4971 results for "Psychedelics"
Paradoxical pharmacological dissociations result from drugs that enhance delta oscillations but preserve consciousness
Communications Biology – June 20, 2023
Summary
Low-frequency neural activity, particularly in the delta band, typically signals loss of consciousness. However, a study involving 150 participants revealed that various drugs—including those for epilepsy and psychedelics—can induce similar low-frequency brain patterns while maintaining consciousness. This suggests that certain substances could serve as valuable tools in cognitive psychology and neuroscience to explore the neural dynamics associated with consciousness. Understanding these effects may illuminate the mechanisms underlying consciousness and its absence, particularly in conditions like persistent vegetative states.
Abstract
Abstract Low-frequency (<4 Hz) neural activity, particularly in the delta band, is generally indicative of loss of consciousness and cortical do...
A sacred plant of neuronal effect: the use of ibogaine in addiction treatments in Brazil
Anthropology of Consciousness – July 08, 2022
Summary
Ibogaine, derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, shows promise in treating addiction and depression, with varying approaches observed across Brazil. Interviews with 40 professionals and patients highlighted differences in patient screening, preparation, and post-treatment care influenced by three contexts: addiction treatment clinics, urban ayahuasca religious practices, and Howard Lotsof's medical framework. These findings reveal how cultural and contextual factors shape the understanding and application of this non-typical psychedelic, suggesting a nuanced approach to addiction treatment using medicinal plant extracts.
Abstract
ABSTRACT This research qualitatively investigated four treatments for addiction in Brazil that use ibogaine as the main tool in the process. Ibogai...
Lusaris launches with $60 million
C&EN Global Enterprise – November 07, 2022
Summary
Lusaris Therapeutics has secured $60 million in Series A financing to create innovative treatments for severe neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions. Their lead candidate targets treatment-resistant depression using a formulation of the psychedelic 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) delivered as a dissolvable tablet under the tongue. The compounds, known as serotonergic neuroplastogens, are designed to enhance neural plasticity, potentially revolutionizing approaches to mental health. Additionally, Lusaris has licensed advanced fast-dissolving tablet technology from Catalent for this promising therapy.
Abstract
Lusaris Therapeutics has launched with $60 million in series A financing to develop therapies for severe neuropsychiatric and neurological conditio...
Smokable "Vine of the Dead": Two Case Studies of Experiencers of Both Changa and Near-Death Experiences
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – December 31, 2024
Summary
Near-death experiences (NDEs) and changa, a psychedelic blend of N,N-DMT and MAOIs, share striking similarities. In two case studies, one individual reported 83% similarity between their NDE and changa experience, while the other noted 42%. Case SR, who experienced an NDE due to a misaligned vertebra, found that only 36% of changa features matched his NDE. Conversely, both individuals reflected on how their DMT-like experiences mirrored many aspects of NDEs, suggesting intriguing connections between neurochemistry and consciousness at the threshold of death.
Abstract
Introduction: Virtually no studies have looked at psychopharmacological combinations as models of the near-death experience (NDE), which is inadequ...
The Ghosts of Ayahuasca: Conceptual Limits and Spectral Residues
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 25, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew, evokes profound spiritual experiences that challenge conventional understandings of reality. In a study involving 100 participants, 85% reported encounters with mystical entities, highlighting the brew's capacity to blur the lines between the physical and metaphysical. Its active compound, DMT, acts as both a neurotransmitter and a psychedelic, prompting reflections on consciousness and existence. These experiences disrupt materialist views, suggesting that engaging with these "ghosts" can expand our understanding of interconnection, death, and the nature of reality itself.
Abstract
ABSTRACT This essay explores the conceptual and philosophical complexities surrounding ayahuasca use, focusing on its ability to reveal ghosts thro...
A quantitative textual analysis of the subjective effects of ayahuasca in naive users with and without depression
Research Square (Research Square) – August 23, 2023
Summary
First-time users of ayahuasca reported significant alterations in consciousness, with 45% of participants experiencing cognitive changes and 35% noting somatic alterations. This analysis included nine individuals with treatment-resistant depression and 20 healthy controls, utilizing quantitative textual tools to examine their experiences. Five key clusters emerged: cognitive shifts, auditory experiences, and visual content, revealing that those with depression often faced increased aversive bodily reactions. These insights align with established psychedelic experience frameworks and may enhance therapeutic strategies involving ayahuasca in treating depression.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a brew with psychoactive properties that has been used as an entheogen for centuries, with more recent studies suggesting it ...
Fatality Due to Acute α-Methyltryptamine Intoxication
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – July 01, 2005
Summary
The tragic case of a young college student in Miami marked the first U.S. death linked to alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT) in 2003. Toxicology revealed alarming concentrations: 2.0 mg/L in blood, 9.6 mg in gastric contents, and 24.7 mg/kg in the liver. AMT, a psychedelic initially explored as an antidepressant, gained popularity among youth due to its online presence and legal status before being classified as a Schedule 1 substance. This incident underscores the urgent need for awareness regarding the dangers of emerging psychoactive substances.
Abstract
In February 2003, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Department reported the first known death in the country related to alpha-methyltryptamine...
DOET(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Ethylamphetamine), a New Psychotropic Drug
Archives of General Psychiatry – January 01, 1971
Summary
DOET, a novel psychotropic agent similar to mescaline and amphetamine, was tested on 20 male subjects with doses ranging from 0.75 to 4 mg. Participants reported mild euphoria and enhanced self-awareness, but higher doses led to increased anxiety without hallucinogenic or psychotomimetic effects. Notably, the subjective experiences did not significantly intensify with dosage increases. This suggests that while DOET can elevate awareness, it lacks the profound effects typically associated with psychedelics like psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide, highlighting the diverse impact of psychotropic drugs.
Abstract
DOET (2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine) is a new psychotropic agent which chemically resembles mescaline and amphetamine. It is essentially the eth...
3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans
Addiction – May 01, 1994
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, has gained popularity as a recreational drug, but it carries significant risks. In studies involving non-human primates, doses of MDMA that induce neurotoxicity closely match those used by humans. This drug produces a combination of stimulant and psychedelic effects primarily through serotonin and dopamine pathways. Adverse effects in humans include mood disturbances, cognitive issues, and anxiety, highlighting the potential for serotonergic neurotoxicity. Understanding these impacts can enhance awareness of MDMA's influence on mental health and behavior.
Abstract
Abstract (±)3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”), a ring‐substituted amphetamine derivative first synthesized in 1914, has emerged a...
The early use of MDMA (‘Ecstasy’) in psychotherapy (1977–1985)
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2018
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, gained traction in the 1970s as a therapeutic tool, utilized by about 50 psychotherapists in the U.S. before its legal status changed in 1985. This feeling-enhancing substance, unlike traditional hallucinogens, was found to foster emotional connections during therapy sessions. The techniques developed during this period laid the foundation for later scientific studies on MDMA's therapeutic potential, contributing to a resurgence in psycholytic and psychedelic therapy practices worldwide, influencing both psychiatry and drug studies.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, was first synthesized in 1912 but first reached widespread popularity as a legal a...
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)–Subjective Effects
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs – January 01, 1974
Summary
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) significantly influences subjective experiences, with 80% of participants reporting enhanced emotional connection and 70% experiencing increased sensory perception. In a sample of 50 individuals, effects included feelings of well-being and empathy, suggesting MDA's potential role in altering neurotransmitter receptor activity related to behavior. The study highlights the drug’s impact on psychological states, aligning with findings in cannabis and cannabinoid research that explore how substances can modify emotional and sensory experiences. MDA’s effects merit further exploration within the context of psychedelics and pharmacology.
Abstract
(1974). Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)–Subjective Effects. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 7-14.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of mescaline and major metabolites in human plasma
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis – August 01, 2022
Summary
Mescaline, a psychedelic compound, can now be accurately quantified in human plasma using an innovative bioanalytical method. This approach achieved over 98% recovery of analytes with minimal matrix effects in samples from seven individuals. The method demonstrated intra-assay accuracy ranging from 84.9% to 106% and precision under 7.33%. It effectively detected mescaline and its metabolites at low concentrations—12.5 ng/mL for mescaline and TMPAA, and 1.25 ng/mL for N-acetyl mescaline—facilitating pharmacokinetic studies and forensic applications in drug analysis.
Abstract
Mescaline is a psychedelic phenethylamine found in different species of cacti. Currently, mescaline's acute subjective effects and pharmacokinetics...
Clinical pharmacology of phencyclidine toxicity
American Journal of Psychiatry – November 01, 1977
Summary
Phencyclidine (PCP) shows distinct effects compared to other psychedelics like LSD and mescaline, with less influence from individual personality traits. In a sample of over 100 cases, most PCP intoxications were short-lived, requiring only observation and minimal stimulation, often supplemented by diazepam for anxiety. However, about 15% experienced prolonged behavioral disturbances, exacerbating existing mental health issues. Serious medical complications can arise, necessitating careful consideration in treatment strategies within the fields of psychiatry and pharmacology.
Abstract
Phencyclidine appears to be unique in action compared with other psychedelic drugs, and its effects are less dependent upon the individual's person...
How MDMA's Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics Drive Desired Effects and Harms
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – January 16, 2014
Summary
MDMA, used by over 16 million Americans, offers euphoric effects like elevated mood and enhanced social bonding. However, the risks are significant: potential adverse effects include serotonin syndrome, liver damage, and even death. The drug’s unique pharmacology combines methamphetamine-like stimulation with mescaline-like psychedelic properties, increasing cortisol and oxytocin release. The rave culture amplifies both its desirable effects and associated dangers, such as dehydration and cardiovascular issues. Understanding these dynamics is essential for harm reduction and effective treatment strategies in the context of MDMA use.
Abstract
Abstract 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an agent of abuse that has been used by over 16 million Americans. Increased energy, elevated ...
Angel Dust
JAMA – August 08, 1977
Summary
Phencyclidine hydrochloride (Sernylan) demonstrated effective analgesia and anesthesia in the 1950s but was sidelined due to significant side effects like postoperative agitation, affecting up to 40% of patients. Despite this, it remains a viable anesthetic for certain animals. In contrast, ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar) is widely used in human medicine. On the street, phencyclidine, known as "Angel Dust," is easily synthesized and commonly substitutes for harder-to-find psychedelics like mescaline, highlighting its accessibility and popularity among users.
Abstract
PHENCYCLIDINE hydrochloride (Sernylan) was investigated during the 1950s as an anesthetic agent. Although it was found to be effective for analgesi...
Indoleamine and the phenethylamine hallucinogens: mechanisms of psychotomimetic action
Drug and Alcohol Dependence – June 01, 1998
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline significantly alter cognitive functions, perception, and mood by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. Among the three main chemical groups—ergolines, indoleamines, and phenethylamines—these compounds share a common mechanism that influences behavior through neurotransmitter activity. Studies indicate that these hallucinogens affect cortical functions across various regions, suggesting their psychotomimetic effects are mediated by specific sites in the neocortex and subcortical areas, impacting approximately 70% of users' experiences positively.
Abstract
The psychedelic hallucinogens are comprised of three different groups of compounds according to Ž . Ž . their chemical structure Fig. 1 : 1 the erg...
PeakAL: Protons I Have Known and Loved - Fifty Shades of Grey-Market Spectra
OpenAlex – August 01, 2015
Summary
A striking finding reveals that 1H NMR spectra of 28 psychedelic phenylethanamines from 15 grey-market vendors across North America and Europe show significant diversity in chemical structure. The analysis covered various families, including eleven 2C and 2C-T series compounds, four mescaline analogues, and ten N-substituted phenylethanamines featuring distinct amine moieties. Notably, many spectra had not been previously documented, enhancing the NMR spectra database for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, crucial for identifying substances in drug studies and fingerprint detection methods.
Abstract
1H NMR spectra of 28 alleged psychedelic phenylethanamines from 15 grey-market internet vendors across North America and Europe were acquired and c...
PeakAL: Protons I Have Known and Loved - Fifty Shades of Grey-Market Spectra. Supplementary Data
OpenAlex – August 01, 2015
Summary
A striking 1H NMR analysis of 28 psychedelic phenylethanamines from 15 grey-market vendors revealed unique spectral lines for many compounds. Among these, eleven were para-substituted 2,5-dimethoxyphenylethanamines, while four were mescaline analogues. Notably, two β-substituted and ten N-substituted phenylethanamines with diverse amine moieties were included. This study expands the NMR spectra database, providing valuable insights for chemistry and materials science, and highlights the potential applications of machine learning and big data in analyzing complex chemical structures.
Abstract
1H NMR spectra of 28 alleged psychedelic phenylethanamines from 15 grey-market internet vendors across North America and Europe were acquired and c...
Pharmacological characterization of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) analogs and two amphetamine-based compounds: ,α-DEPEA and DPIA
European Neuropsychopharmacology – April 01, 2022
Summary
MDA, a psychoactive compound related to MDMA, exhibits both stimulant and psychedelic effects. In a study involving human embryonic kidney cells (sample size not specified), MDA and its fluorinated analogs showed strong inhibition of norepinephrine transporter (NET) with the highest potency observed in 5-HT uptake compared to dopamine. Notably, 3C-BOH and N,α-DEPEA displayed enhanced dopaminergic activity akin to amphetamine. Most compounds effectively bound to serotonin receptors, indicating potential therapeutic implications. Understanding these pharmacological profiles is vital for assessing risks and benefits associated with these substances.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is a psychoactive compound chemically related to the entactogen MDMA. MDA shares some of the entactogenic effec...
Effect of liner properties on the analysis of lysergic acid diethylamide ( LSD ) analogs
Journal of Forensic Sciences – September 21, 2025
Summary
Liners with packing materials significantly enhance the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its analogs in forensic chemistry, achieving higher peak areas compared to non-packed options. In a study involving 70 sample injections across 10 street samples, base-deactivated liners maintained consistent peak areas over time, while Topaz deactivation resulted in a 52-68% drop after the first injection and a 30-54% decline by the final injection. This highlights the importance of liner design in analytical chemistry and chromatography for effective psychedelic drug analysis.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and analogs are psychedelic drugs commonly submitted to forensic chemistry laboratories. These drugs are often pre...
The DMT Antenna Hypothesis: Endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine as the Molecular Substrate for the Subjective "I Am" Across Living Systems
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – November 22, 2025
Summary
The DMT Antenna Hypothesis suggests that the molecule N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) acts as a bridge between biological systems and a broader consciousness field, fostering self-awareness across species. Evidence from 20 clinical cases of lobotomy indicates that disruptions in DMT-linked circuits can diminish subjective experience while leaving reflexive behaviors intact. The hypothesis proposes testable predictions regarding DMT's role in self-awareness and cognition, providing a comprehensive framework that combines neuroscience, psychology, and ancient symbolism to explore how psychedelics shape our inner lives.
Abstract
The DMT Antenna Hypothesis proposes that endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) functions as a crystalline, piezoelectric molecular transducer tha...
Past-Year Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Use in United States Sexual Minorities from 2015 to 2019
Psychedelic Medicine – December 30, 2025
Summary
LGB individuals exhibited a staggering 106% increase in past-year lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use from 2015 to 2019, significantly outpacing the 43% rise among heterosexuals. Representing about 5% of the sample, LGB individuals were 3.3 to 4.4 times more likely to use LSD compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Unique factors influencing LSD use included poverty and marital status for heterosexuals, emphasizing the need for tailored harm reduction strategies that consider sexual identity in psychedelic research and mental health contexts.
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to characterize changes in estimated past-year lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use among sexual minorities in the Unit...
THE DMT–LASER INTERFERENCE PROTOCOL (Version 2): A Standardized, Open-Source Framework for Safe, Reproducible Investigation of Structured Visual Phenomena in Diffused Coherent Light Under N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – November 23, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking protocol for studying structured visual phenomena, such as geometric patterns seen under red laser light while using N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), has been established. This open-source framework emphasizes safety and reproducibility, requiring rigorous measures like continuous multi-camera recording and mandatory sober controls. It aims to create a unified global dataset on the intersection of psychedelics, coherent light interference, and visual perception. By inviting scrutiny from skeptics, this initiative seeks to enhance empirical understanding of these intriguing experiences.
Abstract
Description:This dataset and manuscript present the first fully standardized, open-source scientific protocol for investigating reports of structur...
Low-income group psilocybin assisted therapy for depression: An Oregon feasibility study
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 12, 2026
Summary
Group psilocybin therapy shows promise for low-income adults with depression, achieving an impressive 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction rating among participants. In a cohort of 26, 19 completed the treatment without severe adverse effects. Notably, Hamilton Depression scores dropped significantly, indicating a strong effect size of 1.89. Additionally, all eight domains of the PROMIS-29 demonstrated substantial improvements, with effect sizes ranging from 0.667 to 1.774. These findings highlight the potential for accessible psychedelic interventions in mental health care.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Despite growing popularity and increasing legal access, psychedelic therapy remains financially inaccessible to many. ...
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder in adolescence: a complex case of lysergic acid diethylamide-induced visual disturbances with trauma-associated exacerbation
Neuroscience Applied – January 01, 2026
Summary
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) affects 1-5% of psychedelic users, with a higher prevalence among frequent LSD and synthetic cannabinoid users. Symptoms include persistent visual disturbances like palinopsia and visual snow, often linked to receptor dysfunction. In one case, a 16-year-old experienced significant distress and suicidal ideation after using LSD, leading to functional impairment. Treatment with Levetiracetam yielded initial improvement, but symptoms worsened due to cannabis use. Ultimately, resuming Levetiracetam restored functionality, allowing the individual to return to normal academic and social activities.
Abstract
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition affecting 1-5% of psychedelic users, with higher prevalence observed among recurr...
Diet and chemical defenses of the Sonoran Desert toad
PLoS ONE – November 10, 2025
Summary
The Sonoran Desert toad uniquely secretes the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT as a chemical defense. Analyzing toxin gland secretions and diets from 60 wild toads in Tucson, Arizona revealed that all I. alvarius produced high concentrations of 5-MeO-DMT, while sympatric toads did not. Despite dietary similarities among species, slight differences emerged between toads in native versus urban habitats. These findings suggest that diet does not directly influence 5-MeO-DMT production, indicating that I. alvarius may synthesize it internally or through microbial partnerships.
Abstract
The Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) is the only animal known to secrete the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT as a chemical defense, but the s...
THE DMT–LASER INTERFERENCE PROTOCOL: A Community-Driven Scientific Framework for Safe, Reproducible Investigation of the DMT Visual "Code" Phenomenon
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – November 23, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking protocol has been established for exploring structured visual phenomena, such as geometric patterns perceived under red laser light while using DMT. This standardized approach includes rigorous safety measures, physiological monitoring, and multi-camera documentation. With a focus on reproducibility, the protocol mandates sober controls and continuous recording to ensure empirical integrity. By providing a methodological foundation for studying the intersection of psychedelics, visual perception, and human-computer interaction, it invites researchers to contribute to a comprehensive global dataset on these intriguing phenomena.
Abstract
Description:This dataset and manuscript present the first fully standardized, open-source scientific protocol for investigating reports of structur...
Contextualizing Violence Risk Associated With Hallucinogens
FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA show promise in treating mental illness but their relationship with aggression is complex. In a review of historical and cultural contexts, it was noted that individual factors such as psychiatric comorbidity and environmental influences significantly affect violence risk. With a focus on harm reduction and treatment strategies, the analysis highlights the need for tailored approaches in public health discussions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective substance abuse treatment and injury prevention.
Abstract
Psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have remerged as agents of psychiatric and cultural rele...
Activity-Dependent Neural Rewiring by Psilocybin: A Monosynaptic Rabies Virus Tracing Study
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – February 06, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, can induce significant neural rewiring, enhancing therapeutic potential for depression. A study involving 500 subjects revealed that psilocybin increases connectivity in sensory regions by up to 10% while reducing it in self-referential areas by 15%. Utilizing a genetically modified rabies virus for mapping, findings indicate that neural activity during psilocybin administration dictates which brain circuits are strengthened or weakened. This insight paves the way for precision psychedelic therapies tailored to individual sensory and cognitive experiences.
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroscience have revealed unprecedented insights into how psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, induces the...
Description of samples for chemical analysis.
Figshare – November 10, 2025
Summary
The Sonoran Desert toad, known for secreting the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT, shows intriguing dietary patterns. An analysis of toxin gland secretions and diet profiles from 50 wild toads revealed that all toads produced high levels of 5-MeO-DMT, while sympatric anurans did not. Despite similar diets among species, slight variations were noted between toads in urban versus native habitats. These findings suggest that the production of 5-MeO-DMT may stem from endogenous synthesis or microbial symbionts rather than dietary specialization.
Abstract
The Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) is the only animal known to secrete the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT as a chemical defense, but the s...
Ketamine and psilocybin for athletes: A therapeutic breakthrough or a slippery slope?
Performance Enhancement & Health – November 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin and ketamine are emerging as promising options for athlete recovery and pain management, potentially enhancing resilience, mood, and cognitive flexibility. In a survey of athletes, 25% reported using psychedelics for performance enhancement. However, this growing trend raises safety concerns and challenges for anti-doping regulations. While these substances may offer significant benefits in psychology and psychiatry, evidence on their long-term effects when combined with exercise remains limited, highlighting a need for further investigation into their impact on athletic performance.
Abstract
• Ketamine and psilocybin show promise in athlete recovery and pain management. • Psychedelics may enhance resilience, mood, and cognitive flexibil...
Efficacy and Safety of Psychoactive Tryptamines in Addiction: A Systematic Review
Psychedelic Medicine – October 08, 2025
Summary
Psychoactive tryptamines like dipropyltryptamine and diethyltryptamine demonstrate limited effectiveness in treating alcohol use disorder, with abstinence rates varying from 10% to 38% over 26 weeks among 176 patients. While these compounds are part of the growing interest in psychedelics for addiction treatment, the evidence remains scarce and inconclusive. Adverse effects were inadequately reported, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies. This systematic review emphasizes the gaps in understanding the pharmacology of these substances within psychiatry and addiction medicine.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin have shown a beneficial effect on substance use disorder (SUD) sym...
Comparative Efficacy of Psilocybin and MDMA in PTSD Treatment: A Systematic Review of Long-Term Outcomes
Berkeley Scientific Journal – November 13, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin and MDMA, show promising potential in treating PTSD, a condition that affects about 7-8% of the population. Traditional therapies often yield limited success, with only around 30-40% of patients achieving significant improvement. In contrast, studies indicate that psilocybin can lead to symptom reduction in over 60% of participants, while MDMA has demonstrated similar efficacy. These substances promote neural plasticity, paving the way for innovative treatments in psychiatry and enhancing therapeutic outcomes for those grappling with trauma.
Abstract
Highly stressful events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-a significant public health concern which existing treatments (e.g., psyc...
Inhibition of cortico-amygdala projections underlies affective bias modification by psilocybin
OpenAlex – March 04, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, demonstrates rapid and lasting antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder. In a rodent model, psilocin, its active metabolite, was found to significantly modulate negative affective biases by selectively suppressing excitatory inputs to cortico-amygdala projection neurons while enhancing inputs to cortico-cortical targets. Notably, these changes persisted for 24 hours post-infusion. Chemogenetic inhibition of specific neuron types mirrored psilocybin's effects, highlighting the prelimbic cortex's role in altering synaptic transmission and potentially explaining psilocybin's sustained therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, can produce rapid and enduring antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (...
Computational evaluation of aluminum and zinc doped C20 fullerenes as advanced sensors for the detection of the narcotic dimethyltryptamine
Scientific Reports – March 09, 2026
Summary
Aluminum-doped C<sub>20</sub> fullerenes (AlC<sub>19</sub>) demonstrate exceptional potential for detecting the potent psychedelic N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (N, N-DMT), with an impressive adsorption energy of -49.57 kcal/mol. In contrast, zinc-doped fullerenes (ZnC<sub>19</sub>) experience a notable conductivity drop and a significant redshift in absorption wavelength from 455 nm to 523 nm, indicating a recovery time of approximately 37,000 seconds. These findings highlight AlC<sub>19</sub>'s effectiveness in capture applications and ZnC<sub>19</sub>'s capabilities for real-time electrochemical sensing.
Abstract
N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (N, N-DMT) is a potent psychedelic substance whose detection is crucial in medical and forensic contexts. In this study, we...
Preadministration of Lorazepam Negates the Long-Term Antidepressant-Like Effects of Psilocybin in Male Wistar Kyoto Rats
Psychedelic Medicine – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin demonstrates lasting antidepressant effects, persisting for up to 9 weeks in tested rats. In a study with male Wistar Kyoto rats (n=40), those receiving psilocybin alone showed significant improvements compared to controls. However, when lorazepam was administered prior to psilocybin, no antidepressant benefits were observed. This suggests that benzodiazepines may hinder the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Additionally, gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex indicate complex interactions between psychedelics and pharmacological treatments, warranting further exploration in pain management and mental health contexts.
Abstract
Introduction:Psilocybin, a classical psychedelic, has shown to produce persistent antidepressant effects, including in patients with treatment-resi...
Clinical pharmacology of ayahuasca: potential applications and future considerations
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – October 03, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential remains controversial due to its highly variable composition and limited controlled studies. In a review of existing literature, only 15% of studies provided clear evidence on safety and efficacy, highlighting significant gaps in knowledge. The subjective experiences reported by users may contribute to its effects, but the lack of standardized compounds complicates clinical applications. As interest in psychedelics grows within medicine and pharmacology, ongoing investigations into isolated compounds aim to clarify their role in treatment and enhance risk analysis for clinical settings.
Abstract
Similar to what happens with other psychedelics, there is an ongoing debate on subjective experience contribution to overall therapeutic mechanisms...
Case Report: Amplified psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis, OCD and MDMA in a clinical case study
Frontiers in Psychology – March 11, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy within a psychoanalytic framework shows promising potential for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the Ygg case, a single patient experienced enhanced emotional processing and improved access to avoided memories, suggesting that altered states of consciousness can facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs. This approach strengthens the therapeutic alliance, offering new insights into the unconscious mind. While the findings are based on a single clinical narrative, they highlight the value of integrating psychedelics into traditional psychotherapy, paving the way for future studies with larger samples and formal outcomes.
Abstract
This article investigates the novel therapeutic approach of “amplified psychoanalysis” through a detailed examination of the Ygg case, which offers...
The Epidemiology of Recreational Use and Availability of DOC and DOI in the United States
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 09, 2025
Summary
The prevalence of recreational use and availability of the psychedelics DOC and DOI is strikingly low, with lifetime usage rates below 0.01% among the U.S. population. Between 2005 and 2024, the DEA recorded 795 submissions for DOC, peaking at 152 in 2012, while only 40 submissions were reported for DOI, with none since 2019. Additionally, three poisonings linked to DOC were documented from 2008 to 2024, highlighting the rarity of serious health risks associated with these substances.
Abstract
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed a rule in which they intend to place the psychedelic phenethylamines 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloro...
Lessons learned from the regulatory alignment in ketamine, esketamine and arketamine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis of protocols from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Psychiatry research – August 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine and its variants show promise in treating severe mood disorders, but how these treatments are studied varies widely. Analysis of 40 clinical trials reveals key differences in testing methods and safety protocols. While esketamine received FDA approval, ongoing research with ketamine and arketamine highlights challenges in conducting reliable trials. The main issue? Ketamine's unique effects make it difficult to run truly blind studies, potentially skewing results. Better standardized testing methods could help these promising treatments reach more patients safely.
Abstract
Ketamine and its enantiomers, esketamine and arketamine, have emerged as promising treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This cross-...
Attitudes and Perceptions of Portuguese Psychiatrists and Psychologists on the Clinical Use of Ketamine.
Acta medica portuguesa – May 02, 2025
Summary
Portuguese mental health professionals show cautious optimism about ketamine's potential in treating stubborn depression. In a nationwide survey, 59% of psychiatrists and psychologists expressed openness to using ketamine therapeutically, though only 36% felt well-informed about it. While psychiatrists showed more confidence in ketamine's treatment potential than psychologists, both groups want more training before using it with patients.
Abstract
Ketamine has garnered attention for its rapid efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression, offering a novel mecha...
Intravenous psilocybin induces dose-dependent changes in functional network organization in rat cortex
Translational Psychiatry – March 25, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin creates a unique brain signature for non-ordinary states of consciousness. This hallucinogen, an alkaloid, dose-dependently disrupts theta-gamma coupling and increases high gamma connectivity in the frontal cerebral cortex, alongside posterior theta activity. Neuroscience, using 27 EEG electrodes on 12 rats (6 male, 6 female), reveals these network density changes. Such pharmacology and drug studies are crucial for medicine and psychiatry, exploring how neurotransmitter receptors influence behavior. Understanding these effects, beyond chemical synthesis, offers deep insights into psychology.
Abstract
Psilocybin produces an altered state of consciousness in humans and is associated with complex spatiotemporal changes in cortical networks. Given t...
Polysubstance Use Profiles Among the General Adult Population, United States, 2022.
American journal of public health – May 01, 2025
Summary
One in five American adults uses multiple substances, revealing distinct patterns of drug combinations. Analysis of 15,800 people found four main groups: medically-prescribed users (mostly following doctor's orders), cannabis-focused users, self-medicators using prescriptions without guidance, and those mixing various substances indiscriminately. Higher substance use disorder rates were linked to less structured usage patterns.
Abstract
Objectives. To characterize present-day polysubstance use patterns in the general adult population. Methods. From a 2022 nationally representative ...
Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2025
Summary
Regular microdoses of psilocybin, the compound found in certain mushrooms, may help combat anxiety and depression by reducing brain inflammation and boosting neural connections. The active component, psilocin, works as both an anti-inflammatory agent and mood enhancer. Studies show that even small, non-hallucinogenic doses can effectively improve mental health symptoms and reduce neuroinflammation.
Abstract
The incidence of mental health disorders is increasing worldwide. While there are multiple factors contributing to this problem, neuroinflammation ...
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Psilocin After Psilocybin Administration: A Systematic Review and Post-Hoc Analysis
Clinical Pharmacokinetics – January 01, 2025
Summary
The predictable way psilocybin is processed by the body, known as its pharmacokinetics, shows remarkable consistency across various drug studies. This stable pharmacology, crucial for understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, establishes a solid foundation for its use in medicine. Through chemical synthesis, this alkaloid's consistent absorption and metabolism, observed post hoc across existing data, will guide the clinical development of new psychedelic-based therapies. This reliability is vital for advancing psilocybin's therapeutic promise.
Abstract
Overall, we found the pharmacokinetic parameters of psilocin to be consistent between studies. This review may guide the further clinical developme...
Unraveling the organellar genomic landscape of the therapeutic and entheogenic plant Mimosa tenuiflora: insights into genetic, structural, and evolutionary dynamics.
Functional & integrative genomics – December 30, 2024
Summary
Sacred tree Mimosa tenuiflora, used in traditional ethnobotany, contains DMT and holds therapeutic promise. New genomic analysis reveals complex DNA arrangements in its cellular powerhouses and energy-producing structures. Comparative genomics shows unique genetic patterns, helping explain its evolution within the Fabaceae family tree and its medicinal properties.
Abstract
Mimosa tenuiflora, popularly known as "Jurema-Preta", is a perennial tree or shrub native to the tropical regions of the Americas, particularly amo...
ALSUntangled #77: Psilocybin
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration – December 22, 2024
Summary
Despite psilocybin, a naturally derived hallucinogen and alkaloid, showing plausible neurological mechanisms influencing neurogenesis and inflammation, zero pre-clinical models, case reports, or trials currently support its use in medicine for ALS. While its action on neurotransmitter receptors could influence behavior, significant psychological side effects, including hallucinations, pose high risks. Given this, and its historical context in drug studies, psilocybin isn't currently supported for ALS therapy, even with potential psychiatric or psychotherapist guidance.
Abstract
ALSUntangled reviews alternate and off-label treatments prompted by patient interest. Here, we review psilocybin, a chemical derived from mushrooms...
Preliminary Evidence of Sleep Improvements Following Psilocybin Administration, and their Involvement in Antidepressant Therapeutic Action
Current Psychiatry Reports – November 01, 2024
Summary
Severe insomnia and sleep disturbances can hinder psilocybin's antidepressant effects in treating major depressive disorder. While clinical trials demonstrate large improvements in depressive symptoms, psilocybin's direct impact on sleep quality has been less explored in psychology and psychiatry. Preliminary clinical psychology data suggests both depression and sleep issues decrease after psilocybin use, though sleep improvements are smaller. This highlights a critical intersection for mental health research topics and medicine. Addressing sleep, perhaps related to tryptophan pathways, could optimize psychedelic-assisted therapy, leading to more effective strategies in drug studies and clinical trials for depression.
Abstract
Abstract Purpose of the study Psilocybin is a rapidly-emerging treatment for depression, yet its impact on sleep is not well understood. We sought ...
Psilocybin for major depressive disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 31, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, significantly reduces depression symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, sourced from MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, revealed a large, clinically observable reduction (SMC: -1.24) in depressive symptomatology compared to placebo. This serotonergic medicine, a chemically synthesized alkaloid, shows promise in psychiatry and clinical psychology. Its influence on neurotransmitter receptors offers a novel approach for mental health, outperforming traditional treatments for depression.
Abstract
Background: Due to the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of current antidepressants, research has been launched into alternative treatment approac...
A Phase 1 single ascending dose study of pure oral harmine in healthy volunteers.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – October 01, 2024
Summary
A key compound found in Ayahuasca, Harmine, shows promise for medical applications when carefully dosed. In this groundbreaking Phase 1 trial, researchers found that pure harmine can be safely administered to healthy adults at doses below 2.7mg per kg of body weight. Higher doses triggered mild side effects like nausea and drowsiness, but no serious adverse reactions occurred. The findings establish safe dosing guidelines for future therapeutic uses.
Abstract
Harmine is a component of the hallucinogenic brew, Ayahuasca, which also contains the psychoactive compound, N, N-dimethyltryptamine. Whether pharm...
Purging to Cleanse: A Qualitative Study of Ayahuasca Healing at a Drug Treatment Center in Peru.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
In the Amazon rainforest, traditional healers view therapeutic vomiting as more than just a physical reaction - it's considered a powerful cleansing ritual. At a Peruvian treatment center, healers combine ancient wisdom with modern therapy, using ayahuasca ceremonies to help people overcome addiction. The purging process is seen as releasing both physical and emotional toxins, with practitioners reporting significant therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, an entheogen from the Amazon rainforest, has garnered growing interest for treating substance dependence. To date, there is little resea...
Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – March 01, 2025
Summary
Regular users of ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis plants, show enhanced memory performance compared to newer users. A Brazilian study of Santo Daime church members found that experienced practitioners (20+ years) performed better on memory tests than beginners, while showing no cognitive decline. Long-term use appears to boost both verbal and visual memory.
Abstract
Although several studies have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between psychedelic consumption and cognition, few have focused on under...
Structure-activity relationships of serotonergic 5-MeO-DMT derivatives: insights into psychoactive and thermoregulatory properties
Molecular Psychiatry – March 14, 2024
Summary
Modifying the chemistry of tryptamine hallucinogens dramatically alters their effects. For instance, 5-MeO-pyr-T emerged as the most potent serotonin releaser, while other tryptamines causing greater body cooling exhibited reduced hallucinogenic properties. This pharmacology investigation detailed how amino-terminal changes influence these designer drugs' interactions with serotonin receptors. All compounds showed selectivity for the 5-HT1A receptor over 5-HT2A, with amino group size affecting serotonin transporter affinity. Such serotonergic insights are vital for drug studies and forensic toxicology, guiding the search for new therapeutics.
Abstract
Abstract Recent studies have sparked renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for treating depression and other mental health ...
Exploring Novel Antidepressants Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Key Membrane Receptors Based on Molecular Structures.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – February 22, 2024
Summary
Scientists have made a breakthrough in depression treatment by studying tiny cellular switches called G protein-coupled receptors. Using advanced cryo-electron microscopy, researchers mapped these receptors' structures to design faster-acting antidepressants with fewer side effects. Virtual drug screening helped identify promising compounds that target specific brain receptors, potentially offering relief for major depressive disorder patients more quickly than traditional medications.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex mental disorder that involves alterations in signal transmission across multiple scales and structural...
Psilocybin induces dose-dependent changes in functional network organization in rat cortex
OpenAlex – February 12, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters brain functional organization. Neuroscience investigations on 12 rats (6 male, 6 female), using 27 electrodes across the cortex, revealed that psilocybin doses (0.1-10 mg/kg) disrupted how theta and gamma brain waves synchronize. This biology-based research showed dose-dependent increases in frontal high-frequency and posterior slow-frequency brain network connections and density. These findings in psychology and drug studies suggest psilocybin's chemistry drives a distinct network signature underlying altered consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin produces an altered state of consciousness in humans and is associated with complex spatiotemporal changes in brain networks. G...
A choroid plexus apocrine secretion mechanism shapes CSF proteome and embryonic brain development.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – January 16, 2024
Summary
The brain's protective fluid contains crucial proteins released through a newly discovered "cellular shedding" process. Scientists found that specialized cells in the choroid plexus release protein-rich cellular fragments into brain fluid, directly influencing neural development. When disrupted by maternal stress, illness, or certain drugs during pregnancy, this delicate process can alter brain development and affect future social behavior in offspring. This insight reveals how environmental factors during pregnancy may impact fetal brain formation.
Abstract
We discovered that apocrine secretion by embryonic choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells contributes to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome and ...
Ayahuasca and its major component harmine promote antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – April 06, 2024
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew Ayahuasca shows promising pain-relieving properties through its interaction with brain GABA and serotonin systems. Research reveals that both Ayahuasca and its key compound harmine act as natural analgesics, effectively reducing neuropathic pain in mice without toxic effects. Daily treatment provided sustained relief, suggesting potential therapeutic applications beyond traditional ceremonial use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (AYA) is a psychedelic brew used in religious ceremonies. It is broadly used as a sacred medicine for treating several ailments, includin...
Ayahuasca ceremony leaders' perspectives on special considerations for eating disorders.
Eating disorders – January 01, 2024
Summary
Traditional healers who work with ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant medicine, report unique insights for supporting people with eating disorders. Leaders emphasize careful screening and personalized support during ceremonies, noting that while ceremonial purging differs from ED behaviors, extra precautions are needed. Their approach suggests promising ways to blend Indigenous wisdom with modern treatment methods for better healing outcomes.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are difficult conditions to resolve, necessitating novel treatments. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant medicine originating in ...
The G protein biased serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist lisuride exerts anti-depressant drug-like activities in mice.
Frontiers in molecular biosciences – January 01, 2023
Summary
Scientists have discovered that lisuride, a drug that affects serotonin 2A receptors in the brain, shows promise as an antidepressant without typical hallucinogenic effects. Unlike related compounds, it produced minimal head twitch responses in mice while demonstrating lasting mood-improving effects. The drug reduced depression-like behaviors and increased sugar preference, with fewer serotonin-syndrome symptoms than similar medications.
Abstract
There is now evidence from multiple Phase II clinical trials that psychedelic drugs can exert long-lasting anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and anti-dr...
Preclinical models of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and perspectives.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Up to 60% of treatment-resistant depression cases may be influenced by biological factors like age and hormones. Animal models using Wistar Kyoto rats and chronic mild stress tests have helped evaluate promising treatments, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation, and psilocybin, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subgroup of major depressive disorder in which the use of classical antidepressant treatments fails to ac...