In a recent exploratory study from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), researchers discovered that psilocybin — a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms — not only proved safe for people with Parkinson’s disease, but was also associated with lasting improvements in mood, cognitive function, and motor control.
The 5 Key Takeaways
- Psilocybin therapy can significantly relieve mood symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.
- The substance also appears to have a positive effect on cognitive function.
- Researchers observed improvements in motor symptoms among various participants.
- The effects of a single dose lasted weeks to months — remarkably long-lasting.
- These results open the door to new treatment options for Parkinson’s.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms.” The substance is primarily known for its psychedelic effects, but worldwide research is increasingly exploring its therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. Within this context, scientists from UC San Francisco investigated whether psilocybin might also be relevant for treating Parkinson’s.
Why This Research?
People with Parkinson’s often face more than just physical symptoms. Beyond tremors and stiffness, many patients struggle with serious mood disorders like depression or anxiety, which often respond poorly to standard medications. This makes treating these symptoms particularly complex.
The UCSF study aimed to explore whether psilocybin could play a role here. And it turns out it can: participants tolerated the treatment well and reported improvements across multiple areas — from mood to movement control.
Key Terms from the Study
- Psilocybin: A naturally occurring psychedelic substance found in certain mushrooms.
- Cognition: The entire set of thinking processes, information processing, and memory functions.
- Motor function: The ability to perform controlled movement and body coordination.
- Neurodegenerative: A disease condition in which nerve cells in the brain gradually and progressively die.
The Surprising Results
No serious side effects were observed in participants, nor any worsening of existing Parkinson’s symptoms. That was the primary goal of this exploratory study. Additionally, study participants reported that their mood, cognitive function, and motor control noticeably improved — and these effects persisted days to even weeks after administration.
A First of Its Kind
Remarkably, these changes occurred after the psilocybin had already left the body. This makes the research particularly noteworthy: it’s the first time a psychedelic substance has been clinically studied in patients with a neurodegenerative disorder. That very combination opens an unexpected, promising research direction.
“We’re only at the beginning of this exploration, but the results far exceeded our expectations,” said Dr. Ellen Bradley, lead author of the paper and lecturer at UCSF’s Translational Psychedelic Research Program (TrPR).
Impact on Quality of Life
“Many people aren’t aware,” Bradley says, “but mood disorders in Parkinson’s are strongly linked to accelerated physical decline.” According to her, they’re even a stronger predictor of quality of life than motor symptoms themselves. An insight that argues for broader diagnostics and innovative approaches.
Research Collaboration
The research was conducted by an interdisciplinary team within UCSF’s TrPR Program, which falls under both the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology. Funding came from an anonymous donor, and the findings were published in the prestigious journal Neuropsychopharmacology by Nature Publishing.
The Long-Lasting Effects of Psilocybin on Mood and Motor Function
Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal brain signals and uncontrolled movements. In the United States, hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s or related forms. Each year, thousands of new cases are added.
Although medications like levodopa can relieve symptoms, there are currently no treatments that slow or reverse the disease.
Early Symptoms
The first physical symptoms often include tremors, reduced muscle control, or a shuffling gait. But notably, in many patients anxiety and depression appear years before these physical signs — even in people without a psychiatric history.
The reason behind these early mood changes remains unclear, as does why standard antidepressants often have limited effectiveness in this context.
Testing Psilocybin
Mood changes may be part of the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson’s. To investigate the safety of psilocybin in this context, seven men and five women with mild to moderate symptoms received a low initial dose of 10 milligrams.
Two weeks later, a second session followed with an increased dose of 25 milligrams. Participants attended eight guided psychotherapy sessions, distributed before and after psilocybin administration.
Evaluation of Results
Researchers assessed participants for changes in mood, cognition, and motor function. While nearly all participants reported mild side effects such as anxiety, nausea, and elevated blood pressure, none required medical intervention.
Effects remained limited to temporary discomfort — not unusual in psychedelic therapies.
Improvement in Mood and Cognition
Participants reported clear improvements in mood, thinking ability, and motor control. These effects were measured at follow-up appointments one week later and again after one month. Even three months later, participants’ mood remained statistically significantly improved.
Possible Explanations
Researchers suggested that improvements may have resulted indirectly from improved emotional state. Those who feel emotionally more stable move more easily, participate more socially in daily life, and maintain a more active lifestyle — factors that all positively contribute to Parkinson’s progression.
An Expansion into Uncharted Territory
An alternative explanation points to psilocybin’s potential to reduce inflammation and stimulate neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections. These effects could positively influence mood, cognition, and motor function.
An intriguing mechanism suggesting direct neurological change.
Larger Study
The encouraging results form the basis for a larger, randomized and controlled follow-up study at UCSF. This study will involve a broader and more diverse participant group and will use brain stimulation, neuroimaging, and other advanced measurement methods.
Understanding the Impact
With these techniques, researchers want to better understand how psilocybin suppresses inflammatory processes and activates neuroplasticity. Expansion of the research to Yale University has already been announced. Goal: enrollment of 100 participants.
Research Funding
This work will be funded by the same anonymous donor who paid for the safety pilot. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research also contributes.
“The vast majority of brain diseases still lack interventions that change disease progression,” said the study’s senior author, Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD, associate professor at UCSF and director of the TrPR Program.
The Future of Treatment
“We can often treat the symptoms, but we don’t change the trajectory and prevent decline. Now that’s beginning to change.”
“These results raise the exciting possibility that psilocybin can help the brain heal itself.”
Verified Sources
- Psilocybin therapy for mood dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease: an open-label pilot trial by Ellen R. Bradley, Kimberly Sakai, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold. DOI: 10.1038/s41386-025-02097-0. The research was funded by an anonymous donor. Thanks to SciTech Daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the psilocybin dosage in this study?
Participants first received 10 mg of psilocybin, followed by 25 mg two weeks later, under psychotherapy guidance.
Were there side effects during the study?
Yes, mild side effects such as anxiety, nausea, and elevated blood pressure occurred, but none required medical intervention.
Which effects lasted the longest?
Improvements in mood and cognition were still measured three months after the sessions.
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new connections — essential for learning, recovery, and adaptation.
What is the goal of the follow-up study?
The larger study investigates how psilocybin affects neurological processes, including inflammation and brain activity, in a broader group of patients.
