A systematic review of 40 preclinical studies found that classical psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT can reduce inflammation. In 29 of 36 studies measuring inflammatory cytokines, at least one cytokine decreased after psychedelic administration. Effects on immune cell activity were mixed, with half of 10 studies showing an increase and half a decrease. The compounds alleviated pre-existing inflammation but promoted inflammation when given under normal conditions. These findings may guide future clinical trials on psychedelics for inflammatory conditions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder involves social-communication deficits, cognitive rigidity, and atypical sensory processing, with current drugs providing only limited relief. Dysregulated serotonin signaling, impaired neuroplasticity, and chronic neuroimmune activation are central features. Serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, which act as 5-HT2A receptor agonists, may relax overly rigid cortical priors, reopen critical periods for social learning, and recalibrate neural circuits. They enhance synaptic plasticity via BDNF and mTOR signaling, modulate cortical oscillations, and suppress neuroinflammation. Systems-level frameworks suggest these compounds induce less constrained brain states that counteract hyper-segregated connectivity in ASD. Preclinical and early human studies report improvements in sociability, sensory responsiveness, and behavioral flexibility, but rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy.
Long COVID, or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), involves persistent symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, olfactory dysfunction, and cognitive issues, with no approved treatments. Recent research links PCS severity to low circulating serotonin levels, suggesting serotonin-modulating therapies may help. This review proposes that serotonergic psychedelics, which act mainly on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, could alleviate PCS symptoms through effects on inflammation, neuroplasticity, gastrointestinal function, and endothelial dysfunction. The review also discusses potential benefits for specific symptoms like olfactory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges. Emerging evidence indicates these psychedelics may help, but further high-quality research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy.