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Psychedelics may boost mental health by dampening inflammation

Psychedelic drugs like MDMA and psilocybin may help treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions by reducing the number of inflammatory cells around the brain

5 May 2025

A colour-enhanced scanning electron microscope image of a mushroom with psychedelic properties — A colour-enhanced scanning electron microscope image of a mushroom with psychedelic properties
TED KINSMAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Psychedelic drugs may improve mental health in part by reducing inflammation. In mice, psychedelics reversed signs of anxiety and an accumulation of inflammatory immune cells around the brain, potentially explaining why these drugs have shown promise in treating mental health conditions.

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Beyond tired: Why fatigue sets in and how to tackle it

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