Research from the University of Southern Denmark shows that administering microdoses of psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) to rats improves their resilience to stress and reduces compulsive behavior, with potential therapeutic applications in humans. It is suggested that.
Research on rats provides insight into how microdosing of psychedelic mushrooms may be used in human therapy.
New research results from the University of Southern Denmark open the door to possible uses. psilocybinan active compound in mushrooms that has psychedelic properties and is used as a therapeutic tool through microdosing.
Psilocybin has long been recognized as a classic psychedelic substance, and recently research has shown that it may help treat a variety of mental illnesses, primarily depression and addiction, through therapy supplemented with high doses of psilocybin. It has been.
In such treatments, patients take psilocybin after thorough treatment preparation and undergo a psychedelic experience in a supportive environment with a trained therapist. The experience is then integrated over several treatment sessions.
Experiments are being carried out on patients at hospitals such as Bispebjerg Hospital and Rigshospitalet.
About psilocybin:
Chemical name: 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in over 200 different bodies. seed of mushrooms. In nature in Denmark, only the Liberty Cap mushroom contains psilocybin.
Psilocybin has been used in religious and ceremonial settings by various cultures, especially among Native American tribes, for centuries.
In the body, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin affects serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly 5-HT2A receptors, which can alter mood, perception, and cognition.
Microdosing in rats
In a recent study published on October 2nd, NatureMikael Pärner, associate professor of molecular psychiatry, and doctoral student Kat Kailerich from the Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine Research Unit at the University of Southern Denmark investigated the effects of small doses of psilocybin on rats.
They focused on repeated administration of low doses of psilocybin, commonly referred to as “microdosing,” which are significantly lower than those typically used in therapeutic settings.
“Microdosing is a phenomenon that became popular within performance culture, particularly in areas such as California’s Silicon Valley, and has since spread through stories and anecdotes on the internet as a form of self-therapy for a variety of challenges. ” explains Michael Pärner, the book’s final author. the study.
Rat brain scan showing serotonin 5-HT2A receptors affected by psilocybin.Credit: Michael Palner, University of Southern Denmark
Effective for stress and compulsive behavior
A study conducted on rats showed that the animals tolerated repeated doses of low doses of psilocybin well and showed no signs of decreased pleasure (anhedonia), anxiety, or changes in motor activity. .
Most notably, repeated administration of low doses of psilocybin increased the rats’ resilience to stress and led to fewer compulsive behaviors.
Additionally, an increased number of connections to the thalamus region of the brain, which acts as a kind of filter for our decisions and concerns, was observed.
“Changes in connectivity to the thalamus may contribute to enhanced human resilience to stressors, and why so many people report that small doses of psychedelic mushrooms have positive health effects. Maybe I can explain why.”
A promising new approach
Through this new study, researchers have established a valid method that can be used for further research into the effects of repeated administration of low doses of psilocybin. This study also supports numerous anecdotal reports of the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention.
This paves the way for further research and the possibility of entirely new approaches to treating a variety of mental disorders.
“Increased anxiety and stress in society has led to a current focus on microdosing and a surge in the mushroom trade. Countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the United States, and Canada have legalized psilocybin for therapeutic purposes. We are currently in the legalization process,” says Michael Pärner.
“Therefore, it is important to understand the effects and side effects of these substances, which are already widely used by people around the world.”
Enhanced understanding with possibilities
Michael Pärner became interested in researching psychedelics and psilocybin while living in California’s Silicon Valley 11 years ago, garnering significant media attention and inspiring more people to experiment with microdosing. I’ve seen a surge in self-improvement practices that have become more popular.
“Several books have been published that popularize the concept of using small doses of psychedelics to deal with mental issues and improve performance. It gave me the motivation to raise my standards,” says Michael Pärner.
“Now that we can determine the appropriate dose in rats, we can investigate the effects of microdosing, which could greatly advance our understanding of the brain and mental tasks. It’s a win-win for both parties.”
Reference: “Repeated administration of low doses of psilocybin increases resilience to stress, reduces compulsive behavior, and strengthens cortical connections to paraventricular thalamic nuclei in rats” Kat F. Kiilerich, Joe Lorenz, Malthe B. Scharff, Nikolaj Speth, Tobias G. Brandt, Julia Churillo, Mengfei Xiong, Nadja S. Jessen, Agata Casado-Sainz, Vladimir Chargunov, Celia Kyerby, Grzegorz Satawa, Andrzej J. Boyarski, Anders A. Jensen, Matthias M. Hels, Paul Cumming, Agnete Overgaard, Michael Pärner, October 2, 2023 molecular psychiatry.
DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02280-z
Michael Palner is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine Research Unit at SDU and OUH. His research focuses on the biological understanding of mental illness and treatment with psychedelic substances.
