3.2 Anti-inflammatory properties
Besides neural transmission, inflammation is another key mechanism involved in the pain experience. Chronic inflammation drives pain by sensitizing peripheral nociceptors.36 This inflammatory process involves various mediators that can initiate and perpetuate chronic pain states.36 Serotonergic agonism from psychedelics has the potential to inhibit inflammatory signaling mediated by TNF-alpha, NF-kB, and inflammatory cytokines.37,38 This is thought to occur through activation of 5-HT2A receptors on immune cells. Hence, by suppressing key inflammatory mediators, these anti-inflammatory properties of psychedelics may also reduce inflammatory pain.