Psilocybe cubensis extract potently prevents fear memory recall and freezing behavior in short- but not long-term in a rat model of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Zahra Ghofrani-Jahromi, Sarah Nouri-Darehno, Mehrsa Rahimi-Danesh, Nastaran Talaee, Eghbal Jasemi, Ali Razmi, Salar Vaseghi
Behavioral Neuroscience January 18, 2024 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000579 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Male rats |
| Intervention | Psilocybe cubensis extract |
| Dose | 25 mg/kg |
| Topics | Anxiety Psilocybin PTSD |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key points | Psilocybe cubensis extract alleviated PTSD-like freezing behavior in rats in the short term but not long term, while its effects on pain threshold and anxiety persisted. |
Abstract
Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psilocybin mushroom (magic mushroom) of moderate potency whose principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin. Recent studies have shown the significant procognitive and mood-enhancer effects of Psilocybe cubensis. However, evidence is so limited, especially in preclinical studies. We aimed to investigate the effect of Psilocybe cubensis extract on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like behavior, pain perception, locomotor activity, and anxiety in a rat model of PTSD. Male rats were exposed to three consecutive shocks (0.8 mA, 3 s interval) paired with three sounds broadcasted 3 s before delivering shocks (75 dB, 3 s). After 1, 3, or 21 days, freezing rate was measured in the fear-conditioning apparatus. Open filed test and hot plate were used to assess locomotor activity and anxiety, and pain subthreshold, respectively. Psilocybe cubensis was injected intraperitoneal at the dose of 25 mg/kg (single administration) before (pretrain) or after (posttrain) shocks, or before the test (pretest). Results showed psilocybin potently alleviated PTSD symptom is short- but not long-term after the induction of PTSD. Psilocybe cubensis decreased locomotor activity only in a short period after administration. Psilocybe cubensis also increased pain subthreshold and decreased anxiety. In conclusion, Psilocybe cubensis effects on PTSD-like behavior and locomotor activity seem to be remained in short-term, while Psilocybe cubensis effects on pain subthreshold and anxiety remained long-term. This is the first study evaluating the effect of Psilocybe cubensis on PTSD-like behavior in rats in three different time protocols (1, 3, and 21 days after fear conditioning). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Psilocybe cubensis extract at 25 mg/kg alleviated PTSD-like freezing in rats short-term but not long-term, while effects on pain threshold and anxiety persisted.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on PTSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmahuasca and DMT Rescue ROS Production and Differentially Expressed Genes Observed after Predator and Psychosocial Stress: Relevance to Human PTSD. Rats exposed to a 30-day stress regimen | 2022 | Preclinical animal study with in vitro assays | |
| Ketamine ameliorates post-traumatic social avoidance by erasing the traumatic memory encoded in VTA-innervated BLA engram cells. Mice | 2024 | Experimental animal study | |
| Psilocybin Facilitates Fear Extinction: Importance of Dose, Context, and Serotonin Receptors Male and female mice | 2024 | Experimental study | |
| Molecular signatures of astrocytes and microglia maladaptive responses to acute stress are rescued by a single administration of ketamine in a rodent model of PTSD. Rats | 2024 | Animal study | |
| Ayahuasca-enhanced extinction of fear behaviour: Role of infralimbic cortex 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors. Rats | 2024 | Experimental study |