Single-Dose Psilocybin Shows Rapid, Sustained Antidepressant Effects

Can one dose of psilocybin treat depression?

Yes. A single 25mg dose of psilocybin produces approximately 35% greater improvement in depression symptoms compared to placebo, with effects sustained for 6 weeks. A randomized clinical trial of 104 adults with major depressive disorder found that 42% achieved sustained response with psilocybin versus 11% with placebo.

Psilocybin works by activating serotonin receptors and promoting neuroplasticity, potentially resetting brain circuits involved in depression when administered with psychological support.

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One Night Sleep Loss Increases Alzheimer's Protein in Spinal Fluid

Does One Night Without Sleep Change Alzheimer’s Markers in Spinal Fluid?

Yes, and the changes are rapid and concerning. This randomized clinical trial found that just one night of total sleep deprivation significantly increased amyloid-beta 42 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy middle-aged men. This protein is a key biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, and its elevation in spinal fluid indicates increased production or decreased clearance from the brain—demonstrating how quickly sleep loss affects the molecular processes underlying neurodegeneration.

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Saffron Extract for Moderate Insomnia: Clinical Trial Results

Can Saffron Extract Effectively Treat Moderate Insomnia?

Saffron extract significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia severity in adults with moderate insomnia, this clinical trial demonstrates. Participants taking 30mg of standardized saffron extract daily for 6 weeks showed substantial improvements in insomnia severity scores, with 68% achieving clinically significant improvement compared to 24% in the placebo group. The study found that saffron extract reduced sleep onset time by an average of 22 minutes, increased total sleep time by 45 minutes, and improved sleep efficiency from 72% to 84%. Additionally, participants reported better daytime functioning, reduced fatigue, and improved mood, suggesting that saffron’s benefits extend beyond sleep improvement to overall quality of life enhancement.

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Oral Maintenance Therapy for Cholera in Adults (1968 Lancet)

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

Before oral rehydration became global policy, this 1968 Lancet study tested whether adults with cholera could be stabilized using only oral fluids. The results were transformative. It proved that with the right sodium and glucose concentrations, oral therapy could replace intravenous fluids even in severe disease.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Adults with cholera maintained hydration using oral therapy alone.
✔ Balanced sodium glucose solutions prevented dangerous electrolyte losses.
✔ IV fluids were needed only for initial stabilization in most cases.
✔ This trial established clinical proof for oral rehydration in severe dehydration.

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Tongkat Ali Physta Improves Testosterone and Vitality in Aging Men

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This trial shows that a standardized Tongkat Ali extract called Physta can lift testosterone and improve measures of vitality in older men. Effects were most meaningful in men with lower starting levels. It is not a substitute for medical therapy in true hypogonadism, but it can be a useful tool alongside sleep, training, and nutrition.

Key Takeaways

✔ Physta increased total testosterone compared with placebo in aging men.
✔ Participants reported better vitality and sexual well being scores.
✔ Safety profile was favorable with few mild adverse events.
✔ Benefits were stronger in men with lower baseline testosterone.

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Nicotine Patches Fail to Slow Parkinson’s Progression: Lessons from the NIC-PD Trial

Dr. Kumar’s Take

For years, researchers have wondered if nicotine might protect the brain in Parkinson’s disease, since smokers are less likely to develop it. This large trial tested whether nicotine patches could slow disease progression in newly diagnosed patients. The results were disappointing: nicotine did not slow progression and may have worsened outcomes in some measures.

For patients and families, the key lesson is that nicotine, whether from patches, gums, or tobacco, is not a safe or effective treatment for Parkinson’s. Instead, focus should remain on proven therapies and healthy lifestyle strategies that support brain health.

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High-Dose Vitamin D Boluses in Preschoolers with Asthma: Safe but Not Sufficient

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This small but detailed trial found that giving two large doses of vitamin D (100,000 IU) to preschoolers with asthma in the fall and winter raised their blood vitamin D levels quickly—but the effect didn’t last. After about 3.5 months, most kids’ levels dropped back down, meaning the boluses weren’t enough to keep levels optimal through the entire season. For sustained vitamin D sufficiency, a daily supplement is likely needed along with these boluses. On the upside, the study showed this high dose was safe, even in young children.

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