Effects of psychedelics on neurogenesis and brain plasticity: A systematic review
Rafael V Lima Da Cruz, Richardson N. Leão, Thiago C. Moulin
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) July 20, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.19.549676 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Tryptamines |
| Key findings | Psychedelic compounds across five categories (CB1 agonists, NMDA antagonists, harmala alkaloids, tryptamines, and entactogens) regulate adult neurogenesis and associated brain plasticity. |
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, new neurons continue to be generated throughout life in a process known as adult neurogenesis. The role of adult-generated neurons has been broadly studied across laboratories, and mounting evidence suggests a strong link to the HPA axis and concomitant malfunctions in patients diagnosed with mood disorders. Psychedelic compounds, such as phenethylamines, tryptamines, cannabinoids, and a variety of ever-growing chemical categories, have emerged as therapeutic options for neuropsychiatric disorders, while numerous reports link their effects to increased adult neurogenesis. In this systematic review, we examine studies assessing neurogenesis or neurogenesis-associated brain plasticity after psychedelic interventions and aim to provide a comprehensive picture of how this vast category of compounds regulates the generation of new neurons. We conducted a literature search on PubMed and Science Direct databases, considering all articles published until January 31, 2023, and selected articles containing both the terms "neurogenesis" and "psychedelics". We analyzed experimental studies using either in vivo or in vitro models, employing classical or atypical psychedelics at all ontogenetic windows, as well as human studies referring to neurogenesis-associated plasticity. Of a total of 205 articles, 68 met all the necessary conditions for further review. Our findings were divided into five main categories of psychedelics: CB1 agonists, NMDA antagonists, harmala alkaloids, tryptamines, and entactogens. We described the outcomes of neurogenesis assessments and investigated related results on the effects of psychedelics on brain plasticity and behavior within our sample. In summary, this review presents an extensive study into how different psychedelics may affect the birth of new neurons and other brain-related processes. Such knowledge may be valuable for future research on novel therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Systematic review of 20 studies (16 preclinical, 4 clinical) | 2021 | Systematic review | |
| Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. | 2024 | Systematic review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. | 2025 | Systematic review | |
| Psychedelic-Induced Neural Plasticity: A Comprehensive Review and a Discussion of Clinical Implications. | 2025 | Systematic review | |
| Molecular pathways of ketamine: A systematic review of immediate and sustained effects on PTSD. | 2025 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 86
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- mTOR-Dependent Synapse Formation Underlies the Rapid Antidepressant Effects of NMDA Antagonists Science August 19, 2010
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. Journal of Ethnopharmacology December 5, 2018
- The Hallucinogen N,N -Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Is an Endogenous Sigma-1 Receptor Regulator Science February 13, 2009
and 81 more in the library