Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin, a tryptamine alkaloid found in mushrooms of the Psilocybe genus, acts by binding to serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2A), activating metabotropic responses and inducing neuroplasticity processes. Various scientific approaches are integrated, including preclinical and clinical studies, addressing neurophysiological effects and therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatry.
Materials and methods: A narrative review was conducted based on an exhaustive search of scientific literature in the Medline database, using the PubMed search engine, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. The keywords used were: “anxiety,” “depression,” “psilocin,” “psilocybin,” “neurogenesis,” “neuroplasticity,” “neurologic disorders,” “mental disorders,” and “serotonin receptors.” Relevant data were selected regarding the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.
Results: Evidence indicates that psilocybin administration produces both functional and structural brain changes, inducing neurogenesis and modulating dominant brain circuits associated with cognitive rigidity. These effects lead to improvements in depression and anxiety scales. Furthermore, proposals have been made regarding its potential use in neurodegenerative disorders.
Discussion: Psilocybin has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool. Preclinical findings reveal genetic expression of neurotrophins and sustained synaptic remodeling. Functional neuroimaging studies show brain activity changes that correlate with clinical improvements in patients with treatment-resistant affective disorders, suggesting potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusions: Rigorous research is essential to establish standardized clinical protocols for its safe and effective use.
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