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March 11, 2025 – A groundbreaking study conducted by the Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR) at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) in Mannheim has unveiled detailed cellular insights into how psilocin, the active ingredient derived from psilocybin in magic mushrooms, fosters the growth and networking of human nerve cells.
These findings contribute to a growing body of clinical research exploring the potential of psilocybin-based treatments for mental health disorders, shedding light on the neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie its therapeutic effects.
Psilocin and Its Effect on Brain Cells
Psilocybin, the well-known psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is metabolized in the human body into psilocin—the substance responsible for its hallucinogenic and potential therapeutic effects. To better understand these effects at a cellular level, the Mannheim research team directly studied psilocin’s impact on cultivated human nerve cells derived from stem cells.
According to their study, published in the journal eLife, even a single dose of psilocin induced profound changes in nerve cell behavior within a short timeframe.
Boosting Brain Plasticity
Dr. Malin Schmidt, the study’s first author, described the results as remarkable. “The nerve cells formed more branches and produced higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a crucial growth factor for nerve cells.” Even more intriguingly, synaptic changes persisted for several days, and nerve cell communication significantly increased.
The research further demonstrated that psilocin altered the activity of genes critical for neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt. This is particularly significant as neuroplasticity is known to be impaired in various mental disorders.
“Put simply, psilocin makes the brain more malleable again,” explained Prof. Dr. Philipp Koch, the study leader. “Our results offer a cellular-level explanation for the positive effects of psilocybin observed in clinical studies involving depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Implications for Psychedelic Therapies
The findings complement ongoing clinical trials that are investigating psilocybin-based treatments for psychiatric conditions. “While clinical studies assess the therapeutic benefits in patients, our research provides crucial insights into the underlying biological mechanisms,” noted Koch.
By utilizing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, the researchers were able to grow functional human nerve cells for direct study. This method offers a significant advantage over traditional animal model research, as it allows scientists to observe biological processes in a fully human system.
With a clearer understanding of how psilocin enhances nerve cell plasticity and connectivity, researchers hope to refine psychedelic-assisted therapies currently being tested in clinical settings. “This knowledge could enable more targeted treatment protocols and potentially improve patient outcomes,” concluded Koch.
Reference: Schmidt, M., et al. (2025). Psilocin fosters neuroplasticity in iPSC-derived human cortical neurons. eLife. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.104006.1
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The use of psilocybin-containing substances is subject to legal regulations in many regions. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before considering any psychedelic-based treatments.
