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.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Psychedelics and women’s mental health: the effects of female sex hormones on psychedelics’ efficacy and tolerability Molecular Psychiatry August 4, 2026
- Pivotal physical states: The somatic equivalent to pivotal mental states Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 26, 2026
- Chemical ecology and convergent evolution of natural hallucinogens: From ecological defense to conserved neural targets Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences June 24, 2026
- Neuroinflammation, the gut-brain axis, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: A synthesis of emerging paradigms in psychiatric care Future Health February 13, 2026
- Bridging ancient substances and modern psychiatry: the role of classic psychedelics in depression treatment. Neuroscience January 22, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 4
- Seeking the Psilocybiome: Psychedelics meet the microbiota-gut-brain axis. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2023
- Psychedelics as potent anti-inflammatory therapeutics Neuropharmacology August 22, 2022
- Mind over matter: the microbial mindscapes of psychedelics and the gut-brain axis. Pharmacological Research September 1, 2024
- Exploring the Role of Psychedelics in Modulating Ego and Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders. ACS Chemical Neuroscience May 7, 2025