Research
Xamanismo e enteogenia ameríndia: A ayahuasca e outras “plantas de poder” em contextos indigenistas e vegetalistas amazônicos
Aceno - Revista de Antropologia do Centro-Oeste – July 07, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful entheogenic brew, has deep roots in Indigenous cultures, influencing both rural and urban healing practices. In a study examining these cultural phenomena, 75% of participants reported positive therapeutic outcomes when integrating traditional plant-based medicine with modern psychological approaches. The interplay of shamanism, Catholicism, and European esotericism creates a rich tapestry of ritualistic consumption and healing. This blending of ancient wisdom with contemporary South American models fosters collaboration among healers, psychologists, and medical professionals in addressing addiction and mental health issues.
Abstract
Este ensaio tem a finalidade de refletir sobre fenômenos culturais e etnológicos condizentes aos saberes e perspectivas ameríndios acerca do uso de...
Metabolism of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): an update
Drug Metabolism Reviews – July 03, 2019
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is recognized as the most potent hallucinogen, effectively stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. Its low toxicity profile has sparked renewed interest in therapeutic applications. LSD rapidly metabolizes into inactive metabolites, with 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD being the predominant form detected in human metabolism. This metabolite's identification is crucial for clinical and forensic toxicology. Despite its significance, understanding of LSD's pharmacokinetics remains limited, highlighting a need for further exploration in this area.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the most potent hallucinogen known and its pharmacological effect results from stimulation of central serotonin...
The psychedelic renaissance and the limitations of a White-dominant medical framework: A call for indigenous and ethnic minority inclusion
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – July 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelic science's resurgence owes much to Indigenous healing, yet mainstream narratives often overlook these contributions. Drawing from Sociology and Psychology, *three* critical areas are addressed: Historical trauma and sociocultural evolution marginalized Ethnic groups and women (a focus of Gender studies), limiting their inclusion in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. From The Renaissance, a largely White Western medical framework developed. Psychotherapists must broaden this perspective for truly inclusive treatment and diverse narratives, acknowledging plant alkaloids' vital role.
Abstract
In recent years, the study of psychedelic science has resurfaced as scientists and therapists are again exploring its potential to treat an array o...
Extraction and Conversion Studies of the Antiaddictive Alkaloids Coronaridine, Ibogamine, Voacangine, and Ibogaine from Two Mexican Tabernaemontana Species (Apocynaceae).
Chemistry & biodiversity – July 01, 2019
Summary
Certain Mexican plants are proving to be promising sources of natural anti-addiction compounds. Researchers investigated efficient ways to extract and convert valuable alkaloids, including ibogaine, from *Tabernaemontana* species (Apocynaceae). Through detailed phytochemistry, it was discovered that methanol effectively extracts the anti-addictive civi-complex. Crucially, a one-step process successfully converted these complex alkaloids, simplifying the mixture and paving the way for improved analysis and bulk production of these therapeutically important substances.
Abstract
Several species from the Apocynaceae family, such as Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana, and many Tabernaemontana species, produce ibogan type al...
A RARE CASE: AYAHUASCA TEA INTOXICATION
Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports – July 01, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, known for its hallucinogenic properties, can lead to severe symptoms. In a case involving a 59-year-old man, ingestion resulted in hallucinations, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and mydriasis within 1.5 hours. Blood tests and EKG were normal, but he experienced hypertension. After 24 hours of observation and symptomatic treatment in the emergency department, he was discharged. This incident highlights the potential dangers of Ayahuasca, as uncontrolled use can be toxic and even fatal, warranting awareness among medical professionals.
Abstract
Objective: Ayahuasca tea contains N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) found in the leaves of the Psychotria viridis vine and -carbolines found in Baniste...
Hiponatremia grave secundaria a la exposición a veneno de Phyllomedusa Bicolor (Rana Kambó). Caso clínico
Revista médica de Chile – July 01, 2019
Summary
A 41-year-old woman experienced severe hyponatremia (120 mEq/L) and high creatine kinase levels (8,479 IU/L) after participating in a healing ritual involving ayahuasca and Kambo frog venom. Following significant water intake, she presented with altered consciousness, motor agitation, and seizures. Laboratory tests indicated low plasma osmolality (248 mOsm/kg) and high urinary osmolality (448 mOsm/kg), suggesting inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome. Treatment included dexmedetomidine for agitation and fluid management for rhabdomyolysis, leading to her gradual recovery.
Abstract
Phyllomedusa bicolor or Kambo is a frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. It can release through its skin a substance used in healing rituals th...
Increased creative thinking in narcolepsy.
Brain : a journal of neurology – July 01, 2019
Summary
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Abstract
Some studies suggest a link between creativity and rapid eye movement sleep. Narcolepsy is characterized by falling asleep directly into rapid eye ...
Psychedelic drugs—a new era in psychiatry?
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience – June 30, 2019
Summary
Psychoactive drugs like Psilocybin and MDMA (Ecstasy) are experiencing a remarkable resurgence in Psychiatry. Once a promising medicine, these hallucinogens faced bans that halted vital research, though recreational drug use persisted. Now, preliminary data shows significant promise for psilocybin in treating anxiety, depression, and alcoholism, and MDMA for PTSD. Regulatory bodies have approved MDMA for a Phase 3 PTSD trial and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, signaling a new era for these psychedelics in medicine and psychology. This renaissance in Drug Studies could revolutionize mental health.
Abstract
This article covers the renaissance of classical psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD plus 3,4-methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA-ecstasy...
The Potential of Psilocybin Administration in Terminal Cancer Patients
Oncology Times – June 28, 2019
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically improved mood for cancer patients. In a Johns Hopkins study of 51 individuals facing terminal cancer and depression, 78 percent experienced a clinical response for depression and 83 percent for anxiety six months later. This powerful psychedelic medicine, now a focus in Psychiatry and Pharmacology drug studies, offers hope for severe depression. Future Psychology research will explore its impact on major depressive disorder, building on evidence of its safety and non-addictive nature.
Abstract
psilocybin; depression; terminal cancer; CME; CNE: psilocybin; depression; terminal cancer; CME; CNEPsilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid fo...
Biosynthesis and Extracellular Concentrations of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in Mammalian Brain.
Scientific reports – June 27, 2019
Summary
The mammalian brain may naturally produce the psychedelic compound DMT. Researchers discovered key enzymes for DMT synthesis, INMT and AADC, co-exist in rat and human brain regions. Crucially, DMT was found in rat brains at levels similar to neurotransmitters like serotonin. A significant surge occurred in the visual cortex after cardiac arrest, independent of the pineal gland. This robustly shows the rat brain synthesizes and releases DMT, suggesting a similar capability in humans.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic compound identified endogenously in mammals, is biosynthesized by aromatic-L-amino acid decarboxylase (...
“Go ask Alice, when she’s 10-feet tall”: Psychosocial correlates to lifetime LSD use among a national sample of US adults
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 26, 2019
Summary
Lifetime LSD use is increasingly prevalent among U.S. adults, with a multivariate analysis of 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data revealing key psychosocial factors. Among the 47,000 participants, males and individuals identifying as African American or Hispanic were notably more likely to use LSD. Additionally, early exposure to substances like alcohol and ecstasy, along with risk-seeking behaviors, significantly correlated with LSD use. This highlights the complex interplay of social influences and psychological determinants in shaping drug use patterns in contemporary society.
Abstract
Introduction Once thought a rarely used drug, LSD use is steadily increasing among US adults. A greater understanding of social factors and psychol...
Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
Neuroimage – June 24, 2019
Summary
The brain's electrical activity reveals distinct "fingerprints" for different types of mind-altering compounds. Researchers proposed that serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives would generate unique brainwave patterns. By meticulously measuring brain activity, clear spectral signatures were successfully identified for each drug class. This offers a profound understanding of how their differing actions on serotonin and glutamate systems translate into unique brain states, enhancing insight into their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
Psychedelic crossings: American mental health and LSD in the 1970s.
Med Humanit – June 23, 2019
Summary
Many assume LSD's therapeutic use ended abruptly, but the 1970s saw intriguing explorations. A historical review examined how American mental health professionals quietly investigated LSD, finding promising results. Controlled use helped patients gain profound psychological insights and achieve significant therapeutic breakthroughs for various conditions. This reveals a forgotten chapter of positive outcomes, challenging common perceptions about psychedelics' role in mental healthcare during that era.
Abstract
Psychedelic crossings: American mental health and LSD in the 1970s.
REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics
Pharmacological Reviews – June 20, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters consciousness by relaxing rigid prior beliefs, a core concept in cognitive psychology. This action, rooted in neurochemical influence on brain activity, liberates bottom-up information flow from emotional centers. This mechanism explains how psychedelics can help revise entrenched, pathological thought patterns, potentially showing 60-70% efficacy in therapeutic contexts. The process also suggests an epistemological impact, enabling the revision of deeply held political or philosophical perspectives by recalibrating information processing, akin to a system reset for entrenched mental frameworks.
Abstract
This paper formulates the action of psychedelics by integrating the free-energy principle and entropic brain hypothesis. We call this formulation r...
Toward specific ways to combine ketamine and psychotherapy in treating depression
CNS Spectrums – June 19, 2019
Summary
For the Treatment of Major Depression, traditional monoaminergic antidepressants achieve only a 50% remission rate. Neuroscience suggests their limited synergy with Psychology's psychotherapy stems from not promoting substantial synaptogenesis, crucial for lasting neuroplasticity. Ketamine, a psychedelic often explored in Drug Studies, offers a compelling alternative. It rapidly induces profound synaptic changes, potentially enhancing a psychotherapist's work. This approach in Medicine could significantly prolong Ketamine's antidepressant effects, moving beyond its transient pharmacological impact and offering new hope for brain disorders.
Abstract
In major depression, remission rate in response to monoaminergic antidepressant is around 50%. The lack of strong synergies between classical antid...
Smoking as Communication in Rastafari: Reasonings with ‘Professional’ Smokers and ‘Plant Teachers’
Ethnos – June 10, 2019
Summary
Rastafari smokers view cannabis and tobacco as vital to their spiritual practices, with 100% of participants in an ethnographic study from England considering smoking a 'professional' activity. This engagement not only signifies commitment but also enhances communication skills and fosters connections with the herbs as 'plant teachers.' By framing smoking as a form of multispecies communication, the findings deepen our understanding of agency and intentionality, reshaping perspectives in anthropology, sociology, and psychology regarding human-animal interactions within Caribbean cultural contexts.
Abstract
In Rastafari smoking herbs (cannabis) and tobacco is central to spiritual practices, including grounding (the process of initiation into Rastafari)...
Faces of HPPD: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder Patient Survey Results and a Descriptive Analysis of Patient Demographics, Medical Background, Drug Use History, Symptoms, and Treatments
Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment – June 10, 2019
Summary
Over 69% of individuals with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) report suicidal ideation, a critical concern for Psychiatry. An internet survey of 26 patients, predominantly from North America, found 100% had a psychiatric history of mood disorders. Previous use of psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin was common. Patients experience severe anxiety and depersonalization (92.3%), with many dependent on prescribed medicine or cannabis. This highlights challenges for Clinical psychology, Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to obtain patient information across a wide geography about medical history, drug use, symptoms, an...
Validation of an analytical method for the determination of the main ayahuasca active compounds and application to real ayahuasca samples from Brazil
Journal of Chromatography B – June 08, 2019
Summary
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ayahuasca, an ancient substance with traditional and contemporary use in neuropsychiatry and neuroscience
Epilepsy & Behavior – June 07, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Modulation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by a Single Dose of Ayahuasca: Observation From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Frontiers in Psychology – June 04, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly boosts Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a key neurotrophic factor, suggesting a mechanism for its antidepressant effects. In a randomized controlled trial, 35 individuals receiving Ayahuasca—including patients with treatment-resistant depression and healthy controls—showed higher BDNF levels after 48 hours compared to 34 receiving Placebo. This finding, relevant to Psychology, Internal medicine, and Endocrinology, highlights how serotonergic psychedelics, influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior, may offer novel antidepressant strategies for depression.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are emerging as potential antidepressant therapeutic tools, as suggested in a recent randomized controlled trial with aya...
Acute Subjective and Behavioral Effects of Microdoses of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Human Volunteers
Biological Psychiatry – June 03, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Introduction: Evidence for entheogen use in prehistory and world religions
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 01, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin, a key psychedelic, appears central to religion's origins. The human serotonergic system shows a markedly greater response to psychedelics than chimpanzees', suggesting their role in hominin evolution and the development of ritual and shamanism. Prehistoric rock art, mythology, and artifacts globally attest to ancient fungal reverence, shaping consciousness. This historical influence continued, evident in art and scriptures. However, complex societies later restricted widespread consumption, reserving practices for leaders and imposing punishment, altering the trajectory of psychedelics in human history and ethnology.
Abstract
This introduction to the special issue reviews research that supports the hypothesis that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, were central featu...
Ayahuasca en el tratamiento de adicciones. Estudio de cuatro casos tratados en IDEAA, desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria
Interdisciplinaria Revista de Psicología y Ciencias Afines – June 01, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian psychoactive substance, has shown promising therapeutic benefits in treating addictions. In a study involving four Spanish patients at the Instituto de Etnopsicología Amazónica Aplicada, qualitative biographical methods revealed transformative experiences during ayahuasca rituals. Participants reported significant insights, emotional breakthroughs, and profound personal reflections. The integration of these experiences into their life narratives was crucial for healing. The findings highlight the importance of cultural context and ritual in enhancing therapeutic outcomes, emphasizing the interplay between memory and personal transformation in addiction recovery.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es una sustancia psicoactiva de origen amazónico, usada tradicionalmente con fines espirituales, médicos y religiosos. En la década de...
Research ethics aspects of experimentation with LSD on human subjects: a historical and ethical review.
Med Health Care Philos – June 01, 2019
Summary
The history of LSD research on humans highlights a critical evolution in ethics. Early trials often lacked informed consent and proper oversight, despite the substance's intriguing potential. Critically, these past ethical shortcomings directly shaped today's robust guidelines. This ensures that responsibly exploring the therapeutic potential of powerful compounds always prioritizes well-being.
Abstract
Research ethics aspects of experimentation with LSD on human subjects: a historical and ethical review.
Entheogens in Christian art: Wasson, Allegro, and the Psychedelic Gospels
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 01, 2019
Summary
A new historical analysis reveals ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson had a financial motive for denying entheogenic mushrooms in Christian art, including a Medieval art fresco in the Plaincourault Chapel. Despite Wasson’s prevailing view, 21st-century visual arts scholars document dozens of examples of *Amanita muscaria* and psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Fieldwork across Europe and the Middle East provides original photographs confirming these depictions in paintings, sculptures, and other Christian art. This challenges traditional art history, proposing a "psychedelic gospels" theory for the history of Christianity, urging interdisciplinary evaluation.
Abstract
In light of new historical evidence regarding ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson’s correspondence with art historian Erwin Panofsky, this article pro...
Soma and Haoma: Ayahuasca analogues from the Late Bronze Age
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 01, 2019
Summary
The quest for the ancient elixir known as soma/haoma reveals intriguing connections to ayahuasca, suggesting a shared heritage of psychoactive plant knowledge. With a focus on various botanical candidates from Asian literature, the analysis highlights plants containing dimethyl tryptamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. By examining these historical formulas, it posits that similar practices emerged in Central Asia and spread to Persia and India. This exploration connects Bronze Age traditions with modern understandings of consciousness and traditional medicine, shedding light on humanity's long-standing relationship with psychedelics.
Abstract
In this article, the origins of the cult of the ritual drink known as soma/haoma are explored. Various shortcomings of the main botanical candidate...
Bis(4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptammonium) fumarate: a new crystalline form of psilacetin, an alternative to psilocybin as a psilocin prodrug
Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications – May 31, 2019
Summary
Unlocking the precise **stereochemistry** of **psychedelics** like psilacetin is vital for advanced **drug studies**. **Crystallography** reveals this **alkaloid** derivative, a product of **chemical synthesis**, forms a distinct structure. A **protonated** psilacetin **ion**, featuring an **indole** group, connects with a fumarate **ion** via multiple **hydrogen bond** interactions. Specifically, **ammonium** and indole hydrogen atoms bond with fumarate oxygen atoms. This intricate **chemistry** creates infinite one-dimensional chains, providing fundamental insights into its molecular architecture.
Abstract
The title compound (systematic name: bis{2-[4-(acetyloxy)-1 H -indol-3-yl]ethan-1-aminium} but-2-enedioate), 2C 14 H 19 N 2 O 2 + ·C 4 H 2 O 4 2− ,...
Enzymatic Route toward 6‐Methylated Baeocystin and Psilocybin
ChemBioChem – May 31, 2019
Summary
Revolutionary biochemistry now allows for the precise chemical synthesis of modified psilocybin, a key indole alkaloid. This advance in drug studies utilizes three specific enzymes—PsiD, PsiK, and PsiM—to create 6-methylated psilocybin and baeocystin, compounds with significant pharmaceutical interest as psychedelics for depression and anxiety. The process involves crucial methylation. An in silico model of the PsiM enzyme further clarifies its stereochemistry, revealing how its unique chemistry influences substrate preferences, advancing our understanding of alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin and its direct precursor baeocystin are indole alkaloids of psychotropic Psilocybe mushrooms. The pharmaceutical interest in ps...
Treatment and outcomes at Takiwasi Center, a Peruvian therapeutic community: identifying patient-related indicators
Therapeutic Communities The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities – May 30, 2019
Summary
Nearly half of patients (51.8%) at Takiwasi, an addiction treatment center utilizing Ayahuasca, did not complete their therapy. Among 121 patients analyzed, students were significantly more likely to drop out, with odds 3.7 times higher than employed individuals. This highlights a critical need for tailored support for students undergoing AYA-assisted treatment. While many factors were examined, only education level showed a strong association with treatment completion. These insights emphasize the importance of understanding socio-demographics in enhancing addiction treatment outcomes.
Abstract
Purpose Substance abuse is a major public health concern, with over millions of people suffering from it worldwide. Although there is an abundance ...
Motives and Side-Effects of Microdosing With Psychedelics Among Users
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 30, 2019
Summary
Many microdose psychedelics like psilocybin, hoping for a performance boost. A survey of 1116 users revealed 37% sought enhancement, often taking the hallucinogen 2-4 times weekly. While acute psychological side effects were common, the main reason for stopping was a lack of perceived effectiveness. This highlights the need for rigorous placebo-controlled medicine studies to understand the pharmacology of these chemical synthesis and alkaloids, and their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, moving beyond anecdotal drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background Microdosing with psychedelics has gained considerable media attention where it is portrayed as a performance enhancer, especial...
Validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of 1P-LSD and its tentative metabolite LSD in fortified urine and serum samples including stability tests for 1P-LSD under different storage conditions
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis – May 28, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ayahuasca: Uses, Phytochemical and Biological Activities
Natural Products and Bioprospecting – May 27, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has garnered global attention for its potential psychological benefits. With a growing number of practitioners, including syncretic religions like União de Vegetal, its use has surged. Studies indicate that ayahuasca can enhance creative thinking and visual creativity, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating psychological disorders. Composed of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, it contains alkaloids that induce hallucinations by interacting with brain receptors, sparking interest across pharmacology and natural medicine fields.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (caapi, yajé), is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a "master plant." It is prep...
Dynamical exploration of the repertoire of brain networks at rest is modulated by psilocybin.
Neuroimage – May 25, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically alters how our resting brain explores its vast network possibilities. Researchers hypothesized this compound could enhance brain network flexibility. Using advanced imaging, they observed that psilocybin significantly expanded the brain's dynamic repertoire, allowing it to visit a wider array of functional states. This suggests a profound shift in brain organization, potentially offering new insights into consciousness and therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Dynamical exploration of the repertoire of brain networks at rest is modulated by psilocybin.
Simultaneous analysis of 2Cs, 25-NBOHs, 25-NBOMes and LSD in seized exhibits using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: A targeted approach
Forensic Science International – May 24, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Evolving Issues in the Treatment of Depression
JAMA – May 24, 2019
Summary
Revolutionary advances are transforming Major depressive disorder treatment. Novel pharmacological drugs like psilocybin, showing over 60% symptom reduction in trials of hundreds, and ketamine, offering rapid antidepressant effects, are reshaping Psychiatry. Beyond potent medicine, diet and metabolism studies highlight the Mediterranean diet's impact, with programs achieving 30% improvement in depressive symptoms. These diverse approaches, from careful drug administration to nutritional support influencing tryptophan and brain disorders, provide crucial tools against Depression's economic burden, offering hope for severe cases often requiring intensive care.
Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses recent evidence documenting benefits of nonpharmacological and drug therapies for major depressive disorder including exer...
Sacred Plants and Mental Health in Latin America
OpenAlex – May 22, 2019
Summary
Mexico holds the greatest diversity of sacred plants across the Americas, reflecting a rich Latin American heritage where indigenous cultures integrate these plants into ritual and traditional medicine. This ethnobotanical wealth underscores their bond with the sacred. Early classification of compounds like psilocybin and mescaline as classical psychedelics profoundly advanced mental health and psychology in the 1950s and 1960s. Such foundational work in complementary and alternative medicine studies, alongside psychedelics and drug studies, reveals the enduring significance of plant-based practices for well-being.
Abstract
Abstract Sacred plants have a number of phenomena that revolve around their ritual and medicinal use, as well as being seen as carrying a bond with...
Psilocybin lacks antidepressant-like effect in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – May 20, 2019
Summary
A surprising finding in pharmacology: the hallucinogen psilocybin, a serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist, showed no antidepressant effect in a rat model of depression. Despite its promise for human treatment-resistant depression in psychology and medicine, administering psilocybin did not reduce immobility in a behavioural despair test. An open field test also showed no impact on activity. This suggests that while psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors, current animal models in psychedelics and drug studies may not fully capture its complex effects related to tryptophan and brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Objective: Psilocybin is a serotonin receptor agonist with a therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatri...
Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 14, 2019
Summary
Remarkably, 83% of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) no longer met diagnostic criteria after naturalistic psychedelic use. An online survey of 343 respondents, 72% with severe AUD, indicated significant reductions in problematic alcohol consumption following experiences with substances like LSD (38%) or psilocybin (36%). Participants reported these highly meaningful psychedelic experiences, often involving higher doses, facilitated reduced alcohol misuse. This compelling psychology and clinical psychology data suggests a promising avenue for medicine and psychiatry in addressing alcohol consumption patterns, informing future drug studies.
Abstract
Background: Meta-analysis of randomized studies using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) showed large, significant eff...
Return of the lysergamides. Part V: Analytical and behavioural characterization of 1‐butanoyl‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1B‐LSD)
Drug Testing and Analysis – May 13, 2019
Summary
1-butanoyl-LSD (1B-LSD) exhibits intriguing psychedelic properties, showing about 14% of LSD’s potency in inducing the head-twitch response in C57BL/6J mice. In a controlled setting, 1B-LSD produced a dose-dependent increase in this behavior with an effective dose of 976.7 nmol/kg compared to LSD's 132.8 nmol/kg. This suggests that 1B-LSD may mimic the effects of other serotonergic hallucinogens. With growing interest in novel LSD analogs, understanding their pharmacological profiles is crucial for both therapeutic and recreational contexts.
Abstract
Abstract The psychedelic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have captured the imagination of researchers for many years and its redisco...
Patterns of use, desired effects, and mental health status of a sample of natural psychoactive drug users
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – May 07, 2019
Summary
Natural psychoactive drugs (NPDs) are gaining popularity, with 88.5% of 564 surveyed users reporting the use of Psilocybe mushrooms and 51% using ayahuasca. Most participants were well-educated adults, primarily from the U.S. (19%) and Spain (14.9%), who used these substances sporadically. Users noted positive impacts on their lives and exhibited good mental health. These findings challenge the classification of NPDs alongside new psychoactive substances (NPSs), suggesting a need for reevaluation in legal frameworks regarding these substances.
Abstract
In recent years, the use of natural psychoactive drugs (NPDs) has grown rapidly. They are classified as new psychoactive substances (NPSs), despite...
Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function.
Pharmacology & therapeutics – May 01, 2019
Summary
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, once overlooked, are proving to be powerful therapeutic agents. A comprehensive analysis of human studies reveals their potential to occasion mystical experiences linked to improved mental health. These compounds show efficacy in treating depression, various forms of addiction, and psychological distress in cancer patients. They hold significant promise for treatment and understanding brain function.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative review and offer novel insights regarding human research with classic psychedelics (classic ...
The fourfold discovery of Mescaline (1896–1919)
Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly – May 01, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Mescaline
Yale University Press eBooks – May 01, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
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Metabolic profile determination of 25N-NBOMe in human liver microsomes by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
International journal of legal medicine – May 01, 2019
Summary
Novel synthetic substances often pose detection challenges. Researchers successfully investigated the metabolism of 25N-NBOMe, a psychoactive compound, by exposing it to human liver microsomes. Utilizing advanced LC-Q-TOF/MS technology, they identified 14 distinct metabolites formed through various biotransformations. This detailed metabolic profile provides vital data, greatly assisting in developing biomarkers for detecting 25N-NBOMe in biological samples.
Abstract
2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25N-NBOMe, 2C-N-NBOMe, NBOMe-2C-N) is a novel synthetic psychoactive substance of th...
Abuse and Effects of Salvia divinorum in a Sample of Patients Hospitalized for Substance Dependence.
Community mental health journal – May 01, 2019
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Remarkably, two-thirds of patients hospitalized for substance dependence reported using the hallucinogen salvia. A study among 47 heavy drug users undergoing detoxification investigated this drug's impact. It revealed that salvia's effects, primarily perceptual alterations, were rapid and brief, lasting just 15 minutes. While users experienced these hallucinogenic shifts, the study found no significant differences in broader emotional or cognitive impacts compared to non-salvia users. This suggests a distinct, short-lived perceptual experience associated with this substance.
Abstract
The study goal is to document the prevalence of salvia use among patients admitted for detoxification of other illicit drug use and to determine it...
Denver votes to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms
The Lancet – May 01, 2019
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Serotonin transporter-ibogaine complexes illuminate mechanisms of inhibition and transport.
Nature – May 01, 2019
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A natural compound, ibogaine, reveals how the brain's serotonin transporter controls chemical signals. Researchers aimed to map the structural changes in this transporter, which recycles serotonin and is targeted by antidepressants. Using advanced imaging, they captured the transporter interacting with ibogaine in various states. The findings show ibogaine binds to a central site, and the transporter precisely shifts its internal components to open and close gates, creating a pathway for serotonin to enter cells. This clarifies the fundamental mechanism of serotonin transport and how ibogaine inhibits it.
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates neurotransmitter homeostasis through the sodium- and chloride-dependent recycling of serotonin into pres...
Metabolites of the ring-substituted stimulants MDMA, methylone and MDPV differentially affect human monoaminergic systems
Journal of Psychopharmacology – April 30, 2019
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MDMA and its analogs, like methylone and MDPV, exhibit significant interactions with human monoaminergic systems. In a study involving human embryonic kidney cells, MDMA and methylone demonstrated a 70% greater potency in inhibiting norepinephrine uptake compared to dopamine and serotonin. Interestingly, while N-demethylation of MDMA did not alter inhibition profiles, it reduced methylone's transporter inhibition. Additionally, O-demethylenation produced catechol metabolites that maintained norepinephrine and dopamine inhibition but decreased serotonin activity, highlighting the complex pharmacology of these substances and their metabolites.
Abstract
Background: Amphetamine analogs with a 3,4-methylenedioxy ring-substitution are among the most popular illicit drugs of abuse, exerting stimulant a...
100 years of mescaline
Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly – April 29, 2019
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Towards a Passive BCI to Induce Lucid Dream
arXiv Preprint Archive – April 29, 2019
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Scientists discovered that external light signals can be seamlessly woven into our dreams, opening new paths to achieve lucid dreaming - the rare ability to consciously control our dreams. Using affordable EEG technology and LED-equipped sleep masks, researchers found that precisely timed light pulses during sleep can be incorporated into dream narratives, potentially helping more people experience this fascinating state of consciousness.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming (LD) is a phenomenon during which the person is aware that he/she dreaming and is able to control the dream content. Studies have sh...
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary: Ernst Späth and his mescaline synthesis of 1919
Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly – April 29, 2019
Summary
A remarkable achievement in plant chemistry was the synthesis of mescaline in 1919, marking a milestone for organic natural products. At the University of Vienna, particularly the IInd Chemical Institute, over 120 phytochemical substances were identified by Ernst Späth and his team. Their innovative methods, such as Lieben’s iodoform test, have significantly advanced our understanding of organic molecules. This work has implications for various fields, including cancer treatment and pharmacology, showcasing the intersection of polymer science and plant biochemistry.
Abstract
Characterizing plant ingredients has been the main topic of chemical research at the University of Vienna since the beginning of the last half of t...
Dimethyltryptamine: Endogenous Role and Therapeutic Potential
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 25, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating anxiety and depression, with studies indicating significant improvements in symptoms for approximately 80% of participants. A review of clinical effects highlighted its safety profile, making it a compelling candidate for psychiatric treatment. N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a key component of ayahuasca, may influence neurotransmitter receptors linked to behavior. Although the exact role of endogenous DMT remains unclear, its potential applications in medicine could reshape approaches to mental health, particularly in addressing substance dependence and mood disorders.
Abstract
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid produced by a number of plants and animals, including humans. Its psychoactive effects were fir...
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT
PLoS ONE – April 23, 2019
Summary
More than two-thirds of atheists reported no longer identifying as such after a God encounter experience. A survey of over 4300 individuals, including those using psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ayahuasca, and other hallucinogens, explored these profound events. While non-drug encounters favored "God" and psychedelic groups preferred "Ultimate Reality," striking similarities emerged. Participants reported vivid memories and attributed lasting positive changes to these experiences, often fulfilling criteria for complete mystical experiences in half of cases. This work in Psychology and Religious Studies highlights the impact of psychedelics on spiritual beliefs.
Abstract
Naturally occurring and psychedelic drug-occasioned experiences interpreted as personal encounters with God are well described but have not been sy...
Variability in content and dissolution profiles of MDMA tablets collected in the UK between 2001 and 2018 – A potential risk to users?
Drug Testing and Analysis – April 22, 2019
Summary
Recent analysis of MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets revealed alarming findings: in 2018, the median MDMA content surpassed 100 mg for the first time among 412 UK samples collected from 2001-2018. Notably, within-batch variability reached up to 136 mg. Dissolution tests on 247 tablets indicated that no visual characteristics could predict whether a tablet was fast or slow-releasing, complicating user safety. This inconsistency poses significant risks, especially with high-content, slow-releasing tablets potentially leading to delayed toxicity and increased likelihood of re-dosing.
Abstract
Abstract 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) tablets are widely used recreationally, and not only vary in appearance, but also in MDM...
The enchanted snake and the forbidden fruit: the ayahuasca ‘fairy tale’ tourist
Journal of Marketing Management – April 16, 2019
Summary
A striking 63 Western tourists engaged in ayahuasca tourism sought transformative experiences, guided by vision-based spirit sensegivers. Participants reported feelings of magic and enchantment, yet upon returning home, many felt abandoned by their spiritual journeys, leading to a profound sense of disconnection from the fairy lands they had briefly inhabited. This resulted in a rejection of further tourism, as the intense inner conflicts experienced blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. Ultimately, ayahuasca tourism emerges as a ‘forgotten’ fairy tale, rarely recounted.
Abstract
This ethnographic study increases our understanding of Westerners seeking genuine fairy tale experiences of magic, transformation and enchantment w...
Hallucinogen-Like Action of the Novel Designer Drug 25I-NBOMe and Its Effect on Cortical Neurotransmitters in Rats
Neurotoxicity Research – April 15, 2019
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) – April 13, 2019
Summary
Imagine a single experience profoundly boosting well-being. Research explored how a natural compound, vaporized from toad secretion, impacted individuals. Participants experienced sustained increases in satisfaction with life and mindfulness, plus a decrease in psychological distress. This points to significant positive mental health outcomes.
Abstract
A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related...
Conformational dynamics of the human serotonin transporter during substrate and drug binding.
Nature communications – April 11, 2019
Summary
The brain's serotonin transporter, a key target for antidepressants, dynamically shifts its shape to regulate mood. Using advanced mass spectrometry, scientists observed how this vital protein changes form when interacting with serotonin, essential ions, and various drugs like citalopram or cocaine. These direct observations reveal specific structural responses, significantly advancing our understanding of how this transporter works. This insight is crucial for developing better treatments for depression and anxiety.
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SERT), a member of the neurotransmitter:sodium symporter family, is responsible for termination of serotonergic signalin...
Geometric Meditation-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study
arXiv Preprint Archive – April 10, 2019
Summary
A novel meditation technique combining geometric patterns with cognitive behavioral therapy showed promising results in treating severe OCD. The approach helped a patient significantly reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors through eight weekly sessions. By focusing on geometric shapes during meditation, combined with traditional therapy, the treatment led to lasting improvements in anxiety, depression, and mindfulness skills, even three months after completion.
Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), characterized by unwanted and distressing intrusive thoughts, images, urges, doubts and ideas or sensations an...
Receptor-Enriched Analysis of functional connectivity by targets (REACT): A novel, multimodal analytical approach informed by PET to study the pharmacodynamic response of the brain under MDMA
NeuroImage – April 04, 2019
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex