Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
September 4, 2018
Rafael Vitor Lima Da Cruz, Thiago C. Moulin, Lyvia Lintzmaier Petiz et al.
86 citations
A single injection of the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT into the brain's fluid-filled spaces increased the production of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of adult mice. Treated mice had more newborn granule cells, and these cells developed more complex branch-like structures. The new neurons also showed shorter afterhyperpolarization potentials and higher action potential thresholds, indicating altered electrical properties. These effects on neurogenesis may help explain the potential antidepressant actions of DMT-like compounds.
Mol Med
December 19, 2024
Rafael V Lima Da Cruz, Richardson N. Leão, Thiago C. Moulin
13 citations
New neurons continue to be generated in the mammalian brain throughout life, a process called adult neurogenesis that is linked to stress regulation and mood disorders. Psychedelic compounds—including phenethylamines, tryptamines, cannabinoids, and others—have emerged as potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, with many reports connecting their effects to increased adult neurogenesis. This systematic review examined studies on neurogenesis and related brain plasticity after psychedelic interventions, searching PubMed and Science Direct for articles published up to January 31, 2023. The authors analyzed experimental studies using in vivo or in vitro models and human studies, categorizing findings into five psychedelic classes: CB1 agonists, NMDA antagonists, harmala alkaloids, tryptamines, and entactogens. The review describes how different psychedelics may affect the birth of new neurons and brain plasticity, offering insights for future therapeutic strategies.
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
April 4, 2019
Rafael Vitor Lima Da Cruz, Thiago C. Moulin, Lyvia Lintzmaier Petiz et al.
4 citations
correction
This is a correction notice for a previously published article. It does not present new findings or arguments. The notice corrects errors in the original paper, specifically in the Materials and Methods section regarding the number of animals used per group and in the Results section regarding the number of animals per group for behavioral tests.
Translational Psychiatry
January 29, 2026
Rafael V Lima Da Cruz, Rêmullo B. G. De Miranda Costa, Gabriel M. De Queiroz et al.
2 citations
A single dose of the psychedelic DMT reversed depression-like behavior and restored cognitive performance in male mice exposed to chronic stress, outperforming chronic fluoxetine across most measures. When given during the stress period, DMT reduced anhedonia but did not rescue cognitive deficits, indicating domain-specific long-lasting effects. All DMT regimens increased the integration of adult-born granule cells and reduced abnormally integrated cells in the brain, suggesting structural circuit repair. The role of the psychedelic experience remains uncertain because isoflurane anesthesia may have confounded results.
bioRxiv Preprint Server
April 26, 2025
Rafael V Lima Da Cruz, Rêmullo B. G. De Miranda Costa, Gabriel M. De Queiroz et al.
2 citations
preprint
A single dose of the psychedelic DMT reversed depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairments in mice exposed to chronic stress, outperforming the standard antidepressant fluoxetine. When given during stress, DMT prevented anhedonia but not cognitive deficits. DMT remained effective even under anesthesia, suggesting its therapeutic action does not require the psychedelic experience. All DMT regimens increased the integration of adult-born granule cells in the brain and reduced abnormal cell integration. The findings position DMT as a promising rapid-acting antidepressant that works through structural brain repair.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
July 1, 2026
Tijana Stojanovic, Kent W Nilsson, Robert Fredriksson et al.
The clinical trial landscape for ayahuasca and DMT expanded rapidly after 2020-2021, dominated by early-stage development. Most trials are phase I, primarily sponsored by academic or hospital institutions, and focus on DMT-only administration. Eligibility criteria are conservative, enrolling medically and psychiatrically healthy adults with extensive cardiovascular and psychiatric exclusions. Primary outcomes prioritize acute safety, physiological monitoring, and characterization of subjective altered-states, while disorder-specific symptom endpoints are less common. Publications from depression-focused trials provide preliminary evidence of potential clinical effects, but the field remains constrained by a limited number of indication-specific programs beyond depression.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
July 20, 2023
Rafael V Lima Da Cruz, Richardson N. Leão, Thiago C. Moulin
preprint
New neurons continue to be generated in the mammalian brain throughout life, a process linked to the HPA axis and mood disorders. Psychedelic compounds—including phenethylamines, tryptamines, cannabinoids, and others—have emerged as potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, with evidence suggesting they increase adult neurogenesis. This systematic review examined 68 studies from a total of 205 articles, covering CB1 agonists, NMDA antagonists, harmala alkaloids, tryptamines, and entactogens. The findings describe how different psychedelics affect the birth of new neurons and brain plasticity, providing a comprehensive picture that may inform future therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.