Healing Power of Psilocybin: Microdosing Therapy Via Magic Mushrooms

A study conducted at the University of Southern Denmark has unveiled a promising avenue for harnessing the therapeutic properties of psilocybin, the active compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, through a practice known as microdosing.

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New Frontier in Psychedelic Therapy

For decades, psilocybin has been recognized as a classic psychedelic substance, and more recently, it has garnered attention for its potential to aid in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and addiction, when administered in conjunction with high-dose therapy sessions. Traditionally, patients undergo a meticulously guided therapeutic process that involves thorough preparation, followed by the ingestion of a substantial dose of psilocybin in a supportive environment facilitated by trained therapists. Subsequent therapy sessions are then used to integrate the experiences.

Currently, experiments with psilocybin-assisted therapy are underway at hospitals, including Bispebjerg Hospital and Rigshospitalet (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Repeated low doses of psilocybin increase resilience to stress, lower compulsive actions, and strengthen cortical connections to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus in rats

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Microdosing on Magic Mushrooms Explained

In a recent study published in Nature - Molecular Psychiatry, Associate Professor Mikael Palner and Ph.D. student Kat Kiilerich, both from the Research Unit for Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark, turned their attention to exploring the effects of small doses of psilocybin in rats. Specifically, their study delved into the realm of repeated low doses of psilocybin, commonly referred to as 'microdosing.'

Microdosing is a phenomenon that gained popularity within performance-oriented cultures, notably in Silicon Valley, California, before spreading widely through anecdotes and stories on the internet. It involves the consumption of sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, as a form of self-medication to address various challenges.

Mikael Palner, the last author of the study, explains, "Microdosing is a phenomenon popularized within performance culture, notably in areas like Silicon Valley, California, and has subsequently spread through stories and anecdotes on the internet as a form of self-medication for various challenges."

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The Road to Mental Wellness through Microdosing on Magic Mushrooms

The results of their study on rats revealed that these animals tolerated repeated low doses of psilocybin remarkably well. Importantly, they did not exhibit signs of reduced pleasure (anhedonia), anxiety, or altered locomotor activity. Most notably, the rats displayed an increased resilience to stress and fewer compulsive behaviors.

The study also revealed an uptick in the number of connections within the thalamus region of the brain, which acts as a filter for decision-making and concerns. This increase in connectivity to the thalamus may offer insights into the enhanced resilience to stress reported by individuals who engage in microdosing with psychedelic mushrooms.

This study paves the way for further research into the effects of repeated low doses of psilocybin and lends credibility to the numerous anecdotal reports regarding the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention. As a result, it opens doors to novel approaches in the treatment of various mental disorders.

Mikael Palner emphasizes, "The increased anxiety and stress in society currently have placed a strong focus on microdosing, leading to a surge in the trade of mushrooms. Countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the USA, and Canada have either legalized or are in the process of legalizing psilocybin for therapeutic treatment. It is, therefore, crucial that we understand the effects and side effects of these substances, which are already widely used by people around the world."

Enhanced Understanding with Potential

Mikael Palner's interest in researching psychedelic substances and psilocybin was sparked during his time in Silicon Valley, California, eleven years ago. He observed the rise of self-improvement practices that gained substantial media attention, encouraging more people to experiment with microdosing.

In conclusion, the groundbreaking research conducted at the University of Southern Denmark has shed light on the immense potential of microdosing psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, as a therapeutic tool.

This study not only highlights the remarkable tolerance of repeated low doses of psilocybin in rats but also underscores its positive impact on resilience to stress and reduced compulsive behaviors.

With countries around the world exploring the legalization of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, understanding its effects and benefits is more critical than ever. This research not only offers a promising avenue for treating mental disorders but also enriches our understanding of the brain and mental challenges, benefiting both the scientific community and society at large."

Reference:

1. Repeated low doses of psilocybin increase resilience to stress, lower compulsive actions, and strengthen cortical connections to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus in rats - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02280-z)

Source-Medindia