cognitive enhancement

Psilocybin’s effects on cognition and creativity: A scoping review

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This comprehensive review examines how psilocybin affects thinking abilities and creativity. Researchers found that large doses initially impair mental performance during the experience, but small doses may enhance creativity. Importantly, the cognitive effects appear to improve after the acute effects wear off, suggesting initial impairment doesn’t cause lasting damage. The review emphasizes the need for more rigorous long-term studies to better understand psilocybin’s effects on brain function.

Quercetin hybrid-hydrogel microparticles modulate gut microbiota and improve memory in an antibiotic-induced dysbiosis rat model

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A natural quercetin supplement formulated with fenugreek fiber was tested on rats with antibiotic-damaged gut bacteria. The supplement successfully restored healthy gut bacteria diversity, reduced gut inflammation, and improved memory performance. These benefits likely work through the gut-brain connection, where healthy bacteria produce beneficial chemicals that support brain function and reduce inflammation.

The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology

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Researchers are rediscovering psychedelic compounds from traditional plants and fungi as potential treatments for mental health conditions and addiction. These substances work by interacting with brain chemistry, particularly serotonin systems, to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and drug cravings. Recent clinical studies show promising results, especially for treating opioid addiction with single doses that can produce lasting improvements. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand how these compounds work and to establish safe, effective therapeutic protocols.

Domestication Cultivation and Nutritional Analysis of Hericium coralloides

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Researchers successfully grew a rare medicinal mushroom called Hericium coralloides from a wild sample found on the Tibetan Plateau. The mushroom is nutrient-rich, containing good amounts of protein and fiber while being low in fat, making it a healthy food choice. The mushroom’s compounds showed strong antioxidant properties and the ability to slow the growth of certain cancer cells, particularly breast cancer cells, suggesting potential health benefits.

Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics

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This review examines how psychedelic substances like psilocybin and LSD affect brain structure and function. Research shows these compounds can increase BDNF (a protein crucial for brain health) and promote the growth of new neurons and connections between brain cells. These biological changes may explain why psychedelics have shown promise in treating depression and anxiety, with effects lasting weeks after a single dose.

Simultaneous cannabis and psychedelic use among festival and concert attendees in Colorado: characterizing enhancement and adverse reactions using mixed methods

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This study surveyed music festival and concert attendees in Colorado about their experiences using cannabis and psychedelics together. Researchers found that most people reported cannabis made their psychedelic experience better by reducing anxiety, enhancing mood, or intensifying effects. Only a small percentage experienced negative effects like increased anxiety or confusion. The study suggests cannabis may help people manage difficult psychedelic trips, though more research is needed to understand how different types and amounts of cannabis affect outcomes.

Biological studies of clavine alkaloids targeting CNS receptors

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This paper reviews clavine alkaloids, a class of natural compounds from ergot fungi that show promise as psychiatric medications. Unlike well-known psychedelics like LSD, clavine alkaloids may provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety and depression without strong hallucinogenic effects. The authors highlight how these compounds interact with brain receptors in ways that could make them safer and more effective medications for treating mood and neurological disorders.

Edible mushrooms as emerging biofactories for natural therapeutics and oral biopharmaceutical delivery

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Mushrooms are emerging as natural medicine factories that can be genetically engineered to produce medications taken by mouth. Beyond their traditional use as health foods, scientists are now using advanced genetic techniques to program mushrooms to manufacture therapeutic proteins and vaccines. These engineered mushrooms can naturally package and protect these medications as they pass through the stomach, releasing them safely in the intestines for absorption. This approach offers a sustainable, affordable, and cold-chain-independent alternative to conventional injected medications.

Dietary Intake of Phytochemicals, Gut Microbiota, and Appetite Control

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This research editorial highlights how plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals can improve gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria growth and supporting communication between the gut and brain. These dietary interventions show promise in helping control appetite, improve metabolism, and reduce the risk of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The studies suggest that personalized nutrition approaches based on individual microbiome profiles could offer more effective disease prevention and health maintenance strategies.

Innovative applications of medicinal mushrooms in functional foods and nutraceuticals: a focus on health-boosting beverages

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This comprehensive review explores how medicinal mushrooms are being transformed into health-boosting beverages like coffees, teas, and energy drinks. Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that support immunity, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and enhance brain function. As consumers increasingly seek natural health alternatives, mushroom beverages are emerging as a major market trend, combining ancient wellness traditions with modern science to create convenient, tasty drinks that genuinely benefit health.

therapeutic action: cognitive enhancement