10/16/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FWgtM499C/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs might be inspired by psychedelics.
Psychedelics like L*D, DMT, and psilocybin are gaining attention for more than their hallucinogenic effects. New research suggests they could revolutionize how we treat chronic diseases driven by inflammation – without causing a psychedelic "trip."
Scientists have found that these compounds can lower key inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP – linked to conditions such as depression, asthma, arthritis, and even heart disease. Unlike steroid drugs, psychedelics may calm inflammation without weakening the healthy immune response.
In one study, a single dose of psilocybin reduced inflammation for a week. Another study showed ayahuasca lowered inflammation in people with treatment-resistant depression – and the bigger the drop, the greater the improvement in mood.
Surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory effects may not be caused by the same brain pathways that lead to hallucinations. That’s opened the door to a new class of medications: psychedelic-inspired drugs that don’t cause a “trip.”
Early candidates like DLX-001 and DLX-159 are already showing antidepressant effects in trials – without triggering hallucinations. These new compounds, sometimes called “PIPIs” (psychedelic-informed, psychedelic-inactive), could offer safe, effective treatments for millions.
Learn more:
"From trips to treatments: how psychedelics could revolutionise anti-inflammatory medicine." The Conversation, 6 October 2025.
