Magic mushroom compound tested for brain boost in seniors

NCT ID NCT06367738

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early-stage study is looking at how a single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, might affect brain structure and function in healthy older adults aged 60 to 85. Researchers will use MRI scans to measure changes in brain plasticity and activity. The goal is to understand whether psilocybin can promote brain flexibility in aging, but this is a small, exploratory trial with no direct treatment aim.

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 reveal how psilocybin promotes brain flexibility in aging, potentially pointing toward future therapies for age-related cognitive decline.

What could go wrong

This is a very early Phase 1 study with only 40 healthy participants, so results may not apply to the general population or lead to any treatment. The doses vary widely, and the study focuses on brain imaging changes, not clinical benefits.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AGING are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, Berkeley

    RECRUITING

    Berkeley, California, 94720, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••