Psychedelics and the Gut Microbiome: Unraveling the Interplay and Therapeutic Implications.
Xue Wang, Fan Jun, Cong Lin, Xiaohui Wang
ACS Chemical Neuroscience July 9, 2025 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00418 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Viewpoint Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Gut microbiome Gut−brain axis Inflammation Neuropsychiatric disorders Classic psychedelics Compounds Gut-brain axis Gut bacteria Microbes Bidirectional interaction Profound link Neuropsychiatric therapies Enhance therapies Novel strategies |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Psychedelics and the gut microbiome interact bidirectionally, suggesting that microbiome-informed strategies could personalize and enhance psychedelic-based mental health therapies. |
Abstract
Classic psychedelics and the gut microbiome interact bidirectionally through mechanisms involving 5-HT2A receptor signaling, neuroplasticity, and microbial metabolism. This viewpoint highlights how psychedelics may reshape microbiota and how microbes influence psychedelic efficacy, proposing microbiome-informed strategies─such as probiotics or dietary interventions─to personalize and enhance psychedelic-based mental health therapies.