Magic mushroom compound shows promise for depression in large trial
NCT ID NCT03866174
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, could reduce depression symptoms better than a placebo (niacin). 347 adults with major depressive disorder received either psilocybin or niacin in a double-blind setup. The main goal was to measure changes in depression scores 43 days after dosing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
psilocybin (a psychedelic compound)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new, fast-acting treatment for major depression that works after just one dose.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial, so results may not confirm lasting benefit. The psychedelic effects can be intense and require careful supervision.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Cedar Clinical Research
Draper, Utah, 84020, United States
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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Great Lakes Clinical Trials
Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
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Hassman Research Institute
Berlin, New Jersey, 08009, United States
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, 21229, United States
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New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York, 10016, United States
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Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Santa Monica, California, 91404, United States
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Segal Trials
Lauderhill, Florida, 33319, United States
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University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94121, United States
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University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, United States
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Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States