Brain Health
Rose Hill has established a collaborative partnership with the University of Guelph to propel forward the scientific investigation of Psilocybin-containing fungi. This alliance is structured around two distinct research objectives:
ONE: Chemical Characterization and Standardization of P. Cubensis
This project consists of two primary objectives; the chemical characterization of selected strains of P. cubensis mushrooms, comparing their profiles when cultivated in a commercial facility in Jamaica and under controlled conditions at the University of Guelph. This part of the project will provide chemical profiles of each strain in both settings.
The second phase of this project will be to evaluate the mushroom material in a preclinical setting to compare the efficacy of each strain and compare this to pure psilocybin. This will evaluate the impact of whole mushroom preparations against purified psilocybin and provide preclinical data for these specific strains of P. cubensis.
- Physicochemical characteristics
- Genetic profiling &/or genomic characterization
- Pharmacokinetics including solubility, bioavailability, etc.
- Chemical, shelf life, and stability
- Demonstrate clinical efficacy and safety
Phase 2
A Pre-clinical trials on the study of the effects of Psilocybin on the autistic brain:
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both entities as they embark on a pioneering exploration of the potential benefits of psilocybin to address autism in the adolescent brain, the first-of-its-kind partnership in this space.
The valproic acid (VPA) model of idiopathic autism will be used. This requires administration of VPA to pregnant dams. Offspring will be allowed to grow until postnatal day 24 after which they will be fed the mushrooms daily until day 58. During this time rats will be evaluated in a variety of behavioral tests. Systems function through in vivo electrophysiology will be assessed. At the end of the study, brains will be harvested, and RNA extracted.