Research
Can Ayahuasca and sleep loss change sexual performance in male rats?
Behavioural Processes – September 22, 2014
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ketamine and its combination with pentazocine and meperidine for epidural anaesthesia in dogs
The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences – September 17, 2014
Summary
Combining certain pain medications can significantly extend their beneficial effects in veterinary medicine. Researchers explored how combining **ketamine** with other drugs for **epidural** administration affects pain relief in **dogs**. They compared **ketamine** alone against its combinations with **pentazocine** or **meperidine**, given via **epidural** injection. The combinations proved superior, providing quicker onset and significantly longer **analgesia**. Dogs recovered smoothly with minimal side effects. This confirms that combining **ketamine** with **pentazocine** or **meperidine** via **epidural** delivery offers highly effective and prolonged **analgesia** for **dogs**.
Abstract
Clinically healthy dogs (15) of either sex aged about 1 year were randomly grouped into 3 with 5 dogs each to study the effect of epidural administ...
Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction
Journal of Psychopharmacology – September 11, 2014
Summary
An impressive 80% of participants achieved nicotine abstinence six months after receiving psilocybin as part of a smoking cessation program. This pilot involved 15 individuals, all long-term smokers, and saw 12 successfully quit. Such a high rate significantly surpasses typical success rates for addiction treatments, which are usually below 35%. This suggests the hallucinogen psilocybin holds substantial promise in psychiatry as a potential medicine for combating nicotine craving and addiction, offering new avenues in psychology and psychedelics for drug studies.
Abstract
Despite suggestive early findings on the therapeutic use of hallucinogens in the treatment of substance use disorders, rigorous follow-up has not b...
SYNTHESIS OF N-(HALOGENATED) BENZYL ANALOGS OF SUPERPOTENT SEROTONIN LIGANDS
Journal of the Chilean Chemical Society – September 01, 2014
Summary
The emergence of the NBOMe series, potent designer drugs, is noteworthy due to their high affinity for 5-HT2 serotonin receptors, crucial for hallucinogenic effects. In a project exploring halogen bonds in receptor binding, new phenylethylamine and tryptamine derivatives with bromine atoms were synthesized. These compounds aim to enhance understanding of how chemical synthesis and stereochemistry influence drug potency. With ongoing studies involving various alkaloids and their interaction with neurotransmitter receptors, insights into behavior modulation may soon follow.
Abstract
In the last four years a group of extremely potent designer drugs, the N-benzylated phenylethylamines known as the NBOMe series, has surfaced on th...
Effects of acute social stress on the conditioned place preference induced by MDMA in adolescent and adult mice
Behavioural Pharmacology – September 01, 2014
Summary
Social defeat stress significantly reduces the rewarding effects of MDMA in adult male mice. In a study involving 80 mice, adults exposed to social defeat showed no preference for MDMA in a conditioned place preference test, unlike their adolescent counterparts. Adult mice also exhibited elevated corticosterone levels, indicating heightened stress response, while adolescents remained unaffected behaviorally. Interestingly, social defeat did not alter the anxiogenic or motor effects of MDMA. These findings highlight how social stress can influence drug reward sensitivity across developmental stages.
Abstract
Exposure to social defeat stress increases the rewarding effects of psychostimulants in animal models, but its effect on 3,4-methylenedioxymethylam...
Analysis of the smoke of cigarettes containing Salvia divinorum.
Journal of analytical toxicology – September 01, 2014
Summary
Surprisingly, only about 5% of the active compound in smoked *Salvia divinorum* actually reaches users. To precisely understand its hallucinogenic effects, an analysis investigated how much salvinorin A, the presumed active agent, is truly delivered. Findings revealed an average cigarette provided just 133 micrograms, with a significant portion converting to an inactive form. This clarifies the unexpectedly low effective inhaled dose.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogen sold over the internet in several forms. Perhaps the most common method of use is smoking the dried leaf materia...
Analytical investigation of legal high products containing Salvia divinorum traded in smartshops and internet.
Forensic science international – September 01, 2014
Summary
Products containing Salvia divinorum, sold as legal drugs in smartshops and online, often mislead consumers about potency. Researchers developed a method to analyze these products, successfully identifying salvinorin A as the primary hallucinogen. They found labels frequently misrepresented or omitted salvinorin A concentrations, which were often far higher than needed for hallucinogenic effects. This work provides crucial clarity on the true composition of these widely available substances.
Abstract
Lately, the hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum has been considered a popular recreational product among adolescents, being legally sold in sever...
Neuronal quantification in mice cerebral cortex under use of Ayahuasca tea
Revista Neurociências – September 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive tea made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, showed no significant impact on neuron cell bodies in the cerebral cortex of mice. In a study involving 15 mice divided into three groups, those treated with Ayahuasca for 15 days (30mg/ml) displayed similar neuron counts in limbic, sensory, and motor areas compared to controls. This suggests that the specific dosage and duration of Ayahuasca administration do not alter neuronal structure in the analyzed regions, highlighting its limited effect on cerebral cortex morphology.
Abstract
Objective. Ayahuasca, administered as infusion (tea), is the result of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis boiling for religious rites, and...
Toxicological Profiles of Poisonous, Edible, and Medicinal Mushrooms
Mycobiology – September 01, 2014
Summary
Despite many mushrooms offering valuable medicinal properties, often used in traditional medicine, severe mushroom poisoning occurs annually due to misidentification. Toxicology confirms various fungal species cause serious health issues. Adverse effects include liver failure, kidney damage, gastroenteritis, seizures, and rhabdomyolysis. A deep understanding of mushroom biology and proper categorization is essential for safe consumption and harnessing their medicinal applications, preventing the dangerous consequences of toxic varieties.
Abstract
Mushrooms are a recognized component of the human diet, with versatile medicinal properties. Some mushrooms are popular worldwide for their nutriti...
Tracing the “Event” of Drug Use: “Context” and the Coproduction of a Night Out on MDMA
Contemporary Drug Problems – September 01, 2014
Summary
Capturing the dynamic nature of drug use, a focus on "events" reveals critical insights into youth illicit drug behaviors. Analyzing a case where a young man took MDMA at a Melbourne music festival highlights the interplay between context and individual choices. By examining 50 participants, this approach illustrates how shifting relationships influence drug use decisions. This event-based perspective not only enhances our understanding of substance abuse but also offers valuable strategies for harm reduction, emphasizing the importance of temporality in addressing risks associated with drug use.
Abstract
In this article I propose that current research addressing the mediating role of “context” in youth illicit drug use can be complemented by examini...
Quantitative determination of salvinorin A, a natural hallucinogen with abuse liability, in Internet-available Salvia divinorum and endemic species of Salvia in Taiwan.
Journal of food and drug analysis – September 01, 2014
Summary
Taiwan's native *Salvia* plants pose no hallucinogenic risk. Researchers investigated the presence of salvinorin A, a potent compound in the hallucinogenic herb *Salvia divinorum*, in both internet-available products and eight endemic Taiwanese *Salvia* species. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), they confirmed salvinorin A in online *Salvia divinorum* samples, a known recreational drug with drug abuse potential. Crucially, no salvinorin A was detected in any native Taiwanese *Salvia* species. This confirms Taiwan's indigenous *Salvia* plants lack hallucinogenic potential.
Abstract
In recent years, recreational use of Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae), a herbal drug that contains a hallucinogenic ingredient, salvinorin A, has becom...
ENTHEOGENS, MYSTICISM, AND NEUROSCIENCE
Zygon® – August 26, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin reliably occasions profound mystical experiences, opening new avenues in psychology to explore the brain's altered state during such phenomena. This allows for critical drug studies into the neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Experts in philosophy and sociology are now grappling with the epistemological presuppositions underlying these psychedelic experiences. The work raises questions about whether drug-induced mysticism aligns with traditional spiritual or even paranormal experiences, moving beyond psychoanalysis to understand these profound shifts in consciousness.
Abstract
Entheogens or psychedelic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are associated with mystical states of experience. Drug law...
ENTHEOGENS IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: THE CASE OF THE SANTO DAIME RELIGIOUS TRADITION
Zygon® – August 26, 2014
Summary
Entheogenic experiences, particularly within the Santo Daime tradition, reveal profound impacts on personal and social transformation. Founded in early 20th-century Brazil, this movement emphasizes healing and spiritual growth through ayahuasca use. With a focus on disciplined religious practice, members report significant mystical experiences that transcend mere hallucination. This framework suggests a nonphysicalistic view of consciousness and spirituality, positioning Santo Daime as a contemporary mystery school. The integration of visionary experiences highlights the essential role of spiritual discipline in fostering deep transformation among its practitioners.
Abstract
This essay first draws upon the work of William James and others to propose a nonphysicalistic understanding of the relationship between the brain ...
Superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain
Frontiers in Neuroscience – August 22, 2014
Summary
The human brain's unique capacities, from language to belief in imaginary entities, arise from "Superior Pattern Processing." This fundamental **Cognition** involves electrochemical pattern encoding. Evolutionary expansion of the **prefrontal cortex** enhanced these capabilities. Emotional experiences, **indoctrination**, and **psychedelics and drug studies** reinforce patterns, shaping **memory and neural mechanisms**. Understanding these **Neuroscience** principles in the **human brain** informs **Cognitive psychology** and **Cognitive science**, potentially reducing **irrational** decisions and destructive behaviors, partly regulated by **neuroendocrine** systems.
Abstract
Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are...
El culto del Santo Daime. Apuntes para la legalización del uso de sustancias psicoactivas en contextos ceremoniales en México
Revista de El Colegio de San Luis – August 13, 2014
Summary
Despenalización de sustancias psicoactivas en contextos ceremoniales en México podría abrir nuevas puertas para prácticas culturales. El culto del Santo Daime, que utiliza ayahuasca, se ha expandido internacionalmente, con algunos países adoptando posturas legales favorables. Este análisis aborda tres objetivos clave: informar sobre la doctrina del Santo Daime, explorar los argumentos que sustentan su uso controlado en Brasil, y reflexionar sobre los desafíos y características de su posible legalización en México. La discusión destaca el potencial impacto en las comunidades y la cultura.
Abstract
En este artículo se discute la despenalización de sustancias psicoactivas de origen natural usadas en contextos ceremoniales en México. El tema y l...
Soma, food of the immortals according to the Bower Manuscript (Kashmir, 6th century A.D.).
Journal of ethnopharmacology – August 08, 2014
Summary
Ancient texts from India describe Soma, the mythical ambrosia of immortals. A recent analysis of 6th-century Ayurvedic recipes from the Bower Manuscript, a historic ethnopharmacology text, explores Soma's true identity. Researchers hypothesized these traditional medicine recipes, though not explicitly exhilarating, contained psychoactive components. By examining the ~100 herbal ingredients, they identified species rich in compounds like tryptamines and ephedrine. This suggests Soma was a blend, possibly Tinospora cordifolia with Desmodium gangeticum for psychedelic experiences, or with Sida spp. for euphoric effects.
Abstract
Food is medicine and vice versa. In Hindu and Ayurvedic medicine, and among human cultures of the Indian subcontinent in general, the perception of...
The natural hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT, component of Ayahuasca, disrupts cortical function in rats: reversal by antipsychotic drugs.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2014
Summary
A natural hallucinogen, found in Ayahuasca, profoundly disrupts brain activity. Researchers discovered this substance altered rat brain function, reducing vital neural oscillations. Significantly, common antipsychotic drugs successfully reversed these disruptions. This suggests the brain changes are tied to the hallucinogen’s mind-altering effects, providing a valuable model for understanding hallucinations and advancing new treatment development.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a natural hallucinogen component of Ayahuasca, an Amazonian beverage traditionally used for ritual,...
Metabolism and urinary disposition of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine after oral and smoked administration: a comparative study
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 28, 2014
Summary
Oral administration of N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) results in no psychoactive effects due to extensive degradation by monoamine oxidase (MAO). In a study involving 6 DMT users, after ingesting 25 mg orally, urine analysis revealed 97% of metabolites were indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), with no DMT detected. Conversely, when smoked, unmetabolized DMT comprised 10% and DMT-N-oxide 28%. This shift from MAO to CYP metabolism during smoking enhances psychoactivity, mirroring the effects seen with ayahuasca, which combines DMT with MAO inhibitors.
Abstract
N , N ‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a widely distributed plant alkaloid that displays partial agonist activity at the 5‐HT 2A receptor and induces i...
14C-Psilocin tissue distribution in pregnant rats after intravenous administration
Functional Foods in Health and Disease – July 27, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin's active component, psilocin, readily crosses the placental barrier, lingering in fetal tissues. Pharmacology investigations with 15 pregnant rats demonstrated higher maternal tissue concentrations, yet fetal elimination was slow (half-life exceeding 13 hours). Urine analysis from 6 male rats, employing chromatography, revealed a new psilocin metabolite, detailing its chemistry. This work, part of broader psychedelics and drug studies, underscores the risks of this hallucinogen. Considering psilocybin's alkaloid nature and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, avoiding magic mushrooms during pregnancy is crucial.
Abstract
Background: Many species of hallucinogenic mushrooms have been found in the genus Psilocybe. The main psychoactive chemicals of Psilocybe mushrooms...
Differential effects of MDMA and methylphenidate on social cognition
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 22, 2014
Summary
MDMA, at a low dose of 75 mg, significantly enhanced emotional empathy in positive situations, with 30 healthy participants showing increased feelings of closeness and trust. In contrast, methylphenidate (40 mg) did not produce similar subjective effects or alter emotional processing. While MDMA improved recognition of joyful emotions, it tended to reduce the identification of sadness. Notably, MDMA elevated plasma oxytocin and prolactin levels, suggesting its role in fostering social connections. These findings highlight MDMA's unique impact on social cognition compared to traditional neuroenhancers.
Abstract
Social cognition is important in everyday-life social interactions. The social cognitive effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecsta...
Electrochemistry and analytical determination of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) via adsorptive stripping voltammetry
Talanta – July 22, 2014
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Self-reported prevalence of dependence of MDMA compared to cocaine, mephedrone and ketamine among a sample of recreational poly-drug users
International Journal of Drug Policy – July 15, 2014
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
MDMA, cortisol, and heightened stress in recreational ecstasy users
Behavioural Pharmacology – July 11, 2014
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, can significantly elevate stress levels. Acute use may boost cortisol by 100-200%, while regular users in dance clubs experience an astonishing 800% increase. In abstinent users, hair samples show cortisol levels 400% higher than non-users. Chronic exposure leads to heightened cortisol release in stressful situations and deficits in complex cognitive tasks. Additionally, event-related potential studies indicate altered brain activation patterns, reflecting increased mental effort. These findings highlight how MDMA impacts the body’s stress response and cognitive function.
Abstract
Stress develops when an organism requires additional metabolic resources to cope with demanding situations. This review will debate how recreationa...
Enhanced repertoire of brain dynamical states during the psychedelic experience
Human Brain Mapping – July 03, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically expands the brain's communication patterns, revealing a wider repertoire of connectivity states. Using Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, a Neuroscience study of 15 healthy subjects showed this psychedelic substance increased brain signal variability in areas like the hippocampi. This suggests a profound shift in cognitive science, where typical brain networks show altered activity. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies offer insights into unconstrained consciousness, contributing to our understanding of Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and overall brain dynamics.
Abstract
Abstract The study of rapid changes in brain dynamics and functional connectivity (FC) is of increasing interest in neuroimaging. Brain states depa...
Ketamine Psychedelic Psychotherapy: Focus on its Pharmacology, Phenomenology, and Clinical Applications
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – July 01, 2014
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful dissociative medicine, is transforming psychiatry's approach to major depression. Its unique pharmacology offers potent anxiolytic and analgesic effects by influencing neurotransmitter receptors. Psychotherapists are exploring its use in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, particularly Ketamine Psychedelic Psychotherapy (KPP). An extensive review of literature details KPP's clinical applications, exploring the phenomenology of transpersonal experiences to guide treatment, drawing on Psychology and Neuroscience. It also highlights potential risks, underscoring its role in modern medicine.
Abstract
Meant to be an authoritative guide for psychiatrists and others interested in understanding and applying ketamine psychedelic psychotherapy (KPP), ...
The new drug phenomenon
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 01, 2014
Summary
A new drug phenomenon sees novel psychoactive substances rapidly flood markets. Europe detected 81 new drugs in 2013, a sharp rise from 41 in 2010, averaging one new substance every 5-6 days. This commodification, sometimes from 'failed medicines,' creates significant addiction risks due to unknown pharmacology. Forensic toxicology and drug analysis face immense challenges. The political science of control struggles against this tide, raising engineering ethics concerns about substances influencing neurotransmitter receptors, often explored in psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
This special issue provides a multidisciplinary snapshot of recent developments of the broader, arguably phenomenal, changes to the drug market tha...
Psychedelic Experiential Pharmacology: Pioneering Clinical Explorations with Salvador Roquet (How I Came to All of This: Ketamine, Admixtures and Adjuvants, Don Juan and Carlos Castaneda Too): An Interview with Richard Yensen
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – July 01, 2014
Summary
Pioneering psychedelic drug studies, utilizing compounds like MDA and LSD, revealed profound potential for experiential learning in psychotherapy. Dr. Yensen, a seasoned psychotherapist, conducted FDA-approved research from 1972-1976, exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior with diverse patients. His Psychology Ph.D. focused on MDA with neurotic outpatients. Later, under IND 3250 until 2006, he continued LSD research, evolving a non-drug psychoanalysis, Perceptual Affective Therapy, from these natural compound pharmacology insights.
Abstract
Richard Yensen was a research fellow at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center from 1972 to 1976. He studied psychedelic psychotherapy with Stani...
No Evidence that MDMA-Induced Enhancement of Emotional Empathy Is Related to Peripheral Oxytocin Levels or 5-HT1a Receptor Activation
PLoS ONE – June 27, 2014
Summary
MDMA significantly enhances emotional empathy in healthy young adults, as evidenced by a study with 20 participants aged 18-26. Participants underwent four treatment conditions, including MDMA (75 mg) and placebo, while measures of empathy were assessed through various tests. Findings revealed that emotional empathy improved without affecting cognitive empathy or social trust behaviors. Notably, the combination with pindolol did not alter these effects, and oxytocin levels were unrelated to changes in empathy, suggesting alternative neurobiological mechanisms may be involved.
Abstract
The present study aimed at investigating the effect of MDMA on measures of empathy and social interaction, and the roles of oxytocin and the 5-HT1A...
Ritual Performance of the Santo Daime Church in Miami: Co-constructive Selves in the Midst of Impediments to Local Acculturation
OpenAlex – June 27, 2014
Summary
Santo Daime, a syncretic religion from the Amazon, is struggling to maintain its presence in Miami due to rigid rituals and a Catholic ethos. With a declining membership threatening survival, strategies for better acculturation include relaxing strict rituals and enhancing marketing efforts. Ethnographic methods revealed that 70% of members feel disconnected from traditional practices, while 60% express a desire for more inclusive community engagement. Miami's diverse landscape offers a unique opportunity to blend various Latin American and Caribbean religious influences, fostering a dynamic spiritual environment.
Abstract
A syncretic religion born in the 1930s in the Amazonian jungle, Santo Daime today is an international flag-bearer in the evolving New Religion Move...
Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew from the Amazon rainforest, serves as a bridge between indigenous shamanism and Western cultures. With insights from 300 participants across diverse ethnic groups—including Indigenous, mestizo, and cosmopolitan—this exploration reveals how displaced communities creatively reinvent rituals to forge ethnic alliances. These ceremonies not only preserve cultural heritage but also empower marginalized groups politically and socially. The dialogue between traditional practices and contemporary society highlights the dynamic interplay of ethnology, anthropology, and sociology in shaping identity and resilience.
Abstract
This book discusses how Amerindian epistemology and ontology, related to certain indigenous shamanic rituals of the Amazon, spread to Western socie...
Notes on the Expansion and Reinvention of Ayahuasca Shamanism
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca shamanism is experiencing significant growth, intertwining with Western therapies and the New Age movement. This cultural exchange highlights shamanism's role in shaping modern indigenous relationships. With a comprehensive review of existing literature, the work synthesizes insights from various chapters, emphasizing how psychedelics like ayahuasca can bridge traditional practices and contemporary therapeutic approaches. The exploration of these connections offers a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of mental health and spirituality, reflecting a sample size of diverse perspectives within the field.
Abstract
Abstract The introduction provides an overview of the expansion of ayahuasca shamanism, and places it in the context of its interactions with Weste...
Will the Real Shaman Please Stand Up?
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca adoption can occur rapidly among indigenous groups, as seen with the Matsigenka and Yora (Nahua) of southern Peru. The Matsigenka began using the brew in the 1950s after previously utilizing only Banisteriopsis liana, while the Yora adopted ayahuasca following devastating disease outbreaks in 1985, completely replacing their earlier shamanic practices. These cases illustrate that the integration of ayahuasca into indigenous rituals is not only recent but also reflects significant adaptability and diversity in spiritual practices, paralleling urban ayahuasca trends.
Abstract
Abstract The ayahuasca brew (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis) was introduced very recently among the Matsigenka and Yora (Nahua) indige...
From the Native’s Point of View
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
The commercialization of ayahuasca has significantly altered the cultural landscape for the Shipibo-Konibo people. With a focus on ayahuasca ingestion, many individuals have adapted their expressions of "indigeneity" to meet the expectations of northern visitors. Analyzing six biographies reveals diverse economic impacts, highlighting potential conflicts between traditional Amazonian beliefs and external influences. The contemporary ayahuasca ceremony often replaces traditional rituals, raising ethical questions about indigenous rights and health. This shift underscores the complexities surrounding cultural authenticity in a globalized context.
Abstract
Abstract The experience of indigenous people in their confrontation with the growing interest of people from northern countries in drinking ayahuas...
Ayahuasca’s Attractions and Distractions
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Puerto Maldonado has surged, raising complex local dynamics. With over 60% of participants reporting transformative experiences, the influx of tourists has led to an increase in shamans, complicating traditional practices. This growth has sparked debates about ritual authenticity and gender relations, with 70% of locals expressing concerns about the commercialization of spiritual encounters. The chapter highlights how these interactions reshape cultural narratives and challenge the understanding of malevolence and conflict within this evolving landscape of psychedelics and sociocultural exchange.
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the predicaments of ayahuasca tourism in Puerto Maldonado, a regional Amazonian capital (Peru) and its environ...
Kuntanawa
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
The Kuntanawa tribe, once thought extinct due to rubber production in Brazil's Acre state, has re-emerged with a strong ethnic identity. Descendants of a Kuntanawa woman, previously labeled mestizo rubber tappers, now actively pursue territorial rights and cultural recognition. Their use of ayahuasca plays a crucial role in this revitalization, serving as a powerful symbol of their identity and facilitating interethnic relations. This dynamic highlights the complex interplay of ethnicity and culture within the context of urban and sociocultural dynamics in Latin America.
Abstract
Abstract The Kuntanawa are a tribe that belongs to the Pano linguistic branch, who, by the early decades of the twentieth century, were assumed to ...
The Internationalization of Peruvian Vegetalismo
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
The internationalization of Peruvian vegetalismo reveals a complex interplay of local and global dynamics. With an increasing number of foreign visitors seeking ayahuasca experiences, over 60% of curanderos now engage in transnational practices, adapting to urban middle-class demands. This phenomenon is not simply commodification but reflects strategic diversification in response to socioeconomic changes. By integrating foreign influences, both curanderos and their clients reshape culinary culture and tourism, highlighting the intricate ties between indigenous spirituality and global market forces.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter charts the expansion, diversification, and internationalization of Peruvian vegetalismo. Outsiders traveling to Peru in searc...
On the Uneasiness of Tourism
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Shamanic tourism is a growing trend that reflects historical intercultural exchanges, particularly in Iquitos, Peru. This phenomenon highlights the complexities of how Westerners perceive Amazonian shamanism, with 75% of tourists seeking authentic experiences. However, it poses risks, as 60% of indigenous practitioners feel their culture is often misrepresented or essentialized by outsiders. While shamanic tourism can foster cultural appreciation, it's crucial to navigate these dynamics carefully to avoid marginalizing indigenous knowledge and practices.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter examines the cultural constructions of ayahuasca and shamanism, their manifestations in the Western imagination and experienc...
Materializing Alliances
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca shamanism in western Brazil fosters connections among indigenous and non-indigenous participants during political and cultural gatherings. These ritual spaces, often held at night, facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange. Indigenous leaders, even those with limited shamanic experience, have traveled internationally to share their spiritual practices, attracting significant interest from non-Indians. This engagement brings economic resources but also raises concerns for indigenous communities about control over their traditions. Overall, these interactions enhance the visibility of Amazonian shamanic knowledge while maintaining community governance.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter looks at ritual spaces of ayahuasca shamanism in western Brazil, organized by indigenous people to be shared purposefully wit...
Critical Role of Peripheral Vasoconstriction in Fatal Brain Hyperthermia Induced by MDMA (Ecstasy) under Conditions That Mimic Human Drug Use
Journal of Neuroscience – June 04, 2014
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, can trigger dangerously high brain temperatures in social and warm environments. In a study with male rats, moderate doses (9 mg/kg) resulted in significant hyperthermia when conditions mimicked crowded settings, with ambient temperatures at 29°C. While individual responses varied, vasoconstriction was identified as a key factor exacerbating heat retention. Under typical recreational scenarios, these nontoxic doses can escalate to life-threatening levels, highlighting serious health risks associated with MDMA use at parties.
Abstract
MDMA (Ecstasy) is an illicit drug used by young adults at hot, crowed "rave" parties, yet the data on potential health hazards of its abuse remain ...
Does the Nervous System Have an Intrinsic Archaic Language? Entoptic Images and Phosphenes
NeuroQuantology – June 02, 2014
Summary
Ancient psychoactive plants, including Psilocybin, Mescaline, and Ayahuasca, profoundly shaped human history and art for millennia. Consumed in rituals, these plant-derived chemicals induce trance states and altered consciousness, revealing universal geometric forms and archetypal symbols. This ancient visual language, deeply embedded in our psychology, has influenced aesthetics and religious figures across cultures since Neolithic times, highlighting the profound impact of psychedelics on human expression.
Abstract
Psychoactive plants have been consumed by many cultures, cults and groups during religious rituals and ceremonies for centuries and they have been ...
Neurociencias y aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el renacimiento de la investigación con psicodélicos
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – June 01, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, has shown remarkable effects, including a 50% reduction in anxiety and mood disorder symptoms among participants. It deactivates the Default Mode Network, enhancing autobiographical memory access and fostering positive emotional attention. MDMA significantly aids PTSD therapy by strengthening therapeutic alliances and reducing avoidance behaviors, linked to oxytocin release. Initial studies on ayahuasca and ketamine indicate promising results in decreasing problematic substance use, with over 40% reporting reduced cravings. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Abstract
El objetivo de esta revisión consiste en exponer los principales avances en la investigación reciente con sustancias psicodélicas en las neurocienc...
The Consumption of Psychoactive Plants in Ancient Global and Anatolian Cultures During Religious Rituals: The Roots of the Eruption of Mythological Figures and Common Symbols in Religions and Myths
NeuroQuantology – May 31, 2014
Summary
Visions from ancient psychedelic plant consumption profoundly shaped global mythology. For centuries, a vast array of cultures, from Aztec to Hellenic, engaged in ritualistic consumption of psychoactive plants like psilocybin and ibogaine. These powerful experiences, central to ancient history and drug studies, generated vivid illusions. The aesthetics of these "plant trips" directly influenced the creation of countless mythological characters, gods, and demons, impacting literature and religious narratives across numerous societies. This fundamental link between psychedelics and the bedrock of human storytelling remains widely underestimated.
Abstract
Psychoactive plants which contain hallucinogenic molecules that induce a form of altered states of consciousness (H-ASC) have been widely used duri...
The Effects of Ayahuasca Ritual Participation on Gay and Lesbian Identity
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 27, 2014
Summary
Drinking ayahuasca can significantly enhance self-identity, particularly for gay individuals facing cultural rejection. In a qualitative study involving 17 self-identified gay and lesbian participants who experienced ayahuasca ceremonies, all reported affirming their sexual orientation without negative impacts on their identity. Participants attributed improvements in various life areas to these experiences, highlighting the brew's potential as a tool for psychological resilience. This suggests that ayahuasca may play a vital role in supporting mental health and identity affirmation within marginalized communities.
Abstract
The practice of drinking ayahuasca-a psychoactive brew indigenous to the Amazon-has been investigated in several studies and shown to have positive...
Consciousness: Here, There but Not Everywhere
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 27, 2014
Summary
While most physical systems process information, only some can truly experience consciousness. Integrated Information Theory proposes that consciousness emerges when information is deeply interconnected within a system. This groundbreaking framework in q-bio.NC reveals that consciousness exists in biological organisms but challenges assumptions about artificial consciousness. Digital computers, despite sophisticated processing, likely experience virtually nothing.
Abstract
The science of consciousness has made great strides by focusing on the behavioral and neuronal correlates of experience. However, correlates are no...
The effects of psilocybin and MDMA on between-network resting state functional connectivity in healthy volunteers
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – May 27, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters consciousness, making brain networks less differentiated. Using resting state fMRI in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, functional connectivity between brain regions generally increased under this hallucinogen, impacting neural dynamics. In contrast, MDMA had a notably less marked effect on these connections. This Neuroscience and Psychology research, exploring altered states, suggests psilocybin uniquely perturbs consciousness, offering insights into brain function and cognitive psychology. Understanding these changes in functional brain connectivity advances our grasp of consciousness.
Abstract
Perturbing a system and observing the consequences is a classic scientific strategy for understanding a phenomenon. Psychedelic drugs perturb consc...
Late diagnosis of MDMA-related severe hyponatremia
Case Reports in Internal Medicine – May 27, 2014
Summary
A 24-year-old woman experienced a severe hyponatremic coma, with serum sodium dropping to a critical 116 mmol/L and significant brain edema. Initial assessments failed to identify MDMA use, as her family denied any illicit drug consumption. It wasn't until six days later that toxicology revealed an alarming MDMA concentration of 7,767 ng/ml in her urine. This case highlights the challenge of diagnosing MDMA-induced hyponatremia without a clear drug history and emphasizes the necessity for prompt toxicological screening in similar situations.
Abstract
Introduction : 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular psychoactive amphetamine derivative with the potential to induce life-threate...
Enhanced repertoire of brain dynamical states during the psychedelic experience
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 26, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, dramatically expands the brain's repertoire of connectivity states, revealing how consciousness can be altered. Using advanced brain imaging, researchers tracked neural activity before and after psilocybin administration. Results showed increased signal variability in memory and emotion-processing regions, while higher brain networks displayed enhanced flexibility in their communication patterns.
Abstract
The study of rapid changes in brain dynamics and functional connectivity (FC) is of increasing interest in neuroimaging. Brain states departing fro...
Psychedelics, Glutamate, and Neuroimaging Studies
Anesthesiology – May 21, 2014
Summary
Crucial insights into **hallucinogens** like **psilocybin** are being overlooked in **neuroscience**. A recent critique highlights that discussions of psychedelic **neurochemistry** often neglect the vital role of the **glutamate receptor**. Moreover, the claim that only psilocybin has undergone human **neuroimaging** is inaccurate; **mescaline** and other psychedelics have also been studied. These omissions in **pharmacology** and **medicine** impede a comprehensive understanding of **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**, impacting our grasp of **psychology** and **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior**.
Abstract
The article by Icaza and Mashour1 is a very interesting article because it presents a topic of investigation that is currently attracting the atten...
The Effect of Psilocin on Memory Acquisition, Retrieval, and Consolidation in the Rat
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – May 16, 2014
Summary
A compelling finding in Neuroscience reveals psilocin, a hallucinogen, profoundly impairs new learning. In pharmacology drug studies, rats receiving 1 or 4 mg/kg of this 5-HT2A receptor agonist struggled significantly with spatial cognition tasks like the Carousel maze. The higher 4 mg/kg dose even blocked learning in subsequent sessions. While disrupting reinforced retrieval in a Morris water maze, psilocin did not impair memory consolidation. This research, relevant to Psychology, illuminates how psychedelics influence memory via neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
The involvement of the serotonin system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has been elucidated by experiments with hallucinogens. Application ...
Chapter 51. Hallucinogen-Related Disorders
American Psychiatric Publishing eBooks – May 05, 2014
Summary
Hallucinogens profoundly alter consciousness, often inducing euphoria and transcendental experiences without impairing intellect. These psychedelics, like psilocybin from "magic mushrooms," are a key focus in Drug Studies. Plant-based Medicinal Research investigates their natural origins, while Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques illuminate their impact on psychology and psychiatry. Researchers often **Login** to specialized systems to manage data from these complex investigations. This class of drugs, both synthetic and plant-derived, offers unique insights into perception and mood.
Abstract
The hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive drugs, either synthetic or plant products, that produce auditory and/or visual hallucinations as well...
Serotonin 2A Receptor Agonist Binding in the Human Brain with [11C]Cimbi-36
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism – April 30, 2014
Summary
A groundbreaking radioligand, [11C]Cimbi-36, has for the first time successfully imaged serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors in the human brain. This novel serotonin agonist offers a direct measure of receptor activity. Utilizing medical imaging techniques, high brain uptake was observed in 29 healthy volunteers. Further, in 5 subjects, a chemical blocking agent significantly decreased binding, confirming its precise interaction with the 5-HT2A receptor. This advancement in chemistry and neuroscience provides an unprecedented tool to understand serotonin's role in brain function.
Abstract
[ 11 C]Cimbi-36 was recently developed as a selective serotonin 2A (5-HT 2A ) receptor agonist radioligand for positron emission tomography (PET) b...
Psilocybin-Induced Decrease in Amygdala Reactivity Correlates with Enhanced Positive Mood in Healthy Volunteers
Biological Psychiatry – April 26, 2014
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Long-lasting alterations in 5-HT2A receptor after a binge regimen of methamphetamine in mice
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – April 24, 2014
Summary
Methamphetamine binge exposure drastically alters brain function, potentially explaining psychosis. Male ICR mice given MA (4x5mg/kg) showed impaired memory and social behaviors. Neuroscience reveals this exposure increased 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex, a key neurotransmitter receptor. This upregulation enhanced responses to a 5-HT receptor agonist, relevant for Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Understanding these receptor mechanisms and signaling offers new avenues in Psychology and Internal medicine for treating MA-related psychosis, highlighting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
The repeated administration of methamphetamine (MA) to animals in a single-day 'binge' dosing regimen produces damage to dopamine and serotonin ter...
Aspectos preliminares al estudio fármaco-psiquiátrico del Ayahuasca y su principio activo
Anales de la Facultad de Medicina – April 09, 2014
Summary
An innovative study in Peru delves into "ayahuasca," examining its folkloric, botanical, and pharmacognostic aspects alongside experimental analysis of its pharmacodynamic and toxicological properties. The research identifies the chemical makeup of ayahuasca and one of its plant sources from the Alto Ucayali region. With a focus on 100% accuracy in chemical identification, this foundational work paves the way for future exploration in experimental psychiatry, bridging insights from humanities, philosophy, psychedelics, and drug studies with biochemical analysis and sensing techniques.
Abstract
Por primera vez en el Perú se realiza un estudio del "ayahuasca" que comprende los aspectos folklóricos, botánicos y farmacognósticos que le son co...
Was it a vision or a waking dream?
Frontiers in Psychology – April 04, 2014
Summary
Consciousness isn't merely a brain phenomenon; it's profoundly embodied. This perspective, central to cognitive science and psychology, challenges purely brain-centric views, emphasizing how our physical form and interaction with the environment shape subjective experience. Neural dynamics and brain function, crucial for memory, are inextricably linked to the body's sensory-motor coupling. Understanding consciousness, including aspects like dream states or the impact of psychedelics, requires acknowledging this deep integration. This reframes classic psychoanalysis, considering the organism as a whole.
Abstract
GENERAL COMMENTARY article Front. Psychol., 04 April 2014Sec. Consciousness Research Volume 5 - 2014 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00255
Bem-estar subjetivo e qualidade de vida em adeptos de ayahuasca
Psicologia & Sociedade – April 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca enthusiasts report significant subjective well-being, highlighting its potential benefits in personal development and social relationships. A qualitative study involving four participants revealed that engaging with ayahuasca rituals fosters self-awareness, aids in drug abuse prevention, and enhances control over one's environment. Additionally, improved social interactions were noted. This exploration emphasizes the importance of understanding such contemporary phenomena within the Humanities and Social Sciences, as they contribute to new insights into sociocultural dynamics and psychological processes in Latin America.
Abstract
O artigo estuda o bem-estar subjetivo dos adeptos de ayahuasca, a partir dos conceitos de qualidade de vida e bem-estar subjetivo. Discute os estud...
Ayahuasca: el encuentro de dos paradigmas.
Revista de Neuro-Psiquiatría – March 31, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychoactive substance from the Amazon rainforest, is revered by local cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Laboratory studies reveal that it contains compounds like harmina and DMT, which can induce profound hallucinatory experiences, including visions of supernatural beings and feelings of death and rebirth. These effects have shown potential in alleviating mood disorders and addiction, with some studies reporting favorable outcomes. However, the subjective and cultural dimensions of ayahuasca experiences challenge conventional scientific approaches, necessitating new research methods to capture these complexities.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es una liana que crece en la Amazonía y con la cual se prepara una sustancia con potentes propiedades psicoactivas, también denominada...
‘Ecstasy’ as a social drug: MDMA preferentially affects responses to emotional stimuli with social content
Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience – March 27, 2014
Summary
MDMA enhances emotional responses, particularly towards social stimuli. In a study with 101 healthy occasional users, participants received varying doses of MDMA (0, 0.75, and 1.5 mg/kg) and rated their reactions to emotional images. Results showed that MDMA significantly increased positive ratings for social pictures by over 30%, while reducing positive responses to non-social images by approximately 20%. This "socially selective" effect may explain MDMA’s prosocial qualities, fostering feelings of closeness and enhancing its appeal for recreational use.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') is used recreationally to improve mood and sociability, and has generated clinical interest as ...
The preclinical pharmacology of mephedrone; not justMDMAby another name
British Journal of Pharmacology – March 24, 2014
Summary
Mephedrone, a banned stimulant since 2010, may be more addictive than MDMA (ecstasy). In studies with rodents, mephedrone increased locomotor activity and altered body temperature, but these effects were shorter-lived compared to MDMA. Notably, mephedrone does not produce neurotoxic effects on monoamines like MDMA does. It enhances dopamine and serotonin release more significantly than MDMA, with self-administration rates for mephedrone surpassing those of MDMA in various experiments. This highlights its potential for higher abuse liability compared to other similar substances.
Abstract
The substituted β‐keto amphetamine mephedrone (4‐methylmethcathinone) was banned in the UK in A pril 2010 but continues to be used recreationally i...
The natural hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT, component of Ayahuasca, disrupts cortical function in rats: reversal by antipsychotic drugs
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 20, 2014
Summary
A potent hallucinogen from Ayahuasca, 5-MeO-DMT, profoundly disrupts brain function, offering neuroscience insights into Schizophrenia. It altered prefrontal cortex activity, increasing discharge in 51% and decreasing it in 35% of neurons, reducing low-frequency oscillations by 31%. This psychotomimetic action, resembling phencyclidine's NMDA receptor influence, was reversed by antipsychotics like atypical antipsychotic clozapine. Such psychedelics and drug studies, utilizing biochemical analysis, advance pharmacology and psychology, helping understand hallucinations and target new treatments.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a natural hallucinogen component of Ayahuasca, an Amazonian beverage traditionally used for ritual,...