How are psilocybin and BDNF related?

Psilocybin and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) are two substances that are involved in the regulation of brain function and behavior. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, and it is thought to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. BDNF is a protein produced by the brain that helps to support the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons, and it is thought to play a role in learning and memory.

Some research has suggested that psilocybin may affect the levels of BDNF in the brain, and that this may be one of the mechanisms by which it produces its effects. For example, one study found that psilocybin increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory, and that this increase was associated with improved mood and reduced anxiety in participants. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between psilocybin and BDNF.