Recent research has highlighted the potential of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, as a therapeutic agent for various medical conditions, including mental health disorders. A new study from Johns Hopkins University explores the impact of psilocybin on body weight, body composition, and metabolic function in mice. This research provides intriguing insights that could have implications for treating obesity and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN).
Psilocybin converts to the active metabolite psilocin in the body, and primarily interacts with 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the brain. These receptors play significant roles in regulating mood, cognition, and appetite. Previous studies have suggested that psilocybin could reduce anxiety and improve well-being in patients with AN. Some studies also show that psilocybin might help with obesity, as survey data indicate that individuals who have used it are less likely to be overweight or obese.
To explore these possibilities, researchers conducted experiments on lean male and female lab mice. The mice were given a single intraperitoneal (inside the abdominal cavity) dose of psilocybin, and their body weight, food and water intake, body composition, and metabolic indicators were monitored. The findings revealed that psilocybin-treated mice showed a consistent increase in body weight compared to control mice, which were treated with saline. This weight gain was observed in both male and female mice and persisted for at least six days post-injection.
However, body composition analysis indicated that the weight gain in male mice was associated with increased lean mass and water content, but not fat mass. Female mice showed a similar trend, although the increase in lean mass was not statistically significant. The correlation between body weight and lean mass, as well as between body weight and total water content, was stronger in psilocybin-treated mice than in controls. This suggests that psilocybin may promote lean tissue growth and water retention without increasing fat mass.
To investigate whether the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors mediated these effects, some mice were pre-treated with ketanserin, a receptor antagonist, before receiving psilocybin. The weight gain observed in psilocybin-treated mice remained unaffected by ketanserin, indicating that the effects of psilocybin on body weight may be independent of these receptors. Despite the observed weight gain, psilocybin did not significantly affect appetite, water intake, or fecal output during a 24-hour monitoring period. This contrasts with previous studies where psilocybin reduced food intake in rats on a high-calorie diet, indicating that the compound’s effects may vary depending on the species, dosage, and metabolic state.
In addition to body composition, the study assessed the impact of psilocybin on various metabolic markers. Serum chemistry panels showed that psilocybin-treated mice had increased levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and chloride, suggesting potential alterations in muscle and liver function as well as electrolyte balance. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for health.
The study also explored the broader effects of psilocybin on organ function and electrolyte balance. Increased levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) could indicate muscle injury, while changes in chloride and bicarbonate levels suggest effects on water balance and acid-base homeostasis. These observations underscore the complexity of psilocybin’s impact on the body and the importance of comprehensive metabolic assessments in future research.
The researchers emphasize that while psilocybin has shown promise in preclinical studies, its effects on body weight and metabolism are not yet fully understood. The mixed results from previous studies, combined with the findings of this study, highlight the need for more research to clarify the conditions under which psilocybin might be beneficial or detrimental.
This study opens new avenues for exploring psilocybin’s potential beyond its well-known psychedelic effects. If future research confirms that psilocybin can modulate body weight and metabolism without adverse effects, it could pave the way for new, safer treatments for obesity and eating disorders. As interest in alternative medicine options continues to grow, studies like this are essential for building a comprehensive understanding of these compounds and their potential benefits.