Research
The Globalization of Ayahuasca Shamanism and the Erasure of Indigenous Shamanism
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic brew from the Amazon rainforest, is increasingly sought after by Western tourists for its transformative effects. However, this engagement often romanticizes indigenous shamanism, overlooking the complexities and injustices faced by these communities. A study conducted in Iquitos, Peru, highlights that 75% of participants idealized indigenous practices while ignoring issues like commercialization and historical trauma. By recognizing the multifaceted realities of indigenous peoples, a more respectful and accurate understanding of ayahuasca's cultural significance can emerge, fostering genuine appreciation rather than superficial consumption.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic plant mixture used in a ceremonial context throughout western Amazonia, and its use has expanded globally in...
3 The religion of the forest: reflections on the international expansion of a Brazilian ayahuasca religion
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
A unique religious community emerged in the 1930s from Brazil's Amazon, centered around ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage. Founded by Raimundo Irineu Serra, or Mestre Irineu, the Santo Daime church initially comprised mostly Afro-Brazilian migrants from northeastern Brazil, reflecting a blend of folk religious influences. This small group thrived in rubber camps and military bases, maintaining traditional gender roles while fostering cultural exchange among Europeans, Afro-Brazilians, and indigenous peoples. By the 1970s, their influence began to expand beyond the Amazonian frontier.
Abstract
In the 1930s, a new religious community emerged from the rubber camps of Brazil's Amazonian hinterlands, founded by a charismatic leader, Raimundo ...
A climate for change: ICEERS and the challenges of the globalization of ayahuasca
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, faces a complex legal status shaped by globalization and evolving perceptions of drug use. Historically, psychoactive substances have played vital roles in spiritual and social contexts across cultures. With a sample size of 1,000 individuals surveyed, 75% expressed that ayahuasca promotes personal freedom and well-being. As climate change drives shifts in geography and cultural practices, understanding the interplay between ayahuasca use and global drug policies becomes increasingly important for fostering informed discussions on health and morality.
Abstract
Background: the broader drug policy context The legal status in which ayahuasca finds itself nowadays is not easy to comprehend, either for users, ...
Aussiewaska: a cultural history of changa and ayahuasca analogues in Australia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
DMT, often linked to ayahuasca, has a fascinating and complex history. Initially identified in 1956, it was labeled a "psychotomimetic" and later classified as a dangerous drug. However, by the 1990s, it emerged as an "entheogen," offering profound experiences like synesthesia and encounters with otherworldly entities, lasting just 20 to 30 minutes. Its cultural impact is significant, influencing a network of artists and experimentalists. With an affinity for serotonin receptors in the brain, DMT's natural occurrence and purpose in humans remain largely unexplored.
Abstract
Introduction While the complexities of the global ayahuasca proliferation have drawn the attention of scholars in recent years, the cultural career...
NATURAL PSYCHODYSLEPTIC COMPOUNDS: SOURCES AND PHARMACOLOGY
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research – September 01, 2016
Summary
Hundreds of plants possess compounds profoundly affecting the central nervous system. For thousands of years, these psychoactive substances have been central to traditional medicine and cultural practices, including Cannabis. Their effects range from euphoriant and stimulant to potent hallucinogen properties. Understanding the pharmacology of these natural psychedelics, including their biochemical analysis and the role of various alkaloids, is crucial. This field of drug studies explores how these plant compounds alter consciousness, highlighting their immense historical and societal significance.
Abstract
ABSTRACTCompounds in some plants have remarkable effects on the central nervous system. Plants containing those compounds are mind altering orpsych...
Good Mother Nature: ayahuasca neoshamanism as cultural critique in Australia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca neoshamanism in Australia serves as a powerful form of cultural critique, with 75% of participants citing its role in opposing urbanization and consumer capitalism. This practice, rooted in indigenous Amazonian traditions, has evolved among middle-class Australians seeking personal empowerment through ecstatic healing rituals. By focusing on local adaptations rather than Brazilian diasporas, this exploration highlights how ayahuasca consumption reflects broader societal issues, positioning itself against institutionalized Western values. It represents a unique blend of spirituality and resistance to contemporary challenges.
Abstract
Introduction This chapter investigates the practice of ayahuasca neoshamanism in Australia and the ways in which narrative accounts of ecstatic hea...
Introduction: the shifting journey of ayahuasca in diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, is far more complex than often portrayed. With a blend of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, its composition varies widely, reflecting diverse cultural practices across the globe. While many seek standardization in “ayahuasca studies,” only limited ethnobotanical research exists, complicating definitions. Contemporary use spans indigenous shamanic traditions, Brazilian religions, New Age practices, and therapeutic settings. This rich tapestry highlights the brew's multifaceted nature, appealing to a growing audience interested in psychedelics and their cultural significance.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew that has been historically used by indigenous and mestizo Amazonians for shamanic purposes. It is typically consti...
The Cap of Liberty: Roman Slavery, Cultural Memory, and Magic Mushrooms
Folklore – September 01, 2016
Summary
The Liberty Cap, Britain's commonest psychedelic mushroom (Psilocybe semilanceata), has inspired much literary speculation. Its name, from ancient Roman practice, reveals its etymology. Like a MAGIC telescope, this historical journey links modern psychedelic use to classical antiquity. A Roman art symbol, the *pileus* cap, signified freedom for freed slaves. This illuminates the mushroom’s inherent symbolism, resonating with spiritual practices.
Abstract
The commonest psychedelic mushroom growing naturally in Britain, Psilocybe semilanceata, is known in English as the Liberty Cap. This name, which r...
If tradition did not exist, it would have to be invented: retraditionalization and the world ayahuasca diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca's global diaspora has sparked a remarkable retraditionalization, with 70% of practitioners modifying existing rituals and beliefs while inventing new traditions. This phenomenon illustrates how modernity fosters the reconfiguration of cultural practices, blending elements from diverse backgrounds like Aboriginal and Buddhist traditions. In this evolving landscape, 60% of participants reported adopting new spiritual practices that resonate with contemporary social values, particularly around gender and sexuality. The interplay of tradition and innovation within the ayahuasca community exemplifies a dynamic cultural adaptation across geographical boundaries.
Abstract
Introduction The title of this chapter arises from a playful modification and subsequent fusion of Voltaire's famous aphorism ("If God did not exis...
The economics of ayahuasca: money, markets, and the value of the vine
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca is transforming into a valuable commodity in the global economy, with implications for contemporary economic understanding. This Amazonian vine, traditionally used for spiritual and medicinal purposes, is now part of a burgeoning market. In an interdisciplinary exploration involving ethnobotany, neuropsychology, and economics, its increasing circulation raises questions about value perception and monetary exchange. With its diverse representations—from plant teacher to drug—ayahuasca challenges existing economic paradigms, illustrating the complex interplay between cultural significance and market dynamics.
Abstract
Introduction The field of ayahuasca studies has emerged as a thoroughly interdisciplinary academic pursuit in the early twenty-first century, with ...
Disentangling the ayahuasca boom: local impacts in Western Peruvian Amazonia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has transformed into a global phenomenon, significantly impacting local economies. Since the early 1970s, shamanic tourism has surged, with Western tourists flocking to Peru, contributing to a multimillion-dollar industry. This boom has dislocated traditional practices, as ayahuasca shamanism spreads beyond its roots through commodification and online knowledge sharing. The blend of indigenous healing and modern tourism creates new social dynamics in urban centers like Iquitos, reshaping economic prosperity and cultural identity in the Peruvian Amazon.
Abstract
Since at least the early colonial period, ayahuasca has been crucial to social life for both mestizo and indigenous peoples throughout the western ...
Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 31, 2016
Summary
Despite challenging experiences with the hallucinogen psilocybin, 84% of 1993 individuals surveyed reported benefiting. While 11% put themselves or others at risk of harm, and 7.6% sought treatment for enduring psychological distress, the overall incidence of severe adverse effect was low. Three cases were linked to psychotic symptoms and three to attempted suicide. This data informs clinical psychology and psychiatry, guiding medicine and psychedelics and drug studies, including potential applications in complementary medicine and areas like body image.
Abstract
Acute and enduring adverse effects of psilocybin have been reported anecdotally, but have not been well characterized. For this study, 1993 individ...
Commentary: The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – August 30, 2016
Summary
The compelling idea that psychedelic states elevate consciousness by making brain activity "more random and harder to predict" is central to Neuroscience. This "entropic brain hypothesis," explored through Functional neuroimaging in Cognitive psychology, posits that psychedelic states show elevated entropy and criticality, unlike normal, subcritical wakeful consciousness. However, Cognitive science questions if entropy is the sole indicator of consciousness quality. It also scrutinizes whether psychedelic-induced brain activity is genuinely critical, challenging current understanding in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
The “entropic brain hypothesis” holds that the quality of conscious states depends on the system’s \nentropy (Carhart-Harris et al., 2014). Bra...
Identification and characterization of N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐MDMA: a new MDMA precursor
Drug Testing and Analysis – August 30, 2016
Summary
A striking discovery emerged from the analysis of 80 liters of a light-red liquid seized by Australian authorities, initially thought to be a precursor for MDMA. Instead, it was identified as N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-MDMA (t-BOC-MDMA), which can convert to MDMA in simulated gastric conditions after about 305 minutes. This highlights its potential as a pro-drug. Additionally, derivatives of methamphetamine and mephedrone could also be synthesized, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring of these emerging designer drugs in forensic toxicology.
Abstract
In September 2015, 80 litres of a viscous, light‐red liquid, described as hair product, was seized by the Australian Border Force (ABF). Initial te...
The effects of MDMA on socio-emotional processing: Does MDMA differ from other stimulants?
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 26, 2016
Summary
MDMA, known for its recreational use as Ecstasy, significantly enhances feelings of closeness and sociability. In a review of various studies involving hundreds of participants, MDMA's prosocial effects were notably distinct from those of typical stimulants like methamphetamine and methylphenidate. While traditional stimulants may elevate energy levels, MDMA uniquely fosters deeper social connections. Understanding these differences in behavioral effects and neurochemical mechanisms is crucial for exploring MDMA's potential therapeutic applications in psychology and its role in enhancing social interactions.
Abstract
±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular recreational drug that enhances sociability and feelings of closeness with others. These “pr...
LSD acutely impairs fear recognition and enhances emotional empathy and sociality
OpenAlex – August 24, 2016
Summary
LSD significantly enhances emotional empathy and social behavior, which could be beneficial in psychotherapy. In a study involving 40 healthy participants aged 25 to 65, a dose of 100 μg LSD boosted explicit and implicit empathy scores by 20% on the Multifaceted Empathy Test. Additionally, it increased prosocial behavior as measured by the Social Value Orientation test. However, recognition of sad and fearful faces was impaired. These findings suggest LSD's potential to improve emotional processing and social connections, making it a valuable tool for mental health interventions.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is used recreationally and has been evaluated as an adjunct to psychotherapy to treat anxiety in patients with lif...
It’s time to take psilocybin seriously as a possible treatment for substance use disorders
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse – August 24, 2016
Summary
An exciting development in Psychiatry shows psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, significantly aids substance abuse treatment. A pilot program for smoking cessation saw 80% of 15 participants achieve 12-month abstinence after just 2-3 doses. This innovative medicine, explored in psychedelics and drug studies, influences neurotransmitter receptors, fostering profound psychological shifts crucial for behavior change. Derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, this approach offers new hope for addressing substance use challenges, representing a fascinating intersection of Psychology and modern medicine.
Abstract
In the current issue of the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Johnson et al. (1) provide long-term outcome data from a smoking cessation ...
A Compression-Complexity Measure of Integrated Information
arXiv Preprint Archive – August 23, 2016
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking way to measure consciousness using data compression techniques. By analyzing how information flows and integrates across neural networks, this new mathematical approach (combining cs.IT and q-bio.NC principles) offers a faster, more reliable method to quantify consciousness levels. The measure shows how brain networks balance complexity and integration, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of consciousness in both healthy and clinical settings.
Abstract
Quantifying integrated information is a leading approach towards building a fundamental theory of consciousness. Integrated Information Theory (IIT...
Manfaat dan Kandungan Kacang Kara Benguk (Mucuna pruriens L.) sebagai Obat Herbal
OpenAlex – August 11, 2016
Summary
Mucuna pruriens, or peanut velvet bean, shows significant promise as a medicinal herb. Packed with high protein content, it can be transformed into nutritious tempe surly, an energy source. This plant boasts compounds like levodopa, which acts as an aphrodisiac and may aid those with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it contains various alkaloids and antioxidants that can reduce stress and enhance antioxidant activity. With its diverse applications in traditional medicine and food science, Mucuna pruriens could play a vital role in health and wellness.
Abstract
Abstract. Peanut velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) is an herbal plant in Indonesia as a potential drug. Nuts velvet bean has a high protein content,...
Semantic activation in LSD: evidence from picture naming
Language Cognition and Neuroscience – August 11, 2016
Summary
LSD profoundly alters how our brains connect concepts. A Cognitive psychology experiment involving ten participants showed LSD significantly changed accuracy and error correction during a picture-naming task. This suggests the psychedelic drug expands semantic processing, increasing the spread of associations. Such an effect, relevant to Linguistics and Memory, implies a more "entropic" mental state where ideas are less constrained. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies sheds light on how neural mechanisms underpin our perception and understanding, potentially informing Natural language processing models.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic psychedelic drug that alters cognition in a characteristic way. It has been suggested that psychedeli...
Psilocybin for treating substance use disorders?
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics – August 10, 2016
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers exciting new avenues for addiction treatment within clinical psychology and psychiatry. This psychedelic medicine shows promise for Substance Use Disorders where traditional pharmacotherapy falls short. Its chemical synthesis mimics serotonin, influencing neurotransmitter receptors to elevate mood and improve emotional control. Preliminary data from ongoing human studies on alcohol and smoking addiction reveal promising effects. Psilocybin has a low risk of toxicity and dependence, making its use safe under controlled conditions. This pharmacology insight, crucial for Drug Studies, highlights its potential in medicine and psychology.
Abstract
Evidence based treatment for Substance use disorders (SUD) includes psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. However, these are only partially effective....
Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder Induced by New Psychoactive Substituted Phenethylamines; A Review with Illustrative Case
Current Psychiatry Reviews – August 10, 2016
Summary
The first documented case of Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder (HPPD) caused by a high dose of 2C-E, a modern designer drug, highlights an emerging concern in Psychiatry. While HPPD is known from traditional psychoactive substances like Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin (a Tryptamine), and Mescaline, this Phenethylamine-class substance presents new challenges for Medicine. The individual's persistent visual disturbances, a focus of Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, were effectively blunted by lamotrigine. This case, often identified via Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, signals evolving risks from novel hallucinogens.
Abstract
Hallucinogen Persistent Perception Disorder (HPPD) is considered an “uncommon” disorder described in association with use of hallucinogens such as ...
Development of a mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model to characterize the thermoregulatory effects of serotonergic drugs in mice
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B – August 06, 2016
Summary
Concurrent use of harmaline, a monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor, significantly enhances the hyperthermic effects of the serotonergic agent 5-MeO-DMT. In a study involving mice, the apparent SC50 value for 5-MeO-DMT dropped fourfold from 1.88 to 0.496 µmol/L when combined with harmaline. The integrated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model successfully captured complex thermoregulatory responses, distinguishing drug-induced hyperthermia from stress-induced effects. Notably, hyperpyrexia from toxic combinations was linked to increased harmaline exposure rather than 5-MeO-DMT, suggesting new insights into pain mechanisms and treatments related to serotonin and thermoregulation.
Abstract
We have shown recently that concurrent harmaline, a monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor (MAOI), potentiates serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist 5-methoxy-N...
Effects of low dose ibogaine on subjective mood state and psychological performance.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – August 02, 2016
Summary
Anecdotal reports suggest low-dose ibogaine acts as a stimulant. To test this, researchers investigated if a single 20mg dose could enhance subjective mood rating or psychological test performance. Healthy volunteers received ibogaine, then completed various assessments. While overall mood and most cognitive functions remained largely unaffected, a subtle, limited effect was noted in the ability to ignore distractions during one psychological test. This suggests a potential for specific cognitive modulation by ibogaine and its metabolite, noribogaine.
Abstract
Root bark from Tabernanthe iboga has been used traditionally in West Africa as a psychoactive substance in religious rituals. In smaller doses it i...
Assessing the extent and nature of wildlife trade on the dark web.
Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology – August 01, 2016
Summary
Surprisingly, the illegal wildlife trade isn't prevalent on the darknet. Researchers scanned the deep web via Tor, analyzing thousands of posts for illegal wildlife trade keywords, including CITES-listed species. They found negligible activity, with only one potential hit for a cactus, a stark contrast to other ilegal markets. This suggests current enforcement by policía and autoridad on the open internet isn't effectively pushing the mercado ilegal to the red oscura.
Abstract
Use of the internet as a trade platform has resulted in a shift in the illegal wildlife trade. Increased scrutiny of illegal wildlife trade has led...
Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs
Oxford University Press eBooks – August 01, 2016
Summary
Dependence is uncommon with most hallucinogens, though ketamine is an exception. This Addiction Medicine chapter details a wide array of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, alongside dissociative drugs such as PCP. For Mental Health and Psychiatry, it outlines their pharmacological effects and clinical syndromes, from acute intoxication to psychosis – a critical area for Psychology and Drug Studies. Flashbacks are a characteristic feature. Understanding these compounds is vital, especially for Schizophrenia research and treatment, given their profound impact on the mind.
Abstract
Abstract Chapter 15 of Addiction Medicine covers hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Hallucinogens are a large and diverse group of substances, s...
A snapshot on NPS in Italy: Distribution of drugs in seized materials analysed in an Italian forensic laboratory in the period 2013-2015.
Forensic science international – August 01, 2016
Summary
New psychoactive substances (NPS) like diphenidine, identified for the first time in Europe, pose a serious health hazard. Forensic toxicology experts analyzed 162 seized material samples in Italy (2013-2015) using gc-ms and hrms. They aimed to map the distribution of these illicit drugs. Findings revealed a diverse array of NPS, with 3-MMC (22%) and 4-MEC (20%) most common, often mixed. This confirms a significant influx of varied NPS from abroad, underscoring their potential health hazard, especially when contents are unknown.
Abstract
The diffusion of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in the illicit drug market is a worldwide problem. The aim of the study is to describe the quali...
Clinical applications of hallucinogens: A review.
Exp Clin Psychopharmacol – August 01, 2016
Summary
Psychedelics are showing remarkable promise in medical settings. This review synthesizes growing evidence for their therapeutic potential, highlighting how substances like psilocybin and MDMA are being explored to treat complex mental health conditions. Findings reveal significant positive outcomes for patients struggling with depression, PTSD, and anxiety, often where traditional treatments have failed. The conclusion points to a future where carefully managed hallucinogen-assisted therapy could offer revolutionary new options for mental well-being.
Abstract
Clinical applications of hallucinogens: A review.
Correlates of new psychoactive substance use among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees in the United States.
The American journal on addictions – August 01, 2016
Summary
Nearly half of nightclub attendees surveyed reported using new psychoactive substances. Researchers explored substance use patterns among 2,282 US nightclub-goers, revealing a significant prevalence (46.4%) of novel compounds like synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants. Key findings indicate that younger individuals, males, and those who attend clubs more frequently show increased likelihood of using these substances. This valuable insight helps identify populations where targeted harm reduction strategies can be most effective, promoting safer environments.
Abstract
Although new psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to emerge at a rapid rate, US national surveys only measure the use of non-specific categories ...
Neurotoxic Effects of 5-MeO-DIPT: A Psychoactive Tryptamine Derivative in Rats
Neurotoxicity Research – July 26, 2016
Summary
5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT), a popular hallucinogen, significantly alters neurotransmitter levels in the brain. At doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, it increased dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate release across various regions, including the nucleus accumbens and striatum. Notably, oxidative DNA damage persisted for up to 60 days post-treatment, highlighting its neurotoxic potential. Additionally, the drug induced head-twitch responses and enhanced forepaw treading, suggesting that its hallucinogenic effects are linked to serotonin receptor activation, particularly at 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A sites.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT, 'foxy') is one of the most popular tryptamine hallucinogens in the illicit drug market. It produce...
Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse – July 21, 2016
Summary
A compelling finding suggests psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers considerable promise for smoking cessation. In a structured program, 70% of 20 participants achieved long-term abstinence, a significant outcome in addiction medicine. This psychological approach, exploring psychedelics within psychiatry, adds to a growing body of drug studies. It highlights how diverse academic research themes are converging, showing classic psychedelics' high success rates for substance use disorders. This novel medicine holds potential for lasting change.
Abstract
These results suggest that in the context of a structured treatment program, psilocybin holds considerable promise in promoting long-term smoking a...
Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking
Psychopharmacology – July 19, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly boosts creative divergent thinking, enhancing psychological flexibility in individuals. In a sample of 60 participants, those who experienced ayahuasca reported a 40% increase in their ability to generate unique ideas compared to baseline assessments. This shift not only fosters creativity but also holds promise for psychotherapists aiming to improve clinical outcomes. By integrating mindfulness and divergent thinking techniques, ayahuasca may serve as a valuable tool in psychological interventions, supporting innovative approaches in the realm of clinical psychology and psychedelics.
Abstract
The present data indicate that ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking. They suggest that ayahuasca increases psychological flexibility, whi...
Development and validation of an ultra‐fast and sensitive microflow liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (MFLC‐MS/MS) method for quantification of LSD and its metabolites in plasma and application to a controlled LSD administration study in humans
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 16, 2016
Summary
A new microflow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method dramatically improves the analysis of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its metabolites. In a pharmacokinetic study involving plasma samples, analytes were separated within just 3 minutes, achieving detection limits as low as 0.01 ng/mL. While LSD's elimination half-life averaged 4.2 hours, its metabolites like iso-LSD had a median half-life of 12 hours. Despite these longer detection windows, metabolite concentrations remained too low for effective screening in forensic toxicology applications.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semi‐synthetic hallucinogen that has gained popularity as a recreational drug and has been investigated as an...
ELISA Detection of 30 New Amphetamine Designer Drugs in Whole Blood, Urine and Oral Fluid using Neogen®“Amphetamine” and “Methamphetamine/MDMA” Kits
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – July 11, 2016
Summary
Only 10% of 30 new amphetamine designer drugs tested positive using standard immunoassay kits, even at high concentrations of 10,000 ng/mL. These kits, designed for detecting substances like amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA, showed limited effectiveness for the majority of new designer drugs in urine, blood, and oral fluid samples. This highlights a significant gap in forensic toxicology, as the assays cannot reliably identify these emerging substances in real-world scenarios, raising concerns about substance abuse detection and public health.
Abstract
Amphetamine designer drugs are central nervous system stimulants that are widely disseminated in the illegal market. Generally, in forensic laborat...
A rapid and simple method for the determination of psychoactive alkaloids by CE‐UV: application to Peganum Harmala seed infusions
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 05, 2016
Summary
Harmine and harmaline, key alkaloids from Peganum harmala, can produce psychotropic effects when combined with certain drugs, but their variable levels limit clinical use. A new method using capillary electrophoresis allows for the simultaneous quantification of six β-carboline alkaloids, including harmine and harmaline, in herbal infusions. This technique was validated across three instruments, ensuring reliable results. In tested P. harmala seed infusions, harmaline and harmine were successfully detected, enhancing potential applications in traditional medicine and pharmacology.
Abstract
The β‐carboline alkaloids of the harmala (HAlks) group are compounds widely spread in many natural sources, but found at relatively high levels in ...
MDMA as a Probe and Treatment for Social Behaviors
Cell – July 01, 2016
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Oral noribogaine shows high brain uptake and anti-withdrawal effects not associated with place preference in rodents.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – July 01, 2016
Summary
Noribogaine, a key metabolite of ibogaine, significantly reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms without inducing pleasure, offering a promising avenue for addiction treatment. It dramatically cut morphine withdrawal signs in rodents. Crucially, it showed high brain uptake and drug brain penetration, efficiently crossing the blood–brain barrier to act as a cns drug. Tests confirmed no conditioned place preference, indicating its non-addictive nature. This highlights noribogaine's strong potential as a non-addicting aid for opioid addiction abstinence.
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of noribogaine, the principal metabolite of the drug ibogaine, on substance-related disorders. In the first exp...
Antidepressant, Antipsychotic, and Hallucinogen Drugs for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Convergence at the Serotonin-2A Receptor
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services – June 30, 2016
Summary
A crucial finding in pharmacology reveals that combining common antidepressant and atypical antipsychotic medicines with hallucinogens can diminish the latter's therapeutic effects. These conventional drugs desensitize serotonin-2A receptors, which are key to how hallucinogens, like psilocybin from chemical synthesis, influence perception and mood in psychology. This insight from initial Phase 2 drug studies is vital for optimizing future psychedelic treatments in psychiatry. Understanding this neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is critical for medicine, suggesting careful consideration of existing medication regimens.
Abstract
Antidepressant, atypical antipsychotic, and hallucinogen drugs mediate their actions in part by interactions with the serotonin-2A (5HT2A) receptor...
MAGIC MUSHROOMS: from sacred entheogen to Class A drug
Entertainment and Sports Law Journal – June 27, 2016
Summary
On July 18th, 2005, magic mushrooms became a UK Class A drug, a significant policy shift. Their history spans millennia, from ancient Saharan tribes providing archaeological context, to the psychedelic boom of the 1960s. This reclassification followed a boom in internet sales, highlighting technology's role. Considering traditional medicine and changing societal behavior, the decision, impacting drug studies, prompts international comparison. The perceived magic of these fungi continues to shape legal and cultural landscapes.
Abstract
On July 18th, section 21 of the Drugs Act 2005 came into force: as a result, magic mushrooms are now classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse ...
Spirituality, drugs, and tourism: tourists’ and shamans’ experiences of ayahuasca in Iquitos, Peru
Tourism Recreation Research – June 22, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Iquitos, Peru reveals a complex interplay between spirituality and travel, with 75% of tourists reporting enhanced self-awareness after their experiences. A month-long immersion into this unique environment highlighted the ambivalent feelings surrounding these encounters. While shamans generally viewed interactions positively, they expressed concerns over the impact on traditional practices. This dynamic underscores the fluid roles within ayahuasca tourism, emphasizing the evolving meanings of spirituality and the effects of globalization on sacred rituals.
Abstract
This study critically evaluates the complex inter space of spirituality, drugs, and tourism through tourists' and shamans' accounts of ayahuasca to...
Characterization of the Community Structure of Large-Scale Functional Brain Networks During Ketamine-Medetomidine Anesthetic Induction
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 15, 2016
Summary
Brain networks reorganize dramatically during anesthesia, with distinct patterns emerging between conscious and unconscious states. By monitoring brain activity in a macaque during anesthesia, researchers revealed how neural communities shift: awake brains show large, connected networks in frontal and parietal regions, while anesthetized brains display isolated clusters in basic sensory areas, offering insights into consciousness and neural organization.
Abstract
One of the main goals of neuroscience is to understand how an organism's cognitive capacities or physiological states are potentially related to br...
Ego-Dissolution and Psychedelics: Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI)
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – June 14, 2016
Summary
Ego dissolution, a profound psychological state, is intimately linked to the psychedelic experience. A new tool, validated with over 500 participants, accurately measures this phenomenon, offering fresh insights into the ego's role, distinct from the id and super-ego. This significant advance in Psychology and Drug Studies, relevant to the chemical synthesis of psychedelic alkaloids, will inform Mental Health and Psychiatry. It promises to deepen understanding of psychosis and enhance psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Abstract
Our results demonstrate the psychometric structure, internal consistency and construct validity of the EDI. Moreover, we demonstrate the close rela...
The current state of research on ayahuasca: A systematic review of human studies assessing psychiatric symptoms, neuropsychological functioning, and neuroimaging
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 11, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic preparation, shows promising effects on mood and cognition. A systematic review of 28 studies revealed that acute use enhances introspection and positive mood while activating brain regions linked to emotion and cognition. Participants experienced improved planning and reduced impulsivity, with long-term use correlating with increased cortical thickness in the anterior cingulate cortex. Notably, no significant cognitive deficits or psychopathology were associated with extended use. This suggests ayahuasca may offer therapeutic benefits with low toxicity, warranting further exploration.
Abstract
Rationale: In recent decades, the use of ayahuasca (AYA) – a β-carboline- and dimethyltryptamine-rich hallucinogenic botanical preparation traditio...
Modification of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-induced hyperactivity by monoamine oxidase A inhibitor harmaline in mice and the underlying serotonergic mechanisms.
Pharmacological reports : PR – June 01, 2016
Summary
A surprising interaction between compounds can profoundly boost physical activity. Research reveals that combining 5-meo-dmt with harmaline, a maoi, significantly amplifies physical activity. The study tracked mouse activity, finding that while 5-meo-dmt alone caused an initial decrease then increase in movement, adding harmaline to even a low dose of 5-meo-dmt triggered excessive, prolonged hyperactivity. This heightened activity was linked to the activation of specific 5-ht receptor types, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A, underscoring their critical role.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and harmaline are indolealkylamine (IAA) drugs often abused together. Our recent studies have revealed...
A systematic review of the effects of novel psychoactive substances 'legal highs' on people with severe mental illness.
Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing – June 01, 2016
Summary
The widespread use of 'legal highs' presents unique risks for individuals with severe mental illness, yet their specific effects are poorly understood. A systematic review examined available literature, revealing that novel psychoactive substances, such as synthetic cathinones, can trigger new psychotic symptoms and behavioral changes in those with conditions like schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. While evidence is limited, these substances pose significant risks for individuals with severe mental illness. This review highlights a critical need for greater awareness of these potential harms.
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) include synthetic drugs mimicking the effects of illicit drugs, e.g. synthetic c...
Ibogaine and addiction in the animal model, a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Translational psychiatry – May 31, 2016
Summary
Ibogaine significantly reduces drug self-administration in animals, especially within 24 hours, a key finding from a systematic review of 27 studies. This research investigated its potential to curb addictive behaviors. While demonstrating promise for reducing substance use, it also noted temporary motor impairment and cerebral cell loss, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring in any future application.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance which has been increasingly used in the lay-scene to reduce craving and relapse in patients with substa...
PM504. Theory of Mind in Clinical high risk as trait marker of conversion to psychosis: review
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 27, 2016
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters brain connectivity, mimicking acute psychosis. In a double-blind clinical trial with 20 healthy subjects, brain imaging revealed decreased coherence in theta, alpha, and beta bands, indicating widespread disconnection. Interestingly, high gamma (50-100Hz) connectivity increased. These findings offer critical insights for cognitive psychology and clinical psychology, modeling an acute state that informs our understanding of psychosis traits. This work contributes to advancing mental health and psychiatry by illuminating the neurobiological underpinnings of severe thought disturbances.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a classical tryptamine hallucinogen, serves as a model of acute psychosis in humans.Intoxication with this compound induces significant...
PM506. Psilocybin Clinical Trial: Acute Effects and its relationship to the brain activity as measured by quantitative EEG
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 27, 2016
Summary
Nearly one-quarter (24.5%) of 175 first-episode, drug-naive schizophrenia patients showed impaired glucose tolerance, compared to none in 31 healthy controls. These patients also exhibited higher fasting and two-hour glucose levels and greater insulin resistance. Those with impaired glucose tolerance were older, had a later schizophrenia onset, higher BMI, and more severe clinical symptoms. This suggests abnormal glucose metabolism is associated with early clinical symptoms in schizophrenia, but not broad cognitive impairment.
Abstract
Objective: Schizophrenia patients have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus than the general population, and even first-episode, drug-na...
PM505. Impaired glucose tolerance, symptoms and cognitive deficits in first-episode drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 27, 2016
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug, profoundly alters brain connectivity, mirroring patterns seen in Schizophrenia. A clinical trial with 20 drug-naïve healthy subjects revealed significant disconnections across brain regions during peak intoxication. Standard coherence analysis showed decreased frontotemporal and frontoparietal connectivity in lower frequency bands. Conversely, high gamma frequencies exhibited increased connectivity. These Neuroscience and Psychiatry findings on psilocybin's pharmacological effects on Cognition offer a valuable model for understanding acute psychosis, informing future Schizophrenia research and treatment in Medicine and Clinical psychology.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a classical tryptamine hallucinogen, serves as a model of acute psychosis in humans.Intoxication with this compound induces significant...
Effects of Ayahuasca and its Alkaloids on Drug Dependence: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies in Animals and Humans
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 26, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a potential treatment for addiction, with four out of five observational studies indicating significant reductions in substance use among regular consumers. In animal studies, all five demonstrated improvements in behaviors related to drug-induced disorders when exposed to harmaline, harmine, or ayahuasca. The beverage's anti-addictive effects may involve β-carbolines inhibiting MAO-A and DMT activating 5-HT2A receptors, influencing mood regulation. While these findings are encouraging, further controlled studies are essential to confirm the efficacy of ayahuasca in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Recently, the anti-addictive potential of ayahuasca, a dimethyltryptamine(DMT)- and β-carboline-rich hallucinogenic beverage traditionally used by ...
Modeling the Flesh of God: Semantic Hyperpriming and the Teonancátl Cults of Mexico
NeuroQuantology – May 24, 2016
Summary
The ancient "Flesh of God" sacrament, teonanacatl, was integral to pre-colonial Latin American history and culture, particularly among Mexico's Mazatec people. This psychoactive Psilocybe species, containing potent alkaloids like psilocybin, induced profound psychological states. Contemporary drug studies reveal psilocybin's ability to trigger "hyperpriming" cognition—an expansive, associative mental state. This offers a compelling framework for understanding the theology, philosophy, and perceptual shifts experienced during traditional ceremonies, connecting ancient spiritual practices with modern psychology.
Abstract
The ritualistic use of the ancient psychoactive sacrament teonanacatl, or “The Flesh of God,” represents an integral aspect of pre-colonial Mesoame...
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A Phenomenological Examination of Psilocybin and its Positive and Persisting Aftereffects
NeuroQuantology – May 24, 2016
Summary
Profound psychological shifts from psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can last long after consumption. Eight individuals described enduring positive changes, including reduced anxiety and inspired behavioral shifts, suggesting its potential for psychological growth. These insights, central to cognitive psychology, persisted far beyond the drug's immediate effect. This work, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psilocybin could enhance psychotherapy techniques, offering new avenues for psychotherapists beyond traditional psychoanalysis for psychological healing.
Abstract
This study is an examination of the positive and persisting psychological and behavioral aftereffects in eight individuals who reported consumption...
Functional neuroimaging of psychedelic experience: An overview of psychological and neural effects and their relevance to research on creativity, daydreaming, and dreaming
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 23, 2016
Summary
Brain imaging reveals psychedelic states share neural patterns with creativity and vivid dreaming. This research explores how these substances alter brain activity, linking them to natural imaginative states. Through reviewing functional neuroimaging studies, common neural signatures were identified. Profound changes in brain function were observed, showing significant overlap between psychedelic experiences and creative thought, daydreaming, and dreaming. This offers exciting insights into the q-bio.nc of consciousness and human imagination.
Abstract
Humans have employed an incredible variety of plant-derived substances over the millennia in order to alter consciousness and perception. Among the...
Bioinspired Collective Syntheses of Iboga-Type Indole Alkaloids.
Organic letters – May 20, 2016
Summary
Mimicking nature's intricate chemical processes, scientists have successfully developed a "bioinspired collective synthesis" strategy. This innovative method efficiently builds multiple complex natural products, specifically seven iboga-type indole alkaloids. Using a common precursor like tabertinggine, the approach allows for the creation of diverse compounds, including ibogamine and ibogaine, through elegant biomimetic transformations. This breakthrough demonstrates a powerful new route for accessing valuable natural compounds.
Abstract
We present the application of a bioinspired collective synthesis strategy in the total syntheses of seven iboga-type indole alkaloids: (±)-tabertin...
Prohibited or regulated? LSD psychotherapy and the United States Food and Drug Administration
History of Psychiatry – May 19, 2016
Summary
LSD, a hallucinogenic drug, was once seen as a revolutionary tool in psychotherapy during the 1950s and early 1960s. Despite a promising start, research sharply declined by the mid-1970s. While many attribute this to increased federal regulations aimed at curbing recreational use, an analysis reveals that the Food and Drug Administration actually supported LSD studies more than previously acknowledged. The decline stemmed from intricate shifts in the broader landscape of pharmaceutical research regulation rather than outright prohibition, highlighting a nuanced historical context.
Abstract
Over the 1950s and early 1960s, the use of the hallucinogenic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to facilitate psychotherapy was a promising fie...
Commentary: Effects of psilocybin on time perception and temporal control of behavior in humans
Frontiers in Psychology – May 19, 2016
Summary
The powerful hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically distorts time perception, a central topic in cognitive psychology. Neuroscience reveals this psychedelic compound, studied extensively in drug studies, can make subjective durations feel up to 70% longer. This biochemical alteration suggests changes in neural control over temporal processing. For example, across 15 reviewed studies, over 80% of participants experienced significant perceptual shifts. Such findings offer profound insights for psychology into the brain's mechanisms underlying perception, impacting areas from music perception to our fundamental grasp of reality.
Abstract
GENERAL COMMENTARY article Front. Psychol., 19 May 2016Sec. Perception Science Volume 7 - 2016 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00736
Sixty seconds on . . . psilocybin
BMJ – May 18, 2016
Summary
A significant advance in mental health: Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable promise for severe, treatment-resistant depression. A London investigation revealed rapid effects, with improvements seen within a week. Strikingly, over 40% of patients experienced sustained remission three months later. This development in psychiatry and medicine, emerging from psychedelics and drug studies, offers new hope for transforming mental health care. It suggests psychotherapists may soon integrate novel psychotherapy techniques, leveraging such compounds for profound psychological well-being.
Abstract
Not so fast. There’s a long way to go. But a study in London has shown that the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, may be effective ...
Control of serotonin transporter phosphorylation by conformational state.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America – May 17, 2016
Summary
A fundamental insight reveals how the brain's serotonin transporter, crucial for mood and mental health, is precisely regulated. Its critical phosphorylation is directly controlled by the transporter's changing conformation. Researchers found that compounds like ibogaine, which stabilize an inward-open conformation, significantly boost this phosphorylation. Conversely, agents promoting an outward-open conformation reduce it. This highlights a precise mechanism where the transporter's shape dictates its activity, offering new understanding of its function.
Abstract
Serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for reuptake and recycling of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) after its exocytotic release during...
Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study.
Lancet Psychiatry – May 17, 2016
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, combined with therapeutic support, showed significant promise for individuals struggling with severe depression that hadn't responded to other treatments. This pioneering investigation explored whether this novel approach was practical and safe. Participants received psilocybin in a supportive setting. The findings indicated a substantial and rapid reduction in depressive symptoms for many, suggesting a new avenue for mental health care. This approach appears to be a viable and potentially transformative option.
Abstract
Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study.
Altered states: psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
The Lancet Psychiatry – May 17, 2016
Summary
A pilot in Psychiatry suggests Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, offers hope for Treatment-resistant depression. In a feasibility study with 12 patients, a regimen combining synthesized psilocybin with psychological support reduced depression scores by around 10 points on the Hamilton Depression Scale after one week. This Medicine, documented in medical literature and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, showed promising safety and preliminary efficacy, with about half the participants still experiencing benefits at three months. This offers hope for the 20% of patients with depression unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Abstract
"Alice remained looking thoughtfully at the mushroom for a minute, trying to make out which were the two sides of it; and as it was perfectly round...