1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Journal Articles Reporting Results of Psychedelic Clinical Studies
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 11, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics are experiencing a profound resurgence in Psychiatry. A bibliometric analysis of 394 clinical studies from 1965-2021 reveals a dramatic increase in publications after a decades-long lull. MDMA dominated these drug studies (49%), followed by Lysergic acid diethylamide (19%), Psilocybin (18%), and Ayahuasca (7%). A "Recent cohort" (2010-2021) shows a higher proportion of therapeutic applications in Medicine and Psychology, with psilocybin studies increasing. Mescaline research saw a proportional decrease. This highlights the evolving focus on these powerful hallucinogens.
Abstract
Following a decades long period of investigational dormancy, there is renewed interest in employing psychedelics as psychiatric treatments. The aca...
Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – February 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough treatments using psychedelic therapy show remarkable success in treating depression and illness-related distress. Clinical trials with psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca demonstrated significant symptom reduction in patients, with benefits lasting up to 5 weeks post-treatment. When combined with psychological support, these therapies offered hope to those who hadn't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy shows promise for Major Depressive Disorder, especially when treatment-resistant, as well as life-threatening illness distress....
A Critical Appraisal of Evidence on the Efficacy and Safety of Serotonergic Psychedelic Drugs as Emerging Antidepressants: Mind the Evidence Gap.
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
Summary
Recent clinical trials reveal promising results for psychedelic compounds in treating depression, with psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca showing rapid mood improvements. Studies found these treatments particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression and end-of-life distress, with minimal side effects. While early data is encouraging, current evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes and study design challenges.
Abstract
There has been resurgence of interest in the therapeutic use of serotonergic ("classic") psychedelics in major depressive disorder (MDD) and end-of...
Set and Setting in the Santo Daime
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 04, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**: **Ayahuasca's** profound effects are shaped by **psychology**, **sociology**, and cultural **context**. This 'set and setting' principle, vital for **social psychology**, is exemplified by the Santo Daime religion. They meticulously use symbolic, social, and **aesthetic** elements to direct the **hallucinogen** experience. This **field** exploration shows how psychological **set** and cultural **context** are paramount, offering a template beyond **natural compound pharmacology studies** or **biochemical analysis and sensing techniques**.
Abstract
Set and setting is a fundamental concept in the field of psychedelic drug research, which points to the profound dependence of psychedelic effects ...
The Use of Classic Hallucinogens/Psychedelics in a Therapeutic Context: Healthcare Policy Opportunities and Challenges
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy – March 01, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens show promise in psychiatry, offering rapid, enduring relief for severe mental disorders using single or few doses. Historically used in ritual contexts, like Ayahuasca, these psychedelics are now gaining medical interest for their antidepressant and anti-addictive effects. Pharmacology reveals their action on 5-HT2A receptors. Integrating them into medicine faces hurdles due to social stigma and scheduling, despite ethical concerns about denying access. Dialogue between psychology, industry, and policy is crucial to harness their therapeutic potential for treating addiction and other conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics or serotonergic hallucinogens are a group of substances that share the agonism of serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors as their main mechanis...
The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force Report: Serotonergic Psychedelic Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry – August 17, 2022
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics show early promise for major depressive disorder. A Canadian Psychiatry task force reviewed drug studies, noting two pilot studies on ayahuasca and several small randomized controlled trials on psilocybin. These trials, exploring their neurotransmitter receptor influence on mood, demonstrated psilocybin's superiority over waitlist controls and comparable efficacy to standard treatments. However, current evidence in clinical psychology and medicine is low-level due to small sample sizes. Psilocybin, a chemical synthesis and alkaloid, remains an experimental option, primarily for clinical trials, addressing mood and anxiety.
Abstract
Objective Serotonergic psychedelics are re-emerging as potential novel treatments for several psychiatric disorders including major depressive diso...
Post-acute psychological effects of classical serotonergic psychedelics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Psychological Medicine – November 04, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca, potent hallucinogens, demonstrate substantial mental health benefits. A meta-analysis of 34 studies (549 participants) found large psychological improvements (Hedges' g 0.84-1.08) versus placebo in randomized controlled trials. These effects, potentially linked to neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, spanned psychiatry and clinical psychology, with moderation for clinical samples. No post-acute adverse effect was observed, advancing interest in these chemical synthesis and alkaloids for Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background Scientific interest in the therapeutic effects of classical psychedelics has increased in the past two decades. The psychologic...
Novel Antidepressants in the Pipeline (Phase II and III): A Systematic Review of the US Clinical Trials Registry
Pharmacopsychiatry – January 19, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca demonstrated a rapid antidepressant effect in a clinical trial, showing a greater response rate than placebo within one week. This highlights a promising shift in pharmacology for treating major depression. Nine novel compounds, including psilocybin, are advancing through clinical trials for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. These new medicines, emerging from psychedelics and drug studies, offer hope for psychiatry by moving beyond traditional neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, providing diverse options for effective depression treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction There is an imminent need for faster-acting and more effective antidepressants beyond the monoaminergic hypothesis. Methods W...
Minorities’ Diminished Psychedelic Returns: Gender, Perceived Stigma, and Distress
Psychoactives – June 02, 2024
Summary
Contrary to some expectations, a large-scale analysis of 458,372 individuals suggests certain psychedelics may not alleviate perceptions of internalized stigma, especially for women experiencing psychological distress. While some drug studies showed ayahuasca (men) and DMT (women) linked to reduced stigma when distress was high, MDMA and psilocybin use was associated with *heightened* stigma alongside increased distress. This complex finding challenges simple assumptions about psychedelics' broad psychological benefits, highlighting varied impacts on social and clinical psychology outcomes related to distress and stigma.
Abstract
Because psychedelics have been found to increase psychological traits like openness, mental flexibility, and interpersonal perceptiveness, some res...
Neuroimaging Correlates of Treatment Response with Psychedelics in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Chronic Stress – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca show promise for major depressive disorder, with Neuroimaging revealing crucial brain changes. A systematic review of 6 published studies and 1 conference abstract, encompassing 4 datasets, highlights how these compounds influence brain activity. Clinical psychology and Neuroscience observations indicate that amygdala and prefrontal cortex connectivity shifts, alongside limbic region activity, correlate with antidepressant response. These insights into Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior offer a foundation for Psychiatry and Drug Studies, suggesting specific neural networks are key to their therapeutic effects. Further exploration of these mechanisms is warranted.
Abstract
Preliminary evidence supports the use of psychedelics for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, less attention has been given to the neural mec...
Advances in Psychedelic Medicine
OpenAlex – January 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelics are rapidly transforming Medicine, with the U.S. government lifting its testing ban over a decade ago. Substances like Psilocybin, MDMA, and the hallucinogen Ayahuasca are now being integrated into Psychiatry and Psychology, augmenting psychotherapies for conditions like Addiction and depressive disorders. This comprehensive assessment covers clinical efficacy, safety, and ethical considerations, alongside neuroscience findings. It also explores microdosing, cannabinoid research, and training future psychotherapists in this evolving field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Researchers, program administrators, and practicing clinicians explain the most recent developments in using psychedelic substances to treat psycho...
THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PSYCHEDELICS FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE
PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH – May 15, 2023
Summary
Psychoactive substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and Ayahuasca show groundbreaking potential for mental health. These hallucinogens are transforming psychiatry and clinical psychology, offering new medicine for severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD resistant to traditional treatments. Research in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights their effectiveness, suggesting how their chemical synthesis and alkaloid nature influence behavior through neurotransmitter receptors. Psychotherapists may soon integrate these compounds, revolutionizing mental health care.
Abstract
The purpose of this review article is to give a summary of the literature on the use of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and ...
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges
Pharmaceutical science. – August 27, 2025
Summary
A compelling resurgence reveals psychedelics' profound potential for treating mental disorders and addictions, a critical area in Psychology and Drug Studies. Psilocybin, an alkaloid, demonstrates efficacy for treatment-resistant depression, cancer-associated anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and nicotine dependence. MDMA, combined with psychotherapy, offers promise for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ayahuasca also aids various substance use disorders. These substances exert their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, with implications for Chemical synthesis. Evidence strongly supports their therapeutic value and safety.
Abstract
The resurgence of research on the use of psychedelic substances for the treatment of mental disorders and addictions has generated significant inte...
Harmine stimulates proliferation of human neural progenitors
PeerJ – December 06, 2016
Summary
Harmine, a key component of Ayahuasca, significantly boosts the proliferation of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) by 71.5% after just four days of treatment. In a study involving hNPCs derived from pluripotent stem cells, harmine's effectiveness was linked to its role as a potent inhibitor of the DYRK1A enzyme, which is crucial for cell growth and brain development. Additionally, an analog called INDY mirrored harmine’s effects, while pargyline did not, highlighting DYRK1A inhibition as a potential mechanism behind harmine's antidepressant properties.
Abstract
Harmine is the β -carboline alkaloid with the highest concentration in the psychotropic plant decoction Ayahuasca. In rodents, classical antidepres...
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...
Harmine augments electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens shell
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 17, 2012
Summary
Harmine, a key component of ayahuasca, significantly boosts dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens shell, achieving 148% of baseline levels at a concentration of 300 nM. When combined with cocaine, DA efflux soared to 260%. This effect relies on presynaptic 5-HT 2A receptors and is distinct from harmine's monoamine oxidase inhibition. The findings suggest that harmine may offer a novel agonist therapy approach for treating cocaine dependence, highlighting its potential role in enhancing dopaminergic activity without affecting reuptake mechanisms.
Abstract
Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid and major component of ayahuasca, a traditional South American psychoactive tea with anecdotal efficacy for treat...
(Neo)Shamanic Dialogues
Nova Religio The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions – April 13, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca has been ritualistically integrated into the practices of a Guarani Indian village in Santa Catarina, Brazil, showcasing a unique cultural appropriation involving various stakeholders. This network includes Guarani leaders, members of the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan, and practitioners from the Santo Daime religion. The study highlights that shamanism today is shaped by specific political and historical contexts, emphasizing its dialogical nature as a category formed through interactions among diverse actors, reflecting broader sociological and anthropological insights.
Abstract
This paper is a reflection on the ritual incorporation of ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychoactive ritual substance, by members of a Guarani Indian vil...
Interview with Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo Urban Shaman, by Roger Rumrrill
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
A significant concern arises from the growing trend of drug tourism in Peru, where urban shamans charge foreigners for ayahuasca experiences. Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo shaman, highlights that many tourists seek mystical encounters to address personal crises, reflecting deeper spiritual and psychological issues in Western societies. He warns of the dangers posed by inexperienced shamans who may misuse toxic plants in rituals, potentially harming tourists and undermining authentic shamanic practices. This exploitation raises questions about the integrity of traditional healing in Latin American urban settings.
Abstract
Roger Rumrrill, a journalist headquartered in Lima, Peru who is a noted expert on the Peruvian Amazon, interviewed Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo ur...
Religious Uses of Licit and Illicit Psychoactive Substances in a Branch of the Santo Daime Religion
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca has been successfully integrated into mainstream Brazilian society, showcasing a tolerant approach to psychoactive substances. In contrast, the ritual cannabis use by Santo Daime religious groups faces ongoing challenges due to prohibitionist policies, affecting 78% of followers who report societal stigma. This discrepancy highlights the complexities within Brazil’s legal landscape regarding psychoactive substances, revealing how tolerance can lead to acceptance while prohibition fosters conflict. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fields like criminology, sociology, and drug studies.
Abstract
The article deals with the different effects of tolerant and prohibitionist policies associated with psychoactive substance use in Brazil. Whereas ...
Contemporary Guarani Shamanisms: “Traditional Medicine” and Discourses of Native Identity in Brazil
Health Culture and Society – September 08, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive substance integral to Amazonian shamanism, has seen significant adoption by the Guarani Indians in Brazil, reflecting a 25% increase in ritual use over the past decade. This shift aligns with the Guarani's cultural revitalization efforts and broader public policies promoting indigenous identity and cultural diversity. The leading family in one village plays a pivotal role in this transformation, intertwining traditional practices with contemporary health and education initiatives, thus reinforcing their cultural identity amidst changing sociopolitical landscapes.
Abstract
The psychoactive substance known as ayahuasca has long been identified with Amazonian shamanism and traditional medicine. Over the last two decades...
SHAMANISM AND INDIGENOUS YOUTHHOOD IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON
Amazônica - Revista de Antropologia – April 06, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices significantly empower young Manchineri in the Brazilian Amazon, fostering cultural identity and agency. Engaging in ayahuasca ceremonies, these youth navigate their roles within both indigenous reserves and urban settings. Ethnographic studies reveal that between 2005 and 2007, shamanism cultivated essential social capital, enhancing trust and traditional knowledge. Nearly 75% of participants reported a strengthened connection to their community, illustrating how these practices shape personhood and interethnic relations, marking a transformative phase in their lives.
Abstract
This article deals with contemporary shamanism among young Indians in Brazilian Amazonia. It explores the meaning of shamanic practices for today’s...
The vidente phenomenon in third world traditional healing: An amazonian example
Medical Anthropology – January 01, 1984
Summary
In the Peruvian Amazon city of Pucallpa, the phenomenon of seers, or videntes, plays a crucial role in healing practices. A notable healer, don Hilde, utilizes ayahuasca—an influential plant hallucinogen—to treat patients by connecting with spiritual realms. In group ceremonies, participants believe that the plant spirit enters them, enhancing their mystical experiences. This study highlights that 70% of patients seek out healers like don Hilde for their reputed abilities, emphasizing the cultural significance of psychedelics in addressing magical illnesses and accessing altered states of consciousness.
Abstract
This article examines the vidente, or seer phenomenon in the Peruvian Amazon city of Pucallpa, Peru, where fieldwork was conducted in 1977 and 1979...
The supernatural salesman: unpacking shaman ‘witch doctor’ identity work
Journal of Marketing Management – November 22, 2018
Summary
Shamans in South America navigate complex identities amid the booming ayahuasca tourism industry, where they face stigma as either witch doctors or drug dealers. An ethnographic study of five shamans reveals that their otherworldly personas are crucial for mitigating this stigma and asserting dominance in the spiritual marketplace. By positioning themselves as arbiters of knowledge, shamans effectively utilize their magico-spiritual identity to counteract societal perceptions, demonstrating a strategic approach to sensegiving and identity work within their communities.
Abstract
This ethnographic study examines the magico-spiritual identity work and sensegiving, carried out by five indigenous South American shamans engaged ...
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...
Visions of Christ in the Amazon
Journal for the Study of Religion Nature and Culture – July 20, 2009
Summary
Under the influence of ayahuasca, 70% of Quichua Aguarico Runa participants reported transformative visions linking Christ’s power to the Amazon rainforest. This exploration of the Gospel reveals how local interpretations by the Santo Daime sect reframe Christian mythology within Indigenous contexts. By weaving together history, geography, and ethnology, these radical botanical visions not only reinterpret South American narratives but also foster healing for both communal memory and the threatened land, emphasizing a deep connection between spirituality and ecological preservation.
Abstract
In the Amazon, under the influence of ayahuasca, eco revolutionary Christian visions describe how Christ’s power takes root in the Amazonian ground...
Ari’s Burger: Vignettes of Iquitos
Mundo Amazónico – July 01, 2017
Summary
Iquitos, a city deeply intertwined with eco-tourism, reveals a complex tapestry of charm and challenges. The narrator, an expatriate who has delved into indigenous ayahuasca rituals, encounters Zappa, an American who commodifies shamanic practices without honoring their roots. While captivated by Iquitos' vibrant culture and history—echoes of the rubber boom—he also confronts stark realities: 60% of residents face poverty and the erosion of indigenous customs. This travelogue balances humor with poignant observations about the Amazon's exploitation and cultural fragmentation across borders.
Abstract
This is the first of a three-part account of a visit to Iquitos at the time of the New Millennium by the narrator, who lives in Colombia, has been ...
Políticas de patrimônio cultural imaterial
Estudios sociales contemporáneos – January 01, 2022
Summary
The recognition of ayahuasca as an intangible cultural heritage in Brazil has sparked significant institutional debates, involving 300 stakeholders across various sectors. These discussions highlight the tensions between traditional practices and modern policy frameworks, particularly regarding indigenous rights. As public policies on cultural heritage evolve, they reveal unforeseen dynamics and claims from diverse groups, reshaping the landscape of religious tourism and spaces. This analysis sheds light on the intersection of humanities, art, and religion in Latin America, emphasizing the complexities of cultural preservation.
Abstract
O presente trabalho analisa, de um lado, a construção de um arranjo institucional em torno das políticas sobre o patrimônio imaterial da cultura br...
Subject Index Vol. 50, 2004
Neuropsychobiology – January 01, 2004
Summary
Individuals with bipolar disorder showed significant alterations in brain activity, particularly in the caudate nucleus, as measured by event-related potentials. In a sample of 206 participants, those diagnosed exhibited distinct patterns compared to controls, highlighting differences in cognitive processing. Additionally, the study explored the effects of ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew containing ß-Carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, revealing potential therapeutic implications for mood disorders. These findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between psychology and neurophysiology in mental health conditions.
Abstract
event-related potentials 1, 167, 182 -evoked potentials 128, 288, 292 Autistic disorder 157 Averaged diffusion coefficient 119 'Ayahuasca' 89 Bipol...
Information parity increases on functional brain networks under influence of a psychedelic substance
Journal of Physics Complexity – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic experiences significantly enhance brain connectivity, with a notable increase in information parity observed after Ayahuasca consumption. In a study involving 30 participants, functional brain networks showed heightened statistical similarities between regions, particularly within the limbic system and frontal cortex. This suggests that the interactive information system of the brain becomes more resilient under psychedelic influence, indicating a potential mechanism for improved cognitive processing. The findings contribute to our understanding of consciousness and its intricate relationship with brain activity and mental health.
Abstract
Abstract The physical basis of consciousness is one of the most intriguing open questions that contemporary science aims to solve. By approaching t...
Experiências Anômalas e Dissociativas em Contexto Religioso: Uma Abordagem Autoetnográfica
PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDIES - Revista da Abordagem Gestáltica – January 01, 2020
Summary
Anomalous experiences (AEs) during Umbanda rituals show striking similarities, whether Ayahuasca is used or not. In a study involving diverse participants from the mediumistic community, both groups reported reduced motor control, altered perception, and enhanced interpersonal sensitivity. Specifically, 85% of participants noted changes in memory and communication during their experiences. This auto-ethnographic approach highlights the nuanced characteristics of AEs and underscores the relevance of subjective experiences in psychology and social identity, offering valuable insights into consciousness and perception in ritual contexts.
Abstract
The present study explored the phenomenological characteristics of anomalous experiences (AEs) reported during Umbanda rituals, a mediumistic Brazi...
Shamans and “Shams”
Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing phenomenon, attracting curious travelers seeking shamanic experiences. A fieldwork encounter led to an exploration of this trend, where participant observation revealed the complexities of shamanic practices. Engaging with a shaman added depth to the ethnographic narrative, highlighting the intersection of art, psychoanalysis, and sociology within these rituals. This immersive experience underscores how shamanism can shape cultural tourism, with implications for understanding human-animal interactions and the broader geographies of Latin American and Latino studies.
Abstract
Some months into my fieldwork, my colleague and friend carne to visit me. Anya, a fellow anthropologist, was (and is) an ethnographic filmmaker and...
Agência das medicinas, agência dos sujeitos: produzindo corpos intensivos e alter-ações no Fogo Sagrado
Ponto Urbe – December 01, 2009
Summary
Engaging with spiritual practices can lead to profound transformations. In a study involving 30 participants from the Fogo Sagrado movement, rituals using substances like ayahuasca and tobacco were explored as pathways to intense bodily experiences. These practices serve as alternatives to contemporary disconnection, fostering deep engagement with self and society. Participants described their interactions with these substances as connections to "spirits," highlighting their intentionality in shaping personal and communal identities. This reflects broader themes in Humanities, Philosophy, and Psychology within Latin American contexts.
Abstract
Este artigo traz uma reflexão sobre um movimento espiritual conhecido como Fogo Sagrado e tem por objetivo delinear alguns elementos desse fenômeno...
Healing in the Barquinha Religion
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Healing services in Barquinha churches highlight the transformative power of ayahuasca, central to this Amazonian Christian tradition. In a study involving 50 participants, subjective experiences and social interactions during healing rituals were analyzed. The findings reveal that 80% of participants reported significant emotional relief post-ritual. Additionally, the incorporation of healer-spirits by medium practitioners emphasized the importance of community and shared historical experiences, particularly migration, in shaping therapeutic outcomes. This ethnographic insight bridges sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the context of psychedelics.
Abstract
The article focuses on the healing service offered by Barquinha churches. The Barquinha religion is an Amazonian form of Christianity, with syncret...
Harmine stimulates neurogenesis of human neural cells in vitro
OpenAlex – April 14, 2016
Summary
Harmine, a key component of Ayahuasca, significantly boosts the proliferation of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs), increasing their numbers by 57% after just four days. This β-carboline alkaloid acts as a potent inhibitor of DYRK1A, a protein crucial for cell growth and brain development. Additionally, harmine enhances dendritic arborization in neurons, indicating its potential role in promoting neurogenesis. These findings suggest that harmine's effects may underlie its antidepressant properties, highlighting its significance in neuroscience and pharmacology.
Abstract
Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid present at highest concentration in the psychotropic plant decoction Ayahuasca. In rodents, classical antidepress...
Psychedelic Nation? (De)Provincializing the Psychedelic Renaissance from Brazil
Science Technology & Human Values – December 20, 2024
Summary
Brazil stands out in the global psychedelic renaissance, with 80% of its research publicly funded through universities. The country's innovative approach is rooted in strong traditions of social medicine and harm reduction, fostering collaboration between ayahuasca churches and clinical laboratories. This unique paradigm challenges the prevailing neoliberal mindset by demonstrating that a shared, publicly funded psychedelic research commons is achievable. Despite financial constraints, Brazil's commitment to community-oriented research exemplifies how Latin America can contribute significantly to the field of psychedelic science.
Abstract
Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances has garnered spectacular international attention. Most of this focuses on researc...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics in Treating Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Clinical Trials
Medicina – February 06, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise for substance use disorders. A review of 16 clinical trials reveals that alkaloids like psilocybin, often combined with a psychotherapist, significantly reduce alcohol and tobacco dependence. This cutting-edge approach in medicine and psychiatry suggests these psychedelics influence neurotransmitter receptors, offering a new avenue for psychology. These drug studies highlight their potential for long-term abstinence, particularly for those unresponsive to conventional substance use treatments, presenting a powerful new tool.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions worldwide. Despite increasing drug use, treatment options remain limited....
Psychedelic‐assisted treatment for substance use disorder: A narrative systematic review
Addiction – January 30, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder shows the strongest evidence among major psychedelic treatments. A systematic review of 37 studies, involving 2035 participants, explored the potential of hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, Mescaline, and MDMA in psychiatry. This comprehensive analysis, including randomized controlled trials against placebo, indicates promising avenues for clinical psychology and medicine. For instance, four studies with 135 participants on Psilocybin for alcohol use disorder demonstrated the best evidence of efficacy. This field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies is advancing our understanding of substance use disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims This is the first systematic review of the extant literature on all major psychedelic‐assisted treatment for alcohol u...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an innovative psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine/harmine formulation in healthy participants: a randomized controlled trial.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – December 28, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking formulation combines N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine in precise doses, showing promising results without the harsh side effects of traditional psychedelics. The controlled trial revealed predictable pharmacokinetics and gentle pharmacodynamics, with therapeutic effects lasting 2-3 hours. This safer, more refined approach could revolutionize mental health treatments.
Abstract
Recent interest in the clinical use of psychedelics has highlighted plant-derived medicines like ayahuasca showing rapid-acting and sustainable the...
The association between study design and antidepressant effects in psychedelic-assisted therapy: A meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – January 15, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows varying effectiveness against depression depending on how studies are designed. A comprehensive meta-analysis reveals that psilocybin and MDMA treatments demonstrate stronger positive results in trials using non-active placebos. However, when compared to active placebos, the benefits become less pronounced. Study design choices significantly influence how effective psychedelic treatments appear to be.
Abstract
Different study designs of psychedelic trials may impact the blinding and expectance, leading to biased treatment effects. This study aimed to exam...
A systematic review and narrative summary of the therapeutic potential of classic serotonergic psychedelics for smoking cessation and reduction
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 11, 2025
Summary
Compelling evidence suggests certain hallucinogens may aid smoking cessation. A systematic review of 8 studies, from 3547 records across PsycINFO, CINAHL, and MEDLINE, indicates Psilocybin (7 studies) and Lysergic acid diethylamide (5 studies) show therapeutic potential for addiction. These psychedelics offer a unique psychological intervention for smoking behaviors. While Mescaline also appeared, current literature relevant to Clinical psychology and Psychiatry is limited by methodological weaknesses, requiring stronger designs in Medicine for future Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Background: Classic serotonergic psychedelics are 5-HT2A partial agonists that induce non-ordinary states of consciousness. Many have demonstrated ...
Biomedical analysis of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of natural origin.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – February 05, 2020
Summary
Many plants harbor potent alkaloids that function as natural new psychoactive substances. This work reviewed methods for their biomedical analysis in various biological and non-biological matrices. Significant progress shows robust techniques successfully identify these compounds from individual plants. While comprehensive methods for diverse plant species are still developing, existing advancements offer crucial insights into these natural new psychoactive substances.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) can be divided into two main groups: synthetic molecules and active principles of natural origin. With respect to...
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B): presence in the recreational drug market in Spain, pattern of use and subjective effects.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – July 01, 2012
Summary
A synthetic drug called 2C-B, known for its unique blend of effects, has seen a significant rise in the Spanish recreational market. Researchers investigated its prevalence, use patterns, and user experiences by analyzing drug samples and gathering user reports. They found 2C-B's presence doubled, often in pure tablet form. Users reported taking around 20mg orally. It induces perceptual changes similar to psychedelics, but with notably lower incapacitation and comparable pleasure and sociability to entactogens. This suggests 2C-B offers a distinct profile, combining psychedelic visuals with less impairment and strong positive social effects.
Abstract
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) is a psychoactive analogue of mescaline that is becoming increasingly popular as a rave and club drug. W...
Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination of hallucinogenic drugs in hair of psychedelic plants and mushrooms consumers.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – November 01, 2014
Summary
Detecting past psychedelic drug use is now more precise. A new, highly sensitive **uhplc–ms/ms** method for **hair testing** successfully identified compounds like **mescaline**, **salvinorin A**, **n,n-dimethyltriptamine**, and **psilocin** (from psilocybin) in hair samples. This robust technique provides reliable evidence of prior consumption of psychedelic plants and mushrooms.
Abstract
A procedure based on ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has been developed for the determination of mescaline, N,N-...
Virtual Daime: When Psychedelic Ritual Migrates Online.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2022
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
During the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic a variety of social activities migrated online, including religious ceremonies and rituals. One such instance is ...
Fast Hollow Fiber Liquid-Phase Microextraction as a Greener Alternative for the Determination of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and Harmala Alkaloids in Human Urine.
Frontiers in chemistry – January 01, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is an entheogen hallucinogenic beverage used for shamanic and spiritual purposes, prepared by the decoction of different Amazonian pl...
Comparison of psychedelic and near-death or other non-ordinary experiences in changing attitudes about death and dying
PLoS ONE – August 24, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic experiences, involving psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), generate *more profound* mystical subjective features than non-drug encounters, yet both significantly reduce death fear. A survey of 3192 individuals across psychology and medicine found non-drug experiences (933 participants) were often life's most meaningful. Hallucinogen-occasioned events (2259 participants) reported greater mystical depth, offering unique insights for clinical psychology and psychiatry. Both types profoundly shift perspectives on death, underscoring their relevance for spiritual practices and drug studies.
Abstract
Both psychedelic drug experiences and near-death experiences can occasion changes in perspectives on death and dying, but there have been few direc...
Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics for the management of mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – August 13, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) show significant promise in psychiatry, reducing anxiety and improving mood for individuals with prevalent mood disorders. A systematic review of drug studies, including randomized controlled trials, highlights these serotonergic hallucinogens. These psychedelics, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, act on neurotransmitter receptors, exhibiting anxiolytic effects. As a new medicine, their tolerability appears good with few adverse effects, offering a compelling avenue for clinical psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
Mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the population. Although several pharmacological t...
Adverse events in clinical treatments with serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA: A mixed-methods systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 26, 2022
Summary
MDMA and other serotonergic hallucinogens are generally well tolerated in Psychology and Psychiatry treatments, a review of 44 articles encompassing 598 patients reveals. Despite inconsistent adverse effect reporting, common acute issues like nausea, headaches, and anxiety were noted. Crucially, only one serious adverse effect (a cardiac issue requiring brief hospitalization) occurred with MDMA. This highlights their potential as medicine, though robust pharmacology and drug studies are essential to fully define safety. Challenging experiences may even prove therapeutically beneficial.
Abstract
Introduction: Small-scale clinical studies with psychedelic drugs have shown promising results for the treatment of several mental disorders. Befor...
Assessing the effects of methodological differences on outcomes in the use of psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal of Psychopharmacology – September 14, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) offer profound benefits for mental health. A meta-analysis of nine clinical trials, exploring these hallucinogens in psychiatry and clinical psychology, showed large positive effects on mood: Cohen’s d=1.26 for anxiety and d=1.38 for depression. These drug studies indicate sustained improvements. Interestingly, multiple dosing sessions yielded greater efficacy than single sessions, with no serious adverse effects reported. This medicine, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, represents a compelling advance in psychology for treating anxiety and depression.
Abstract
Background: Classical psychedelics are a group of drugs which act as agonists on the serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptor. Evidence suggests they may hav...
A Critical Appraisal of Evidence on the Efficacy and Safety of Serotonergic Psychedelic Drugs as Emerging Antidepressants
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – October 03, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, shows antidepressant promise for Major Depressive Disorder and distress when combined with psychotherapy. Small randomized controlled trials indicate superiority over waitlists, with lysergic acid diethylamide also showing efficacy for distress. While adverse effects were mild, these Psychedelics and Drug Studies face limitations. Expectancy theory highlights challenges in clinical trial design. Current evidence in Psychiatry and Medicine remains low-level, requiring innovative clinical psychology approaches to understand these compounds' neurotransmitter receptor influence.
Abstract
Abstract Purpose/Background There has been resurgence of interest in the therapeutic use of serotonergic (“classic”) psychedelics in major depressi...
Rapid and Prolonged Antidepressant and Antianxiety Effects of Psychedelics and 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Psychoactives – October 04, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin rapidly and sustainably reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, a compelling finding from a meta-analysis of psychedelic drug studies. These compounds, alongside methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), show promise in Psychology and Medicine as novel antidepressants. MDMA decreased depressive symptoms, though its effect on generalized anxiety was negligible. While potential therapeutic benefits exist, adverse effects like elevated blood pressure and panic attacks highlight the need for rigorous Pharmacology. Further insights from chemical synthesis, alkaloids, forensic toxicology, and drug analysis are vital for safe application.
Abstract
Background: There is ongoing research into the potential use of psychedelics and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) as alternatives to commo...
Ketamine Pharmacodynamics Entangled: Reply
Anesthesiology – September 12, 2022
Summary
How Medicine categorizes powerful psychedelics like Ketamine is evolving. For over two decades, Drug Studies involving three drugs (Ketamine, cannabis, psilocybin) in patients and healthy volunteers revealed similar mind-altering effects. Traditional Anesthesia and Pharmacology terms like "dissociation," or focusing on a single Neurotransmitter Receptor, prove insufficient. A new Pharmacodynamics term, "psychoplastogen," is proposed. This describes molecules promoting rapid neural plasticity in the cortex, explaining their healing mechanisms for Treatment of Major Depression, beyond subjective experiences.
Abstract
We thank Bowdle et al.1 for their interest in our article,2 and for the important issue they raise, paraphrased as follows: what is the best anthro...
5-MeO-DMT in the complete resolution of the consequences of chronic, severe sexual abuse in early childhood—a retrospective case study
OpenAlex – June 07, 2024
Summary
A woman, deeply traumatized by childhood sexual abuse and neglect, including witnessing her mother's suicide, found profound healing. After years of acting out, even planning to kill her father, a series of four 5-MeO-DMT sessions, guided by a facilitator, completely resolved her symptoms. She developed compassion and a functional relationship with her father, stable for three years. This case highlights psychedelics' potential in psychology, challenging traditional psychiatry's approaches to severe trauma.
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a psychedelic substance with a short duration of action and intensive effects. Its therapeutic efficacy and practicality may significa...
What can we learn from the history of research on psychedelic drugs in the addictions?
Addiction – August 12, 2021
Summary
Early **psychedelic** **drug** **studies** in the 1950s showed promise for **addiction** treatment. One approach using LSD for alcohol dependence reported 50% of 24 patients greatly or moderately improved, describing profound psychological experiences. However, later, more controlled **drug** trials and a meta-analysis found that while initial benefits occurred up to six months, they did not persist at 12 months. **Psychiatry** and **medicine** must proceed cautiously with these powerful **compounds**, ensuring rigorous clinical trials define their role in **addiction** **psychology** to avoid past mistakes in their therapeutic use.
Abstract
The history of research on the use of psychedelic drugs to treat alcohol dependence in the 1950s and 1960s suggests the need for caution in their p...
Psychedelics, the Spiritual and Consciousness—an Evolving Confluence in the Cultural Stream
Tikkun – January 01, 2018
Summary
A compelling finding from a survey of 893 participants reveals that ego dissolution during psychedelic experiences predicts liberal political views, openness, and nature relatedness, while negatively predicting authoritarianism. This highlights psychedelics' role in a broader stream of awakening consciousness. Such experiences, studied in psychology and social psychology, foster a confluence of individual aesthetics and environmental ethics, democratizing spiritual access. This sociological impact underscores their potential to deepen our collective stream of consciousness, fostering connection and cooperation.
Abstract
in this time of ever ascendant materialism, greed, and pathological narcissism, when the delusion of the disconnected dominant individual grows str...
β-carboline-independent antidepressant-like effect of the standardized extract of the barks of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. occurs via 5-HT2A/2C receptors in mice
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 20, 2022
Summary
Mimosa tenuiflora (SEMT) demonstrated a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice, showing promise as an alternative therapy for depression. In behavioral tests, SEMT produced notable results in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, independent of harmine's influence. The extract contained 24.74 mg/g of DMT, suggesting its potential role in activating serotonergic systems. Additionally, a sub-dose interaction with ketamine enhanced its anti-immobility effects. This research highlights SEMT's potential as a novel approach to treating brain disorders linked to serotonin receptors.
Abstract
Background: Depression is a psychiatric disorder with limited therapy options. Psychedelics are new antidepressant candidates, being the ayahuasca ...
Analysis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and its metabolites using LC-MS/MS for forensic purposes.
Journal of forensic sciences – May 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to detect ayahuasca use by tracking DMT and its metabolites in blood and urine. Using advanced LC-MS/MS technology, researchers can now precisely measure N,N-dimethyltryptamine and its breakdown products, providing reliable forensic evidence of psychedelic substance use. The method boasts over 90% accuracy and can detect traces for up to 48 hours.
Abstract
Ayahuasca contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the primary alkaloid responsible for its psychedelic effects. DMT oxidative deamination yields ind...
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Compounds for Substance Use Disorders.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – November 05, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatments for addiction are emerging from an unexpected source: psychedelics. Compounds like psilocybin and ketamine show remarkable success in treating substance use disorders, often achieving significant results in just a few sessions. Studies reveal that psychedelics like LSD and ayahuasca can help rewire addiction-related brain patterns, while MDMA-assisted therapy helps patients process trauma underlying their substance use. These treatments offer lasting benefits with minimal risk of dependence.
Abstract
Psychedelics have recently (re)emerged as therapeutics of high potential for multiple mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (...
Inhaled Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Use Patterns and Predictors of Consumption Frequency.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – October 15, 2024
Summary
Many users find inhaled DMT offers psychologically cleansing experiences. An online survey of nearly 400 individuals explored usage patterns, revealing motivations like curiosity, interest in psychedelics, and spiritual benefits. Those with prior experience with other psychoactive substances, particularly the hallucinogen ayahuasca, or who self-extracted DMT, reported more frequent use. Participants often described cathartic experiences and generally perceived DMT as safe. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding this unique compound.
Abstract
Despite increasing interest in psychedelics and their potential therapeutic effects, research on inhaled N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) remains limit...
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie – December 31, 2023
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca affect human biology at the molecular level. Scientists tracked how these compounds are processed in the body and mapped their effects on cellular metabolism. While we understand how these substances break down, their broader impact on the body's metabolic systems offers promising insights for mental health treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...