Psilocybin Prevents Chemotherapy Nerve Damage in Mice
A study published in Science shows that psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, can prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice. By activating specific receptors, psilocybin helps maintain mitochondrial transport in nerve endings, protecting them from damage caused by platinum-based drugs. This is the first evidence that a therapy can prevent this debilitating side effect, which affects up to 75% of cancer patients. Researchers at MD Anderson are launching a Phase 2 trial in November to test this approach in humans.
