UCSF study finds psilocybin may reduce inflammation in Parkinson's patients

New research from the University of California, San Francisco, indicates that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, may help reduce inflammation in people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease. This study is among the first to provide data in humans supporting findings from lab studies that psychedelics can lower inflammation and potentially protect against certain illnesses.

The UCSF team measured five different signaling molecules involved in inflammation through blood tests in participants before and after two psilocybin sessions. The results showed significantly lower levels of inflammation following the treatments compared to baseline. These changes persisted for at least a month after the final dose, according to the study published in JAMA Psychiatry.

In addition to inflammation markers, researchers tracked a blood marker of mitochondrial stress, which also showed substantial improvement immediately after psilocybin administration, though these effects did not persist during longer-term follow-up. This may indicate potential benefits related to cellular energy production processes.

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, adds to growing evidence that psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD exert physiological effects beyond the brain, as many cells and tissues outside the brain have serotonin receptors targeted by these compounds. This research may open new avenues for treating diseases characterized by inflammation and immune dysregulation, especially neurodegenerative conditions.