Does psilocybin promote neurogenesis?
New Psilocybin Neurogenesis Study Begins at the University of South Florida
Researchers Juan Sanchez-Ramos PhD, MD and Briony Catlow MS at the University of South Florida in Tampa have just started an exciting new study to see if psilocybin can help promote the birth and development of new brain cells (neurogenesis) in an area of the adult brain called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory. The psilocybin that is being used in this study is coming from an unused portion of a gram of psilocybin that MAPS purchased several years ago for $12,250 and then donated to the University of Arizona for Dr. Francisco Moreno’s psilocybin/OCD study.
The official title of the new study is “ Effects of Psilocybin and other Selective Serotonin Agonists on Hippocampal-Dependent Learning and Neurogenesis.” It is based on the findings of several researchers who have shown that hippocampal-mediated learning and memory is related to the generation of new neurons in the adult brain. In experiments with laboratory animals, inhibition of neurogenesis with a toxic drug resulted in deficits in specific forms of memory. This provides evidence for the notion that promoting neurogenesis might improve some aspects of memory and cognition. The proposition that psilocybin impacts cognition, and stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis, is based on the evidence that psilocybin mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin, which–when acting on specific serotonin receptor subtypes (most likely the Serotonin 2A receptor)–is involved in the regulation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Were looking forward to hearing about the results from this fascinating study.
Posted in Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
June 29th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
This is sort of silly — the answer will be yes. there have already been published studies on which serotonergic receptors stimulate neurogenesis. the studies just didn’t use that specific agonist.
March 22nd, 2009 at 4:57 am
I don’t think it’s silly. What if the answer is not yes? Theories must constantly be tested.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Does anyone know where i can find the details of this study?
thanks
June 20th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Yes, I am interested in the details of this study also.
June 28th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I have great disgust that animals are used for ‘testing’, even in the psychedelic field!!
I have voiced my protest, in the past, to head of MAPs, Rick Doblin, and his response was that to be ‘taken seriously’ they had to do it.
But what about rights of animals? I remember Tim Leary—who many in the new psychedelic movement use as a scapegoat now–in that he spoiled research years ago, and got it banned. But he had Two Commandments:
Two Commandments for the Molecular Age
1. Thou shalt not alter the consciousness of thy fellow men.
2. Thou shalt not prevent thy fellow man from altering his or her own consciousness.
Now I add the commandment 3:
Thoushalt not alter the consciousness of thy relations, animals, or any other species.
If anyone has read Psychedelics and Animals, by Giorgio Samorini ( A great book) you will see animals, and other species often DO choose to alter their consciousness, but it is their choice!
July 17th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if the results of the study did prove something along these lines.
Especially thinking about the similarities of serotonin and psilocybin.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I would like to know the sources for the previous findings upon which this study is based. I am gathering information about psilocybin to write a paper for my psychology class, and this might be helpful.
October 30th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
For those against animal research…without animal research, medicine would be in the stone age.
Keep in mind that animals are essential in elucidating the molecular basis of suffering. Once we can dampen those pathways, both humans and animals will benefit.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I like this blog a lot. Very good information en research. I take Mushrooms a few times a year but I never had read some research about it.Thanks for sharing this informationn with the world
May 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I find the idea interesting but would like to find more information. There were links between pre aztec societies that had first developed agriculture and trade and were some of the first to stop being nomadic. It is thought that they consumed small portions of the flesh of the gods daily. Some people believe the leap in creating social structure, agriculture and trade may have had something to do with their daily apetites. I am not suggesting that it was the sole cause, but it is worth considering an asset to continued evolution of the brain.
June 19th, 2010 at 7:45 am
@# Justin
September 25th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I would like to know the sources for the previous findings upon which this study is based. I am gathering information about psilocybin to write a paper for my psychology class, and this might be helpful.”
Well then I would WELCOME being in the stoneage then.
But despite that what you say is of course utter bullshit if you have even bothered to look at all the numerous sources which would tell you ABUSING and killing animals in what they term Orwellian style ‘animal testing’ is pointless and really is sadism.
I would like for you to swap places with one of their unfortunate victims. Really—seing that you seem to deify this uselsss sadism so much.