Magic mushrooms could offer hope to Parkinson’s patients. Early trials suggest psilocybin—the active compound in these fungi—may improve both movement and mood in people living with the neurodegenerative disease. Cambridge researchers are at the forefront of this exciting work.
In a small clinical trial of 12 participants, psilocybin therapy led to rapid improvements in motor function and mood, lasting up to a month after treatment. Unlike recreational use, therapy is combined with psychotherapy and carefully monitored. Psilocybin converts into psilocin in the brain, boosting serotonin signalling and encouraging new connections between nerve cells—potentially helping to counteract the loss of dopamine-producing neurons characteristic of Parkinson’s.
“Psilocybin reduces brain inflammation in Parkinson’s sufferers,” the study notes, highlighting its potential to improve symptoms beyond what current treatments can achieve.
While results are promising, the trial’s small size, lack of ethnic diversity, and exclusion of patients with psychotic symptoms mean more research is needed. Psilocybin does not cure Parkinson’s; current therapies focus on symptom management and quality of life.
For Cambridge, this research positions the city at the forefront of psychedelic-assisted therapies, contributing to global efforts to find innovative treatments for neurological conditions.
Magic mushrooms may not be a cure—but they could offer a new avenue for improving life with Parkinson’s. Continued trials aim to expand understanding and confirm benefits for a wider, more diverse group of patients.