…psychedelics boost brain growth factor levels?
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal development and survival and triggers adaptive neuroplasticity… animal studies have reported that acute and chronic administration of various psychedelic compounds, including LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and other ayahuasca-derived alkaloids, can increase BDNF production and neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons).
Importantly, threats to our well-being such as stress, ageing and depression are associated with decreases in BDNF levels, hindering the brain’s ability to effectively change and adapt. In chronically depressed patients, for example, impaired neuroplasticity can eventually lead to key brain areas actually shrinking, most prominently seen in the hippocampus, and to pronounced cognitive impairments such as rigid, negative thinking and memory loss… preclinical work with DMT shows that neuroplastic changes can take place even after low, sub-hallucinogenic doses.
Original Article (Psychedelic Review):
Food for thought: can psychedelics boost brain growth factor levels?
Artwork Fair Use: Ayacop
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