Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Psilocybin as a novel treatment for chronic pain.

British journal of pharmacology
November 29, 2024
Tate Askey et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to explore the potential of psilocybin as an anti-nociceptive agent in preclinical animal models and its translational potential for chronic pain patients.

Results Summary

The study found that psilocybin shows promise in reducing chronic pain through serotonergic pathways and neuroplastic actions, improving functional connectivity in brain regions involved in pain, but further research is needed.

Population

Preclinical animal models (neuropathic and inflammatory pain) and potential chronic pain patients.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
psilocybin
decrease
chronic pain
preclinical animal models
-
anti-nociceptive treatments
#1
psilocybin
decrease
depression
patients with chronic pain
-
addressing conditions
#2
psilocybin
neutral
serotonergic pathways
-
-
targeting
#3
psilocybin
increase
5-HT2A receptors
-
-
activation of
#4
psilocybin
increase
functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain
-
-
neuroplastic actions that improve
#5
psilocybin
decrease
chronic pain
-
-
wide range of effects against
#6
psilocybin
decrease
associated inflammatory components
-
-
wide range of effects against
#7
psilocybin
decrease
associated emotional components
-
-
wide range of effects against
#8
Abstract

Psychedelic drugs are under active consideration for clinical use and have generated significant interest for their potential as anti-nociceptive treatments for chronic pain, and for addressing conditions like depression, frequently co-morbid with pain. This review primarily explores the utility of preclinical animal models in investigating the potential of psilocybin as an anti-nociceptive agent. Initial studies involving psilocybin in animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain are summarised, alongside areas where further research is needed. The potential mechanisms of action, including targeting serotonergic pathways through the activation of 5-HT2A receptors at both spinal and central levels, as well as neuroplastic actions that improve functional connectivity in brain regions involved in chronic pain, are considered. Current clinical aspects and the translational potential of psilocybin from animal models to chronic pain patients are reviewed. Also discussed is psilocybin's profile as an ideal anti-nociceptive agent, with a wide range of effects against chronic pain and its associated inflammatory or emotional components.

Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.43
Normalized Score0.66
Related Supplements
Psilocybin as a novel treatment for chronic pain. | Panacea Index