Published March 3, 2026 | Version v1
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Dual-Pathway BDNF Upregulation via Timed Co-Administration of Sub-Perceptual Psilocybin with High-Intensity Resistance Exercise: A Proposed Method and Theoretical Framework

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon University of Cincinnati
  • 2. EDMO icon University of Arizona

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Dates

Created
2026-03-02

References

  • Church, D.D., et al. (2022). Effects of Strength Training on BDNF in Healthy Young Adults. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 7(4), 88. Dinoff, A., et al. (2017). The effect of exercise training on resting concentrations of peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 84, 92–101. eLife (2025). Psilocin fosters neuroplasticity in iPSC-derived human cortical neurons. eLife Reviewed Preprint, 104006. Marston, K.J., et al. (2017). Intense resistance exercise increases peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20(10), 899–903. Molecular Psychiatry (2024). Effects of psychoplastogens on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Molecular Psychiatry, 30, 1352–1363. Moliner, R., et al. (2023). Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Nature Neuroscience, 26, 1032–1041. Saucedo Marquez, C.M., et al. (2015). High-intensity interval training evokes larger serum BDNF levels compared with intense continuous exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(12), 1363–1373. Stamets, P. (2023). Psilocybin compositions. U.S. Patent No. 11,590,120. COMPASS Pathways (2020). Treatment of depression and other various disorders with psilocybin. WO2020/212952A1. Wang, Z., Zhang, Y., & Li, X.M. (2025). Psilocybin mitigates behavioral despair and cognitive recognition impairments by regulating the HPA axis via the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the endocannabinoid system. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 28(Suppl 1), i77–i78