Scientists scan brains to see how magic mushrooms work
NCT ID NCT04501653
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study used advanced brain scans to see how psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, affects brain networks. Eleven healthy adults who had used psychedelics before but not recently took part. The goal was to understand the brain changes that might explain psilocybin's rapid antidepressant effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- psilocybin
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain how psilocybin produces its rapid antidepressant effects, pointing toward new treatments for depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study in healthy volunteers, not patients. It is designed to understand brain mechanisms, not to test a treatment. Results may not translate to clinical benefits.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Washington University
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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