It’s time to join us for another Journal Club! For this edition, we are going to explore how psilocybin may affect brain function through serotonin signaling, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and enhanced neuroplasticity, and what this could mean for treating depression and anxiety, through discussion of the paper “Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity” by Daniel A Kinderlehrer (2025) presented by APRA member José Maria Lacerda.
The journal club discussion will take place in CREA on Thursday, March 19th from 19.30 to 20.30. Following the discussion, we’ll meet downstairs in the CREA cafe starting at 20.30! Can’t make it to the journal club? You’re still very welcome to join afterwards for drinks!
Abstract
The incidence of mental health disorders is increasing worldwide. While there are multiple factors contributing to this problem, neuroinflammation underlies a significant subset of psychiatric conditions, particularly major depressive and anxiety disorders. Anti-inflammatory interventions have demonstrated benefit in these conditions. Psilocin, the active ingredient of mushrooms in the Psilocybe genus, is both a potent serotonin agonist and anti-inflammatory agent, increases neuroplasticity, and decreases overactivity in the default mode network. Studies using hallucinogenic doses of psilocin under the supervision of a therapist/guide have consistently demonstrated benefits to individuals with depression and end-of-life anxiety. Microdosing psilocybin in sub-hallucinogenic doses has also demonstrated benefit in mood disorders, and may offer a safe, less expensive, and more available alternative to full doses of psilocybin for mood disorders, as well as for other medical conditions in which inflammation is the principal pathophysiology.
Why attend a Journal Club?
During Journal Clubs we discuss scientific publications related to psychedelics, dissect their contents and have an in-depth discussion about the methodology and implications of the research. Not only is it very insightful (and fun!) to do this in group form; it also helps improve your literacy of scientific publications. All levels of knowledge are welcome. You do not need to be an expert in the topics that are discussed – “no stupid questions” is the motto!
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