A new study was published in the scientific journal Neuron, which tested if the psychedelic compound DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine) could reduce anxiety in mice by altering brain activity.

The study injected DOI into four different areas of the brain within mice, as well as the bloodstream. When injected into the hippocampus – the area of the brain responsible for controlling emotions and memory – DOI was found to activate certain brain cells and silence other cells, effectively reducing anxiety without hallucinogenic effects.

Researchers now believe that some of the effects of psychedelics may use different brain pathways from those that cause hallucinations, opening the possibility to design psychedelic drugs that target anxiety and other mental health concerns without triggering hallucinations or other effects.

DOI is similar in structure to psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, known to cause hallucinations and other typical psychedelic effects when ingested in typical recreational manners.