4971 results for "Psychedelics"
Rapid onset brain plasticity at novel pharmacologic targets hypothetically drives innovations for rapid onset antidepressant actions.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – March 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Numerous new agents with rapid onset antidepressant effects are entering clinical trials and clinical practice. Studies focus on either first-line ...
Mystical experiences during magnesium-Ibogaine are associated with improvements in PTSD symptoms in veterans.
Journal of affective disorders – November 18, 2025
Summary
Profound "mystical experiences" during Ibogaine-magnesium therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. This unique Ibogaine treatment, administered to 30 veterans, revealed that more intense mystical experiences led to greater, lasting relief from PTSD. These positive outcomes were also linked to sustained decreases in peak alpha frequency, suggesting a brain mechanism for the therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Ibogaine is an atypical psychedelic that evokes unique subjective effects, including mystical experiences. Mystical experiences have shown a mediat...
Neuroticism is associated with challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms.
Personality and individual differences – October 15, 2017
Summary
Ever wonder why reactions to a hallucinogen vary so much? New research highlights that individual differences play a key role. Specifically, higher neuroticism is strongly linked to more intense challenging experiences, often called 'bad trips,' with psilocybin. Analyzing data from nearly 3,000 users revealed a clear pattern: greater neuroticism scores predicted stronger difficult encounters. This understanding is crucial for navigating individual responses.
Abstract
Classic hallucinogens (e.g. psilocybin and LSD) have substantial effects on perception, cognition, and emotion that can often be psychologically ch...
Pivotal mental states
Journal of Psychopharmacology – April 01, 2021
Summary
Our brains hold an inherent capacity for profound psychological transformation. A new model proposes 'pivotal mental states' as hyper-plastic brain conditions enabling rapid, deep learning. These states, evolved for adapting to environmental pressures, can be primed by chronic stress and triggered by acute stress. Serotonin 2A receptor activity, robustly induced by certain compounds, reliably activates this natural system, linking specific brain signaling to enhanced learning and significant personal growth.
Abstract
This paper introduces a new construct, the ‘pivotal mental state’, which is defined as a hyper-plastic state aiding rapid and deep learning that ca...
Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle
Diseño interior – January 01, 2009
Summary
Compelling evidence from rigorous trials indicates MDMA's effectiveness in treating PTSD. Psilocybin also shows significant promise for alleviating depression and cancer-related anxiety. While preliminary findings are encouraging for compounds like LSD and ayahuasca, a substance with deep cultural roots, in addressing other psychiatric disorders, the overall database isn't yet sufficient for routine FDA approval. Continued investigation into these compounds is warranted.
Abstract
Randomized clinical trials support the efficacy of MDMA in the treatment of PTSD and psilocybin in the treatment of depression and cancer-related a...
Serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2c and 5-HT1A receptor involvement in the acute effects of psilocybin in mice. In vitro pharmacological profile and modulation of thermoregulation and head-twich response
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – August 29, 2022
Summary
A 5HT2AR antagonist completely suppressed psilocybin-induced head-twitch responses (max 17.07 at 1 mg/kg) in mice, revealing key pharmacology. Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, acts via its active metabolite, psilocin, as a serotonin receptor agonist, showing similar binding affinities (79-311 nM) to 5-HT receptors, including the 5-HT1A receptor. Psilocybin's chemistry also impacted body temperature, raising it by 0.67 °C at 0.125 mg/kg, but decreasing it by 1.31 °C at higher doses. A 5HT1AR receptor antagonist reversed this decrease, illuminating neurotransmitter receptor influence.
Abstract
The psychedelic 5-HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) agonist psilocybin (or the active metabolite psilocin) has emerged as potential useful drug for various ne...
Psilocybin biphasically modulates cortical and behavioral activity in mice
OpenAlex – January 20, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, dramatically reshapes how the brain processes sound. Neuroscience reveals a 2 mg/kg dose initially boosts activity in the auditory cortex, boosting behavioral responses to stimulus. However, 30 minutes later, mice become less active, and sound responses decrease, while neural "noise" increases. Intriguingly, neuronal selectivity for sounds remains stable. This work illuminates how psilocybin modulates intrinsic versus stimulus-driven activity in the sensory system, potentially explaining hallucinations without disrupting core perception, with implications for areas like the visual cortex and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
SUMMARY Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic believed to have therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric conditions. Despite well-documented pr...
Psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy for refractory motor functional neurological disorder: protocol for a randomised dose-comparison pilot study
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – November 04, 2025
Summary
A novel approach is being tested to address motor functional neurological disorder (FND), a common and disabling condition currently lacking effective drug treatments. Twenty-four participants with refractory FND will be randomized 1:1 into two groups: one receiving 15 mg psilocybin with movement tasks during the drug's effects, and another receiving 25 mg psilocybin alone. All participants receive eight physiotherapy sessions. This pioneering effort aims to assess the treatment's safety, practicality, and potential to alleviate symptoms, improve motor function, and enhance quality of life. Findings will inform larger investigations into this promising therapeutic direction.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Motor functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common illness associated with significant functional impairment. There are ...
The Rise, Decline, and Fall of LSD
Perspectives in biology and medicine – June 01, 1991
Summary
The urge to transcend self, a core human appetite, led to LSD's profound societal impact after its 1943 discovery. This echoes the Fall of man, where humanity seeks lost spiritual connection. Ancient cultures, as seen in the 3,500-year-old Rig-Veda, integrated natural psychoactive agents into their Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices. LSD temporarily changed America's "brainscape" by the late 1960s, initially explored for medical uses. However, its widespread public use for instant spiritual experiences led to a 1965 ban, underscoring the complex quest for transcendence.
Abstract
THE RISE, DECLINE, AND FALL OF LSD ROBERT F. ULRICH and BERNARD M. PATTEN* The urge to transcend self-conscious selfhood is ... a principal appetit...
Collective Voices of Healing: Psilocybin Discourse and Meaning-Making on Reddit
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – November 18, 2025
Summary
Analyzing over 19,000 Reddit posts across 40 psychology-related topics reveals trauma as the dominant psychological distress, accounting for the highest engagement from 400,000+ upvotes and comments. This widespread emotional distress, including unmet needs for healing and grief, highlights a significant societal burden. Psilocybin, within frameworks like The Magic Church, offers potential. Such structured practices align with evidence for emotional regulation and meaning-making, suggesting a role for ethically guided approaches addressing public mental health and social psychology.
Abstract
This research brief analyzes over 19,000 Reddit posts across 40 psychology-related topics to identify the dominant mental-health struggles expresse...
Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study
Alzheimer s & Dementia – December 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a medicine for cognitive decline, shows promising tolerability. A pilot clinical trial with two aMCI patients (50% male) and three healthy controls (67% male) found 25mg psilocybin doses, versus placebo, well-tolerated. No serious adverse effects occurred; minor issues like dizziness (n=4) resolved. Neuroscience and psychiatry animal studies suggest psilocybin enhances cognition and cognitive flexibility through effects on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. A randomized controlled trial will explore its neuropsychology, contrasting with treatments like galantamine or memantine.
Abstract
Abstract Background Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is characterized by synaptic loss and cognitive decline and is considered a precursor...
Preclinical models of antipsychotic drug action
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – June 10, 2013
Summary
Hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and Psilocybin, alongside dissociative drugs such as Phencyclidine (PCP), offer crucial insights into Schizophrenia, a critical neuroscience and psychiatry focus. These drugs induce psychosis, mirroring symptoms. Pharmacology and drug studies reveal their mechanism of action involves specific metabotropic glutamate receptors and other metabotropic receptors. Understanding this neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is vital for developing new antipsychotic medicine. Such biochemical analysis informs medicine and psychiatry, advancing our understanding of Schizophrenia's neurobiology and future treatments.
Abstract
Abstract One of the main obstacles faced by translational neuroscience is the development of animal models of psychiatric disorders. Behavioural ph...
Single-dose DMT reverses anhedonia and cognitive deficits via restoration of neurogenesis in a stress-induced depression model.
Translational psychiatry – January 29, 2026
Summary
A single dose of DMT (30 mg/kg) rapidly reversed depressive behaviors and restored cognitive function in a mouse model of depression, outperforming chronic fluoxetine across most measures. Administered after stress, it fully reversed symptoms. When given during stress, it mitigated depressive responses but not cognitive issues. DMT significantly boosted the integration of new brain cells, suggesting it actively repairs brain circuits. This positions DMT as a promising, fast-acting antidepressant targeting structural brain repair.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with current treatments limited by delayed onset and low efficacy....
Psilocybin and Bipolar Depression: Promise and Prudence.
CNS drugs – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, shows early promise for bipolar depression, a challenging condition affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide. Initial investigations involving 19 individuals with bipolar II disorder reveal encouraging results, suggesting a potential rapid-acting treatment where current options often fall short. However, careful investigation is crucial due to limited evidence and significant safety concerns, including potential mood switching and medication interactions. Rigorous research is essential to establish psilocybin's safety and effectiveness, particularly for bipolar I disorder and long-term outcomes, before broader application.
Abstract
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 40 million individuals worldwide, with depression being the most prominent phase of the illness. Owing to li...
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) promotes social behavior through mTORC1 in the excitatory neurotransmission
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – January 25, 2021
Summary
Repeated doses of LSD significantly enhance social behavior (SB) in male mice, demonstrating a 50% increase in interaction after seven days of treatment. This effect is linked to the drug's ability to potentiate excitatory neurotransmission via AMPA and 5-HT 2A receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Importantly, inhibiting mPFC excitatory neurons nullifies LSD’s prosocial effects. The findings suggest that LSD’s action on mTORC1 signaling in glutamatergic neurons could be pivotal for developing therapies targeting social behavior deficits in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Abstract
Clinical studies have reported that the psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) enhances empathy and social behavior (SB) in humans, but its m...
A low dose of lysergic acid diethylamide decreases pain perception in healthy volunteers
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 25, 2020
Summary
A dose of 20 µg of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly enhanced pain tolerance during a Cold Pressor Test, allowing participants to withstand cold water for longer while reducing their perceived pain and discomfort. In a study involving 24 healthy volunteers, this low dose produced noticeable analgesic effects without inducing profound mind-altering experiences. While LSD slightly increased blood pressure and levels of anxiety and dissociation, it showcased potential as a safe pain management option, inviting further exploration in clinical settings.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is an ergot alkaloid derivative with psychedelic properties that has been implicated in the management...
Reflections on crafting an ayahuasca community guide for the awareness of sexual abuse
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 20, 2020
Summary
An alarming aspect of ayahuasca use is the potential for sexual abuse, highlighted by the development of guidelines aimed at raising awareness in various settings. With a focus on the Chacruna Institute's efforts, the guidelines address the complexities of creating educational resources that emphasize that abuse is never the victim's fault. In light of increasing global interactions involving ayahuasca—often consumed by diverse groups—the need for these guidelines is urgent. Collaborative creation faced challenges, yet aims to inform about common abuse scenarios while promoting survivor support.
Abstract
This article reflects upon the conception and development of a set of guidelines for the awareness of sexual abuse in ayahuasca settings, an assort...
Application of machine learning and complex network measures to an EEG dataset from ayahuasca experiments
PLoS ONE – December 16, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian blend, shows promise as a therapy for neurological and mental disorders. In a study using EEG data from 100 participants, machine learning techniques achieved up to 92% accuracy in detecting brain activity changes related to ayahuasca consumption. Notably, the frontal and temporal lobes were most activated, with significant connections identified at F3 and PO4. These findings suggest altered cognitive processes during visual hallucinations and may provide insights into therapeutic mechanisms relevant to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a blend of Amazonian plants that has been used for traditional medicine by the inhabitants of this region for hundreds of years. Furth...
A Single Dose Of Ayahuasca Modulates Salivary Cortisol In Treatment-Resistant Depression
OpenAlex – January 31, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential as a rapid antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, affecting about 30% of patients. In a trial involving 40 participants, including both treatment-resistant individuals and healthy volunteers, those who ingested ayahuasca exhibited a significant increase in awakening salivary cortisol levels compared to placebo recipients. After 48 hours, the cortisol response in treated patients aligned with that of healthy controls, suggesting ayahuasca's ability to modulate stress hormones may play a crucial role in its antidepressant effects.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Major depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting about 350 million people, and around 30% of the patients are resistant to ...
Acute antidepressant effect of ayahuasca in juvenile non-human primate model of depression
OpenAlex – January 25, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a powerful antidepressant, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. In a study involving common marmosets subjected to 60 days of social isolation, those treated with ayahuasca exhibited significant improvements in behavior and physiological markers. Specifically, male marmosets experienced reduced stereotypic scratching and increased feeding, alongside a return to baseline cortisol levels within 24 hours. The effects persisted for 14 days, suggesting ayahuasca may surpass traditional antidepressants like nortriptyline in efficacy. This highlights its potential role in addressing juvenile depression.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The incidence of major depression in adolescents, aged between 15 to 18 years, reaches approximately 14%. Usually, this disorder presents ...
Potential therapeutic use of ayahuasca: A literature review
Acta Amazonica – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating depression and anxiety, with literature from 2012 to 2022 highlighting its therapeutic effects. Out of the reviewed studies, over 60% focused on these mental health issues, while others explored its impact on chemical dependency and Parkinson's disease. The decoction, derived from Amazonian plants, contains psychoactive compounds like DMT and β-carbolines that interact with serotonin receptors, creating profound neurochemical effects. However, concerns about potential toxicity and reproductive impacts underscore the need for further investigation into its safety and mechanisms.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a psychoactive decoction originally used in indigenous Amazonian culture. It consists of a dense brown liquid that most frequ...
Ayahuasca characterization, metabolism in humans, and relevance to endogenous N,N-dimethyltryptamines
OpenAlex – June 08, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca, an Amazonian tea, contains key alkaloids like harmine and DMT, which can induce profound hallucinogenic experiences. In a study involving liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, tetrahydroharmine was identified as the most abundant component in ayahuasca samples, followed by harmine and DMT. Notably, less than 1% of the administered DMT was found in urine or blood plasma after consumption. This innovative method enables detailed biochemical analysis of ayahuasca and its metabolites, paving the way for future studies in pharmacology and toxicology.
Abstract
Ayahuasca denotes an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains beta-carboline (b-carboline) alkaloids, ch...
Manfaat dan Kandungan Kacang Kara Benguk (Mucuna pruriens L.) sebagai Obat Herbal
OpenAlex – August 11, 2016
Summary
Mucuna pruriens, or peanut velvet bean, shows significant promise as a medicinal herb. Packed with high protein content, it can be transformed into nutritious tempe surly, an energy source. This plant boasts compounds like levodopa, which acts as an aphrodisiac and may aid those with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it contains various alkaloids and antioxidants that can reduce stress and enhance antioxidant activity. With its diverse applications in traditional medicine and food science, Mucuna pruriens could play a vital role in health and wellness.
Abstract
Abstract. Peanut velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) is an herbal plant in Indonesia as a potential drug. Nuts velvet bean has a high protein content,...
Molecular Docking, MM-GBSA, and Molecular Dynamics Approach: 5-MeO-DMT Analogues as Potential Antidepressants
Archives of Razi Institute – April 04, 2023
Summary
A promising avenue for treating major depression involves 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), which enhances serotonin levels and improves life satisfaction while reducing anxiety. In a study utilizing 70,000 analogues of 5-MeO-DMT, 14 compounds demonstrated superior binding affinity to the 5-HT1AR receptor compared to standard 5-MeO-DMT, with binding affinities ranging from -11.41 to -6.53 kcal/mol versus -7.75 kcal/mol for 5-MeO-DMT. Additionally, 18 compounds exhibited better binding free energy than the standard (-41.42 kcal/mol), indicating potential for effective antidepressant development.
Abstract
Since depression is a common mental illness affecting an estimated 5% of people worldwide, investigators are encouraged to develop effective antide...
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 ...
The antidepressant effects of vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: a preliminary report in treatment-resistant depression
OpenAlex – January 04, 2024
Summary
Vaporized DMT shows promise for treating treatment-resistant depression, with 83.33% of six participants responding positively after just one day. In a Phase 2a clinical trial, patients experienced a significant decrease in depression severity, with a mean reduction of 22 points on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale by Day 7 and 17 points by one month. Remarkably, 66.67% maintained their response at one month, while half sustained remission. These findings highlight DMT's potential as a rapid-acting antidepressant in psychiatric care.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine contained in the indigenous ayahuasca brew has sho...
MDMA (Ecstasy) and the Rave: A Review
PEDIATRICS – October 01, 1997
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, has been linked to at least 58 fatalities, primarily due to severe heat-related complications. Among American adolescents, 24% reported MDMA use in a Tulane University survey, surpassing both LSD and cocaine. In the UK, 8% of 15- and 16-year-olds used MDMA, while 5% of U.S. teens admitted to its use in 1996. Despite its perceived safety, MDMA can cause serious adverse effects like hyperthermia and cardiac issues, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education about its risks.
Abstract
The drug 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as "ecstasy," is a "designer" drug that is becoming popular with American adolescents...
Can MDMA Play a Role in the Treatment of Substance Abuse?
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – June 01, 2013
Summary
MDMA may offer new hope for treating substance abuse disorders, with early investigations showing that 60% of participants reduced or eliminated substance use after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. This compound enhances feelings of interpersonal closeness and prosocial behavior, potentially aiding recovery. Notably, subjects in clinical studies did not seek out ecstasy post-treatment, testing negative during follow-ups. While concerns about MDMA's abuse potential exist, it may address neuropharmacological issues related to addiction, suggesting a promising avenue for future therapeutic interventions in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
A wider array of treatments are needed for people with substance abuse disorders. Some psychedelic compounds have been assessed as potential substa...
LSD microdosing in major depressive disorder: results from an open-label trial
Neuropharmacology – November 05, 2025
Summary
Microdosing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows potential in treating major depressive disorder, with a notable 59.5% reduction in depression scores after an 8-week regimen among 19 participants. This open-label trial involved individuals primarily on antidepressants, who took 16 doses at home, starting with 8 μg. No serious adverse events were reported, and all participants attended scheduled visits. Improvements were also observed in anxiety and quality of life, suggesting microdosed LSD may be a safe and feasible option for managing moderate depression.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 5 % of the global population. Classic psychedelics have shown promise in treating various men...
The Psychological Support Model in Psilocybin Research: Psychotherapy in Disguise?
Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice – January 14, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin treatments paired with genuine psychotherapy show promise for improving clinical outcomes, as evidenced by a strong therapeutic alliance correlating with better results in 75% of cases. The Compass Psychological Support Model (CPSM) integrates psychoeducation and psychological support through three phases: preparation, administration, and integration. Key principles emphasize trust, present-moment focus, and client autonomy. Emotional breakthroughs during sessions have been linked to a significant effect size of 0.85, highlighting the importance of psychological frameworks in enhancing psilocybin therapy's efficacy and patient outcomes.
Abstract
A key distinction among clinical trials on psilocybin treatments, for example, those targeting depression, has been whether the psilocybin dosing s...
Oregon's Emerging Psilocybin Services Workforce: A Survey of the First Legal Psilocybin Facilitators and Their Training Programs
OpenAlex – March 11, 2026
Summary
Oregon's psilocybin facilitator training programs are shaping an emerging workforce, with 16 active programs averaging $9,359 in tuition. Among 106 surveyed facilitators, many already held healthcare licenses and reported moderate-to-severe financial strain from training costs. Most expressed satisfaction with their education, while planning to charge an average of $1,388 per session. Specializations included trauma and mental disorders. Notably, half of the programs offered diversity scholarships, highlighting efforts to create an inclusive workforce in this evolving public health sector.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: New legal frameworks for supervised psychedelic services are emerging, with Oregon and Colorado implementing programs to train and lice...
Ibogaine induces juvenile-like plasticity and modulates functional and structural regulators of plasticity in the adult mouse visual cortex
OpenAlex – December 18, 2025
Summary
Ibogaine has the potential to rejuvenate neuroplasticity in the adult visual cortex, akin to juvenile levels. In a study with adult mice (n=40), ibogaine treatment (40 mg/kg) combined with four days of monocular deprivation significantly reduced visual acuity and dendritic spine density in the deprived eye. Notably, ibogaine diminished perineuronal nets and parvalbumin-positive interneurons, which typically inhibit plasticity. These findings suggest that ibogaine may facilitate therapeutic effects by re-establishing adaptability in the visual system, challenging traditional views on adult neural rigidity.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Psychedelics have emerged as powerful modulators of neural plasticity, yet whether the atypical psychedelic ibogaine can enhan...
Ibogaine/Noribogaine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature.
Current neuropharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Naturally occurring psychedelics like ibogaine are being explored for their potential to combat addiction. A systematic review investigated ibogaine's anti-addictive effects and safety profile. Analyzing existing literature, the review found that ibogaine, and its metabolite noribogaine, show promise in treating substance use disorder. Notably, this psychedelic appears effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and supporting recovery from addiction. While some safety considerations were noted, the positive results highlight its potential in addressing substance use challenges.
Abstract
Ibogaine and noribogaine are psychedelic substances with dissociative properties naturally occurring in plants of the Apocynaceae family. Research ...
Acute psilocybin and ketanserin effects on cerebral blood flow: 5-HT2AR neuromodulation in healthy humans.
Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism – February 26, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin reduces brain blood flow by 11.6% during peak effects, offering insights into how psychedelics affect brain function. Using arterial spin labelling MRI, researchers compared psilocybin with ketanserin (a blocking agent) in healthy volunteers. Psilocybin significantly narrowed the internal carotid artery and decreased cerebral blood flow, while ketanserin showed minimal effects. These findings help explain how psychedelics influence brain activity.
Abstract
Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, is a psychedelic and agonist at the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) that has shown positive therapeu...
Pharmacological characterization of cannabidiol as a negative allosteric modulator of the 5-HT2A receptor.
Cellular signalling – March 01, 2025
Summary
CBD could help manage psychedelic effects: Scientists discovered that cannabidiol selectively blocks certain brain receptor interactions triggered by LSD and similar compounds. This finding explains how CBD might reduce hallucinations while preserving potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic treatments, offering a promising path for safer mental health therapies.
Abstract
Promising clinical evidence suggests that psychedelic compounds, like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), have therapeutic value for treatment of psy...
A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – December 28, 2022
Summary
Groundbreaking advances in synthetic chemistry are making psychedelic compounds from Psilocybe mushrooms more accessible for clinical research. Scientists have developed efficient methods to create psilocybin and psilocin, the key therapeutic tryptamines, in labs rather than extracting them from fungi. These synthetic pathways combine traditional techniques with modern catalytic processes, enabling wider study of these promising compounds.
Abstract
Psychedelics are used for various pathologies of the central nervous system and are currently the subject of much research, some of which relates t...
Ibogaine administration following repeated morphine administration upregulates myelination markers 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA and protein expression in the internal capsule of Sprague Dawley rats.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising finding reveals that a psychedelic medicine could help repair brain damage from addiction. Researchers explored how ibogaine might address white matter issues often seen in opioid use disorder. Using rats, they found that after opioid exposure, ibogaine significantly boosted markers for myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This suggests ibogaine helps oligodendrocytes repair white matter, offering a new mechanism for treating opioid use disorder and highlighting its potential as a psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid being investigated as a possible treatment for opioid use disorder. Ibogaine has a multi-receptor profile with a...
Timothy Leary's mid-career shift: clean break or inflection point?
Journal of the history of the behavioral sciences – January 01, 2012
Summary
Timothy Leary, despite his iconic counterculture image, maintained deeper ties to psychology than commonly believed. A fresh look at his entire career reveals his psychedelic explorations were an evolution, not a clean break from the field. This continuity suggests his contributions merit greater recognition in psychology's history, showcasing his lasting intellectual impact.
Abstract
The psychologist Timothy Leary (1920-1996), an iconic cultural figure in the United States in the 1960s and afterward, has received comparatively s...
DPT as an Adjunct in Brief Psychotherapy with Cancer Patients
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying – February 01, 1980
Summary
For cancer patients experiencing psychological distress, a novel therapeutic approach shows promise. A pilot project combined brief verbal therapy with a single session of DPT, a short-acting psychedelic drug. Thirty patients participated over four weeks, receiving about twelve hours of conventional interaction plus the drug-assisted session. Data analysis revealed this combined therapy significantly enhanced their quality of life, offering a positive outlook for future interventions.
Abstract
Thirty cancer patients suffering from psychological distress participated in a pilot project of individual psychotherapy that offered – over a four...
Humphry Fortescue Osmond (1917-2004), a radical and conventional psychiatrist: The transcendent years.
Journal of medical biography – February 01, 2016
Summary
Humphry Osmond, the psychiatrist who coined "psychedelic" and introduced Aldous Huxley to mescaline, pioneered radical approaches in Canadian psychiatry. Faced with limited treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and alcoholism, Osmond explored innovative methods. He championed hallucinogens to better understand psychotic patients, attracting international attention for his unique contributions to mental health.
Abstract
This article describes the life and work of the psychiatrist Humphry Osmond who pursued a radical path as a psychiatrist while he remained within t...
The origin of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, STP).
Drug testing and analysis – December 01, 2024
Summary
The 1967 street appearance of the powerful psychedelic DOM, distributed by Owsley, posed significant risks for chemist Alexander Shulgin. This psychotomimetic compound, initially envisioned for psychotherapeutic applications, became notorious. Yet, its complex history unexpectedly spurred improved drug crisis responses and advanced molecular neuroscience, revealing positive impacts from a controversial past.
Abstract
The story of the 1967 appearance of the powerful psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, STP) commonly omits details and often includes...
MDMA-assisted therapy: A new treatment model for social anxiety in autistic adults.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – January 04, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, MDMA has been safely administered to over 1133 individuals in research, showing rare, non-life-threatening side effects. This opens new avenues for treating social anxiety in adults with Autism. A novel approach explores using MDMA, a psychedelic often known as Ecstasy, alongside psychotherapy. This model aims to foster openness and introspection, helping autistic individuals improve social adaptability. Unlike daily medications, infrequent MDMA sessions offer lasting benefits, potentially providing a significant advantage for addressing social anxiety and related distress. The positive safety profile supports developing this promising new treatment.
Abstract
The first study of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for the treatment of social anxiety in autistic adults commenced in th...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sublingual microdosed lysergic acid diethylamide in healthy adult volunteers.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 18, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking study reveals that microdosing LSD produces measurable effects in the body even at very low doses. Scientists tracked how the psychedelic compound moves through and affects the body (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) when taken sublingually. Results showed peak concentrations occur within 90 minutes, with subtle physiological changes lasting about 3 hours.
Abstract
Microdosing is the practice of taking psychedelic drugs at doses that produce no or minimal perceptible subjective or behavioural effects. This stu...
Does LSD confer lasting psychological resilience? an investigation of naturalistic users experiencing job loss.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
Contrary to popular beliefs about psychedelics building mental resilience, LSD users may actually face greater psychological challenges during difficult life events. Analysis of over 5 million unemployed individuals revealed that those who used LSD before losing their jobs experienced more severe psychological distress afterward, even when accounting for demographic factors. These findings challenge current assumptions about psychedelics' protective effects on mental health.
Abstract
Recent studies on classic psychedelics have suggested that their use is associated with psychological strengths and resilience, thereby conferring ...
Structural characterization and comparative analysis of polymorphic forms of psilocin (4-hy-droxy-N,N-di-methyl-tryptamine).
Acta crystallographica. Section E, Crystallographic communications – May 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have uncovered new details about psilocin, the active compound that gives magic mushrooms their psychedelic effects. Two distinct crystal forms of this molecule exist, each with unique structural arrangements. Using variable-temperature diffraction techniques, researchers revealed how these forms differ in their molecular bonds and shapes. Form II features an interesting self-folding structure, while Form I creates layered patterns. These findings advance our understanding of how polymorphism affects psychedelic compounds.
Abstract
The title compound, C12H16N2O, is a hy-droxy-substituted mono-amine alkaloid, and the primary metabolite of the naturally occurring psychedelic com...
Analytical and behavioral characterization of 1-dodecanoyl-LSD (1DD-LSD).
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered that 1DD-LSD, a new variant of the classic psychedelic LSD, shows promise but with unique properties. This compound belongs to a growing family of new psychoactive substances being studied for their effects. Testing in mice revealed it triggers the characteristic head-twitch response, but requires 27 times more substance than LSD to achieve similar effects. The longer molecular structure may explain its reduced potency.
Abstract
1-Acetyl-N,N-diethyllysergamide (1A-LSD, ALD-52) was first synthesized in the 1950s and found to produce psychedelic effects similar to those of LS...
The effect of casing and gypsum on the yield and psychoactive tryptamine content of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer.
Fungal biology – February 01, 2024
Summary
Growing magic mushrooms more effectively could be key to meeting rising medical demand. New research shows that adding a peat moss layer and gypsum supplement to P. cubensis cultivation dramatically improves yields. This method increased mushroom production fourfold while maintaining high levels of psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds, potentially benefiting both therapeutic applications and sustainable fungi cultivation.
Abstract
Psychedelic fungi have experienced a surge in interest in recent years. Most notably, the fungal secondary metabolite psilocybin has shown tremendo...
Assessing expectancy and suggestibility in a trial of escitalopram v. psilocybin for depression.
Psychological medicine – June 01, 2024
Summary
Patient expectations surprisingly don't predict outcomes for psychedelic therapy. In a head-to-head comparison of psilocybin versus the SSRI escitalopram for depression, researchers found that while positive expectations about antidepressants improved their effectiveness, expectations about psilocybin didn't impact its therapeutic benefits. However, people who were naturally more suggestible responded better to psychedelic treatment.
Abstract
To investigate the association between pre-trial expectancy, suggestibility, and response to treatment in a trial of escitalopram and investigation...
Shared functional connectome fingerprints following ritualistic ayahuasca intake.
NeuroImage – January 01, 2024
Summary
Brain patterns are as unique as fingerprints, but ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, temporarily alters these neural signatures. Using high-resolution fMRI scans, researchers tracked brain connectivity in 21 religious practitioners during ceremonial ayahuasca use. The findings revealed that individual brain connectome patterns became more similar across participants, while still predicting personal experiences. This suggests psychedelics can create shared neural states while preserving individual differences.
Abstract
The knowledge that brain functional connectomes are unique and reliable has enabled behaviourally relevant inferences at a subject level. However, ...
Psychological and physiological effects of extended DMT.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2024
Summary
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic found in ayahuasca, can now be safely administered for extended periods. Researchers found that combining initial and continuous doses maintains altered consciousness states for 30 minutes, while anxiety levels stay low. The serotonin-affecting compound showed promising safety profiles, with heart rates stabilizing quickly despite sustained psychedelic effects.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic that induces a rapid and transient altered state of consciousness when inhaled or inject...
Ligand-Free Signaling of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Genetics.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – August 31, 2023
Summary
Cell receptors can remain active even after drugs leave the system, similar to a light switch stuck in the "on" position. This discovery explains why some medications, like psychedelics and opioids, have lasting effects. When drugs like LSD bind to brain receptors (GPCRs), they can trigger persistent activity that continues after the drug is gone. This mechanism may explain opioid dependence and the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous sensors and regulators of cellular functions. Each GPCR exists in complex aggregates with multip...
Changes in mental health, wellbeing and personality following ayahuasca consumption: Results of a naturalistic longitudinal study.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Traditional Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies show promising effects on mental wellness. Participants reported significant drops in depression, anxiety, and substance use one month after their first ceremony. The psychedelic therapy also boosted self-efficacy, improved personality traits like openness, and enhanced relationships. Those with higher initial emotional struggles showed the strongest positive changes.
Abstract
Background: Naturalistic and placebo-controlled studies suggest ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic beverage originating from Indigenous Amazonian trad...
MDMA-assisted therapy: challenges, clinical trials, and the future of MDMA in treating behavioral disorders.
CNS spectrums – January 30, 2025
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise, with 67% of PTSD patients no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after treatment. This novel therapeutic innovation combines psychotherapy with carefully administered MDMA in clinical settings. FDA breakthrough status has accelerated research, as mounting evidence shows effectiveness for behavioral disorders and mental health conditions. Current drug regulations are evolving to accommodate this psychedelic research renaissance.
Abstract
This chapter explores the complex and controversial path of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ...
The conceptual framework for the therapeutic approach used in phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise for treating post-traumatic stress disorder by combining psychedelic medicine with trauma-informed care. This approach uniquely emphasizes the patient's inner healing intelligence, allowing them to guide their own recovery while therapists provide support. The treatment pairs traditional psychotherapy with three MDMA sessions, creating a non-pathologizing environment where patients safely process trauma and achieve lasting healing.
Abstract
Results from multiple recent studies support further evaluation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in conjunction with psychotherapy (i.e....
Safety, tolerability and subjective effects of vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – June 17, 2025
Summary
Vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) offers a uniquely brief, intense psychedelic experience, prompting interest in its clinical potential. A randomized, placebo-controlled study, the first of its kind for inhaled n,n-dimethyltryptamine, involved 25 healthy participants in a clinical trial. It confirmed that 60mg dmt safely induced profound altered states of consciousness. Physiological changes were transient and within safe limits, and any adverse events were mild. This well-tolerated compound shows significant promise for future therapeutic applications, potentially for mood disorders.
Abstract
Vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has a short duration and simple application, prompting this technique as a new approach for psychedelics' cl...
Hallucinogens and redemption.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2002
Summary
Hallucinogens like ayahuasca are showing promise in helping individuals overcome addiction. A model examining religious and clinical applications worldwide suggests these substances can facilitate freedom from alcohol and opiate dependence, restoring community function. Drawing on data from the U.S., Brazil, Peru, and West Africa, the findings highlight psychological suggestibility and neurochemical mechanisms that successfully enable individuals to achieve abstinence goals.
Abstract
This article examines drug substitution with regard to hallucinogens (ayahuasca, ibogaine, peyote and LSD) set within the concept of redemption. Th...
Psilocybin alters visual contextual computations.
Nature communications – November 21, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin fundamentally shifts how the brain processes visual context, offering a clearer understanding of its effects. Using visual illusions, advanced brain imaging, and computer models, researchers investigated how psilocybin alters perception and brain dynamics. They discovered it changes how people perceive contextual visual cues and modifies brain responses. This highlights that altering contextual computations is a key mechanism underlying psychedelic action.
Abstract
Psilocybin alters perception and brain dynamics. Here, we investigate the effects of psilocybin using psychophysics, ultra-high field functional MR...
Psilocybin induces spatially constrained alterations in thalamic functional organizaton and connectivity.
NeuroImage – October 15, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin profoundly alter perception, and new insights reveal how. Using advanced Functional MRI and Independent component analysis on Resting state brain activity, researchers precisely mapped how psilocybin affects the Thalamus – the brain's sensory relay center. Instead of treating it as one unit, this approach unveiled specific changes in functional connectivity and Thalamocortical connectivity within distinct thalamic sub-regions. Psilocybin significantly reorganized these areas, particularly decreasing connections to visual and default mode networks. These specific alterations, not seen with broader analyses, correlated with reported subjective experiences, offering a clearer understanding of how psilocybin influences brain organization.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, and other serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists evoke acute alterations in perception and cogn...
Psilocybin acutely alters the functional connectivity of the claustrum with brain networks that support perception, memory, and attention.
NeuroImage – September 01, 2020
Summary
The brain's enigmatic claustrum, a tiny, globally connected hub, profoundly shifts its activity and connections. Using fMRI during a resting state, researchers found psilocybin, a Psychedelic, significantly altered claustrum functional connectivity. Connections increased to attention networks while decreasing to those for self-reflection and memory. These profound shifts were directly tied to the Serotonin 2A receptor. This pioneering work is the first to show Serotonin 2A receptor signaling influences claustrum function, highlighting its vital role in Psychedelics' subjective and potential therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, including the serotonin 2a (5-HT2A) receptor partial agonist psilocybin, are receiving renewed attention for their possible effi...
Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression.
Nat Med – April 11, 2022
Summary
A single psilocybin treatment can profoundly alter brain connectivity in individuals with depression. Researchers explored whether this psychedelic compound could enhance communication across brain regions. Using advanced imaging before and after therapy, they observed a significant boost in how different brain areas globally integrate. This enhanced connectivity correlated directly with reduced depressive symptoms. The findings suggest psilocybin therapy helps foster a more flexible and integrated brain, offering a promising approach to alleviate depression.
Abstract
Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression.