Researchers have found that extracts from magic mushrooms may help reverse memory deficits caused by chronic stress. The study, published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, found that psilocybin-containing mushroom extract restored spatial learning and memory impairments and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rats subjected to a chronic unpredictable mild stress protocol. The effects were observed when the extract was administered 24 or 48 hours before training sessions in a water maze. These findings suggest that psilocybin-containing mushrooms may have therapeutic potential for stress-related cognitive impairments.
The study used male Wistar rats divided into groups based on whether they received chronic stress or Psilocybe cubensis extract, and tested the effects at varying times relative to training sessions in the water maze. The results showed that stressed rats exhibited impairments in spatial learning and memory, but were restored when given the mushroom extract. The researchers also found that administering the extract 48 hours before training sessions reversed both spatial learning and memory deficits.
While the study had limitations, including only using male rats and a specific dose of psilocybin-containing mushroom extract, it provides promising insights into the potential therapeutic effects of Psilocybe cubensis extracts on cognitive impairments caused by chronic stress. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and to translate these findings to humans.
The lead author of the study, Salar Vaseghi, noted that psychedelics can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the dose and administration time. He emphasized the importance of caution when using psychedelics, as they can be unpredictable, but also highlighted their potential benefits for treating mental disorders such as depression.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/magic-mushrooms-may-help-reverse-stress-induced-memory-deficits-new-study-suggests