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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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60 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Are 60-85 years of age at time of Informed Consent Form signing. Are able and willing to adhere to study requirements, including attending all study visits, preparatory and follow-up sessions, and completing all study evaluations. Are able to swallow capsules. Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) must agree to practice an effective means of birth control throughout the duration of the study. Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision as determined by the study staff. Written informed consent obtained from and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study. Have an identified support person and agree to be accompanied home (or to an otherwise safe destination) by the support person, or another responsible party, following dosing. Agree to inform the investigators within 48 hours of any new or changed medical conditions during the course of their study participation. Have access to a quiet space and a computer to perform online assessments. Exclusion Criteria: Breastfeeding, have a positive pregnancy test at screening or at any point during the course of the study, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study. Have a current psychiatric disorder, general medical condition, or other problem or abnormality that, in the opinion of the study clinician or PI, could compromise safety, render them unsuitable for the study, or would make them unable to comply with study activities. Have MRI contraindications (e.g., metal implants, pacemakers, claustrophobia etc.) as determined by an MRI contraindications questionnaire. Have a history of recent, clinically significant suicidal ideation or behavior. Have a history of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder (type I or II), or a dissociative disorder (determined by history). History of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). History of a seizure disorder in adulthood, central nervous system (CNS) metastases or current symptomatic CNS infection. History of intracerebral hemorrhage, embolic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or history of any aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial and peripheral arterial vessels) or arteriovenous malformation. History of valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension (Systolic BP\>139mmHG or Diastolic BP\>89mmHG) or tachycardia (average HR\>90bpm) averaged over at least two measurements. Clinically significant cardiovascular disease (e.g., history of myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure); or baseline QT/QTc\>500msec; or baseline QT/QTc 451-500msec with repeat QT/QTc \>500msec. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (e.g., history of an episode of severe hypoglycemia or hospitalization for hyperglycemia on the current diabetes regimen). Inadequate hepatic function as determined by total bilirubin or alkaline phosphatase \>3x institutional upper limit of normal; or AST or ALT \>6x institutional upper limit of normal. However, participants with Gilbert syndrome are allowed to enroll. Inadequate renal function as determined by eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (based on the MDRD equation) or CrCl \< 30 mL/min (based on the C-G equation). The regular use of psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants (i.e., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors), antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Concomitant dosing of psilocybin with known UGT1A10 and UGT1A9 inhibitors (e.g., diclofenac and probenecid) will be avoided. \[There is no exclusion criterion based on the use of medications or substances that are inhibitors or inducers of CYP450 enzymes.\] The use of Prohibited Medications: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Atypical antidepressants (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, buspar) Antipsychotics/Neuroleptics (typical and atypical) Anti-epileptics or mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate) (does not include gabapentin used for non-epilepsy conditions) Efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla) Lorcaserin Over-the-counter supplements intended to affect mood or anxiety (e.g., 5HT-P, SAMe or St. John's Wort). Other drugs associated with the serotonin syndrome (e.g., ondansetron) used within 48 hours of study drug administration. Vasoactive drugs (e.g., sildenafil, sumatriptan, calcium channel blockers) used within 48 hours of study drug administration. Unable to agree to the following required Lifestyle Modifications: Patients will be asked to refrain from consuming alcohol, cannabinoids, prescription analgesics/stimulants/benzodiazepines, and any recreational drugs for 48 hours before, the day of, and for 48 hours after study drug administration. Participants will be advised to consume their usual amount of coffee, tea, or other caffeine-containing beverages on the morning of their Medication Visits. Recent and lifetime use of psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin, LSD, mescaline), entactogens (e.g. MDMA), or dissociative anesthetics (e.g. ketamine) above a predetermined threshold. Has been diagnosed with any disease that impairs motor function (e.g., Parkinson's disease) At high risk of falls as determined by study physician considering medical history, screening of recent symptoms and medications, and functional mobility testing.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of California, Berkeley
RECRUITINGBerkeley, California, 94720, United States
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