https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081837/
FDA has approved ketamine to treat depression.
Leading depression experts have shown a direct correlation between gut health and depression. Is ketamines effectiveness on depression stemming from its nematocidal activity with the human gut?
Nematode infections impact human health, livestock, and agriculture by affecting host health, increasing production costs, and reducing the food supply. Anthelmintics are currently used to control these parasites but are often ineffective. Therefore, there is a need to find new molecules with anthelmintic potential.
Molecules were isolated from the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia, and an ethyl acetate extract from the fungus showed nematicidal activity. The major substance in the extract was identified as ketamine. In terms of effectiveness, worm count in the intestines of animals was identical to albendazole and identical with Ivermectin for the number of larvae in the lungs.
Ketamine shows nematicidal activity in vitro and in vivo. The molecule in the fungus P. chlamydosporia might offer a new way to control parasites.