neuropsychiatric disorders

Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging and phenomenology

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This comprehensive study analyzed three classic psychedelic drugs—LSD, psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), and DMT—across three levels: how people experience them, how they affect brain activity, and how they interact with brain receptors. Researchers found that LSD produces more intense visual experiences than psilocybin, and all three drugs significantly alter brain connectivity patterns. The study highlights the importance of standardizing research methods to better understand how these compounds might help treat depression and addiction.

Psilocybin Does Not Induce Conditioned Place Preference, But Modifies Behavioral Patterns in Sprague-Dawley Rats

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Researchers tested whether psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, could be addictive by examining reward-seeking behavior in rats. The study found that psilocybin did not create rewarding effects that would typically lead to addiction, and only temporarily changed specific behaviors like head-twitching and grooming while the drug was active. These findings suggest that psilocybin has a low addiction potential and may be safe for therapeutic use in treating mental health conditions.

A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis

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This comprehensive review examines how probiotics (beneficial live bacteria), prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and synbiotics (combinations of both) can influence communication between the gut and brain. These interventions can produce beneficial compounds like GABA and serotonin, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with mood, anxiety, cognition, and various digestive disorders. However, effects vary greatly depending on the specific strain used, dosage, and individual differences in gut bacteria, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

Psilocin, LSD, mescaline, and DOB all induce broadband desynchronization of EEG and disconnection in rats with robust translational validity

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Researchers tested how different psychedelic drugs affect brain electrical activity in rats using EEG recordings. They found that psilocin, LSD, mescaline, and DOB all produced similar patterns of decreased brain activity and reduced communication between brain regions. Importantly, these effects in rats closely matched what scientists observe in human brain studies, suggesting that rats can be useful for understanding how psychedelics work in the brain.

Molecular insights into the modulation of the 5HT 2A receptor by serotonin, psilocin, and the G protein subunit Gqα

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This study uses computer simulations to understand how psilocin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) and serotonin interact with a brain receptor called 5HT 2A R. The research shows that both molecules prefer to bind to a deeper part of the receptor rather than a shallower area, and that a protein called Gqα is essential for keeping the receptor in its active state. These findings could help scientists develop better medicines for depression and anxiety.

Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study

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Researchers investigated whether psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, could be safely used to treat memory problems in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In this early-stage study, participants received either psilocybin or a placebo while researchers used brain imaging to measure changes in synaptic connections. The preliminary results suggest psilocybin was well-tolerated with manageable side effects like dizziness, and participants were able to complete the study without serious problems.

Comparison of Ergosterol and Vitamin D2 in Mushrooms Agaricus bisporus and Cordyceps militaris Using Ultraviolet Irradiation Directly on Dry Powder or in Ethanol Suspension

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This study shows that exposing mushroom powder suspended in ethanol to ultraviolet light effectively converts ergosterol (a natural compound in mushrooms) into vitamin D2, which is essential for bone health and immunity. The optimal treatment involves UV-C light exposure for 120 minutes at a specific distance, producing about 15 times more vitamin D2 than direct irradiation of dry mushroom powder. After removing the ethanol, these treated mushrooms could serve as a practical natural source of vitamin D for people with deficiency.

Erythropoietin restrains the inhibitory potential of interneurons in the mouse hippocampus

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Researchers studied how a protein called erythropoietin (EPO) affects brain cells called interneurons in the hippocampus, a region important for memory and learning. They found that EPO treatment reduces the inhibitory activity of certain interneurons, which makes the brain’s excitatory neurons more active. This change in brain balance could potentially help treat psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism that involve imbalanced brain activity.

Acute effects of psilocybin on attention and executive functioning in healthy volunteers: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis

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This comprehensive review examined how psilocybin affects thinking and attention. Researchers analyzed 13 studies and found that psilocybin slows down reaction times during tasks requiring focus and decision-making, though accuracy remains relatively stable. The effects increase with higher doses. Understanding these cognitive changes is important for both therapeutic applications and ensuring safe use of psilocybin in research and clinical settings.

Disease: neuropsychiatric disorders