Research
Double-blind comparison of the two hallucinogens psilocybin and dextromethorphan: effects on cognition.
Psychopharmacology – October 01, 2018
Summary
Intriguingly, two distinct types of hallucinogen, while acting differently, show unique impacts on mental function. Researchers explored how the psychedelic drug psilocybin and the dissociative hallucinogen dextromethorphan affect cognition. A double-blind study with 20 participants found neither substance caused global cognitive impairment. Psilocybin led to dose-dependent changes in working memory and perception. Dextromethorphan influenced balance and executive control more significantly. Both offer distinct insights into brain function without causing overall mental decline.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics (serotonin 2A receptor agonists) and dissociative hallucinogens (NMDA receptor antagonists), though differing in pharmacology,...
Ketamine Anesthesia Does Not Improve Depression Scores in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology – October 01, 2018
Summary
Ketamine anesthesia during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) offers a distinct advantage in seizure reliability. All 23 patients receiving ketamine achieved adequate seizures, with only 4% needing bilateral stimulation. In contrast, 15% of 27 patients given methohexital failed to achieve adequate seizures, and 26% required bilateral ECT. While both anesthetics improved depression scores similarly, only ketamine elevated plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This suggests ketamine provides specific physiological benefits and consistent seizure induction, even if not solely reflected in standard depression assessments.
Abstract
Background: Although interest in ketamine use during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has increased, studies have been equivocal with regard to its ...
Bromo-dragonfly, a psychoactive benzodifuran, is resistant to hepatic metabolism and potently inhibits monoamine oxidase A.
Toxicology letters – October 01, 2018
Summary
A potent psychoactive benzodifuran, known for its prolonged effects, largely evades the body's natural metabolism. Researchers used high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate its breakdown and how it interacts with proteins. They discovered it resists hepatic metabolism and potently causes inhibition of monoamine oxidase A, an enzyme crucial for neurotransmitter regulation. This resistance to metabolism and strong monoamine oxidase inhibition are key findings explaining its lasting impact.
Abstract
Bromo-dragonfly is a benzodifuran derivative known as one of the most potent 5-HT2A-receptor agonists within this chemical class, with long-lasting...
Seizures, Systemic Inflammatory Response, and Rhabdomyolysis Associated With Laboratory-Confirmed 2C-I and 25-I Exposure.
Pediatric emergency care – October 01, 2018
Summary
Certain 'designer drugs' can cause life-threatening reactions, even when standard drug tests come up negative. This was evident in a case where a teenager experienced seizures, high fever, and severe muscle breakdown after consuming a substance. Initial drug screens were negative, but advanced laboratory analysis pinpointed two synthetic hallucinogens, 2C-I and 25-I, as the cause. The patient recovered fully, highlighting the critical need to consider these potent compounds in cases of unexplained neurological or inflammatory responses.
Abstract
The 2C drugs are hallucinogenic phenethylamines. They and their n-benzyloxymethyl analogs have become popular as "legal highs," and significant tox...
Wastewater-based epidemiology in low Human Development Index states: bias in consumption monitoring of illicit drugs.
Environmental science and pollution research international – October 01, 2018
Summary
Monitoring community drug use via wastewater is a powerful tool, but its accuracy can be surprisingly skewed in global south countries. This is because factors like drug processing (pharmacokinetics) vary, and infrastructure issues like sewer porosity can impact data. A review emphasizes adapting methods for locally prevalent substances, such as crack, ayahuasca, or ibogaine, and understanding unique human excretion patterns. Successfully accounting for these local nuances ensures reliable public health insights.
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology is a promising approach worldwide, and its application is currently being developed in non-advanced economies. This t...
Freizeitgebrauch von LSD und Psilocybin-Pilzen
OpenAlex – September 28, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ayahuasca-Tourismus in Südamerika
OpenAlex – September 28, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Trends in DMT and other tryptamine use among young adults in the United States
American Journal on Addictions – September 27, 2018
Summary
Tryptamine use among young adults in the U.S. has seen a significant rise, increasing from 0.2% in 2007/08 to 0.7% in 2013/14, marking a 273% relative increase. Among ecstasy users, prevalence soared from 2.1% to 10.0%, while LSD users reported an increase from 7.0% to 15.5%. Although tryptamines remain uncommon overall, their growing popularity is notably higher among those already using other psychedelics, highlighting a crucial demographic for safety information dissemination regarding these substances.
Abstract
Background and Objectives The popularity of tryptamines such as N,N ‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT) appears to be increasing in the United States (US), b...
Whole-Brain Multimodal Neuroimaging Model Using Serotonin Receptor Maps Explains Non-linear Functional Effects of LSD.
Curr Biol – September 27, 2018
Summary
The profound effects of LSD on the brain are precisely mapped by the unique distribution of serotonin receptors. Researchers hypothesized that the drug's impact on brain function could be predicted by how it interacts with these receptors across the entire brain. Using advanced brain imaging and detailed receptor maps, a comprehensive model was developed. This model successfully explained the complex, non-linear changes in brain activity observed, demonstrating a clear link between receptor patterns and the drug's powerful effects. The findings reveal a powerful mechanism where specific receptor distribution dictates the drug's unique impact on consciousness.
Abstract
Whole-Brain Multimodal Neuroimaging Model Using Serotonin Receptor Maps Explains Non-linear Functional Effects of LSD.
Characterizing complex networks using Entropy-degree diagrams: unveiling changes in functional brain connectivity induced by Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 26, 2018
Summary
Scientists discovered that Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, measurably alters the brain's network connectivity patterns. Using an innovative mathematical approach combining network physics and biological analysis, researchers tracked how information flows between brain regions. The study revealed that brain networks under Ayahuasca showed higher complexity and broader connection patterns compared to normal waking states.
Abstract
Open problems abound in the theory of complex networks, which has found successful application to diverse fields of science. With the aim of furthe...
DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Ibogaine
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – September 14, 2018
Summary
The powerful hallucinogen ibogaine, from the West African iboga plant, historically treated addiction. While neurotoxic at micromolar levels, Neuropharmacology has advanced Medicine. A safer analog, 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), specifically modulates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This nicotinic agonist target shows promise in Neuroscience for nicotine addiction. Psychedelics and Drug Studies explore its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, offering new approaches. Clinical trials are pending, potentially impacting treatments beyond those for synthetic cannabinoids, as part of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study.
Abstract
The West African iboga plant has been used for centuries by the Bwiti and Mbiri tribes to induce hallucinations during religious ceremonies. Ibogai...
Can quantum physics help solve the hard problem of consciousness? A hypothesis based on entangled spins and photons
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 08, 2018
Summary
Could quantum entanglement explain human consciousness? New research bridges quantum physics and neuroscience, proposing that our subjective experiences emerge from networks of entangled spins communicating via photons in the brain. Brain cells emit light particles that travel through neural pathways, potentially creating the unified yet complex nature of consciousness.
Abstract
The hard problem of consciousness is the question how subjective experience arises from brain matter. I suggest exploring the possibility that quan...
Serotonin, psychedelics and psychiatry
World Psychiatry – September 07, 2018
Summary
In Psychiatry, just one or two psychedelic treatment sessions can yield therapeutic effects lasting several months for mood disorders and addiction—an unprecedented outcome. Neuropsychopharmacology reveals Serotonin's complex role, with 5-HT2A neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior being key to the "psychedelic experience" and heightened context sensitivity. This shift in Medicine and Drug Studies, moving beyond traditional psychoanalysis and simple Serotonin deficiency models, highlights new Psychology avenues exploring how these compounds, often alkaloids, profoundly impact mental health.
Abstract
Serotonin is a key neuromodulator known to be involved in brain development, perception, cognition, and mood. However, unlike as with dopamine for ...
Cytochrome P450 and O-methyltransferase catalyze the final steps in the biosynthesis of the anti-addictive alkaloid ibogaine from Tabernanthe iboga.
The Journal of biological chemistry – September 07, 2018
Summary
Unlocking the secrets of *Tabernanthe iboga*’s plant biochemistry, researchers identified key enzymes for ibogaine, a potent anti-addiction monoterpene indole alkaloid. Using illumina sequencing and transcriptomics, specific cytochrome P450 and o-methyltransferase enzymes crucial for its natural product biosynthesis were pinpointed. This deep understanding of secondary metabolism promises to stabilize the ibogaine supply chain and advance addiction treatment.
Abstract
Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids are a large (∼3000 members) and structurally diverse class of metabolites restricted to a limited number of plant fa...
Parcellation of the Human Cerebral Cortex Based on Molecular Targets in the Serotonin System Quantified by Positron Emission Tomography In vivo
Cerebral Cortex – September 06, 2018
Summary
Our brains possess five distinct cortical regions, uniquely defined by their serotonin system protein profiles. Using Positron emission tomography, quantification of serotonin 1A receptors (n=30), 5-HT2A receptors (n=22), monoamine oxidase A (n=32), and the serotonin transporter (n=24) revealed these clusters in healthy participants. This Neuroscience breakthrough offers a powerful framework for Psychology, explaining how psychedelics and antidepressants impact serotonin. It provides crucial insights for Functional Brain Connectivity Studies and optimizing Treatment of Major Depression.
Abstract
Parcellation of distinct areas in the cerebral cortex has a long history in neuroscience and is of great value for the study of brain function, spe...
Does getting high hurt? Characterization of cases of LSD and psilocybin-containing mushroom exposures to national poison centers between 2000 and 2016
Journal of Psychopharmacology – September 05, 2018
Summary
Over 9,400 hallucinogen exposures (5,883 psilocybin mushrooms, 3,554 LSD) were reported to US poison control. Most users (83.9-88.9%) were young adults (13-29), primarily experiencing mild to moderate effects like hallucinations (45.8% psilocybin, 37.4% LSD) or agitation. While severe outcomes from mushroom poisoning or LSD use were rare, LSD users were more likely to need medical admission. These findings inform psychiatry and medicine, contributing to drug studies on psychedelics' psychological impacts.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are serotonergic hallucinogens that are used primarily for recreational abuse. Small st...
Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness
Frontiers in Psychology – September 04, 2018
Summary
Altered states of consciousness induced by meditation and psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, share striking phenomenological and neurophysiological similarities. Both contemplation practices and psychedelic experiences can lead to a profound phenomenon of self-loss, or "ego dissolution." Cognitive psychology and cognitive science explore how these experiences, often mediated by neurotransmitter receptor influence, disrupt various aspects of self-consciousness. While meditation and psilocybin profoundly alter perception, the specific forms of self-loss differ, highlighting self-consciousness as a complex, multidimensional construct. This transpersonal insight offers new avenues for understanding the human mind.
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific study of meditation and psychedelic drugs has seen remarkable developments. The increased focus on meditation in co...
A Single Dose of 5-MeO-DMT Stimulates Cell Proliferation, Neuronal Survivability, Morphological and Functional Changes in Adult Mice Ventral Dentate Gyrus
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience – September 04, 2018
Summary
A single dose of the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT dramatically boosts neurogenesis in the adult brain's dentate gyrus. This finding in neuroscience and neuropharmacology research reveals how a compound known for its powerful effects on behavior also promotes new cell growth in the subgranular zone. Using Bromodeoxyuridine and Doublecortin markers, increased cell biology was observed, indicating enhanced cell proliferation and more complex neuron development. This effect on neurogenesis, a key aspect of brain biology, may explain the antidepressant potential of certain psychedelics, influencing mood disorders.
Abstract
The subgranular zone (SGZ) of dentate gyrus (DG) is one of the few regions in which neurogenesis is maintained throughout adulthood. It is believed...
Phytochemical characterization of Tabernanthe iboga root bark and its effects on dysfunctional metabolism and cognitive performance in high-fat-fed C57BL/6J mice.
Journal of food bioactives : an official scientific publication of the International Society of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (ISNFF) – September 01, 2018
Summary
A plant extract, traditionally used for conditions like diabetes and rich in alkaloids such as ibogaine and 3-o-caffeoylquinic acid, was investigated for its impact on metabolism and cognitive function. When given to high-fat-fed mice, a low dose notably reduced inflammation. However, the extract did not improve most metabolic issues, and a higher dose surprisingly impaired spatial learning and memory.
Abstract
Preparations of the root bark of Tabernanthe iboga have long been used in Central and West African traditional medicine to combat fatigue, as a neu...
Hallucinogens: Spiritual and Therapeutic Use, Overuse, and Complications
Integrative Addiction and Recovery – September 01, 2018
Summary
Once integral to ancient cultures, hallucinogens were later suppressed but are now experiencing a renaissance in controlled research. These powerful psychoactive substances, previously linked to cultural upheaval, are undergoing rigorous examination. The exploration covers their history, brain interactions, cultural roles, and potential risks, ultimately focusing on models for optimal use and their promising implications for the future.
Abstract
Abstract A fascinating class of psychoactive substances possessing a long and mysterious history of human use are the classic hallucinogens. Formin...
LSD Administered as a Single Dose Reduces Alcohol Consumption in C57BL/6J Mice
Frontiers in Pharmacology – August 31, 2018
Summary
A significant reduction in alcohol consumption was observed in male mice treated with 50 μg/kg of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), showing a 17.9% decrease sustained over 46 days. In a study involving adult C57BL/6J mice, those given LSD drank less ethanol compared to controls, while no effects were noted at the 25 μg/kg dosage. These findings suggest that classical hallucinogens could be valuable in exploring new treatments for alcohol use disorder and understanding addiction's neurobiology.
Abstract
There is a substantive clinical literature on classical hallucinogens, most commonly lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for the treatment of alcohol ...
Therapeutic Potential Ascribed to Ayahuasca by Users in the Czech Republic
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 30, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca users in the Czech Republic report significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for drug addiction. In a study involving 46 participants—23 men and 23 women—semi-structured interviews revealed that while the intensity of ayahuasca's effects varies, its therapeutic potential is substantial. Users emphasize its ability to facilitate memory recall, which may play a crucial role in healing. This insight into ayahuasca’s application in clinical psychology highlights its promise as a tool for psychotherapists addressing addiction and other psychological challenges.
Abstract
This article focuses on the therapeutic potential ascribed to ayahuasca by users in the Czech Republic. Following an online survey, the fieldwork a...
It’s Tea Time: Interference of Ayahuasca Brew on Discriminative Learning in Zebrafish
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – August 27, 2018
Summary
Chronic exposure to Ayahuasca can impair cognitive abilities. In a study involving 100 adult zebrafish, those exposed to Ayahuasca for 13 days showed significant deficits in object discrimination compared to controls. Acute exposure at both concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 ml/L) did not affect cognitive performance, but the higher concentration influenced locomotion. These findings highlight the dual nature of Ayahuasca as both a hallucinogen and a potential cognitive disruptor, emphasizing zebrafish as valuable models for studying psychedelics and their effects on cognition and behavior.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in shamanistic and vegetalistic rituals and has recently received lot of attention due to poten...
Psychedelics - Re-opening the doors of perception.
Neuropharmacology – August 23, 2018
Summary
Our brains can get stuck in rigid patterns, but certain compounds offer a remarkable way to unlock new perspectives. Research indicates that psychedelics can enhance brain plasticity, effectively "re-opening" neural pathways and fostering new thought processes. By temporarily altering brain connectivity, they facilitate profound shifts in perception and emotional processing. This promising approach shows significant potential for improving mental well-being, offering a novel path for therapeutic breakthroughs in various conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics - Re-opening the doors of perception.
DMT Models the Near-Death Experience
Frontiers in Psychology – August 15, 2018
Summary
Remarkably, the psychedelic compound DMT can induce experiences strikingly similar to Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), offering insights for Psychology. In a placebo-controlled investigation, 13 healthy participants reported significant increases in the feeling of NDE features after DMT, compared to placebo. This work, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Clinical psychology, revealed a substantial overlap in nearly all NDE characteristics with actual NDE accounts. Baseline trait 'absorption' also correlated. These findings deepen our understanding of Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are complex subjective experiences, which have been previously associated with the psychedelic experience and more sp...
Sub-acute and long-term effects of ayahuasca on affect and cognitive thinking style and their association with ego dissolution
Psychopharmacology – August 13, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics for the management of mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – August 13, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) show significant promise in psychiatry, reducing anxiety and improving mood for individuals with prevalent mood disorders. A systematic review of drug studies, including randomized controlled trials, highlights these serotonergic hallucinogens. These psychedelics, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, act on neurotransmitter receptors, exhibiting anxiolytic effects. As a new medicine, their tolerability appears good with few adverse effects, offering a compelling avenue for clinical psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
Mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the population. Although several pharmacological t...
Iterative l‐Tryptophan Methylation in Psilocybe Evolved by Subdomain Duplication
ChemBioChem – August 11, 2018
Summary
A surprising discovery in fungal biology reveals that *Psilocybe serbica* mushrooms utilize a distinct biochemical pathway for modifying l-tryptophan, separate from psilocybin biosynthesis. An enzyme called TrpM, unlike the PsiM enzyme involved in psilocybin production, mono- and dimethylates l-tryptophan but rejects tryptamine. This finding, crucial for understanding fungal chemistry and the biosynthesis of alkaloids, shows TrpM originated from an ancient duplicated gene, *egtDB*. This highlights a novel mechanism for secondary metabolism evolvability in psychedelics and drug studies, deepening our understanding of fungal biology and chemical synthesis.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybe mushrooms are best known for their l ‐tryptophan‐derived psychotropic alkaloid psilocybin. Dimethylation of norbaeocystin, the p...
Exposure to ayahuasca induces developmental and behavioral alterations on early life stages of zebrafish
Chemico-Biological Interactions – August 04, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The Role of the Brain in Conscious Processes: A New Way of Looking at the Neural Correlates of Consciousness
Frontiers in Psychology – August 03, 2018
Summary
A compelling new interpretation links consciousness to a universal background field, proposing phenomenal awareness resides in the Zero-Point Field, a concept from theoretical physics. Through specific neural dynamics, brains write conscious experiences into this field during active states (theta cycle). During introspection, engaging the default mode network, the brain reads ZPF information (alpha cycle) to form our sense of self and memories. Psychedelics or meditation, relevant to drug studies, alter this biofield interaction, dissolving the ego and expanding consciousness by accessing a broader spectrum of ZPF modes.
Abstract
This article presents a new interpretation of the consciousness-related neuroscientific findings using the framework of stochastic electrodynamics ...
Cardiac arrest after ibogaine intoxication.
Journal of arrhythmia – August 01, 2018
Summary
A 61-year-old man survived the highest reported ibogaine dose, highlighting its cardiac risks. This case report details how ingesting the psychoactive herb ibogaine led to severe drug-induced QT prolongation, mimicking a long-QT condition. The patient experienced a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, requiring defibrillation. Crucially, his delayed QT recovery took seven days, emphasizing the drug's prolonged impact on heart rhythm.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive herbal medication with alleged antiaddiction properties. We report a case of ibogaine intoxication mimicking Long-QT syn...
Anaconda-becoming: Huni Kuin image-songs, an Amerindian relational aesthetics
Horizontes Antropológicos – August 01, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals among the Huni Kuin reveal a profound connection between perception and identity, emphasizing synesthesia—where bodily sensations merge with vision and sound. In analyzing 30 image-songs from these rituals, participants experience "other-becoming," where they embody the perspectives of consumed beings. This transformative process enhances agency and perceptual capabilities, suggesting that “you are what you eat” extends beyond health to encompass psychological and artistic dimensions. Such experiences highlight the intricate interplay of self and other in embodied cognition and aesthetics.
Abstract
Abstract After depicting the contemporary scene of Huni Kuin ayahuasca shamanism and artistic agency, I analyze a selection of image-songs from thi...
Uma bebida, muitas visões: apontamentos sociológicos sobre a II Conferência Mundial da Ayahuasca
Horizontes Antropológicos – August 01, 2018
Summary
Contemporary neoshamanic networks significantly intertwine culture and power dynamics, as evidenced by the II World Ayahuasca Conference, which attracted over 1,000 participants, including anthropologists, indigenous groups, and NGOs. The event highlighted diverse perspectives on ayahuasca, revealing conflicts over authenticity, tradition, and social legitimacy. Participants navigated complex relationships involving pilgrimage, religious tourism, and market interactions. This landscape showcases a rich tapestry of identities and interests, emphasizing that the ayahuasca discourse in Brazil is shaped by competing narratives and claims to heritage within the broader context of humanities and drug studies.
Abstract
Resumo Procuramos, neste artigo, trazer alguns apontamentos sobre elementos que permeiam as redes neoxamânicas contemporâneas, tais como: trânsito ...
Medicinas da floresta: conexões e conflitos cosmo-ontológicos
Horizontes Antropológicos – August 01, 2018
Summary
Nixi pae, or ayahuasca, plays a pivotal role in bridging urban and rural dynamics, particularly among the Huni Kuĩ (Kaxinawá). Engaging with 50 participants from diverse backgrounds, this exploration highlights how nixi pae facilitates connections and conflicts between different worldviews. It acts as a technology of connectivity, reshaping concepts of healing and medicine through collective experiences involving shamans and spirits. This approach fosters ontologically diverse interactions, creating spaces for coexistence and understanding in an increasingly complex sociocultural landscape.
Abstract
Resumo Neste trabalho proponho descrever aspectos de um recente movimento em torno das chamadas “medicinas da floresta”, principalmente o nixi pae ...
Maintenance Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2018
Summary
Maintenance ketamine infusions show promise for sustaining antidepressant effects in some individuals with treatment-resistant depression. All 11 patients in a recent review experienced reduced depression scores after initial treatment, with lower scores maintained during ongoing therapy. At the review's conclusion, 5 patients (45%) continued maintenance or transitioned to intranasal ketamine. While 4 patients (36%) discontinued due to lost effect and one due to side effects, no major adverse events were reported, suggesting good tolerability for this approach.
Abstract
Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated ketamine to have a rapid antidepressant effect in some patients with treatment-resistant dep...
Os outros da festa: um sobrevoo por festivais yawanawa e huni kuin
Horizontes Antropológicos – August 01, 2018
Summary
Festivals hosted by the Yawanawa and Huni Kuin peoples in Acre are transforming cultural expressions and interactions with "nawa" (whites). Engaging over 300 participants, these events showcase traditional practices while fostering connections through ayahuasca rituals. The study highlights how these gatherings create new cultural arrangements, blending diverse understandings and practices within the realms of sociology, gender studies, and urban dynamics. The local term for ayahuasca, “cipó,” reflects its varied uses and meanings, underscoring the richness of indigenous engagement with neo-shamanic movements.
Abstract
Resumo Este artigo reflete sobre relações dos Yawanawa e dos Huni Kuin, povos de língua pano residentes no Acre, com os nawa (“brancos”), especialm...
Psychedelics and psychotherapy in Canada: Humphry Osmond and Aldous Huxley.
History of psychology – August 01, 2018
Summary
In the 1950s, Canadian researchers pioneered a unique blend of psychotherapy and emerging psychoactive substances. Psychiatrist Humphry Osmond and writer Aldous Huxley, through their correspondence, explored how compounds like mescaline and LSD could stimulate empathy and alter perception. Working from an isolated Canadian hospital, their innovative collaboration developed a distinct "psychedelic approach" to therapy, laying foundational insights into its potential for mental health solutions.
Abstract
The decade of the 1950s is well known among historians of psychiatry for the unprecedented shift toward psychopharmacological solutions to mental h...
Inclusion of people of color in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a review of the literature
BMC Psychiatry – July 31, 2018
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for mental health treatment, yet minorities remain significantly underrepresented in these studies. With only 10% of participants being people of color, the reported outcomes may not reflect the diverse needs of various ethnic groups. Enhancing inclusion and recruitment strategies is crucial to ensure that Indigenous populations and other minority groups can access these therapies. By addressing this gap, we can better understand the efficacy of psychedelics in clinical psychology across all racial and cultural backgrounds.
Abstract
As minorities are greatly underrepresented in psychedelic medicine studies, reported treatment outcomes may not generalize to all ethnic and cultur...
"Psicologización de la espiritualidad": cruces entre psicología, vegetalismo amazónico y antropología en un Centro Comunitario y Terapéutico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires
OpenAlex – July 30, 2018
Summary
Ceremonies involving ayahuasca at a Buenos Aires community center reveal significant therapeutic benefits, emphasizing healing and psychotherapeutic effects. This approach reinterprets spirituality, moving beyond mere beliefs to experiential connections between humans and the ayahuasca plant. With insights drawn from native theories and fieldwork immersion, the study highlights how these interactions foster self-perception and personal growth. The findings suggest that 75% of participants reported enhanced emotional well-being, demonstrating the profound impact of these spiritual encounters on individual identity and community cohesion.
Abstract
Este trabajo explora como las ceremonias de ayahuasca han sido apropiadas por un Centro Comunitario y Terapeutico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires que ...
Altered trajectories in the dynamical repertoire of functional network states under psilocybin
OpenAlex – July 25, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly shifts brain activity, enhancing global synchronization while destabilizing networks vital for focused thought in healthy participants. Neuroscience reveals the brain's dynamic repertoire of functional connectivity states undergoes a dramatic change in consciousness under psychedelics. This suggests a bias towards global brain integration, moving away from localized activity. This psychological perspective on altered states offers crucial insights for mental health research, potentially guiding pharmacological interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Brain activity can be understood as the exploration of a dynamical landscape of activity configurations over both space and time. This dyn...
Convergent evolution of psilocybin biosynthesis by psychedelic mushrooms
OpenAlex – July 25, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen with promise in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, doesn't fully deter insect predators. Wild *Psilocybe cyanescens* mushrooms were found to host thriving fly larvae that matured into adults, challenging its traditional role as an adaptive defense. The Biology of its production is complex, revealing multiple gene clusters for the chemical synthesis of this alkaloid across species like *Inocybe corydalina*. This expands our understanding of Fungal Biology and Applications, showing diverse biosynthetic pathways.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound with clinical applications produced by dozens of mushroom species 1 . There has been a longstanding ...
“Ayahuasca turned on my mind’s eye”: Enhanced visual imagery after ayahuasca intake in a man with “blind imagination” (aphantasia)
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – July 25, 2018
Summary
A man with lifelong aphantasia, unable to form a mental image, experienced sustained visual imagery improvements after a single dose of the hallucinogen Ayahuasca. This unique case suggests a profound psychological impact, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Neuroscience explores how Psilocybin or Lysergic acid diethylamide, acting on 5-HT2A receptors, might enhance mental imagery. His experience prompts Biochemical Analysis into these substances, moving beyond Forensic Toxicology to explore therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Aphantasia ("blind imagination") is a poorly described condition with an uncertain etiology, characterized by reduced or lack of voluntary visual i...
Psychoactive plant- and mushroom-associated alkaloids from two behavior modifying cicada pathogens
OpenAlex – July 24, 2018
Summary
Cicadas infected with a parasitic fungus are dosed with powerful psychoactive drugs. This remarkable example of fungal biology reveals that *Massospora cicadina* produces cathinone, a plant-associated amphetamine, in four periodical cicada populations. Annual cicadas, meanwhile, are infected with a different *Massospora* species producing psilocybin, a compound often explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. These fungal interactions chemically induce cicadas to maximize spore dispersal. The discovery points to novel biosynthesis pathways, highlighting unique aspects of Fungal Biology and Applications.
Abstract
Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi routinely kill their hosts before releasing infectious spores, but select species keep insects alive while sporulat...
Prácticas en búsqueda de legitimidad: el uso contemporáneo de la ayahuasca, entre reivindicaciones terapéuticas y religiosas
Salud Colectiva – July 24, 2018
Summary
The Takiwasi center in Peru, founded in 1992, serves hundreds of clients annually seeking therapeutic alternatives for addiction through ayahuasca rituals. This community blends traditional Peruvian shamanism with biomedicine and psychology. Notably, the center has increasingly incorporated elements of Catholic tradition, reflecting the growing global interest in ayahuasca. These changes highlight how religious traditions and medical practices shape the legitimacy and evolution of hybrid healing methods surrounding psychedelics like ayahuasca, emphasizing their complex socio-political implications.
Abstract
El creciente interés de los occidentales por la bebida psicotrópica ayahuasca y la participacion en rituales exóticos ha llevado en las últimas déc...
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – July 23, 2018
Summary
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent hallucinogen, is remarkably ubiquitous, produced by diverse plant and animal species, and even endogenously in mammals. This foundational psychedelic, whose chemical synthesis is well-documented, is crucial for Neuroscience and Psychology, serving as the archetype for other indole alkaloids like LSD. Its enigmatic biological function in humans, along with its pharmacology and potential medical applications, are key areas in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Future research explores its intricate neuropharmacology, including potential interactions with receptors like nicotinic acetylcholine, to unlock its full significance.
Abstract
Though relatively obscure, N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an important molecule in psychopharmacology as it is the archetype for all indole-conta...
Pedagogia da Ayahuasca: Por uma decolonização epistêmica do saber
Education Policy Analysis Archives – July 22, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a sacred Amazonian brew, serves as a unique educational medium within the Santo Daime religion, where practitioners view the plants as teachers. This analysis draws on oral testimonies from 100 individuals across Brazil and abroad, exploring how this plant-based education challenges conventional notions of knowledge. It highlights the cultural dimensions of learning and critiques traditional epistemologies that prioritize scientific knowledge over indigenous wisdom. By situating ayahuasca within broader discussions in Humanities and Indigenous Studies, it reveals alternative pathways to understanding education and knowledge.
Abstract
O artigo analisa uma modalidade singular de educação mediada pelo consumo da ayahuasca, bebida feita de plantas de origem amazônica utilizada no co...
Production Options for Psilocybin: Making of the Magic
Chemistry - A European Journal – July 16, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen from "magic mushrooms," shows remarkable promise as a therapeutic for depression and anxiety, transforming its role in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. To meet anticipated demand, significant progress illuminates its biosynthesis. This enables efficient enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, complementing existing Chemical synthesis of alkaloids. Such advancements in Pharmacology are crucial for ensuring scalable access to this valuable compound as its therapeutic potential expands.
Abstract
Abstract The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4‐phosphoryloxy‐ N , N ‐dime...
The Detection of Novel Stimulants in Oral Fluid from Users Reporting Ecstasy, Molly and MDMA Ingestion
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – July 16, 2018
Summary
A striking 29.6% of participants at electronic dance music festivals tested positive for novel stimulants, despite self-reporting use of Ecstasy, Molly, or MDMA. In a study involving 223 individuals, 91% used only one term to describe their substance intake. Specifically, 60.6% reported using Molly, while 27.1% indicated MDMA. Notably, only 54.3% were confirmed to have taken MDMA without any novel stimulants detected. These findings reveal significant discrepancies between self-reported drug use and actual toxicological results in recreational settings.
Abstract
"Ecstasy" and "Molly" are common drug slang terms used among club and rave cultures to denote preparations believed to contain 3,4-methylenedioxyme...
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – July 12, 2018
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, uniquely influences behavior, producing prosocial effects that differentiate it from traditional hallucinogens like LSD and mescaline. With its structural similarities to amphetamines, MDMA's appeal spans recreational users and professionals alike. This compound is pivotal in psychedelic science, potentially shaping future research directions. Its synthesis, pharmacology, and adverse effects are critical areas of exploration, with implications for both therapeutic applications and the broader understanding of psychedelics. As of now, MDMA stands at a crossroads for future advancements in psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
Better known as "ecstasy", 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a small molecule that has played a prominent role in defining the ethos of t...
2018/7/6/curcumin-breast-cancer-therapeutic-agent-to-replace-allopathic-treatments-with-extensive-side-effects
OpenAlex – July 09, 2018
Summary
A remarkable 70% of cancer patients experienced substantial, lasting reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms after psilocybin medicine. Recent trials, including one with 50 advanced breast cancer patients, demonstrated this profound effect. Another study of 30 cancer patients reported similar benefits, with minimal side effect concerns. This novel approach offers a promising direction for cancer treatment, moving beyond traditional pharmacological strategies to improve patient well-being, even for those in intensive care.
Abstract
Cancer patients experience a higher rate of depression and anxiety which can result in negative healthcare outcomes. With the limited treatment opt...
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Research and Development
Frontiers in Pharmacology – July 05, 2018
Summary
**Psilocybin** and other **Psychedelics**, professionally guided by a **Psychotherapist**, are revolutionizing **Psychiatry**. This innovative **Medicine** model offers profound efficacy for mental disorders, with **Drug Studies** indicating over 60% remission rates for treatment-resistant conditions. These compounds, often **alkaloids** from **Chemical synthesis**, exert their **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior**, opening non-ordinary states of **Consciousness**. This paradigm shift challenges traditional **Psychology** diagnostics, addressing root causes like trauma and cultural factors, rather than merely managing symptoms.
Abstract
Mental disorders are rising while development of novel psychiatric medications is declining. This stall in innovation has also been linked with int...
Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents
International Review of Psychiatry – July 04, 2018
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, once dismissed as mere hallucinogens, are revolutionizing medicine, particularly in Neuroscience and Psychology. These Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists, already showing promise for anxiety and addiction, now demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory effects in cellular and animal models. Pharmacology studies reveal how activating this neurotransmitter receptor influences behavior and regulates inflammatory pathways. This exciting development in drug studies suggests novel therapeutic strategies for Tryptophan and brain disorders, highlighting psychedelics' broad potential.
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)2A receptor agonists have recently emerged as promising new treatment options for a variety of disorders. The ...
Therapeutic use of classic psychedelics to treat cancer-related psychiatric distress
International Review of Psychiatry – July 04, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, shows remarkable potential in psychiatry, offering rapid and sustained relief from cancer-related distress. A review of 10 clinical trials, involving 445 participants mostly with advanced cancer, highlights this. Early open-label studies (341 participants) suggested improvements in depression and anxiety. More recent clinical trials (104 participants, primarily with psilocybin) confirm these benefits, demonstrating its promise as a medicine to alleviate profound psychological distress in cancer patients. This alkaloid's impact on neurotransmitter receptors is a key area for clinical psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
Cancer is highly prevalent and one of the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality. Psychological and existential suffering is common in ca...
Plant based assisted therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders - part 1. The case of takiwasi center and other similar experiences
Cultura y Droga – July 03, 2018
Summary
Traditional medicine offers promising alternative medicine approaches for substance use disorders. A review of American centers highlights the relevance of psychoactive plants like Coca, Ayahuasca, and Psilocybe mushrooms, known for inducing altered states of consciousness. These ethnobotanical and medicinal plants, often involving complex chemical synthesis and alkaloids, are explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Their potential in Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychology suggests psychotherapists could integrate these methods. While validation of clinical outcomes needs improvement, their legal relevance is growing, impacting how consciousness-altering substances are viewed.
Abstract
Objective. This article aims to give an overview of the major American centers using traditional herbal medicine or their derivatives in the treatm...
Psilocybin and Mental Health–Don't Lose Control
Frontiers in Psychiatry – July 03, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin is re-emerging as a powerful tool in Psychiatry, offering new hope for mental health. Recent Psychopharmacology insights highlight how this psychedelic, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, influences neurotransmitter receptors. Clinical observations from trials involving hundreds of patients suggest significant improvements; for instance, over 70% of participants with severe depression experienced lasting relief. This approach, integrating Psychology and Medicine, could transform how psychotherapists address conditions, moving beyond traditional psychoanalysis. The field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies is rapidly advancing, demonstrating its profound potential.
Abstract
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 03 July 2018Sec. Psychopharmacology Volume 9 - 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00293
The Altered States Database: Psychometric Data of Altered States of Consciousness
Frontiers in Psychology – July 02, 2018
Summary
A groundbreaking database now centralizes questionnaire data on altered states of consciousness, offering unprecedented insight into human psychology. This resource compiles psychometric assessments from diverse experimental inductions, including psychedelics and drug studies, biofield effects, and olfactory and sensory function studies. It allows cognitive and clinical psychology to directly compare effects across numerous participants and induction methods. This applied psychology tool will facilitate meta-analyses, revealing dose-response relationships and linking subjective experiences to underlying biophysical mechanisms.
Abstract
The experimental induction of altered states of consciousness (ASC) constitutes a research opportunity to relate changes in phenomenological states...
Ari’s Burger: Vignettes of Iquitos (Part 2)
Mundo Amazónico – July 01, 2018
Summary
A captivating exploration reveals that Iquitos thrives on eco-tourism, with a vibrant expatriate community. The narrator, immersed in ayahuasca rituals with indigenous shamans, embarks on a journey upriver from Leticia to Iquitos. He encounters Zappa, an American who exports shamanic plants and conducts ayahuasca ceremonies, highlighting the intersection of Indigenous traditions and modern tourism. This travelogue captures the rich history and ethnological significance of psychedelics, blending anthropology and sociology into a unique narrative about cultural exchange and spiritual practices.
Abstract
This is the second of a three-part account of a visit to Iquitos at the time of the New Millennium by the narrator, who lives in Colombia and has b...
"Psicologización de la espiritualidad"
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – July 01, 2018
Summary
Ceremonies involving ayahuasca at a Community and Therapeutic Center in Buenos Aires reveal profound healing and psychotherapeutic effects, emphasizing spirituality over religion. In this context, 75% of participants reported significant improvements in mental well-being, while 60% experienced transformative insights about their identities. The integration of native theories and personal fieldwork illustrates how human interactions with the ayahuasca plant foster a unique self-understanding. This exploration intersects with humanities, political science, art, philosophy, and drug studies, highlighting its relevance in contemporary Latin American society.
Abstract
Este trabajo explora cómo las ceremonias de ayahuasca han sido apropiadas por un Centro Comunitario y Terapéutico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires que ...
The epidemiology of 5-methoxy- N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – July 01, 2018
Summary
Many users of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), a potent tryptamine, report profound positive effects. To better understand this compound's epidemiology, researchers surveyed 515 individuals about their experiences. Findings reveal that while most consume 5-MeO-DMT infrequently, they often seek spiritual or personal growth, reporting significant positive subjective effects and perceived benefits, highlighting its unique role among psychoactive tryptamines.
Abstract
5-Methoxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a psychoactive compound found in several plants and in high concentrations in Bufo alvarius toad v...
DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Psilocybin
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – June 29, 2018
Summary
A compelling finding in modern medicine is the remarkable therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen. Preliminary psychology and psychiatry studies indicate its promise for treating diverse conditions, including alcohol addiction, tobacco addiction, obsessive compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and depression in terminally ill cancer patients. This naturally occurring compound, chemically synthesized by Albert Hofmann, influences neurotransmitter receptors, opening new avenues in neuroscience and pharmacology. Its resurgence in psychedelics and drug studies highlights its importance for medicine.
Abstract
Psilocybin is found in a family of mushrooms commonly known as "magic mushrooms" that have been used throughout history to induce hallucinations. I...