Psilocybin Study Shows Potential to Reduce Aggression in Fish, Suggesting New Therapeutic Avenues
A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has revealed that psilocybin, a compound found in 'magic mushrooms', can reduce aggression in fish without causing hallucinatory effects. Researchers in Canada tested the effects of psilocybin on the amphibious mangrove rivulus fish, a species known for its aggressive behavior. The study found that fish exposed to psilocybin exhibited decreased activity and fewer aggressive swimming bursts compared to those not treated with the compound. This research marks one of the first instances where psilocybin's anti-aggressive effects have been demonstrated in an animal model, providing insights that could eventually be applicable to human therapies.