Antidepressants might be getting a little more psychedelic in the coming years due to recent tests. Mushrooms have cleared the first of many tests required to become a treatment for depression.
In a study by researchers at King’s College London, healthy volunteers tolerated the active ingredient in the mushrooms. Researchers marked the psilocybin safe when given to volunteers, however they did also get high. Subtropical and tropical regions of South America, Mexico and the U.S. are where mushrooms with psilocybin typically grow.
More than ever, science is looking at recreational drugs as treatment for things like depression, marijuana being one on the forefront. Earlier this year, the school of medicine at John Hopkins University started a research center for this specific study. The Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research focuses on how psychedelics affect behavior, mood, cognition, brain function and more.
Psilocybin, itself, is being looked at for far more beyond depression. Scientists plan to test the active ingredient for its benefits against addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia and migraine.
Following its first success, the next trail of the chemical will involve 21 patients with depression in Europe and North America.
While there are many more tests and hurdles to pass, this small success could eventually open the door for more recreational drugs as treatments.
