New 2023 psilocybin research
Recent research (published September 7, 2023) shows that psilocybin can cause long-term improvements in the immune system of healthy individuals. Depression is increasingly being viewed by specialists as a consequence of inflammatory responses. Reducing inflammatory products can therefore contribute to and promote recovery from depression and anxiety. The recent study found significant changes in the inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP compared to the placebo group.
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. But when it persists for too long, it can cause damage. Prolonged high inflammation levels can lead to depression. Depression can prompt individuals to change their location and circumstances. From an evolutionary perspective, depression is therefore advantageous because changing circumstances can lead to improved health.
Scientific research has shown a link between inflammatory processes in the body and depression. Several inflammatory markers have been linked to depression, including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP. These are precisely the inflammatory markers that psilocybin has a beneficial effect on. We will explain each inflammatory marker in more detail.
TN-alpha and psilocybin
TNF-alpha, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha, is a cytokine that plays a key role in the body's inflammatory response. It is produced by various cell types in the immune system and functions, among other things, as a signaling molecule that attracts inflammatory cells to the site of infection. TNF-alpha can also increase the expression of other pro-inflammatory genes, thus amplifying the inflammatory response.
One of the ways psilocybin works is by regulating the body's inflammatory response. Recent studies have shown that psilocybin can lead to a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha. This may be an important mechanism for psilocybin's antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, as excessive TNF-alpha production is associated with depression and anxiety. Furthermore, psilocybin also directly affects the immune cells that produce TNF-alpha. Furthermore, psilocybin has been shown to reduce the activity of these immune cells, thereby reducing TNF-alpha production and inhibiting the body's inflammatory response.
CRP and psilocybin
CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a natural inflammatory marker that increases in response to inflammation and injury in the body. Elevated CRP levels are associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis and autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety.
The new research suggests that psilocybin may have anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially lower CRP levels in the body well after the session.
IL-6 and psilocybin
IL-6 stands for Interleukin-6, also a cytokine, and is a protein that regulates signal transmission between cells. It plays an important role in the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body. IL-6 is produced by various cell types, such as white blood cells and epithelial cells.
When the immune system is activated by, for example, bacteria, viruses, oxidation processes, or foreign proteins, IL-6 production increases. This helps the body fight the infection.
However, overproduction of IL-6 can also be harmful. This can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. There is also a link between increased IL-6 production and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is because IL-6 can cross the blood-brain barrier and thus influence brain function.
Recent research has shown that psilocybin can reduce IL-6 production. This study showed that psilocybin reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, even in the long term. This may explain why psilocybin can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The cortisol peak
Cortisol is the stress hormone that also suppresses the immune system. During the measurements of the study discussed (see image above), cortisol levels rise at the beginning of the session, then return to baseline. This cortisol peak is partly related to the tension one experiences before a psychedelic trip, combined with the necessary response to manipulate the immune system. This explains why some people experience the beginning of psilocybin trips as exciting. As a counter reaction, the increased activity of serotonin receptors, particularly the 5HT2a variant, as well as other receptors, can induce a state of contentment. This can help relieve stress.
Less glutamate in the hippocampus
The hippocampus is a key part of the brain involved in memory and emotion. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in these processes, but an excess of glutamate can lead to overstimulation of brain cells, which is associated with anxiety and depression. This is because glutamate activates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which, in excess, can lead to neurotoxicity.
Psilocybin can help restore this imbalance between glutamate and TNF-alpha. Psilocybin can inhibit TNF-alpha expression and can also modulate NMDA receptor activity, thereby reducing overstimulation of brain cells. This can lead to a reduction in anxiety and depression.
According to recent research, lowering TNF-alpha correlates with reduced glutamate levels in the hippocampus. In theory, psilocybin could therefore lower glutamate levels by lowering TNF-alpha, with the benefit of reducing anxiety and depression. However, the correlation could also be interpreted the other way around; psilocybin reduces glutamate activity and, consequently, TNF-alpha.
We previously wrote a post about glutamate in the hippocampus and how it can influence negative experiences during psychedelic sessions. Read more about the role of glutamate and how GABA can help via the button.
Summary of the research
The study showed a reduction in TNF-α during the psilocybin session. Furthermore, IL-6 and CRP showed significant decreases after seven days compared to the placebo group. Participants experienced long-lasting positive effects after psilocybin. Moreover, a greater decrease in IL-6 and CRP levels after a week correlated with improved mood and social behavior. By reducing the production of inflammatory markers, psilocybin may not only alleviate inflammatory responses but also enhance feelings of connectedness and positive well-being.
Psilocybin works in more ways
This article only briefly describes how psilocybin works. Other topics include increased BDNF, neuroplasticity, spiritual experiences, and more. Use the buttons below to learn more about the effects of psilocybin.