12 papers in the library · 118 citations · publishing 2022-2026
npj Aging April 3, 2026 Leonard Lerer
Psilocybin extends lifespan in aged mice, and this has prompted extensive media speculation about possible human longevity benefits. We examined mortality among prominent psychedelic personalities, researchers, and advocates who claimed psychedelic use (n = 11) and compared them with cancer (n = 12) and aging researchers (n = 5). All groups exceeded population life expectancy, reflecting the...
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2026 Sofia Abramsky-Sze, Elliot Marseille, Richard Matzopoulos et al. correction
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1508811.].
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology February 1, 2025 Leonard Lerer, Kathleen Spear, Jeet Varia et al.
Abstract Background Psilocybin research in depression has been generated using chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSI). Psychedelic mushrooms produce additional tryptamines that may enhance the neuroplastic effect of psilocybin. In a rodent depression model, an extract of a psychedelic mushroom (PME) had a stronger and more prolonged effect than PSI on behavior[1]. Aims and Objectives To...
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2025 Sofia Abramsky-Sze, Elliot Marseille, Richard Matzopoulos et al. 4 citations
Few population-based studies have examined associations between psychedelic use and mental health outcomes. This work describes characteristics of exclusive psychedelic mushroom use (referred to as PM use), PMs in combination with other psychedelic substances (multi-psychedelic or MP) use, and non-psychedelic use and explores mental health ratings in non-clinical settings. This work uses...
Molecular Psychiatry October 11, 2024 Michal Brownstien, Michal Lazar, Alexander Botvinnik et al. 23 citations
Abstract Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent disorder that causes serious disability. Available treatments leave 40% or more of people with OCD significantly symptomatic. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Mice that carry a homozygous deletion of the SAPAP3 gene (SAPAP3 KO) manifest a phenotype of excessive self-grooming, tic-like head-body twitches...
Molecular Psychiatry July 1, 2024 Orr Shahar, Alexander Botvinnik, Amit Shwartz et al. 37 citations
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical reports suggest that the biological effects of psilocybin-containing mushroom extract or "full spectrum" (psychedelic) mushroom extract (PME), may differ from those of chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSIL). We compared the effects...
Research Square July 20, 2023 Orr Shahar, Alexander Botvinnik, Amit Shwartz et al. 3 citations
Abstract Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical reports suggest that the biological effects of psilocybin-containing mushroom extract or “full spectrum” (psychedelic) mushroom extract (PME), may differ from those of chemically synthesized psilocybin (PSIL). We compared the...
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) March 1, 2023 Leonard Lerer, Eric Reynolds, Jeet Varia et al. 6 citations
There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) for psychiatric disorders. Although 5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (also known as the Colorado River or Sonoran Desert toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules including bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines...
Molecular Psychiatry 2023 Gilly Wolf, Sandeep Singh, Karin Blakolmer et al.
Schizophrenia is a widespread psychiatric disorder that affects 0.5-1.0% of the world's population and induces significant, long-term disability that exacts high personal and societal cost. Negative symptoms, which respond poorly to available antipsychotic drugs, are the primary cause of this disability. Association of negative symptoms with cortical atrophy and cell loss is widely reported....
Frontiers in Space Technologies September 15, 2022 Leonard Lerer, Jeet Varia 2 citations
Prolonged periods in space have potentially deleterious physiological and psychological effects. Ensuring the physical health and mental well-being of astronauts will inevitably supersede the need for technological innovation, as the major challenge in long-duration space travel. We propose a role for psychedelics (psychoactive fungal, plant, and animal molecules that cause alterations in...
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) May 22, 2022 Leonard Lerer, Eric Reynolds, Jeet Varia et al. preprint
Abstract There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) for psychiatric disorders. While 5-MeO-DMT can be chemically synthesized, the parotoid gland secretions of Incilius alvarius (also known as the Colorado River or Sonoran Desert toad) contain 5-MeO-DMT and other molecules including bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole...
Frontiers in Psychiatry January 3, 2022 Richard Matzopoulos, Robert Morlock, Amy Morlock et al. 43 citations
Introduction: Popular media coverage of psychedelics use, growing research into this class of compounds for psychiatry and decriminalization initiatives, are transforming the public perception of psychedelics. However, little is known about levels of knowledge and psychedelic mushroom (PM) use among American adults. Methods: We examined PM use and various measures of health status, quality of...