Psilocybin and Neuroplasticity: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Psilocybin is reviewed as a compound with potential to induce neuroplasticity, which may help explain therapeutic effects for mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The review highlights a key mechanism through serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activation, which can trigger intracellular signaling pathways such as BDNF and mTOR. It also connects psilocybin with changes in brain structure and connectivity including increased dendritic spine density, dendritogenesis and synaptic plasticity, as well as effects on neurogenesis. Evidence is synthesized across in vitro, in vivo, preclinical, and clinical research. Reported outcomes include rapid and lasting plasticity windows, region specific effects (notably prefrontal cortex and hippocampus), and imaging correlates such as altered connectivity between large scale brain networks. The review also flags inconsistencies across studies, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols, dosage dependent research, and further work on long term effects and individual variability.