uses as a headache, colic, and chest cold remedy. In our study, the chemical composition of C. anthemoides essential oils was analyzed using GC-MS spectroscopy. Sixteen components of leave and stem oils and thirteen components of flower oils were characterized. The main components in both essential oil parts were camphor (88.79% and 86.45%) and trans-thujone (5.14% and 10.40%) in the leaves and stems and the flowers, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the oils in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells was evaluated. The flower oil showed its predominant effect in the amelioration of proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as cyclooxygenase-2. The bornyl acetate showed the highest affinity for the cyclooxygenase-2 receptor, while compound cis-p-menth-2-ene-1-ol had the best affinity for the tumor necrosis factor receptor, according to the results of molecular docking. In addition, the molecule cis-β-farnesene showed promising dual affinity for both studied receptors. Our findings show that essential oils from C. anthemoides have anti-inflammatory properties through their control over the generation of inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that C. anthemoides essential oils could lead to the discovery of novel sources of anti-inflammatory treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S. Refaey
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
- Correspondence: (M.S.R.); (S.S.E.); Tel.: +20-1013304202 (M.S.R.); Tel.: +966-544512552 (S.S.E.)
| | - Mohamed E. Abouelela
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt;
| | - Ehab A. M. El-Shoura
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt;
| | - Hala M. Alkhalidi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sana A. Fadil
- Department of Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sameh S. Elhady
- Department of Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: (M.S.R.); (S.S.E.); Tel.: +20-1013304202 (M.S.R.); Tel.: +966-544512552 (S.S.E.)
| | - Reda F. A. Abdelhameed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala 43713, Egypt;
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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Riveros ME, Ávila A, Schruers K, Ezquer F. Antioxidant Biomolecules and Their Potential for the Treatment of Difficult-to-Treat Depression and Conventional Treatment-Resistant Depression. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:540. [PMID: 35326190 PMCID: PMC8944633 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depression is a devastating disease affecting an increasing number of people from a young age worldwide, a situation that is expected to be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. New approaches for the treatment of this disease are urgently needed since available treatments are not effective for all patients, take a long time to produce an effect, and are not well-tolerated in many cases; moreover, they are not safe for all patients. There is solid evidence showing that the antioxidant capacity is lower and the oxidative damage is higher in the brains of depressed patients as compared with healthy controls. Mitochondrial disfunction is associated with depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, and this dysfunction can be an important source of oxidative damage. Additionally, neuroinflammation that is commonly present in the brain of depressive patients highly contributes to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is evidence showing that pro-inflammatory diets can increase depression risk; on the contrary, an anti-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean diet can decrease it. Therefore, it is interesting to evaluate the possible role of plant-derived antioxidants in depression treatment and prevention as well as other biomolecules with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential such as the molecules paracrinely secreted by mesenchymal stem cells. In this review, we evaluated the preclinical and clinical evidence showing the potential effects of different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomolecules as antidepressants, with a focus on difficult-to-treat depression and conventional treatment-resistant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Riveros
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7710162, Chile
| | - Alba Ávila
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7710162, Chile;
| | - Koen Schruers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Fernando Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7710162, Chile;
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Mustafa F, Chopra H, Baig AA, Avula SK, Kumari S, Mohanta TK, Saravanan M, Mishra AK, Sharma N, Mohanta YK. Edible Mushrooms as Novel Myco-Therapeutics: Effects on Lipid Level, Obesity and BMI. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020211. [PMID: 35205965 PMCID: PMC8880354 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity, usually indicated by a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2, is a worsening global health issue. It leads to chronic diseases, including type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments for obesity include physical activity and maintaining a negative energy balance. However, physical activity alone cannot determine body weight as several other factors play a role in the overall energy balance. Alternatively, weight loss may be achieved by medication and surgery. However, these options can be expensive or have side effects. Therefore, dietary factors, including dietary modifications, nutraceutical preparations, and functional foods have been investigated recently. For example, edible mushrooms have beneficial effects on human health. Polysaccharides (essentially β-D-glucans), chitinous substances, heteroglycans, proteoglycans, peptidoglycans, alkaloids, lactones, lectins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, terpenes, phenols, nucleotides, glycoproteins, proteins, amino acids, antimicrobials, and minerals are the major bioactive compounds in these mushrooms. These bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Consumption of edible mushrooms reduces plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and plasma glucose levels. Polysaccharides from edible mushrooms suppress mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, contributing to their anti-obesity properties. Therefore, edible mushrooms or their active ingredients may help prevent obesity and other chronic ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Mustafa
- School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54782, Pakistan;
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu 20400, Malaysia;
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
| | - Atif Amin Baig
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu 20400, Malaysia;
| | - Satya Kumar Avula
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman; (S.K.A.); (T.K.M.)
| | - Sony Kumari
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi 793101, India;
| | - Tapan Kumar Mohanta
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman; (S.K.A.); (T.K.M.)
| | - Muthupandian Saravanan
- AMR and Nanotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Awdhesh Kumar Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 8541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
- Correspondence: (A.K.M.); (N.S.); (Y.K.M.)
| | - Nanaocha Sharma
- Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal 795001, India
- Correspondence: (A.K.M.); (N.S.); (Y.K.M.)
| | - Yugal Kishore Mohanta
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi 793101, India;
- Correspondence: (A.K.M.); (N.S.); (Y.K.M.)
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15
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Chun S, Gopal J, Muthu M. Antioxidant Activity of Mushroom Extracts/Polysaccharides-Their Antiviral Properties and Plausible AntiCOVID-19 Properties. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1899. [PMID: 34943001 PMCID: PMC8750169 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10121899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mushrooms have been long accomplished for their medicinal properties and bioactivity. The ancients benefitted from it, even before they knew that there was more to mushrooms than just the culinary aspect. This review addresses the benefits of mushrooms and specifically dwells on the positive attributes of mushroom polysaccharides. Compared to mushroom research, mushroom polysaccharide-based reports were observed to be significantly less frequent. This review highlights the antioxidant properties and mechanisms as well as consolidates the various antioxidant applications of mushroom polysaccharides. The biological activities of mushroom polysaccharides are also briefly discussed. The antiviral properties of mushrooms and their polysaccharides have been reviewed and presented. The lacunae in implementation of the antiviral benefits into antiCOVID-19 pursuits has been highlighted. The need for expansion and extrapolation of the knowns of mushrooms to extend into the unknown is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manikandan Muthu
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea; (S.C.); (J.G.)
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16
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Strumila R, Nobile B, Korsakova L, Lengvenyte A, Olie E, Lopez-Castroman J, Guillaume S, Courtet P. Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121213. [PMID: 34959614 PMCID: PMC8704767 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The available interventions for people who are at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. Recently, research on new mental health treatments has started to consider psychedelic compounds, particularly psilocybin, a molecule with a few thousand years of history of use in human societies. The possible effects of psilocybin on suicidal ideation and behaviors have not been specifically studied yet; however, the current knowledge on the suicidal process and the available data on es/ketamine suggest that psylocibin could be used to modulate the thoughts and behavioral patterns in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. Here, we summarize the available evidence on the possible mechanisms underlying psilocybin positive effects on suicide risk. Major pathways related to suicidal behaviors that might be modulated by psylocibin include serotonin receptors. Specifically, psylocibin directly stimulates the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), targeting the inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and leading to a rapid increase in brain plasticity and inflammation suppression and increases in cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and empathy. We also present preliminary epidemiological data and provide a rationale for studying psilocybin in individuals with suicidal ideation or who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. This review presents a framework to understand the basis for psilocybin use in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors and calls for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robertas Strumila
- Department of Urgent and Post Urgent Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.L.); (E.O.); (S.G.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- Psychiatric Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (B.N.)
| | - Bénédicte Nobile
- Department of Urgent and Post Urgent Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.L.); (E.O.); (S.G.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (B.N.)
| | - Laura Korsakova
- Laboratory of Preclinical Drug Investigation, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Aiste Lengvenyte
- Department of Urgent and Post Urgent Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.L.); (E.O.); (S.G.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
| | - Emilie Olie
- Department of Urgent and Post Urgent Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.L.); (E.O.); (S.G.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jorge Lopez-Castroman
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, 44307 Nimes, France
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sébastien Guillaume
- Department of Urgent and Post Urgent Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.L.); (E.O.); (S.G.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
| | - Philippe Courtet
- Department of Urgent and Post Urgent Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.L.); (E.O.); (S.G.); (P.C.)
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
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Nkadimeng SM, Steinmann CML, Eloff JN. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Four Psilocybin-Containing Magic Mushroom Water Extracts in vitro on 15-Lipoxygenase Activity and on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 and Inflammatory Cytokines in Human U937 Macrophage Cells. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:3729-3738. [PMID: 34385833 PMCID: PMC8352634 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s317182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose During a pathological inflammation, macrophages are activated to produce accumulation of inflammatory mediators such as induced-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pathological inflammation is a significant problem in many chronic diseases. As a result, more research into natural remedies with anti-inflammatory potential is crucial. Since ancient times, psilocybin-containing mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, were used for mind healing and also to advance the quality of life. However, not much is known about their anti-inflammatory potential. This study aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of four psilocybin-containing mushrooms (Panaeolus cyanescens, Psilocybe natalensis, Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe cubensis leucistic A+ strain) from genus Panaeolus and Psilocybe for the first time in vitro on 15-LOX activity and also on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in human U937 macrophage cells. Methods Mushrooms were grown and extracted with boiling hot water. Effects of the four water extracts on 15-LOX activity were determined. Confluent human U937 cells were differentiated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and treated with the hot-water extracts (25 and 50 µg/mL) 2 hours before being stimulated with 1 µg/mL LPS over 24 hours. Quercetin was used as a positive control. Control cells were differentiated but not LPS-induced nor treated. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations were measured. Levels of COX-2 and mitochondrial activity were also determined. Results The four water extracts had poor 15-LOX inhibition activity with IC50 > 250 µg/mL. Extracts were safe at the concentration studied and inhibited the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators, TNF-α and IL-1β significantly and lowered IL-6 and COX-2 concentrations in treated human U937 macrophage cells. Water extracts also increased percentage viability of treated cells and levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 non-significantly. Conclusion The study suggested that the hot-water extracts of the four psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms have potential anti-inflammatory effects executed by down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanah Malomile Nkadimeng
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0110, South Africa
| | - Christiaan M L Steinmann
- Physiology Department, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, 0208, South Africa
| | - Jacobus N Eloff
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0110, South Africa
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18
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Khakpour Taleghani B, Ghaderi B, Rostampour M, Fekjur EM, Hasannejad F, Ansar MM. Involvement of opioidergic and GABAergic systems in the anti-nociceptive activity of the methanolic extract of Cuscuta Epithymum Murr. in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 273:113826. [PMID: 33465443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cuscuta epithymum Murr. (CE) is a parasitic plant used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as muscle and joint pains and headache different parts of the world, Europe in the north, Asia in the east. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-nociceptive effect of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of CE and its probable mechanism(s) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-nociceptive activity of different doses of CE methanolic extract (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) was assessed using tail flick, formalin and writhing tests. Morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) was used as positive control drug. The possible mechanisms were evaluated by using naloxone (4 mg/kg, i.p.), ondansetron (4 mg/kg, i.p.), picrotoxin (0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) and MK-801 (0.03 mg/kg, i.p.). RESULTS GC-MS analysis indicated that one of the main components of CE extract was terpenoid compounds. The CE extract (25-100 mg/kg), like morphine, reduced tail flick latency and nociceptive response in both phases of the formalin test. We also observed that the extract significantly decreased the number of abdominal contractions dose-dependently from 5 to 100 mg/kg. The results of tail flick and the first phase of formalin test proved that unlike ondansetron and MK-801, naloxone and picotroxin were able to reverse the anti-nociceptive effect of CE extract. CONCLUSION Our observations showed the anti-nociceptive potential of the CE extract, which may be mediated by opioidergic and GABAergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Khakpour Taleghani
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Behnaz Ghaderi
- MSc in Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Rostampour
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Edris Mahdavi Fekjur
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Farkhonde Hasannejad
- Center of Applied Cell Science and Tissue Engineering, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Malek Moien Ansar
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102948. [PMID: 34063505 PMCID: PMC8156539 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychedelic effects of some plants and fungi have been known and deliberately exploited by humans for thousands of years. Fungi, particularly mushrooms, are the principal source of naturally occurring psychedelics. The mushroom extract, psilocybin has historically been used as a psychedelic agent for religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as a therapeutic option for neuropsychiatric conditions. Psychedelic use was largely associated with the "hippie" counterculture movement, which, in turn, resulted in a growing, and still lingering, negative stigmatization for psychedelics. As a result, in 1970, the U.S. government rescheduled psychedelics as Schedule 1 drugs, ultimately ending scientific research on psychedelics. This prohibition on psychedelic drug research significantly delayed advances in medical knowledge on the therapeutic uses of agents such as psilocybin. A 2004 pilot study from the University of California, Los Angeles, exploring the potential of psilocybin treatment in patients with advanced-stage cancer managed to reignite interest and significantly renewed efforts in psilocybin research, heralding a new age in exploration for psychedelic therapy. Since then, significant advances have been made in characterizing the chemical properties of psilocybin as well as its therapeutic uses. This review will explore the potential of psilocybin in the treatment of neuropsychiatry-related conditions, examining recent advances as well as current research. This is not a systematic review.
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20
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Nkadimeng SM, Steinmann CML, Eloff JN. Effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushroom extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22314. [PMID: 33339902 PMCID: PMC7749179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79328-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of major depression in people with chronic heart failure is higher than in normal populations. Depression in heart failure has become a major issue. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms commonly known as magic mushrooms, have been used since ancient times for their mind healing properties. Their safety in cardiovascular disease conditions is not fully known and may pose as a risk for users suffering from these illnesses. Study investigates the effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushrooms use from genus Psilocybe and Panaeolus respectively, in a pathological hypertrophy conditions in which endothelin-1 disorder is a contributor to pathogenesis. We examined the effects of the mushrooms extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α)-induced cell injury in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Mushrooms were oven dried and extracted with cold and boiling-hot water. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were induced with endothelin-1 prior to treatment with extracts over 48 h. Cell injury was stimulated with TNF-α. Results proposed that the water extracts of Panaeolus cyanescens and Psilocybe cubensis did not aggravate the pathological hypertrophy induced by endothelin-1 and also protected against the TNF-α-induced injury and cell death in concentrations used. Results support medicinal safe use of mushrooms under controlled conditions and cautioned use of higher concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanah M Nkadimeng
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Christiaan M L Steinmann
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jacobus N Eloff
- Phytomedicine Programme, Paraclinical Sciences Department, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, Gauteng, South Africa
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