Psilocybe cubensis may influence spatial memory and brain growth factor levels in stressed male rats

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks impaired spatial learning and memory and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in rats.

• CUMS negatively affected spatial learning and memory in rats as measured by the Morris water maze.
• Intraperitoneal injections of a psilocybin extract 24 and 48 hours before training restored spatial learning in CUMS-exposed rats.
• The same timing of psilocybin administration increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus of CUMS rats.
• Other injection timings, except for 48 hours before training, did not improve memory and impaired spatial learning and memory in control rats.
• The findings suggest that psilocybin may help improve memory deficits induced by CUMS, with timing of administration influencing its effects.

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