Magic mushroom compound shows promise for depression in large trial

NCT ID NCT03866174

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Usona Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cedar Clinical Research

Draper, Utah, 84020, United States
Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Great Lakes Clinical Trials

Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
Hassman Research Institute

Berlin, New Jersey, 08009, United States
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland, 21229, United States
New York University School of Medicine

New York, New York, 10016, United States
Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Santa Monica, California, 91404, United States
Segal Trials

Lauderhill, Florida, 33319, United States
University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94121, United States
University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, United States
Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.