Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2025 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s500337 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | microdosing psilocybin |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Microdosing Psilocybin Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Psilocybin-therapy Mental-health-treatment Brain-inflammation Psychedelic-medicine Anti-inflammatory Microdose Neuroinflammation |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | Psilocin has anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity-enhancing properties, and both full-dose therapy and microdosing show benefits for mood disorders. |
Abstract
The incidence of mental health disorders is increasing worldwide. While there are multiple factors contributing to this problem, neuroinflammation underlies a significant subset of psychiatric conditions, particularly major depressive and anxiety disorders. Anti-inflammatory interventions have demonstrated benefit in these conditions. Psilocin, the active ingredient of mushrooms in the Psilocybe genus, is both a potent serotonin agonist and anti-inflammatory agent, increases neuroplasticity, and decreases overactivity in the default mode network. Studies using hallucinogenic doses of psilocin under the supervision of a therapist/guide have consistently demonstrated benefits to individuals with depression and end-of-life anxiety. Microdosing psilocybin in sub-hallucinogenic doses has also demonstrated benefit in mood disorders, and may offer a safe, less expensive, and more available alternative to full doses of psilocybin for mood disorders, as well as for other medical conditions in which inflammation is the principal pathophysiology.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin and microdosing, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The risk of chronic psychedelic and MDMA microdosing for valvular heart disease | 2023 | Review | |
| Macrodosing to microdosing with psychedelics: Clinical, social, and cultural perspectives | 2022 | Review | |
| Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research | 2024 | Rapid review | n = 19 |
| Less is more? A review of psilocybin microdosing | 2024 | Semi-structured review | |
| Side effects of microdosing lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin: A systematic review of potential physiological and psychiatric outcomes | 2025 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Narrating the psychoneuroimmunomodulatory properties of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor psychedelics from a transdiagnostic perspective. Acta Neuropsychiatrica July 25, 2025
- Current status and future prospects of research on psilocybin's regulation of neurotransmitters and their receptors related to the pathogenesis of tinnitus. Hearing research August 1, 2026
- PSILOCYBIN IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS: CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND ITS POTENTIAL TO ADDRESS THE GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS - A REVIEW International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science June 24, 2026
- Psilocybin and Mental Health Outcomes: Scoping Review with ☸SAIMSARA SAIMSARA Journal June 15, 2026
- Molecular Diagnostics, Circuit-Calming Modulators, and Controlled Neuroplastogens: Emerging Strategies in Precision Neuropsychiatric Therapeutics ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters December 16, 2025
and 6 more in the library
Cites 70
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 65 more in the library