Psilocin variants promise depression relief without psychedelic trip

Scientists engineered five psilocin derivatives designed to activate serotonin receptors and release psilocin more slowly, aiming to reduce psychedelic side effects. In mouse studies, the lead compound 4e crossed the blood-brain barrier and produced a lower, longer-lasting brain psilocin level with significantly fewer psychedelic-like head twitches compared with psilocybin, suggesting the possibility of safer, psychedelic-inspired antidepressants. More research is needed to assess safety and effectiveness in people.