Every year, millions of people around the world suffer traumatic brain injuries, often devastating brain injuries that can lead to permanent disabilities, cognitive impairment and significantly impaired quality of life. Faced with the lack of effective treatments to regenerate damaged neurons, medicine is turning to innovative approaches.
🔬 Key figure: According to the WHO, more than 50 million people suffer a head injury every year worldwide.
Among the most surprising avenues emerges the use of psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT. These substances, long marginalized, are the subject of scientific revolution which could transform our approach to traumatic brain injuries.
Understanding head trauma: a little-known medical emergency
What is head trauma?
A head trauma occurs when an external force injures the brain. This can range from mild concussion to severe brain damage. The causes are multiple: road accidents, falls, sporting accidents or violence.
Long-term consequences
The damage is not limited to the moment of impact. A complex process takes place:
- Chronic brain inflammation
- Progressive neuronal death
- Reduced brain plasticity
- Cognitive and emotional disorders
“The real challenge with head injuries is not the initial injury, but the neurodegenerative cascade that follows,” explains specialist neurologist Dr Sarah Johnson.
The psychedelic revolution in neuroscience
From taboo to therapeutic rebirth
Long associated with the counterculture of the 1960s, psychedelics are experiencing a notable comeback in scientific research. After decades of prohibition, researchers are rediscovering their therapeutic potential, particularly in the field of neurological disorders.
Fundamental mechanisms of action
Compounds like psilocybin (present in magic mushrooms) and 5-MeO-DMT act mainly on the serotonergic system, but their effects go well beyond the simple modulation of neurotransmitters.
University of Victoria studies: promising results
A rigorous preclinical approach
The research carried out at theUniversity of Victoria represent a major advance. Scientists exposed cultured neurons to psychedelic substances, then simulated traumatic injuries.
Notable results
Effect on neuronal plasticity
The psilocybin demonstrated an impressive ability to stimulate neuritic growth - these extensions of neurons essential to brain connections. The treated neurons developed more complex and denser arborizations.
Reduced brain inflammation
The 5-MeO-DMT showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in post-traumatic neuronal degeneration.
Scientific data: In cellular models, psilocybin increased neuritic complexity by 40% compared to control groups.
Mechanisms of action: inflammation and neuronal plasticity
The dual neuroprotective action
1. Regulation of the cerebral immune response
Psychedelics appear to “recalibrate” microglia – the brain’s immune cells – preventing them from going into destructive hyper-inflammatory mode.
2. Stimulation of neurogenesis
Contrary to popular belief, certain psychedelics promote the creation of new neurons and the strengthening of existing connections.
The key role of 5-HT2A receptors
The activation of these serotonergic receptors would trigger a cascade of intracellular signals favoring:
- Expression of growth factors
- Synaptic protein synthesis
- Modulation of gene expression
Limitations and necessary precautions
The gap between preclinical and clinical
It is crucial to emphasize that these results come frompreclinical studies on cellular models. The transition to human trials represents a considerable challenge.
Regulatory and ethical aspects
Research on psychedelics remains subject to strict legal restrictions. Additionally, ethical issues surrounding the administration of these substances to vulnerable patients require careful consideration.
Side effect profile
Like any active substance, psychedelics present potential risks:
- Intense psychological experiences
- Contraindications in people predisposed to psychiatric disorders
- Need for strict medical supervision
Discover our complementary natural solutions
In an approach to global and responsible well-being, we invite you to explore our collection of functional mushrooms and natural supplements. These legal products are part of an approach to raising awareness of the potential of natural substances, always in compliance with regulations and without therapeutic promise.
Discover our collection
Conclusion: a hope requiring caution
Research on the psychedelic compounds open a promising avenue for the treatment of head injuries. The ability of these substances to modulate thebrain inflammation and to stimulate the neuronal plasticity represents a major conceptual advance.
⚠️ Important: This article is for informational purposes only. The products mentioned are not medicines and do not cure any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional with any medical questions.
However, this hope must be tempered by recognition of current limitations. The road to possible therapeutic applications will be long and will require rigorous validations.
To go further
Discover other articles on our Neurotrope blog :
- “Microdosing and stress management: what does the science say?”
- “Functional mushrooms and cognitive health: myths and realities”
- “The revolution in psychedelic neuroscience: state of play”
Scientific References
- Original study Doctissimo
- Neuropsychopharmacology (2023) - "Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity through activation of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors"
- Nature Neuroscience (2022) - "Anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics in traumatic brain injury models"
Author: CBDTech scientific team - Editors specialized in neuroscience and natural products, with more than 10 years of experience in research and scientific popularization.
