From trips to treatments: How psychedelics could revolutionize anti-inflammatory medicine

OG Article By Nicholas Barnes, The Conversation edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Watch Today's LIVE Episode on X and Rumble and Youtube

October 07 2025

Shifting Perceptions

Once tied to counterculture, psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca are gaining medical traction.Research, long stifled by drug laws, now explores their healing potential.

Beyond Mental Health

Initially studied for depression, psychedelics show promise in reducing inflammation.Inflammation drives diseases like arthritis, asthma, and even depression.

Lab Evidence

• Psychedelics (DMT, LSD, (R)-DOI) block inflammatory cytokines in cell and animal studies.

• Unlike steroids, they preserve healthy immune function.

• Psilocybin reduced TNF-alpha and IL-6 in a 60-person study over one week.

Human Studies

• Ayahuasca lowered CRP levels in depressed and healthy individuals.

• Greater CRP reduction linked to better mood.

• Challenges: Small sample sizes and placebo effects complicate results.

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How They Work

Psychedelics act on 5-HT2A receptors, triggering chemical reactions.Anti-inflammatory effects may not depend on hallucinogenic pathways.Animal studies show varied results, hinting at separate mechanisms.

Future Potential

• Pipi Drugs: Psychedelic-informed, non-hallucinogenic compounds (e.g., DLX-001, DLX-159).

• Offer antidepressant effects without the "trip."

• Could transform treatment for inflammation-driven conditions.

Challenges Ahead

• Placebos are hard to mask due to psychedelic experiences.

• Expectations may influence mood and inflammation outcomes.

• More rigorous studies needed for chronic illness applications.

Outlook

Psychedelics, or their derivatives, could redefine anti-inflammatory therapy.Separating healing from hallucinations may unlock treatments for millions.