The Science Behind NeuraNovo
Evidence-based neuroplasticity enhancement for TBI recovery
At NeuraNovo, our protocols are grounded in peer-reviewed research demonstrating psilocybin's remarkable ability to enhance brain recovery. Below are the key studies that inform our approach to traumatic brain injury recovery.
These studies collectively demonstrate that:
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Psilocybin produces measurable, lasting changes in brain structure that enhance the capacity for new learning and adaptation
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The neuroplasticity window lasts for weeks to months, providing an optimal timeframe for targeted rehabilitation
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Effects are most pronounced in brain regions crucial for TBI recovery, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus
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The therapy is well-tolerated when administered under proper medical supervision
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Benefits extend beyond the acute experience, making it ideal for long-term recovery programs
Our 6-month program is specifically designed to maximize these scientifically-validated neuroplasticity effects while providing the comprehensive support to maximize your chances for sustainable TBI recovery.
Please note, every brain is different, every injury is different, everyone's life and recovery effort is different. The extend and intensity of results can not be guaranteed and also directly relate to your input.
Psilocybin's Direct Effects on Neural Growth
Shao, L.X., et al. (2021)
Journal: Neuron
Key Findings:
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Single psilocybin dose increased dendritic spine density by ~10% in frontal cortex
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Enhanced spine formation persisted for at least one month after treatment
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Promoted formation of new neural connections on layer 5 pyramidal neurons
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Effects were rapid (within 24 hours) and long-lasting
Clinical Relevance: Demonstrates psilocybin's ability to create lasting structural changes in brain regions critical for cognitive function, directly relevant to TBI recovery.
Ly, C., et al. (2018)
Journal: Cell Reports
Key Findings:
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LSD nearly doubled dendritic spine density per 10 μm in cortical neurons
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Psychedelics increased neuritogenesis, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis
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DMT (10 mg/kg) produced spine density increases comparable to ketamine
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Effects involved TrkB, mTOR, and 5-HT2A signaling pathways
Clinical Relevance: Establishes the cellular mechanisms by which psilocybin promotes new neural connections, essential for brain repair after injury.
Moliner, R., et al. (2023)
Journal: Nature Neuroscience
Vargas, M.V., et al. (2023)
Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology
Key Findings:
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LSD and psilocin bind to TrkB receptors with 1,000-fold higher affinity than traditional antidepressants
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Neuroplasticity effects can occur independent of hallucinogenic effects
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Direct binding promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling
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Separates therapeutic mechanisms from psychedelic experience
Clinical Relevance: Explains why psilocybin is uniquely effective at promoting brain repair and validates the therapeutic approach independent of the psychedelic experience.
Key Findings:
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Psychedelics catalyze rapid neuronal growth and enhance brain's capacity for neuroplastic changes
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Evidence of enhanced neuroplasticity appears within several hours after exposure
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New dendrites formed during enhanced plasticity period can survive for at least 1 month (end point study)
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Effects most pronounced in cortical regions rich in 5-HT2A receptors
Clinical Relevance: Provides timeline and duration data that informed NeuraNovo's 3-month program structure.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
OPEN Foundation Review (2025)
Key Findings:
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Comprehensive review of recent psilocybin neuroplasticity research
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Evidence for rapid and persistent dendritic spine growth
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Approximately 10% increase in spine metrics with single dose
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Psilocybin influences neurogenesis (creation of new neurons) in a dose-dependent manner, with low doses enhancing neuronal growth
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Increased neurogenesis (doublecortin-positive cells) and elevated synaptic protein levels in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
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Enhanced excitatory neurotransmission and stress-related behavioral improvements
Clinical Relevance: Current state-of-the-field summary supporting psilocybin's therapeutic potential for neuroplasticity enhancement.
Kozlowska, U., et al. (2024)
Journal: Molecular Medicine
Key Findings:
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Psychoactive tryptamines enhance neuroplasticity by promoting neurogenesis, including the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of new neurons
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Facilitate fear extinction and improve behavioral outcomes in stress/depression models
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Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects provide broader neuroprotective benefits
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Low doses can facilitate therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects
Clinical Relevance: Shows that psilocybin's benefits extend beyond neuroplasticity to include neuroprotection, relevant for preventing further TBI-related damage.
Vargas, M.V., et al. (2023)
Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology
Key Findings:
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Psychedelics catalyze rapid neuronal growth and enhance brain's capacity for neuroplastic changes
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Evidence of enhanced neuroplasticity appears within several hours after exposure
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New dendrites formed during enhanced plasticity period can survive for at least 1 month
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Effects most pronounced in cortical regions rich in 5-HT2A receptors
Clinical Relevance: Provides timeline and duration data that informed NeuraNovo's 3-month program structure.
De Vos, C.M.H., et al. (2021)
Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Key Findings:
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15 of 16 studies demonstrated psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity
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Evidence for both structural and functional neural changes
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Increased proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells and survival of newborn neurons in brain regions crucial for memory and emotion
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Effects observed across multiple brain regions including prefrontal cortex and hippocampus
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Both acute and long-term neuroplastic adaptations documented
Clinical Relevance: Comprehensive evidence that neuroplasticity enhancement is a consistent, replicable effect of psychedelic therapy.
Neural Mechanisms Research
De Vos, C.M.H., et al. (2021)
Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Key Findings:
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15 of 16 studies demonstrated psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity
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Evidence for both structural and functional neural changes
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Effects observed across multiple brain regions including prefrontal cortex and hippocampus
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Both acute and long-term neuroplastic adaptations documented
Clinical Relevance: Comprehensive evidence that neuroplasticity enhancement is a consistent, replicable effect of psychedelic therapy.
Cameron, L.P., et al. (2022)
Journal: Journal of Neuroscience
Key Findings:
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Psychedelics induce reopening of critical period-like neural plasticity
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Effects on both microcircuits and brain-wide circuits
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Single doses associated with long-lasting behavioral and cognitive changes
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Mechanisms involve multiple neurotransmitter systems beyond serotonin
Clinical Relevance: Explains how psilocybin creates windows of enhanced learning and adaptation crucial for TBI rehabilitation.
Hesselgrave, N., et al. (2021)
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Key Findings:
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Neuroplasticity effects can occur without typical psychedelic experience
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Therapeutic benefits may be achievable with reduced hallucinogenic effects
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Multiple pathways contribute to psilocybin's therapeutic mechanisms
Clinical Relevance: Supports the safety and tolerability of psilocybin therapy, particularly relevant for medical applications where minimizing psychoactive effects may be preferred.
Cellular Health
& Neuroprotection
The 6-Month Timeline:
Why It Matters
Hecker, L., Kato, K., et al. (2025)
Journal: Nature Partnering Journal (NPJ) Aging
Key Findings:
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Psilocin delayed cellular senescence and preserved telomere length (the protective DNA caps that act like cellular age markers - longer telomeres indicate healthier, more youthful cells)
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Reduced oxidative stress levels and improved DNA damage responses
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Increased SIRT1 expression, associated with regulating longevity
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Aged mice (equivalent to 60-year-old humans) showed significantly improved survival
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Visible improvements in health markers suggesting healthier aging
Clinical Relevance: Beyond neuroplasticity enhancement, psilocybin promotes fundamental cellular health that protects against further brain damage and supports long-term recovery. Particularly relevant for older TBI patients or those concerned about age-related cognitive decline.
Yang, G., et al. (2009)
Journal: Nature
Key Findings:
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New dendritic spines require ~90 days to reach full maturity and stability
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Spines that survive this period become permanent components of neural circuits
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Motor learning and memory consolidation depend on this 3-month stabilization process
Clinical Relevance: Scientific basis for NeuraNovo's 6-month program duration—ensuring new neural connections have time to fully mature and become permanent.
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Recent research demonstrates that TBI recovery involves addressing multiple, interconnected systems that benefit from sequential enhancement rather than simultaneous overload. Six months means a real timeframe for putting this knowledge to use in the best possible way for your recovery.
Translation to
Human Applications
Carhart-Harris, R.L., et al. (2017)
Journal: Scientific Reports
Key Findings:
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Increased neural plasticity correlated with clinical improvements
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Enhanced connectivity between brain regions
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Effects persisted beyond acute drug presence
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Improved emotional processing and cognitive flexibility
Clinical Relevance: Demonstrates that laboratory findings translate to real therapeutic benefits in human patients with brain-related disorders.