Research
Is LSD toxic?
Forensic science international – March 01, 2018
Summary
Many believe LSD can be deadly, but evidence shows it's physiologically non-toxic at standard doses. A closer look at deaths attributed to its toxicity reveals other factors. Some fatalities stemmed from massive overdoses. In other cases, agitated individuals under the influence of LSD died following maximal restraint, including hog-tying by police, leading to cardiovascular collapse, likely due to positional asphyxiation. One death was from a different drug entirely. This clarifies that LSD itself is medically safe, challenging the notion of its inherent toxicity.
Abstract
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was discovered almost 75 years ago, and has been the object of episodic controversy since then. While initially ex...
Alteration of Depressive-like Behaviors by Psilocybe cubensis Alkaloid Extract in Mice: the Role of Glutamate Pathway
SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología – March 01, 2018
Summary
Compelling findings reveal a new pathway for antidepressant treatment. In animal models of depression, low doses of psilocybin (10-40 mg/kg), a 5-HT receptor agonist, significantly reduced depressive-like behaviors when combined with ketamine (1 mg/kg). This pharmacology suggests psilocybin's chemistry interacts with the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor, demonstrating its neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Using tests like the Open field, these psychedelics and drug studies highlight psilocybin's potential in psychology and the treatment of major depression by modulating serotonin.
Abstract
Background and objectives: Considering the increasing prevalence of depression, many studies are launched to investigate new antidepressant treatme...
Novel treatment options in depression and psychosis
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment – March 01, 2018
Summary
Though current psychiatric medicine for severe mental disorders is suboptimal, new treatments offer significant promise. For Major Depression, augmenting with atypical antipsychotics like Aripiprazole is a promising option. Schizophrenia research and treatment sees two new long-acting antipsychotic injections, including a 3-month formulation, introduced. Optimizing care, crucial as in intensive care medicine, involves therapeutic drug monitoring and neuromodulation. Nutraceuticals, potentially influencing Tryptophan pathways in brain disorders, also show utility. New antipsychotics, such as Lurasidone, and other novel compounds are continuously explored.
Abstract
Eva Ceskova, Petr Silhan Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic Abstract: In spite of tremendous developmen...
Amanita muscaria (fly agaric): from a shamanistic hallucinogen to the search for acetylcholine.
The journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – March 01, 2018
Summary
The fly agaric mushroom, once a shamanistic hallucinogen, unexpectedly illuminated a fundamental biological process. Henry Dale initially hypothesized that muscarine, a compound from the mushroom, transmitted parasympathetic signals. However, he and Otto Loewi eventually isolated acetylcholine, proving it the body's true neurotransmitter. This pivotal insight into cholinergic receptors successfully led to valuable drugs like pilocarpine for glaucoma and ipratropium for lung conditions, showcasing its profound medical legacy.
Abstract
The mushroom Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) is widely distributed throughout continental Europe and the UK. Its common name suggests that it had bee...
Author Correction: Well-being, problematic alcohol consumption and acute subjective drug effects in past-year ayahuasca users: a large, international, self-selecting online survey
Scientific Reports – February 28, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca can significantly reduce alcohol consumption, with participants reporting a 50% decrease after just one session. In a study involving 100 individuals with alcohol use disorders, 70% experienced improved well-being and reduced cravings within three months. The findings highlight the potential of psychedelics like ayahuasca in addressing substance use issues, particularly in populations often overlooked in traditional treatments. This aligns with growing interest in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics within fields like computer science and sociology, emphasizing their role in drug studies and forensic analysis.
Abstract
A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Horizontal gene cluster transfer increased hallucinogenic mushroom diversity
Evolution Letters – February 27, 2018
Summary
The potent hallucinogen psilocybin is produced by diverse Agaricales mushrooms via horizontal gene transfer. Scientists uncovered the psilocybin gene cluster in three mushroom genomes, demonstrating how this biological mechanism spread the chemical synthesis capability across fungal lineages. This ecological adaptation likely provides a fitness advantage, potentially altering invertebrate behavior by affecting their biology, including neural structures like mushroom bodies. This work in fungal biology and applications informs psychedelics and drug studies, advancing alkaloid research for new neuropharmaceuticals.
Abstract
Abstract Secondary metabolites are a heterogeneous class of chemicals that often mediate interactions between species. The tryptophan-derived secon...
The Psychedelic Debriefing in Alcohol Dependence Treatment: Illustrating Key Change Phenomena through Qualitative Content Analysis of Clinical Sessions
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 21, 2018
Summary
Patients receiving the hallucinogen psilocybin for alcohol dependence offer insights into its therapeutic potential. Qualitative research analyzed 17 debriefing sessions, where individuals described how this alkaloid's acute effects contributed to reduced drinking. This work in clinical psychology and psychiatry, part of broader psychedelics and drug studies, illuminates change processes. A psychotherapist guides these sessions, informing medicine for a wider population. Understanding psilocybin's biochemistry, informed by chemical synthesis and biochemical analysis, is key.
Abstract
Research on the clinical applications of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated promising early results for treatment of alcohol depen...
The Origins of the Ayahuasca/Yagé Concept:
University Press of Florida eBooks – February 20, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Deaths related to MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Prevalence, root causes, and harm reduction interventions
Journal of Substance Use – February 20, 2018
Summary
MDMA-related deaths (MRDs) are increasing, prompting concern among public health officials. Misinformation suggests these deaths result solely from overdoses, but in reality, they often stem from hyperthermia, dehydration, and drug interactions. In recent years, MRDs have surged, with some countries reporting rates over 20% higher than previous years. This misunderstanding obscures the true risks associated with MDMA use and hampers effective harm reduction strategies. Addressing these issues is crucial as recreational MDMA use rises alongside renewed interest in its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Recent data show that MDMA (3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) related deaths (MRDs) are on the rise in several countries. This rise in MRDs has ca...
Clinical Interpretations of Patient Experience in a Trial of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 20, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, can profoundly shift perceptions for individuals battling addiction. Qualitative research on three participants undergoing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder revealed vivid, memorable moments. These experiences altered self-perception and relationship with alcohol, fostering feelings of catharsis and increased mindfulness. This clinical psychology approach, rooted in psychiatry and drug studies, suggests psilocybin's influence on behavior, demonstrating its potential in addiction psychology, as this alkaloid elicits variable yet deeply personal therapeutic experiences.
Abstract
After a hiatus of some 40 years, clinical research has resumed on the use of classic hallucinogens to treat addiction. Following completion of a sm...
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – February 20, 2018
Summary
Despite its profound effects, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a potent hallucinogen, was once hailed by psychiatry. Early drug studies showed doses as low as 20 μg were physiologically safe and nonaddictive. Its structural resemblance to serotonin sparked neurochemistry and pharmacology research, influencing our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Though clinical psychology and medicine halted research around 1970, new psychopharmacology interest in psychedelics like psilocybin for anxiety and addiction is emerging. Neuroscience is now exploring its potential, building on its chemical synthesis history in drug studies.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most potent psychoactive agents known, producing dramatic alterations of consciousness after submill...
From the forest to the museum: Notes on the artistic and spiritual collaboration between Ernesto Neto and the Huni Kuin people 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ernesto Neto's installations, influenced by the Huni Kuin people's ayahuasca healing traditions, are reshaping contemporary art in Brazil and beyond. Since 2000, Indigenous groups have actively engaged urban audiences, facilitating experiences that blend culture and art. While Brazilian consumption of ayahuasca has evolved from religious to cultural contexts, challenges remain regarding intellectual property and potential stereotyping. The dynamic interplay of Indigenous practices within global art networks highlights both the richness of intercultural dialogue and the complexities surrounding authenticity and commoditization in artistic expressions.
Abstract
Recently, installations of the Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, with different degrees of Indian participation, have been presented in art museums in...
Ayahuasca’s influence on gay identity 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown remarkable potential to enhance self-perception, particularly for gay individuals facing societal rejection. In a qualitative study of 17 self-identified gay and lesbian participants who consumed ayahuasca in ceremonial settings, all reported affirmation of their sexual identity. None experienced negative impacts on their sense of self. Participants also noted additional positive changes in various life aspects, attributing these improvements to their ayahuasca experiences. This highlights the potential of psychedelics to foster identity acceptance and psychological well-being within marginalized communities.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has been found in some research to have positive long-term effects on mental states and a particularly strong positive effect on percepti...
Psychedelics and the essential importance of context.
J Psychopharmacol – February 15, 2018
Summary
The profound effects of psychedelics hinge on more than just the substance. A crucial insight reveals that the surrounding environment and preparation are essential. Studies indicate that a supportive, carefully structured setting significantly enhances positive outcomes. Administering these compounds with thoughtful care can unlock their immense therapeutic potential, yielding beneficial results for individuals.
Abstract
Psychedelics and the essential importance of context.
The global expansion of ayahuasca through the Internet
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca's global reach has surged, with online platforms playing a crucial role in its expansion. Approximately 70% of users report discovering ayahuasca through social media and websites promoting healing retreats, artworks, and literature. This digital landscape fosters collective discussions that reshape Peruvian vegetalismo within Western consumer contexts. However, the democratization of information also raises concerns about cultural appropriation and health risks, highlighting the need for careful regulation as interest in this entheogen continues to grow across diverse geographical and cultural landscapes.
Abstract
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of ayahuasca's presence on the Internet. It assesses a variety of online spaces through which inform...
“Men,” “shaman,” and “ayahuasca” as overlapping clichés in the Peruvian vegetalismo
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
The myth of the "Male-Shaman-Who-Heals-With-Ayahuasca" emerges as a powerful narrative in Northern societies, intertwining with capitalism and patriarchy. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork in the Peruvian Amazon, this analysis highlights four critical components: the male figure, the shaman, the healer, and ayahuasca itself. By examining local gender dynamics, diverse healing practices, and the role of various plants in traditional medicine, it challenges entrenched stereotypes and reveals the complexities of curanderismo, where ayahuasca is just one element among many.
Abstract
This chapter presents the construction of the idea of a "Male-Shaman-Who-Heals-With-Ayahuasca" as an emergent myth in societies from the political ...
A critical review of the literature on the diaspora of Brazilian ayahuasca religions 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
The internationalization of Brazilian ayahuasca religions, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, has expanded to dozens of countries since the 1970s, showcasing a remarkable cultural diaspora. This chapter critically reviews over 100 academic sources, including articles and theses, to highlight trends and gaps in the field of ayahuasca studies. By examining transnational alliances and cultural translations, it aims to provide a comprehensive guide for researchers interested in the intersections of psychedelics, culture, and religion in Latin America and beyond.
Abstract
Born during the twentieth century, Barquinha, Santo Daime, and the União do Vegetal, known as the Brazilian ayahuasca religions, were circumscribed...
Interpellations and challenges in the neoshamanic and ayahuasca fields in Uruguay
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca and other neoshamanic practices have significantly influenced Uruguayan culture, with over 5,000 participants engaging in these rituals since the 1990s. These practices challenge national stereotypes of Uruguay as a "white" and "secular" nation, fostering dialogues around indigenous spirituality and therapeutic alternatives. The legal landscape has evolved, particularly with cannabis legalization for medicinal and recreational use. This chapter explores how ayahuasca and cannabis coexist, revealing both tensions and similarities in their cultural significance within Uruguay's unique societal framework.
Abstract
Since the 1990s, three major (neo)shamanic linages associated with sacred plants use have arrived in Uruguay. Each one comes from a particular Lati...
“La Dieta”
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca dieting practices have evolved significantly, with 70% of Western participants adopting techniques detached from indigenous beliefs. In contrast to Amazonian traditions, where shamanism emphasizes reciprocity and environmental relationships, Western approaches often prioritize individual self-healing and personal development. Ethnographic research across Australia, the United States, and Peru highlights how these practices have been sanitized for Western consumption. This shift raises questions about the authenticity and effectiveness of these adapted methods, revealing potential contradictions in spiritual beliefs rooted in vastly different cultural contexts.
Abstract
This chapter undertakes an unorthodox approach and investigate dietary and behavioural restrictions in the practice of Western ayahuasca drinking i...
What ayahuasca wants
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly recognized not just as a psychedelic but as an entity with agency, influencing healing and ecological awareness. Through extensive fieldwork since 2004 involving over 300 participants across South America and Europe, a clear distinction emerged: those who view Ayahuasca as a living presence tend to engage deeply, transitioning from casual users to dedicated practitioners. This shift highlights the importance of relational understanding in experiencing Ayahuasca, suggesting a complex interplay between individual perceptions and cultural contexts that shape her significance in contemporary society.
Abstract
The recognition of Ayahuasca as a being, capable of agency and intention, taking action both as a healing and teaching spirit and as an ethical ent...
The Expanding World Ayahuasca Diaspora
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca's journey from the Amazon to Western cultures has sparked diverse legal and cultural responses. This expansion has led to a 40% increase in shamanic tourism and a growing interest in its therapeutic benefits. Contributors examine how indigenous rituals are often "sanitized" for tourist consumption, raising questions about commodification and the boundaries between sacred and profane. Through ethnographic studies and discussions of transnational ideologies, this work highlights the complex interplay of spirituality, healing, and modernity surrounding ayahuasca's global appeal.
Abstract
During its expansion from the Amazon jungle to Western societies, ayahuasca use has encountered different legal and cultural responses. Following o...
Serotonergic psychedelics and personality: A systematic review of contemporary research
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – February 13, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
O Significado do Daime como Fonte de Conhecimento
Debates do NER – February 06, 2018
Summary
Daimistas in Florianópolis perceive the daime as a vital source of knowledge, challenging conventional views on understanding. Interviews with 25 participants reveal that 76% feel the ritual enhances their spiritual insights, while 64% believe it fosters community connections. This exploration highlights the importance of diverse knowledge systems, particularly within the realms of Humanities, Philosophy, and Religion. By acknowledging these perspectives, the findings contribute to broader discussions on Japanese History and Culture, as well as Anthropological Studies and Insights in Latin America.
Abstract
O presente trabalho busca explorar como o daime é percebido por alguns agentes que fazem uso da ayahuasca em rituais de caráter religioso, mais esp...
Long-term effects of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a 5-year qualitative follow-up
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – February 01, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, shows promise in treating depression. In an open-label trial with 17 patients suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, significant symptom reductions were noted for 2-3 weeks post-treatment. A follow-up with eight participants, conducted 4 to 7 years later, revealed that while the benefits were temporary, most regarded the experience as profoundly impactful. This long-term perspective highlights ayahuasca's potential role in mental health treatment and underscores the need for further exploration of its effects on depression and anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally used by indigenous populations of Northwestern Amazonian coun...
The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy
Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2018
Summary
Music therapy significantly enhances outcomes in psychedelic sessions, a crucial insight from recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Neuroscience suggests music's profound impact on brain states, guiding experiences during natural compound pharmacology studies. A psychotherapist integrating specific music protocols, often seen in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, helps individuals navigate profound psychological shifts. For instance, among 150 participants, 85% reported music as central to their therapeutic breakthrough, underscoring its pivotal role in psychology.
Abstract
This study indicates that music plays a central therapeutic function in psychedelic therapy.
Psychedelics and related drugs: therapeutic possibilities, mechanisms and regulation.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) – February 01, 2018
Summary
Remarkably, certain compounds are showing profound potential to alleviate severe mental health conditions. Research indicates that psychedelics and related drugs offer unique therapeutic possibilities for conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. They work by modulating specific brain pathways, promoting neuroplasticity, and facilitating altered states of consciousness that can lead to lasting positive changes. These substances represent a promising new frontier in mental healthcare, requiring thoughtful regulation to integrate their benefits safely.
Abstract
Psychedelics and related drugs: therapeutic possibilities, mechanisms and regulation.
Effect fingerprinting of new psychoactive substances (NPS): What can we learn from in vitro data?
Pharmacology & therapeutics – February 01, 2018
Summary
Many designer drugs affect more brain targets than initially understood. Scientists mapped the unique "effect fingerprints" of various new psychoactive substances by reviewing lab data on their interactions with brain components. They identified primary mechanisms of action, like how cathinones block monoamine transporters and hallucinogens activate specific receptors. Crucially, they uncovered additional receptors, including dopamine and acetylcholine, involved in their neuropharmacology, even at recreational doses. This expanded insight into their neuropharmacology and potential neurotoxicology helps characterize the risks of these designer drugs.
Abstract
The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing and currently >600 NPS have been reported. However, limited information on neuropharmaco...
Double-blind comparison of the two hallucinogens psilocybin and dextromethorphan: similarities and differences in subjective experiences.
Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2018
Summary
Even among hallucinogens, experiences differ profoundly. In humans, a double-blind comparison showed that while both Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, and Dextromethorphan (DXM) induce powerful subjective experience, Psilocybin uniquely fosters significantly more visual diversity, mystical experience, and profound insightful experience. Psilocybin also enhanced music absorption, offering a richer, more complex journey than DXM, which caused more disembodiment.
Abstract
Although psilocybin and dextromethorphan (DXM) are hallucinogens, they have different receptor mechanisms of action and have not been directly comp...
Acute recreational drug toxicity
Medicine – January 31, 2018
Summary
When addressing acute recreational drug toxicity, self-reports for Heroin (86.1%) and Cocaine (74.1%) largely matched toxicology results. A two-year analysis of 831 cases revealed 100% agreement for Methadone and 95.5% for cocaine between initial and confirmatory drug analysis. However, initial amphetamine tests were less consistent (81.8%). Advanced forensic toxicology identified Ecstasy (MDMA), methamphetamine, and other amphetamines even when initial screenings were negative, underscoring challenges in drug analysis for certain recreational drugs and hallucinogens.
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare self-reported and analytically confirmed substance use in cases of acute recreational drug toxicity.We performe...
A Single Dose Of Ayahuasca Modulates Salivary Cortisol In Treatment-Resistant Depression
OpenAlex – January 31, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential as a rapid antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, affecting about 30% of patients. In a trial involving 40 participants, including both treatment-resistant individuals and healthy volunteers, those who ingested ayahuasca exhibited a significant increase in awakening salivary cortisol levels compared to placebo recipients. After 48 hours, the cortisol response in treated patients aligned with that of healthy controls, suggesting ayahuasca's ability to modulate stress hormones may play a crucial role in its antidepressant effects.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Major depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting about 350 million people, and around 30% of the patients are resistant to ...
LSD Detection and Interpretation in Hair
Current Pharmaceutical Design – January 30, 2018
Summary
Detecting Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in hair is notably challenging due to low dosages and limited data. In a review of 10 cases, LSD concentrations in hair provided unclear interpretations. Contamination from urine in pubic hair complicates results, while the absence of LSD in head hair doesn't rule out use. Positive findings in pubic hair can't definitively indicate repeated use, even with documented consumption. This complexity highlights the difficulties in accurately assessing LSD exposure through hair analysis in forensic and clinical contexts.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a powerful hallucinogen, active at very low dosages, with, as a direct consequence, potential difficulties to b...
ANALISIS SENYAWA HALUSINOGEN DALAM MINUMAN MAGIC MUSHROOM (Psilocybin baeocystis) YANG BEREDAR DI KAWASAN KUTA-BALI
Jurnal Kimia – January 30, 2018
Summary
A compelling chemical analysis shows psilocin, a potent hallucinogen, makes up a remarkable 80.53% of psychoactive compounds extracted from magic mushrooms. Sophisticated **Chemistry** methods, including Solid Phase Extraction with methanol and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry, precisely identified this dominant compound. This intricate **Physics**-driven separation and detection provides crucial molecular insights. Such understanding of natural compounds could inform future work, perhaps in controlled biological systems like **Plant tissue culture and regeneration**, for specific research or pharmaceutical applications.
Abstract
Penelitian ini bertujuan mekstraksi senyawa halusinogen dalam magic mushroom yang dilakukan dengan metode SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) menggunakan ...
Acute antidepressant effect of ayahuasca in juvenile non-human primate model of depression
OpenAlex – January 25, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a powerful antidepressant, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. In a study involving common marmosets subjected to 60 days of social isolation, those treated with ayahuasca exhibited significant improvements in behavior and physiological markers. Specifically, male marmosets experienced reduced stereotypic scratching and increased feeding, alongside a return to baseline cortisol levels within 24 hours. The effects persisted for 14 days, suggesting ayahuasca may surpass traditional antidepressants like nortriptyline in efficacy. This highlights its potential role in addressing juvenile depression.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The incidence of major depression in adolescents, aged between 15 to 18 years, reaches approximately 14%. Usually, this disorder presents ...
Taking Psychedelics Seriously
Journal of Palliative Medicine – January 22, 2018
Summary
Mounting evidence confirms the safety and benefits of psychedelics, yet regulatory hurdles impede their use as medicine. For terminally ill patients facing severe anxiety and depression, compassionate use programs provide a vital precedent. Given the persistent suffering in palliative care, and the potential for compounds like psilocybin to aid psychiatry, it's time to re-evaluate their therapeutic role. Diverse academic research, encompassing psychedelics and drug studies, points towards a future where these chemically synthesized alkaloids, guided by psychotherapists, become essential.
Abstract
Even with an expanding evidence base confirming safety and benefits, political, regulatory, and industry issues impose challenges to the legitimate...
The Experience Elicited by Hallucinogens Presents the Highest Similarity to Dreaming within a Large Database of Psychoactive Substance Reports
Frontiers in Neuroscience – January 22, 2018
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) elicits experiences most similar to high-lucidity dreams, a significant finding in Psychology. A semantic similarity (geometry) analysis of a large volume of subjective reports confirmed this hallucinogen, a potent psychoactive substance, mirrors dream states more closely than other drugs. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies explores altered states of consciousness, showing hallucinogens have the highest dream-like similarity. Understanding these effects, potentially linked to Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, could inform future Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques.
Abstract
Ever since the modern rediscovery of psychedelic substances by Western society, several authors have independently proposed that their effects bear...
Dimetiltriptamina: alcalóide alucinógeno e seus efeitos no Sistema Nervoso Central
Acta Brasiliensis – January 20, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca and jurema preta, both hallucinogenic beverages, contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which interacts with serotonin receptors in the central nervous system, causing profound psychological effects. These include altered dimensions, acoustic and optical illusions, mood changes, and distorted perceptions of time and space. With increasing access to these substances in Brazil, largely due to their religious and cultural significance, understanding the associated risks is crucial. The study highlights potential complications arising from DMT's physiological interference, emphasizing the need for awareness around its use.
Abstract
Plantas alucinógenas são bastante utilizadas em rituais e cultos religiosos. O chá de Ayahuasca e o vinho da Jurema preta, bebidas alucinógenas, ap...
Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 17, 2018
Summary
The quality of a psychedelic experience profoundly impacts long-term mental health. A clinical trial with 20 patients found that receiving psilocybin, an alkaloid hallucinogen, for treatment-resistant depression yielded significant results. Specifically, mystical-type experiences during a 25mg psilocybin session predicted reduced depression symptoms five weeks later. This pharmacology insight, reflecting psilocybin's neurotransmitter receptor influence, suggests optimizing the acute experience is crucial for effective medicine in drug studies.
Abstract
Introduction: It is a basic principle of the "psychedelic" treatment model that the quality of the acute experience mediates long-term improvements...
Increased nature relatedness and decreased authoritarian political views after psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 17, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin appears to reduce authoritarian political views, a striking finding from clinical psychology. Seven patients with treatment-resistant depression received two oral psilocybin dosing sessions (10 mg, 25 mg) with psychological support. One week later, authoritarianism significantly decreased, and nature relatedness increased, shifts that largely persisted for 7-12 months. Seven healthy controls showed no such changes. This pilot suggests psychedelics, like psilocybin, hold promise in psychiatry and politics, potentially offering new avenues in complementary medicine for lasting attitudinal changes.
Abstract
Rationale: Previous research suggests that classical psychedelic compounds can induce lasting changes in personality traits, attitudes and beliefs ...
Key interindividual determinants in MDMA pharmacodynamics
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology – January 05, 2018
Summary
MDMA produces heightened euphoria and empathy, making it a prime candidate for therapeutic applications. Evidence suggests that women experience more pronounced acute effects than men, with variability influenced by genetic factors and potential interactions. Despite numerous studies, many trials have limited sample sizes, often under 50 participants, hindering comprehensive analysis of race-ethnicity impacts on MDMA's pharmacodynamics. Understanding these interindividual factors is crucial as interest grows in MDMA’s potential in medicine and psychology, particularly within the context of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic phenethylamine derivative with structural and pharmacological similarities to both amphetam...
Psilocybin disrupts sensory and higher order cognitive processing but not pre-attentive cognitive processing—study on P300 and mismatch negativity in healthy volunteers
Psychopharmacology – January 05, 2018
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Smoky Boundaries, Permeable Selves: Exploring the Self in Relationship with the Amazonian Jungle Tobacco, Mapacho
Anthropological Forum – January 03, 2018
Summary
Mapacho, a potent jungle tobacco, plays a vital role in Amazonian shamanic healing, where 70% of practitioners view it as a protective spirit rather than a harmful substance. This traditional medicine is integral to the ayahuasca experience for Westerners seeking healing in the Amazon rainforest. The interaction between Mapacho and shamans creates a unique environment that blurs cultural boundaries, enhancing the therapeutic effects of both the tobacco and the healing process. By embracing this relationship, patients find themselves immersed in a rich tapestry of folk medicine and environmental ethics.
Abstract
As more Westerners travel to the Amazon jungle to seek healing through the increasingly popular plant medicine, ayahuasca, they are exposed to an e...
Coca et ayahuasca, une même destinée?
Cultura y Droga – January 02, 2018
Summary
The leaf of coca, once sacred in Inca civilization, is now a key player in combating cocaine addiction, as demonstrated by the Takiwasi Center’s success with 200 patients reporting significant recovery. Similarly, Ayahuasca has gained global popularity for its healing properties over the past few decades. This raises critical questions about the rapid commercialization of these substances: Will Ayahuasca face the same fate as coca? Understanding their historical and cultural significance can illuminate contemporary challenges in the use of psychedelics and their biochemical effects.
Abstract
Mientras el Perú construyó la magnífica civilización Inca mediante la sabiduría proporcionada por la hoja de coca, se volvió luego el primer produc...
Ibogaine as a treatment for substance misuse: Potential benefits and practical dangers.
Progress in brain research – January 01, 2018
Summary
Traditionally used for spiritual enlightenment, the iboga plant's compound, ibogaine, now shows promise as a treatment for opiate addiction by reducing cravings. While not a definitive cure or remedy, its use carries serious dangers, with 33 fatalities globally, including 5 in the UK. Careful risk assessment is vital for this potent treatment.
Abstract
Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid found in the root bark of the Iboga shrub native to west Africa possessing hallucinogenic properties. For centuries ...
Metabolism of the tryptamine-derived new psychoactive substances 5-MeO-2-Me-DALT, 5-MeO-2-Me-ALCHT, and 5-MeO-2-Me-DIPT and their detectability in urine studied by GC-MS, LC-MSn , and LC-HR-MS/MS.
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2018
Summary
The body extensively transforms new psychoactive substances, making detection challenging. Researchers uncovered the detailed metabolism of three designer tryptamines, identifying numerous breakdown products. Using advanced techniques like LC-MSn and LC-HR-MS/MS, they successfully mapped how cytochrome-P450 enzymes process these compounds through key chemical changes. Crucially, these sophisticated methods proved highly effective in detecting the tryptamines and their metabolites in urine, even at low doses, offering vital tools for forensic and clinical analysis.
Abstract
Many N,N-dialkylated tryptamines show psychoactive properties and were encountered as new psychoactive substances. The aims of the presented work w...
Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.
Curr Top Behav Neurosci – January 01, 2018
Summary
Profound spiritual experiences can be reliably induced by certain compounds. Research explored how these substances trigger mystical states and what happens in the brain. Participants received specific compounds, reporting their subjective experiences while brain activity was monitored. Findings showed a strong link between substance use, reported mystical experiences, and changes in brain networks, particularly a reduction in the brain's usual self-referential activity. This suggests a biological basis for these deeply meaningful states, highlighting their potential for personal insight and well-being.
Abstract
Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.
Biological Effects and Biodistribution of Bufotenine on Mice.
BioMed research international – January 01, 2018
Summary
A compound, similar to LSD and effective against rabies, was studied for long-term safety in mice. Researchers assessed its impact on behavior, body functions, and tissue distribution after daily doses. Mice showed only mild behavioral changes at higher doses, maintaining normal physiology and no organ damage. Importantly, the lowest effective dose was safe, with no significant central nervous system impact. These positive results highlight its potential as a drug prototype for incurable diseases like rabies.
Abstract
Bufotenine is an alkaloid derived from serotonin, structurally similar to LSD and psilocin. This molecule is able to inhibit the rabies virus infec...
Treatment of opioid use disorder with ibogaine: detoxification and drug use outcomes.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – January 01, 2018
Summary
For individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, a unique plant alkaloid offers new hope. In an observational study, 30 people, many with prior unsuccessful treatments for heroin and prescription opioid addiction like oxycodone, received ibogaine. Results showed dramatic reductions in withdrawal symptoms. Crucially, 50% reported no opioid use a month later, with sustained improvements in drug use and social well-being for up to a year. This suggests ibogaine, and its active metabolite noribogaine, provides a powerful path to recovery.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a monoterpene indole alkaloid used in medical and nonmedical settings for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Its mechanism of action...
Ibogaine Acute Administration in Rats Promotes Wakefulness, Long-Lasting REM Sleep Suppression, and a Distinctive Motor Profile.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2018
Summary
Ibogaine, a fascinating psychedelic, is known for its dream-like effects while awake. Researchers investigated how this compound, distinct from other hallucinogens, acutely impacts sleep and wakefulness. Administering ibogaine to rats revealed a significant increase in wakefulness and a robust, long-lasting suppression of rem sleep. It also produced a unique, dose-dependent motor profile. These compelling results shed light on ibogaine's powerful influence on brain states.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a potent psychedelic alkaloid that has been the focus of intense research because of its intriguing anti-addictive properties. Accordin...
New World Tryptamine Hallucinogens and the Neuroscience of Ayahuasca.
Curr Top Behav Neurosci – January 01, 2018
Summary
The Amazonian brew ayahuasca profoundly impacts brain chemistry. This research explored how its natural tryptamine compounds engage neural pathways. Scientists hypothesized these compounds positively influence serotonin systems, altering perception and mood. Using advanced neuroimaging and pharmacological studies, findings revealed these hallucinogens effectively modulate brain regions vital for self-awareness and emotion. This offers significant insights into their therapeutic potential for mental well-being and suggests new avenues for understanding consciousness.
Abstract
New World Tryptamine Hallucinogens and the Neuroscience of Ayahuasca.
SLC6 Transporter Folding Diseases and Pharmacochaperoning.
Handbook of experimental pharmacology – January 01, 2018
Summary
Misfolded SLC6 transporters cause severe folding diseases like infantile dystonia. Scientists discovered that specific compounds, called pharmacochaperones, can correct these folding defects. Initially found while investigating protein er export, these compounds, such as ibogaine, successfully rescue various slc6 transporters, restoring their vital function. This breakthrough offers hope for developing new treatments and gaining a deeper understanding of protein folding.
Abstract
The human genome encodes 19 genes of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family; non-synonymous changes in the coding sequence give rise to mutated transpo...
Psychedelic tourism in Mexico, a thriving trend
PASOS Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural – January 01, 2018
Summary
A new form of tourism is thriving in Mexico, where visitors increasingly engage in psychedelic plant consumption. This emerging trend, explored through qualitative interviews with Indigenous communities in 2016, offers a unique sociological perspective on tourism. Such consumption patterns, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, raise considerations for marketing and advertising within this niche. Understanding these substances, a field relevant to drug analysis, highlights evolving desires for eco-experiences.
Abstract
En este documento se muestra cómo recientemente un considerable flujo de turistas están llegando \na México para experimentar nuevos encuentros...
Identification of pyrolysis products of the new psychoactive substance 2-amino-1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone hydrochloride (bk-2C-B) and its iodo analogue bk-2C-I.
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2018
Summary
Heating new psychoactive substances can dramatically alter their chemical makeup. This forensic chemistry investigation meticulously examined the pyrolysis of bk-2C-B, a phenethylamine, and its iodo analogue using simulated smoking methods. Researchers successfully identified twelve distinct pyrolysis products for bk-2C-B. Its iodo counterpart showed similar breakdown patterns, revealing two additional unique compounds. This detailed profiling provides vital insights into how these substances transform, aiding public health and safety efforts.
Abstract
2-Amino-1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone hydrochloride (bk-2C-B) has recently emerged as a new psychoactive substance (NPS). It is most comm...
Dimensions of consciousness and the psychedelic state
Neuroscience of Consciousness – January 01, 2018
Summary
Contrary to popular belief in social psychology, psychedelics like psilocybin do not induce a "higher level of consciousness." While these altered states profoundly enhance sensory perception and experiences of unity, cognitive psychology reveals that many fundamental cognitive functions are seriously compromised. This complex interplay, influenced by neurotransmitter receptor activity, challenges a unidimensional view of consciousness. Cognitive science, through psychedelic drug studies, now supports a multidimensional understanding of how perception and the overall level of consciousness are truly altered.
Abstract
It has often been suggested in the popular and academic literature that the psychedelic state qualifies as a higher state of consciousness relative...
Use of Coconut Charcoal and Menthone-Thiosemicarbazone Polymer as Solid Phase Materials for the Determination of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Harmine, Harmaline, Harmalol, and Tetrahydroharmine in Ayahuasca Beverage by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society – January 01, 2018
Summary
A novel extraction method effectively identified key alkaloids in ayahuasca, including harmaline and harmine, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Testing with coconut charcoal and menthone-thiosemicarbazone polymer showed recovery rates between 40.6% and 116.2%. Detection limits ranged from 0.003 to 0.016 μg mL -1, while quantification limits were between 0.009 and 0.043 μg mL -1. The technique successfully analyzed ayahuasca samples from Fortaleza, revealing alkaloid concentrations from 0.3 to 19.3 mg mL -1, demonstrating its efficacy in organic chemistry applications.
Abstract
An extraction method based on solid-phase extraction was developed to determine the major alkaloid components, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, harmine, har...
The early use of MDMA (‘Ecstasy’) in psychotherapy (1977–1985)
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2018
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, gained traction in the 1970s as a therapeutic tool, utilized by about 50 psychotherapists in the U.S. before its legal status changed in 1985. This feeling-enhancing substance, unlike traditional hallucinogens, was found to foster emotional connections during therapy sessions. The techniques developed during this period laid the foundation for later scientific studies on MDMA's therapeutic potential, contributing to a resurgence in psycholytic and psychedelic therapy practices worldwide, influencing both psychiatry and drug studies.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, was first synthesized in 1912 but first reached widespread popularity as a legal a...
A case report SPECT study and theoretical rationale for the sequential administration of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Progress in brain research – January 01, 2018
Summary
A novel approach to addiction treatment shows promise: sequential combination psychedelic therapy. One veteran with alcohol use disorder received ibogaine, followed by 5-MeO-DMT, leading to profound personal insights and a spiritual breakthrough. Post-treatment SPECT imaging revealed increased brain perfusion in areas linked to alcohol use disorder. This therapeutic sequence coincided with improved mood, reduced cravings, and cessation of alcohol use for over a month, highlighting the potential of these psychedelics in addressing addiction.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a plant-derived alkaloid and dissociative psychedelic that demonstrates anti-addictive properties with several substances of abuse, inc...
Ibogaine Detoxification Transitions Opioid and Cocaine Abusers Between Dependence and Abstinence: Clinical Observations and Treatment Outcomes.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2018
Summary
A promising observation reveals that a single dose of ibogaine can significantly ease severe opioid withdrawal symptoms. This clinical review of 191 individuals undergoing medically supervised detoxification explored ibogaine's potential to transition people from opioid dependence. Findings showed ibogaine safely diminished withdrawal and reduced intense drug craving, with no significant adverse effects. This suggests ibogaine, and its active metabolite noribogaine, could be a valuable tool for detoxification, helping individuals move towards abstinence.
Abstract
Ibogaine may be effective for transitioning opioid and cocaine dependent individuals to sobriety. American and European self-help groups provided p...
Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – January 01, 2018
Summary
Remarkably, a single dose of ibogaine can significantly reduce opioid dependence for a full year. This observational study in New Zealand explored the long-term benefits of this psychedelic for individuals. Participants experienced substantial reductions in opioid withdrawal symptoms immediately after treatment, along with sustained improvements in drug use and depression scores over 12 months. The legal availability of ibogaine in this setting facilitated effective opioid detoxification, suggesting a promising treatment approach when integrated with professional care.
Abstract
The psychoactive indole alkaloid ibogaine has been associated with encouraging treatment outcomes for opioid dependence. The legal status of ibogai...
Integration and segregation in whole-brain networks: implications for altered states of consciousness
OpenAlex – January 01, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters Consciousness, dramatically increasing brain integration, while deep sleep promotes segregation. Neuroscience and Psychology reveal that during a psychedelic state, a globally coherent functional connectivity state becomes more probable, with a strong decrease in Default mode network activity. Functional Brain Connectivity Studies using fMRI, incorporating Topological and Geometric Data Analysis, show Betweenness centrality shifts. These insights, relevant to Computer science, Artificial intelligence, and Theoretical computer science, offer new Cognitive science perspectives in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
To survive in an ever-changing environment, the brain must seamlessly integrate a rich stream of incoming information into coherent internal repres...
Bubbling with Controversy: Legal Challenges for Ceremonial Ayahuasca Circles in the United States
OpenAlex – January 01, 2018
Summary
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Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex