In a recently published scientific article the team around Olsen et. al coined the term “psychoplastogens”. These are substances with the capacity to promote structural and functional plasticity in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain. Psilocybin, as well other serotonergic psychedelics, are considered to be prime examples. Research has shown that they facilitate neurogenesis in vivo (observed processes in living organisms) and in vitro (conducted with nerve cells outside of living organisms).(https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30087-6)

How Can Psychoplastogens Like Psilocybin Help with Mental Health?

Olsen et al. argue that one of the major reasons for depression and related psychological illnesses is the atrophy of neurons in the prefrontal cortex caused and aggravated by stress. This atrophy could be counteracted by the utilization of compounds that grow and repair neurons. Instead of the slow degradation of neural circuits from the crippling grip of depression, PTSD or anxiety, Psilocybin offers healing and renewal. To this day the scientific community has not come to a clear agreement why substances like Psilocybin (DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12646) or ketamine  are so successful in the treatment of depression. Psilocybin especially is fast-acting and provides a long anti-depressive effect. This efficacy could be explained by the fact that it triggers the formation and regeneration of damaged synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex.

Psilocybin is a Proven Psychoplastogen!

Olsen showcased in a different published paper called “Psychoplastogens: A Promising Class of Plasticity-Promoting Neurotherapeutics” the effect of Psilocybin. With the help of a fluorescence microscope, cortical neurons treated with Psilocybin were pictured and compared with vehicle-treated neurons (a non-effective compound). Displaying that psilocybin significantly increased the dendritic branching. Continuing scientific research is focused on these fascinating findings and only future experiments will show what the potential of these incredible compounds is. We are excited to build upon this established knowledge and to provide psilocybin for your own healing and regrowth.

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