The 'magic mushroom' compound could replace depression medicine

A recent clinical trial assessed the safety of psilocybin - a hallucinogenic substance of 'magic mushrooms' - and found that it did not produce side effects. Although there are still many obstacles, the positive results have complemented the development of a psilocybin-based treatment for depression that does not work with other treatments.

Researchers from Imperial College London and mental health company COMPASS Pathways recently conducted a phase 1 randomized controlled trial of psilocybin , the active ingredient in this hallucinogenic mushroom. Just under 90 healthy volunteers were divided into three groups and received doses of 10mg, 25mg psilocybin, and placebo.

Psilocybin can be used to treat depression.

The team reported no serious side effects when taking psilocybin doses, presenting their results at the 58th annual meeting of the American University of Neurology (ACNP) last week. Participants in psilocybin have experienced marked changes in their perception and feelings, and some have reported improved mood - and as expected - no record of effect. negative to their cognitive function or emotional state.

This is only a phase 1 test, meaning it is only designed to test the safety and side effects of a drug, not really show its value or effectiveness. However, positive results are expected to pave the way for psilocybin to be used to combat resistant depression.

"This is the largest controlled study of psilocybin so far. The results of the study reassured and supported the development of additional psilocybin as a treatment for patients with mental health issues." not improved by conventional therapies, such as resistant depression , ' said Dr. James Rucker, lead author of the study, psychiatrist consultant and senior lecturer in psychophysiology at the University. London Royal College explains.

Over the past few years, several scientific studies have shown that psilocybin can be used to treat depression , especially in cases where patients do not improve with conventional treatments. There are also strong suggestions that this drug can help people quit smoking, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

The company behind this study is also currently conducting a phase 2 randomized controlled trial of psilocybin for 216 patients with resistant depression, which is the largest clinical study of its kind to date.

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