depression – mycolab.ai

Drug–drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review

mycolabadmin

This review examined how psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin interact with other medications people might be taking. Researchers found that certain psychiatric medications like antipsychotics can block the effects of psychedelics, while other drugs may enhance them. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions for safe therapeutic use of psychedelics in clinical settings.

If psychedelics heal, how do they do it?

mycolabadmin

Psychedelic drugs like MDMA and magic mushrooms are showing remarkable promise in treating serious mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, with clinical trials demonstrating higher success rates than traditional therapy alone. However, scientists still don’t fully understand how these drugs work at the molecular and brain level, or whether the hallucinations they produce are necessary for healing. Researchers are investigating whether modified versions without hallucinations could provide the same benefits while being easier to administer, while also exploring how individual factors and treatment environment affect outcomes.

Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials

mycolabadmin

This comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can boost immune function, fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Different mushroom species like reishi, shiitake, and maitake contain various active substances such as beta-glucans and triterpenes that work through multiple biological pathways. While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish safe dosing guidelines.

Improved mental health outcomes and normalised spontaneous EEG activity in veterans reporting a history of traumatic brain injuries following participation in a psilocybin retreat

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied how psilocybin mushrooms given in a retreat setting could help military veterans with traumatic brain injuries who also experienced mental health problems like PTSD and depression. Veterans participated in guided psilocybin ceremonies and showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life, along with positive changes in their brain activity patterns measured by EEG. The study suggests that psilocybin retreats may be a promising therapeutic approach for this vulnerable population and supports the need for larger research studies.

New perspective on sustained antidepressant effect: focus on neurexins regulating synaptic plasticity

mycolabadmin

This review explores how hallucinogens like ketamine and psilocybin produce long-lasting antidepressant effects by changing how brain cells communicate. The key mechanism involves special molecules called neurexins that sit at the connections between neurons and control whether those connections strengthen or weaken. By understanding and potentially targeting neurexins, scientists hope to develop new depression treatments that work longer and more effectively than current medications.

Overcoming Solubility Challenges: Micronization of Berberine Using the GAS Antisolvent Technique

mycolabadmin

Berberine is a traditional medicinal compound that could treat many diseases but doesn’t work well in the body because it doesn’t dissolve in water. Researchers used a special technique with pressurized carbon dioxide to break berberine into much smaller particles. This made the particles dissolve 18% better in water, which could make berberine-based medicines more effective at treating diabetes, high cholesterol, and other conditions.

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe alcohol use disorder: protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 7-month parallel-group phase II superiority trial

mycolabadmin

This study tests whether psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) combined with therapy can help people with severe alcohol addiction reduce drinking. Participants receive either a high or low dose of psilocybin during a guided session as part of a hospital rehabilitation program. The researchers will measure changes in drinking behavior, mood, anxiety, and brain function to determine if this treatment works better than current options.

Edible Mushrooms as a Potential Component of Dietary Interventions for Major Depressive Disorder

mycolabadmin

This review examines how edible mushrooms, particularly Lion’s mane, Reishi, and Caterpillar mushroom, might help treat depression as part of a dietary approach. These mushrooms contain compounds that may influence brain chemistry, especially serotonin levels, which are important for mood regulation. While early studies show promising results, especially for Lion’s mane, more research is needed to confirm these benefits in larger groups of patients.

Neuroprotective effects of psilocybin in a rat model of stroke

mycolabadmin

Scientists studied whether psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, could protect the brain from stroke damage in rats. They found that psilocybin reduced brain damage, improved movement and behavior recovery after stroke, and worked by increasing a protective brain chemical called BDNF. This research suggests psilocybin could become a new treatment for stroke patients, especially since stroke often leads to depression and anxiety, which psilocybin may also help treat.

Building resilience through healing communities

mycolabadmin

This editorial reviews innovative approaches to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries that blend local healing practices with modern psychiatric treatments. Instead of imposing Western medical models, these programs work with communities to develop culturally appropriate solutions that reduce stigma and improve access to care. Examples include combining spiritual healing traditions with psychiatric care in Ethiopia, using psychedelic-assisted therapy informed by historical trauma in Jamaica, and employing creative arts and mindfulness methods as accessible treatments.

Disease: depression