Dry Extract From Psilocybe Cubensis (15-25:1), Extraction Solvent: Methanol

This article discusses several clinical trials investigating the use of a dry extract from Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as psilocybin, for treating various mental health conditions. The trials explore psilocybin’s potential in addressing treatment-resistant depression, disorders of consciousness following brain injury, and alcohol use disorder. These studies aim to assess the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy in controlled medical settings.

Table of Contents

What is DRY EXTRACT FROM PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS?

DRY EXTRACT FROM PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS (15-25:1), EXTRACTION SOLVENT: METHANOL is a medical product derived from the Psilocybe cubensis mushroom, commonly known as “magic mushrooms.” This extract contains psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound found in these mushrooms. The extraction process uses methanol as a solvent to concentrate the active ingredients, resulting in a potent form of the substance for medical use[1].

How It Works

Psilocybin, the main active component in this extract, is a serotonin receptor agonist. When ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which acts on specific serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can lead to altered perceptions, emotions, and cognitive processes, which researchers believe may have therapeutic effects for various mental health conditions[2].

Potential Uses

Current research is exploring the potential of this psilocybin extract in treating several mental health conditions:

  • Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Studies are investigating its efficacy in patients who have not responded to conventional antidepressant treatments[1].
  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Research is examining whether a single dose can help reduce alcohol consumption in patients with AUD[4].
  • Disorders of Consciousness: Investigations are underway to determine if it can improve consciousness levels in patients with coma and other disorders of consciousness due to brain injury[2][3].

Administration

The psilocybin extract is typically administered orally in the form of capsules. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the study protocol. For example:

  • In treatment-resistant depression studies, a single dose of 25mg has been used[1].
  • For disorders of consciousness, researchers are exploring various doses, including 1mg, 10mg, and 25mg[3].
  • In alcohol use disorder studies, a single administration is being evaluated[4].

It’s important to note that these treatments are typically administered in controlled clinical settings under medical supervision, often in combination with psychotherapy or other supportive interventions.

Safety and Side Effects

While psilocybin has shown promise in clinical trials, it’s crucial to understand that it can have significant effects on perception and cognition. Potential side effects may include:

  • Altered perceptions and emotions
  • Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety or panic reactions

Due to these potential effects, psilocybin is administered under careful medical supervision in clinical trials. Patients with a personal or family history of certain mental health conditions, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, are typically excluded from these studies[4].

Ongoing Research

Several clinical trials are currently underway to further investigate the potential of this psilocybin extract:

  • A study on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression in hospitalized patients[1].
  • Research on using psilocybin and apomorphine to improve consciousness in patients with coma and brain injury[2][3].
  • A trial examining the effect of a single dose of psilocybin on reducing alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol use disorder[4].

Conclusion

DRY EXTRACT FROM PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS (15-25:1), EXTRACTION SOLVENT: METHANOL is a promising compound currently being studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various mental health conditions. While early results are encouraging, it’s important to remember that this treatment is still in the research phase and is not yet approved for general medical use. Patients interested in this treatment should consult with their healthcare providers about the possibility of participating in clinical trials.

Trial Focus Condition Primary Outcome Key Inclusion Criteria Notable Exclusion Criteria
Treatment-resistant depression Major depressive disorder Safety of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in hospitalized setting Failed response to 2+ antidepressant treatments Psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, substance dependence
Disorders of consciousness Coma due to brain injury Improvement in consciousness levels within 3-6 hours Unresponsive patients with expected unconsciousness ≥3 days Continuous pharmacological sedation, expected survival <7 days
Alcohol Use Disorder Alcohol dependence Reduction in heavy drinking days over 12 weeks ≥5 heavy drinking days in past 28 days Other active substance use disorders, severe neurological disease

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Dry Extract From Psilocybe Cubensis (15-25:1), Extraction Solvent: Methanol

  • Study of psilocybin compared to personalized rTMS treatment in adults with treatment-resistant depression

    Recruiting

    2 1
    Italy
  • Study on the Effects of PEX010 Psilocybin Capsules for Patients with Prolonged Grief Disorder

    Recruiting

    2 1 1
    Sweden
  • Psilocybin Therapy for Hospitalized Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression

    Recruiting

    2 1 1
    Belgium
  • Study on Psilocybin for Relieving Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

    Recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    The Netherlands
  • Study on Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Patients with Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

    Recruiting

    2 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Belgium
  • Study of Single Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Denmark
  • Study on Apomorphine and Psilocybin for Recovery in Coma Patients with Acute Brain Injury

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Denmark
  • Study on Psilocybin and Trazodone for Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression

    Not yet recruiting

    2 1 1
    France
  • A study on the effects of support and music during psilocybin therapy for people with depression.

    Not yet recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Denmark
  • A study of psilocybin and psychological support compared to diphenhydramine hydrochloride for people with cocaine addiction

    Not yet recruiting

    2 1
    Ireland

Glossary

  • Psilocybin: A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, particularly those in the genus Psilocybe. In these trials, it is used as a dry extract from Psilocybe cubensis.
  • Treatment-resistant depression: A form of depression that hasn't responded to at least two different antidepressant treatments.
  • Disorders of consciousness: A range of conditions affecting awareness and responsiveness, often resulting from brain injury. This can include states such as coma.
  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): A medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
  • Phase II clinical trial: A stage of clinical research that aims to test the effectiveness and safety of a treatment in a larger group of people, typically following successful Phase I trials.
  • MADRS: Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, a system used to measure the severity of depressive episodes in patients with mood disorders.
  • FOUR score: Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score, a clinical tool used to assess consciousness in patients with brain injuries.
  • Neurovascular coupling: The relationship between local neural activity and subsequent changes in cerebral blood flow.
  • Apomorphine: A medication primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease, being studied in combination with psilocybin for disorders of consciousness.
  • Heavy drinking day: Defined in one study as consumption of over 60g of alcohol per day for men or 48g for women.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2022-501857-35-00
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-psilocybin-and-apomorphine-for-improving-consciousness-in-patients-with-coma-and-brain-injury/
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-apomorphine-and-psilocybin-for-recovery-in-coma-patients-with-acute-brain-injury/
  4. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effect-of-a-single-dose-of-psilocybin-on-reducing-alcohol-consumption-in-patients-with-alcohol-use-disorder/