Are we hallucinating or can psychedelic drugs modulate the immune system to control inflammation?
Omar Qureshi, Jamie Cowley, Ashley Pegg, Alison J Cooper, John Gordon, Catherine A Brady, Antonio Belli, Sam Butterworth, Rachel Upthegrove, Nick Andrews, Nicholas M Barnes
British Journal of Pharmacology July 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/bph.70138 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | 5‐ht2a receptor Immune system Neuroinflammation Psychedelic drugs New compounds Anti-inflammatory effects inflammation Pro-inflammatory responses |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic drugs that activate 5-HT2A receptors have anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and compounds that avoid psychedelic effects may offer new treatments for inflammation and mental health. |
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs that activate 5-HT2A receptors have been long used for cultural, medicinal and recreational purposes. Interest in psychedelics for treating psychiatric disorders has resurged recently and is well documented; less well recognised are their anti-inflammatory properties. Growing evidence now demonstrates that psychedelics modulate immune responses, including inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrate that psychedelics, like (R)-DOI, reduce inflammation in animal models of acute and chronic inflammatory disease such as asthma. Likewise, some clinical studies with psychedelic drugs (e.g. psilocybin) demonstrate an impact upon circulating cytokine levels, supporting a translation from the animal models to the clinical arena. Such data emphasise the promise of therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation. Interestingly, recent research has also uncovered compounds that maintain therapeutic potential without likely causing psychedelic effects. These discoveries suggest that drugs informed by psychedelic drugs, but which do not evoke psychedelic experiences, which we term PIPI drugs (Psychedelic drug Informed but Psychedelic experience Inactive), could offer effective treatments for mental health and inflammation, presenting new avenues for therapeutic development.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Psychiatry: A Narrative Clinical Review of Mechanisms, Therapeutic Applications, and Emerging Evidence (2025–2026) Journal of Clinical Medicine August 12, 2026
- Psychedelics and longevity: implications for lifespan, healthspan and functional aging Longevity July 5, 2026
- Psilocybin and Mental Health Outcomes: Scoping Review with ☸SAIMSARA SAIMSARA Journal June 15, 2026
- Neuroinflammation, the gut-brain axis, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: A synthesis of emerging paradigms in psychiatric care Future Health February 13, 2026
- Candidate Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder Progression: Implications for Ketamine and Psychedelic Interventions. Molecular Neurobiology July 28, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 59
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- 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
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- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
and 54 more in the library