ALSUntangled #77: Psilocybin.
Document Type
Article
Abstract
ALSUntangled reviews alternate and off-label treatments prompted by patient interest. Here, we review psilocybin, a chemical derived from mushrooms and belonging in the category of drugs known as psychedelics. Psilocybin has plausible mechanisms for slowing ALS progression because of its ability to cross the blood brain barrier and effect neurogenesis and inflammation. Currently, there are no pre-clinical ALS models, case reports, or trials for psilocybin and ALS in the context of disease modifying therapy. Depending on dosing, there can be a high risk of psychological side effects including hallucinations and physical harm. Based on the above information, we do not currently support the use of psilocybin as a means to slow ALS progression.
Medical Subject Headings
Psilocybin; Humans; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Hallucinogens; Animals
Publication Date
5-1-2025
Publication Title
Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener
ISSN
2167-9223
Volume
26
Issue
3-4
First Page
385
Last Page
388
PubMed ID
39709547
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/21678421.2024.2441274
Recommended Citation
Bakshi, Bhavya; Yerraguntla, Sandeep; Armon, Carmel; Barkhaus, Paul; Bertorini, Tulio; Bowser, Robert; Breevoort, Sarah; Bromberg, Mark; Brown, Andrew; Carter, Gregory T; Chang, Vincent; Crayle, Jesse; Fullam, Timothy; Greene, Maxwell; Heiman-Patterson, Terry; Jackson, Carlayne; Jhooty, Sartaj; Mallon, Elise; Cadavid, Javier Mascias; Mcdermott, Christopher J; Pattee, Gary; Pierce, Kaitlyn; Ratner, Dylan; Sun, Yuyao; Wang, Olivia; Wicks, Paul; Wiedau, Martina; and Bedlack, Richard, "ALSUntangled #77: Psilocybin." (2025). Neurology. 1999.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurology/1999