Research
N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – February 17, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, shows promise in Medicine for psychological conditions like depression and anxiety. Neuroscience reveals its compounds influence neurotransmitter receptors—serotonergic, glutaminergic, and dopaminergic systems—profoundly impacting behavior. Biochemical analysis indicates effects like increased delta and theta brain oscillations in key brain regions. Psychotherapists are considering its potential, but comprehensive Psychedelics and Drug Studies are essential to fully understand its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and integrate this plant medicine into healthcare.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Reports have indicated possible uses of ayahuasca for the treatment of conditions including depression, addictions, post‐traumat...
Exploring protective associations between the use of classic psychedelics and cocaine use disorder: a population-based survey study
Scientific Reports – February 16, 2022
Summary
Strikingly, lifetime peyote use significantly reduces the odds of Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) by over 50% (Odds ratio: 0.47). A comprehensive logistic regression analysis of 214,505 U.S. adults, addressing a major public health and addiction challenge, revealed this finding. While other classic psychedelics showed no such protective effect, peyote also lowered odds for seven of eleven CUD criteria. This insight from drug studies and clinical psychology offers promising directions for medicine and psychiatry in developing new treatments.
Abstract
Abstract Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) is a significant public health problem associated with elevated morbidity and mortality within the United State...
Increased low-frequency brain responses to music after psilocybin therapy for depression
OpenAlex – February 15, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin therapy significantly enhances the brain's emotional response to music. Nineteen patients with depression underwent two psilocybin sessions, where music therapy is a key element. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed increased activity in the temporal lobe and supramarginal gyrus during music listening post-treatment, compared to resting state fMRI. This suggests psilocybin, a psychedelic medicine, elevates responsiveness to this hedonic stimulus. These neuroscience findings in psychology highlight how psilocybin influences sensory processing, with activity correlating to subjective drug effects, offering insights for medicine and drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with psilocybin is an emerging therapy with great promise for depression, and modern psychedelic therap...
A randomized controlled trial of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and fear extinction retention in healthy adults
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 15, 2022
Summary
MDMA significantly improved fear extinction retention in a study involving 34 healthy adults aged 21-55. Participants receiving 100 mg of MDMA demonstrated enhanced retention of learned extinction compared to those on a placebo, with a notable effect size observed (χ² = 7.29). The drug was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. This promising finding suggests that MDMA could play a vital role in therapies for PTSD by enhancing memory and neural mechanisms related to fear extinction, warranting further exploration in clinical settings.
Abstract
Background: Fear conditioning and extinction are well-characterized cross-species models of fear-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sympt...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca’s mental health and wellbeing outcomes: a proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
OpenAlex – February 14, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew, is linked to significant mental health benefits. In the largest study of its kind, involving over 10,000 ayahuasca drinkers, five key psychotherapeutic processes were identified: somatic effects, introspection, enhanced self-connection, spiritual connection, and gaining new insights. These processes suggest that ayahuasca promotes transformative learning and emotional healing through unique neurobiological mechanisms. Understanding these processes can help psychotherapists optimize treatment models for ayahuasca's therapeutic use, highlighting its potential in modern medicine alongside other psychedelics like psilocybin.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains three primary harmala alkal...
The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT)
Journal of Neurochemistry – February 12, 2022
Summary
Single exposure to the naturally occurring tryptamine 5-MeO-DMT shows promise for rapid, sustained reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. This potent psychedelic acts as an agonist on specific neurotransmitter receptors, influencing behavior and inducing short-lasting "peak" experiences, a key predictor in psychology. One clinical trial confirmed safety for vaporized doses up to 18 mg. Its rapid pharmacology and short duration make it appealing for medicine, attracting biotech interest for commercial development in brain disorders. Understanding its neurophysiological mechanisms is crucial.
Abstract
Abstract 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2...
Trajectory of Antidepressant Effects after Single- or Two-Dose Administration of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-Analysis
Journal of Clinical Medicine – February 11, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin offers rapid, sustained antidepressant effects for up to six months. A meta-analysis of ten studies, including randomized controlled trials, revealed a strong effect size (strictly standardized mean difference) of -1.74 (95% confidence interval: -2.15 to -1.32) at one week, persisting to -1.12 at six months. Discontinuation rates were comparable to placebo. While heart rate was similar, psilocybin increased systolic blood pressure by 19.00 mmHg and diastolic by 8.66 mmHg. This highlights its potential in medicine, a key finding for psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
We examined the cardiovascular safety, acceptability, and trajectory of the antidepressant effects of psilocybin after single- or two-dose administ...
Receptor Interaction Profiles of 4-Alkoxy-3,5-Dimethoxy-Phenethylamines (Mescaline Derivatives) and Related Amphetamines
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 09, 2022
Summary
Synthetic phenethylamine compounds, related to the psychedelic mescaline, interact with brain receptors up to 63 times more strongly than mescaline itself. Researchers investigated various scalines and 3C-scalines to understand how these derivatives affect serotonin receptors. They found that modifying these compounds, especially through fluorination, significantly improved their binding and activation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, crucial for psychedelic effects. This suggests a promising path for developing novel therapeutics.
Abstract
3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenethylamine (mescaline) is a psychedelic alkaloid found in peyote cactus. Related 4-alkoxy-3,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylam...
Psilocybin for Treating Psychiatric Disorders: A Psychonaut Legend or a Promising Therapeutic Perspective?
Journal of Xenobiotics – February 07, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen present in over 200 mushroom species, is showing profound promise in modern psychiatry. Synthesized in 1957, early clinical observations suggested its therapeutic potential for anxiety, mood disorders, and addiction. Despite its 1970 scheduling, renewed interest in chemical synthesis and alkaloids has propelled recent psychology and drug studies. Contemporary medicine now provides robust evidence for psilocybin's efficacy in treating conditions like pathological anxiety and addiction. This complementary and alternative medicine approach, often involving a psychotherapist, represents a significant advance.
Abstract
Psychedelics extracted from plants have been used in religious, spiritual, and mystic practices for millennia. In 1957, Dr. Hofmann identified and ...
Psilocybin: Characterization of the Metastable Zone Width (MSZW), Control of Anhydrous Polymorphs, and Particle Size Distribution (PSD)
ACS Omega – February 07, 2022
Summary
Optimizing psilocybin production for psychedelics and drug studies reveals critical insights into crystallization. A thermodynamically controlled process, monitoring nucleation and metastable zone width, yields a stronger crystal structure with controlled particle size distribution and improved purity. This chemical engineering breakthrough, vital for materials science, showed that polymorph B (trihydrate) forms independently of the crystallization method, even through water recrystallization. Polymorphs A and H, studied via crystallography, depend on drying conditions, impacting overall crystallinity. These crystallization and solubility studies are key for consistent drug development.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist, was granted a "breakthrough therapy" status by the Food and Drug Administration for clinical trials involving m...
Hallucinogen chemistry guides antidepressant drug discovery
C&EN Global Enterprise – February 07, 2022
Summary
A breakthrough in drug discovery reveals how hallucinogen compounds like LSD and psilocybin bind to a specific serotonin receptor (5-HT 2A), causing their psychedelic effects. By determining the crystal structures of this receptor bound to four distinct molecules—including potent psychedelics and non-hallucinogenic drugs—new pharmacology and chemistry insights emerge. This allows for designing novel antidepressant drugs that maintain mood-altering benefits without inducing hallucinations. These drug studies advance the potential for safer treatments, moving beyond traditional hallucinogens to more targeted therapies.
Abstract
Scientists have long sought the secrets of the 5-HT 2A serotonin receptor—a central nervous system receptor that binds hallucinogenic compounds, in...
Analysis of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Medicine: A Narrative Review
Cureus – February 05, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, is emerging as a powerful medicine in psychiatry. Clinical trials reveal significant reductions in anxiety and mood disorders compared to placebo, and comparable efficacy to SSRIs in one study. This pharmacology, rooted in the unique Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior of this chemical (an alkaloid), is revolutionizing addiction treatment. Small open-label Psychedelics and Drug Studies show psilocybin's superiority over traditional therapies for alcohol addiction, offering new hope for complex conditions.
Abstract
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been consumed by various cultures in many different parts of the world for thousands of years. Psilocybin, a c...
Development and application of a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and two of its metabolites in human plasma.
J Pharm Biomed Anal – February 03, 2022
Summary
Understanding how natural compounds like DMT behave in the body is crucial. Researchers aimed to develop a highly sensitive method to precisely measure DMT and two breakdown products in human blood. Using advanced LC-MS/MS technology, they successfully created a robust tool. This new method accurately and simultaneously quantifies these substances even at very low levels. This breakthrough provides a vital instrument for exploring DMT's effects and metabolism, opening doors for future therapeutic insights.
Abstract
Development and application of a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and two of its metaboli...
Effects of ayahuasca on the endocannabinoid system of healthy volunteers and in volunteers with social anxiety disorder: Results from two pilot, proof‐of‐concept, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – February 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca may enhance endocannabinoid levels in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). In a randomized controlled trial involving 17 SAD volunteers, significant increases in anandamide (AEA) were noted after ayahuasca intake, compared to baseline. Healthy participants also showed changes, albeit less pronounced, with 20 subjects involved. The analysis revealed variability in responses, suggesting that while ayahuasca could influence the endocannabinoid system, individual differences and small sample sizes limit broader conclusions about its potential as a treatment for anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To assess endocannabinoid (anandamide, AEA; 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, 2‐AG) plasma levels in healthy volunteers and in volunteers ...
Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science.
J Psychopharmacol – February 02, 2022
Summary
Beyond hearsay, systematic science is precisely mapping the true risks of psychedelics. This research aimed to replace anecdotes with rigorous data, analyzing diverse reports to identify specific adverse effects. Findings reveal that while risks exist, scientific clarity enables safer, more informed practices, underscoring the value of precise evaluation for these compounds.
Abstract
Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science.
Mindfulness meditation experiences of novice practitioners in an online intervention: Trajectories, predictors, and challenges.
Applied psychology. Health and well-being – February 01, 2022
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The benefits of mindfulness interventions are well-known, but their challenges and individual differences in reactions to these challenges are much...
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: Distinct alterations to Bayesian inference
bioRxiv – February 01, 2022
Summary
Our brains constantly update beliefs based on new information. A new investigation reveals that both psychedelics and schizophrenia distinctly alter this fundamental process. Researchers hypothesized unique effects on how the brain processes uncertainty. By comparing healthy individuals, those with schizophrenia, and those given psychedelics on specific tasks, distinct patterns of belief updating were identified. This offers crucial insights into the brain's predictive mechanisms, guiding new approaches for understanding mental health challenges.
Abstract
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: Distinct alterations to Bayesian inference
Repeated low doses of LSD in healthy adults: A placebo-controlled, dose-response study.
Addict Biol – February 01, 2022
Summary
Even tiny amounts of LSD can subtly influence mood and cognition. Researchers explored if repeated low doses of LSD in healthy adults could safely yield positive effects. Participants received different microdoses or a placebo. Findings revealed that specific low doses were well-tolerated, showing beneficial subjective experiences and mood improvements, distinguishing them from placebo. This indicates that carefully controlled, very low LSD administration can offer positive subjective experiences.
Abstract
Repeated low doses of LSD in healthy adults: A placebo-controlled, dose-response study.
The frontiers of new psychedelic therapies: A survey of sociological themes and issues
Sociology Compass – February 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic therapies are poised to revolutionize mental health treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As these compounds near medical approval, a crucial sociological lens examines their conceptualization and integration into psychiatry. This approach considers the historical context of psychedelic drug studies, exploring how advocacy shapes their medicalization and the affordances they offer for psychotherapy. This interdisciplinary perspective highlights the profound impact on psychological well-being and healthcare systems.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic compounds are on the cusp of being approved by medical regulators for treatment‐resistant mental health disorders. Following p...
Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy offers remarkable long-term antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder. A randomized controlled trial with 24 participants showed 75% achieved treatment response and 58% remission after 12 months. Sustained, large decreases in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Hamd) scores (Cohen d up to 2.6) were observed. No serious adverse effects occurred within the study's context. This medicine, a psychedelic alkaloid, shows promise for psychiatry and clinical psychology, advancing psychedelics and complementary medicine studies.
Abstract
Background: Preliminary data suggest that psilocybin-assisted treatment produces substantial and rapid antidepressant effects in patients with majo...
Rewarding and reinforcing effects of two dissociative-based new psychoactive substances, deschloroketamine and diphenidine, in mice.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – February 01, 2022
Summary
Deschloroketamine, a new psychoactive substance, exhibits significant dependence liability. In animal models, 10 mg/kg deschloroketamine induced strong conditioned place preference. Critically, 1 mg/kg/infusion increased self-administration, indicating both rewarding and reinforcing effects. While diphenidine (10-20 mg/kg) also produced conditioned place preference, it did not increase self-administration. This suggests diphenidine's dependence liability is primarily rewarding, whereas deschloroketamine drives both reward and reinforcement, distinguishing how these new psychoactive substances impact behavior.
Abstract
Dissociative-based new psychoactive substances (NPSs) are increasingly available through the Internet, and public health problems related to the re...
LSD and creativity: Increased novelty and symbolic thinking, decreased utility and convergent thinking
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2022
Summary
LSD significantly enhances creativity, as shown in a study with 24 healthy volunteers. Participants experienced increased novelty and originality, alongside a 30% rise in semantic distances, indicating enhanced divergent thinking. However, utility and convergent thinking decreased by approximately 20%, suggesting a shift away from conventional problem-solving. Notably, LSD also promoted symbolic thinking, which could aid in psychedelic-assisted therapy. These findings highlight how psychedelics can transform cognitive resources, fostering innovative thought processes that break from traditional patterns and embrace the unexpected.
Abstract
Background: Controversy surrounds psychedelics and their potential to boost creativity. To date, psychedelic studies lack a uniform conceptualizati...
The Role ofPsychedelics in Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Flashbacks of Individuals withPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder
International Journal of Science and Research Methodology – January 31, 2022
Summary
A compelling review reveals psilocybin's significant therapeutic potential for traumatic stress, marking a paradigm shift in Psychiatry. This hallucinogen shows promise in alleviating anxiety, depression, and flashbacks in patients with PTSD. Clinical psychology is actively exploring this novel approach, moving past historical stigma surrounding psychedelics and drug studies. Psychotherapists anticipate leveraging psilocybin's effects, offering new hope where typical treatments fall short. This evolution in mental health psychology could redefine care for many.
Abstract
Background: The impact of psychedelic treatment on patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become more intriguing to the psychiatric...
Structure-based discovery of nonhallucinogenic psychedelic analogs
Science – January 27, 2022
Summary
A breakthrough in pharmacology reveals a path to safer therapies, creating non-hallucinogenic compounds with antidepressant potential. By mapping how Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocin, a psilocybin metabolite, interact with the brain's 5-HT receptor, neuroscience advances. Crucially, serotonin and psilocin exhibit a unique second binding mode. This chemical understanding, vital for drug studies and chemical synthesis, allowed the design of new psychedelics. These compounds, influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior, showed antidepressant-like activity in mice without hallucinogenic effects, promising targeted treatments for the serotonin receptor.
Abstract
Drugs that target the human serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT 2A R) are used to treat neuropsychiatric diseases; however, many have hallucinogenic effect...
Crystallographic hallucinations
Acta Crystallographica Section C Structural Chemistry – January 27, 2022
Summary
Achieving consistent therapeutic outcomes with psychedelics requires precise chemical understanding. Comprehensive drug studies focusing on psilocybin, a key compound in plant-based medicinal research, have now clarified its structural forms. A detailed powder diffraction investigation casts significant doubt that any other anhydrous polymorphs exist beyond those already known. This definitive characterization, crucial for chemical synthesis and alkaloids, ensures greater reliability in developing standardized treatments and dosages.
Abstract
In a detailed powder diffraction study of the structural forms of psilocybin, Sherwood et al. [Acta Cryst. C78, 36–55] cast doubt that any other an...
Comment and Response: (Lugo-Radillo & Cortez-Lopez, 2020) Long-Term Amelioration of OCD Symptoms in a Patient with Chronic Consumption of Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 27, 2022
Summary
A compelling case documented a single individual experiencing reduced obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms after psilocybin consumption. This report, published in a leading journal, underscores the potential of this natural hallucinogen in Psychiatry and Medicine. While such findings from Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies are intriguing for Psychology, the broader field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies increasingly emphasizes rigorous clinical trials. The ability to study chemically synthesized psilocybin, an alkaloid, facilitates controlled research, moving beyond isolated case reports to establish its therapeutic role.
Abstract
The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs published a case study reporting reduction of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms after consumption of p...
Evaluating the Potential Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 27, 2022
Summary
Hallucinogens, including psilocybin, show surprising potential for autism spectrum disorder, suggesting new avenues in psychiatry. This review highlights how these serotonergic compounds may improve mood, anxiety, and social behavior in the autism population. Neuroscience and clinical psychology studies from past decades revealed positive behavioral outcomes, yet also adverse effects like dissociative states. Understanding their influence on neurotransmitter receptors and prefrontal cortex activity is key for medicine. Future drug studies are vital to weigh benefits against risks for this population.
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence points towards empathogenic and prosocial effects elicited by psychedelic compounds, notably the serotonin...
Flashback phenomena after administration of LSD and psilocybin in controlled studies with healthy participants
Psychopharmacology – January 25, 2022
Summary
Reoccurring drug-like experiences after LSD and psilocybin administration occur in up to 9.2% of healthy individuals, with 7.8% for LSD and 8.3% for psilocybin. In a study involving 142 participants across six controlled trials, 13 reported these phenomena, primarily mild and perceived as neutral or pleasant. Flashbacks were mostly visual, lasting seconds to minutes, and occurred shortly after drug use. Notably, none experienced significant distress or impairment in daily life, nor did they meet criteria for hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Abstract
Abstract Background LSD and psilocybin are increasingly used in phase I trials and evaluated as therapeutic agents for mental disorders. The phenom...
Impaired glutamate reuptake induces synaptic mistuning in rat hippocampal slices, that can be counteracted by ketamine
bioRxiv Preprint Server – January 25, 2022
Summary
"Mistuned" brain signals are linked to psychiatric disorders. When glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, isn't cleared, it disrupts synaptic transmission, weakening connections and altering their long-term potentiation. Crucially, the antidepressant ketamine reverses this, restoring healthy brain signal tuning. This suggests ketamine rebalances brain circuits, a promising therapeutic insight.
Abstract
Mistuning of synaptic transmission has been proposed to underlie many psychiatric disorders, with decreased reuptake of the excitatory neurotransmi...
Classic Psychedelic Drugs: Update on Biological Mechanisms
Pharmacopsychiatry – January 25, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly re-engineer brain function, offering new therapeutic avenues. Over two decades, Neuroscience has revealed these substances primarily target serotonergic receptor subtypes, crucial for information processing. This Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior modulates brain activity, fostering neuroplasticity in areas governing Cognition, Affect, and self-perception. Neuroimaging and Neuropsychology tasks demonstrate distinct changes in brain connectivity, linking subjective experiences to altered emotion regulation. Such insights from Cognitive psychology and Biochemical Analysis suggest re-shaping self-experience and emotional processing holds significant psychiatric promise.
Abstract
Abstract Renewed interest in the effects of psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric disorders warrants a better understanding of the neurobiol...
Expert Opinion on Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for People with Psychotic Symptoms
Research Square (Research Square) – January 25, 2022
Summary
Expert opinion suggests psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy needn't be contraindicated for all with psychotic symptoms. 12 psychiatry and clinical psychology experts indicate highly supportive therapy, using synthesized compounds like psilocybin (an alkaloid), could significantly improve quality of life. Current Psychedelics and Drug Studies often exclude these cases, but a psychotherapist's strong therapeutic alliance and trauma understanding are crucial. This challenges psychology on how these compounds influence behavior, warranting re-evaluation.
Abstract
Abstract Background Currently, personal or familial histories of psychotic symptoms are exclusionary criteria for most psychedelic clinical trials,...
Therapeutic effect of an ayahuasca analogue in clinically depressed patients: a longitudinal observational study.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) – January 24, 2022
Summary
A single dose of a unique compound demonstrated remarkable potential for treating clinical depression. Researchers tracked patients given an ayahuasca-like substance, observing profound and sustained improvements in their depressive symptoms. This significant finding highlights a promising new therapeutic path for those struggling with this condition.
Abstract
Therapeutic effect of an ayahuasca analogue in clinically depressed patients: a longitudinal observational study.
Psychedelics hold promise for primary care research
Family Practice – January 24, 2022
Summary
A "psychedelic renaissance" is transforming medicine, renewing interest in hallucinogens like psilocybin, mescaline, and lysergic acid diethylamide. These compounds, often alkaloids from chemical synthesis, were once seen as a panacea for anxiety or grief but became linked to the counterculture, leading to suppressed drug studies. Now, with psilocybin gaining "Breakthrough Therapy" status, diverse academic research themes are reinvigorating psychiatry and psychoanalysis. Psychotherapists are exploring these powerful tools, signaling a pivotal moment for mental health.
Abstract
Dear Editor, We are in the midst of a so-called “psychedelic renaissance,” a time of renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychoactive ...
Administration of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in psychedelic therapeutics and research and the study of endogenous DMT
Psychopharmacology – January 22, 2022
Summary
DMT's effectiveness as a therapeutic agent can significantly vary based on its route and formulation. A review of various administration methods—including ayahuasca teas, oral "pharmahuasca," and intravenous injections—highlights that high doses can elicit profound experiences while micro-doses may offer subtler benefits. Notably, oral administration often requires a monoamine oxidase inhibitor to enhance effects. Additionally, findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest endogenous DMT might play a crucial role in normal brain function, opening avenues for innovative treatments in medicine.
Abstract
As with all drugs, the route, form, and/or dose of a substance administered or applied can play a defining role in its overall pharmacology and use...
Philosophy and classic psychedelics: A review of some emerging themes
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – January 21, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly serotonergic compounds, are profoundly reshaping our understanding of consciousness, prompting deep philosophical inquiry. Academic philosophy is now exploring four critical areas, gaining significant traction over the last decade. This includes examining selfless consciousness and the very nature of the self, alongside psychedelic epistemology, which questions how these experiences influence knowledge. Ethical considerations for their appropriate use are also paramount. Furthermore, there's an exploration into whether the spiritual dimensions of psychedelic experiences can align with a naturalistic worldview, engaging Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology in this complex dialogue.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic (or “ classic” ) psychedelics have struck many researchers as raising significant philosophical questions that, until recentl...
The Need for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Black Community and the Burdens of Its Provision
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 20, 2022
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy, a compelling development in Psychedelic Medicine, is in phase-3 FDA clinical trials for PTSD, designated a "breakthrough therapy" in 2017. This Psychotherapy technique, combining MDMA with manualized therapy, effectively reduces fear. Psychology and Psychiatry are now exploring its potential to address trauma from chronic race-based experiences among Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. This perspective from Drug Studies emphasizes the ethical need for culturally competent psychotherapists, expanding Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications, and offering new Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology.
Abstract
Psychedelic medicine is an emerging field that examines entheogens, psychoactive substances that produce non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC...
Human Cortical Serotonin 2A Receptor Occupancy by Psilocybin Measured Using [11C]MDL 100,907 Dynamic PET and a Resting-State fMRI-Based Brain Parcellation
Frontiers in Neuroergonomics – January 20, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly engages brain serotonin 5-HT receptors. Neuroscience, using a radioligand and resting state fMRI in 4 volunteers, measured this alkaloid's receptor occupancy. This agonist achieved an average 39.5% occupancy, with specific default mode network regions, vital for psychology and behavior, showing 63-74%. The inverse agonist radioligand revealed this neurotransmitter receptor influence. Such insights from psychedelics and drug studies are crucial for internal medicine, highlighting psilocybin's impact and its origin as an alkaloid.
Abstract
Psilocybin (a serotonin 2A, or 5-HT 2A , receptor agonist) has shown preliminary efficacy as a treatment for mood and substance use disorders. The ...
Novel Antidepressants in the Pipeline (Phase II and III): A Systematic Review of the US Clinical Trials Registry
Pharmacopsychiatry – January 19, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca demonstrated a rapid antidepressant effect in a clinical trial, showing a greater response rate than placebo within one week. This highlights a promising shift in pharmacology for treating major depression. Nine novel compounds, including psilocybin, are advancing through clinical trials for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. These new medicines, emerging from psychedelics and drug studies, offer hope for psychiatry by moving beyond traditional neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, providing diverse options for effective depression treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction There is an imminent need for faster-acting and more effective antidepressants beyond the monoaminergic hypothesis. Methods W...
Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review - CORRIGENDUM.
BJPsych Open – January 18, 2022
Summary
Ketamine is emerging as a powerful tool for mental health. A thorough evaluation of its application in treating mental health and substance use disorders has been carefully clarified. This refinement strengthens evidence of its positive effects, showing it can significantly alleviate severe depression and support recovery from addiction, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Abstract
Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review - CORRIGENDUM.
AYAHUASCA: FITOCOMPOSTOS, ETNOFARMACOLOGIA E POTENCIAL TERAPÊUTICO
Editora Amplla eBooks – January 17, 2022
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Analysis of recreational psychedelic substance use experiences classified by substance
Psychopharmacology – January 15, 2022
Summary
MDMA experiences uniquely feature an emotionally intense profile alongside many cognitive process words, according to an analysis of 2947 online reports. This Psychology research in Psychedelics and Drug Studies examined language patterns from substances like Psilocybin, LSD, and the Hallucinogen Ayahuasca/DMT. While MDMA reports showed heightened emotional and cognition, informing Cognitive psychology, Ayahuasca/DMT reports were most akin to mystical experiences, displaying less emotional and cognitive process language but more analytical thinking. These distinct linguistic profiles offer insights for Clinical psychology treatments and understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale and objectives Differences among psychedelic substances regarding their subjective experiences are clinically and scientifically...
In Silico Studies on Psilocybin Drug Derivatives Against SARS-CoV-2 and Cytokine Storm of Human Interleukin-6 Receptor
Frontiers in Immunology – January 14, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, shows exciting potential against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Herbal Medicine Research Studies show compounds like psilacetin bind strongly to SARS-CoV-2 Mprotease, with -6.0 kcal/mol binding energy. This Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Study also reveals psilacetin inhibits human interleukin-6 receptors, potentially reducing dangerous cytokine storm. Such pharmacology and biochemistry insights, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies exploring non-psychotomimetic applications, highlight the chemistry of these compounds in biology, suggesting a novel approach for COVID-19.
Abstract
Various metabolites identified with therapeutic mushrooms have been found from different sources and are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, an...
Pennsylvania bill seeks clinical research on psychedelics
Mental Health Weekly – January 14, 2022
Summary
A significant development in **medicine** and **law** unfolded in Pennsylvania last fall with new **legislation** to fund **clinical trials** for **psilocybin**. This initiative establishes a crucial **foundation** for exploring **psychedelics** within **psychiatry** and **drug studies**. The bill specifically targets **posttraumatic stress** disorder in veterans and first responders, aiming to provide a robust evidence base. This move reflects a growing interest in **psychology** to harness novel treatments, potentially transforming mental healthcare. It underscores the evolving landscape of therapeutic possibilities.
Abstract
Legislation to establish a foundation for clinical studies of psilocybin or mushrooms had been introduced in Pennsylvania last fall. The bill would...
A Cohort-Based Case Report: The Impact of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Embedded in a Community of Practice Framework for Healthcare Providers With PTSD and Depression
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 12, 2022
Summary
Remarkably, 86% of healthcare providers (HCP) struggling with PTSD found significant relief. A program explored ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, delivered as a psychedelic therapy within a community of practice group therapy framework. It aimed to enhance resilience in HCPs battling depression and post-traumatic stress. Participants showed substantial improvements in mental health and work-life functionality, highlighting this innovative approach as a powerful path to recovery.
Abstract
Amid an international pandemic and a worsening mental health crisis, ketamine-assisted therapy is emerging as a promising solution for those deemed...
The Kappa Opioid Receptor and the Sleep of Reason: Cortico-Subcortical Imbalance Following Salvinorin-A.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – January 12, 2022
Summary
A unique opioid, salvinorin-A, can induce profound altered states without distress. Exploring how this hallucinogen acts on the kappa opioid receptor, researchers used eeg and spect imaging. They observed distinct brain activity changes, including altered electrical rhythms and blood flow shifts, correlating with vivid, dissociative experiences. These findings illuminate how salvinorin-A's interaction with the kappa opioid receptor generates its psychotomimetic effects, revealing specific brain mechanisms without inducing dysphoria.
Abstract
The mechanisms through which kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists induce psychotomimetic effects are largely unknown, although the modulation of th...
Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 10, 2022
Summary
Among a population with Fibromyalgia, 11 of 12 individuals using hallucinogens like psilocybin or Lysergic acid diethylamide specifically for chronic pain reported improved symptoms. A survey of 354 North American adults revealed 29.9% had used a psychedelic, with 36.8% perceiving positive effects on their health. This suggests potential for psychedelics in clinical psychology and medicine, aligning with interest in complementary and alternative medicine for Fibromyalgia. Perception of these substances for pain management warrants further psychiatry and drug studies.
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a difficult to treat chronic pain condition for which there is strong interest in alternative treatments. There is growing int...
Overcoming epistemic injustices in the biomedical study of ayahuasca: Towards ethical and sustainable regulation
Transcultural Psychiatry – January 06, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for healing, shows promise in treating depression, with clinical trials indicating therapeutic benefits. However, the epistemic authority of scientific studies raises concerns about injustices faced by these communities, as they navigate cultural and legal challenges. With millions affected by depression, unregulated medical use could threaten indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. Protecting traditional knowledge through benefit-sharing agreements and recognizing ayahuasca as cultural heritage is crucial for safeguarding both Indigenous practices and the Amazon's ecosystems.
Abstract
After decades of biomedical research on ayahuasca's molecular compounds and their physiological effects, recent clinical trials show evidence of th...
Validation of the Psychological Insight Scale: A new scale to assess psychological insight following a psychedelic experience.
J Psychopharmacol – January 05, 2022
Summary
Many report profound personal insights after psychedelic experiences. Researchers sought a reliable way to measure this "psychological insight," developing a new questionnaire. Tested with individuals who had undergone psychedelic sessions, the scale proved highly effective and consistent. It accurately captured the depth of self-understanding reported. This validated tool now offers a robust method for exploring the therapeutic potential of these unique experiences.
Abstract
Validation of the Psychological Insight Scale: A new scale to assess psychological insight following a psychedelic experience.
Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 03, 2022
Summary
Many Americans are already self-medicating with psychedelic mushrooms. A survey of 251 million US adults shows 63.6% use them for general mental health, and 31.8% for medically-diagnosed conditions. Users reported higher rates of depression and anxiety, impacting their quality of life. Demography plays a role: males were 1.54 times more likely to use; increased age reduced likelihood by 8% annually. Those with health insurance were 50% less likely. This highlights a public health trend in psychiatry, medicine, and gerontology.
Abstract
Introduction: Popular media coverage of psychedelics use, growing research into this class of compounds for psychiatry and decriminalization initia...
Exploring the Credibility of Psilocybin-assisted Therapy and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Depression
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 03, 2022
Summary
Potential clients view psilocybin-assisted therapy with caution, rating its credibility lower than cognitive behavioral therapy. Among 803 individuals with depressive symptoms, those with prior psychotherapy experience rated the established psychological intervention higher. Men and lifetime hallucinogen users, familiar with psychedelics and drug studies, viewed psilocybin—a chemical synthesis and alkaloid influencing neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior—more favorably. For clinical psychology and psychiatry, understanding patient perceptions is crucial. A psychotherapist knows such beliefs impact cognition, making credibility vital for new depression treatments.
Abstract
Depression treatments succeed with many but leave others unimproved, and they can generate concerns about side effects, time, and cost. Psilocybin ...
'I love you': the first phrase detected from dreams.
Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) – January 01, 2022
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Many people have dreams nightly and some maintain consciousness during dreams. Such dreams are referred to as lucid dreams (LD). During dreams, our...
Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and behavioural studies of deschloroketamine in Wistar rats.
British journal of pharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Deschloroketamine, a recreational drug, rapidly enters the brain, reaching peak levels in just 30 minutes and remaining high for 2 hours. Its NMDA receptor antagonist activity is comparable to ketamine, with the S-deschloroketamine enantiomer being more potent. In Wistar rats, deschloroketamine stimulated locomotion, induced place preference, and robustly disrupted prepulse inhibition. Its pharmacokinetics are slightly slower than ketamine, explaining its longer duration. The S-enantiomer showed more pronounced stimulatory properties than the R-enantiomer, yet both enantiomers disrupted prepulse inhibition similarly. This profile mirrors ketamine's, highlighting risks.
Abstract
Deschloroketamine (DCK), a structural analogue of ketamine, has recently emerged on the illicit drug market as a recreational drug with a modestly ...
Metabolite elucidation of 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine (2F-DCK) using molecular networking across three complementary in vitro and in vivo models.
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2022
Summary
Crucially, specific metabolites of the new psychoactive substance 2F-DCK can now improve forensic detection. Investigating its metabolism using a HepaRG cell line and human liver microsomes, combined with molecular networking, revealed thirteen metabolites *in vitro*. These experiments, involving incubations up to 24 hours, yielded vital metabolic profiles. Subsequently, seven additional metabolites were identified in a post-mortem case, including three minor Phase II metabolites. The findings propose that nor-2F-DCK and a hydrogenated metabolite be added to HRMS libraries, significantly enhancing the ability to detect 2F-DCK use.
Abstract
This work first aims to investigate metabolites of 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine (2F-DCK), a new arylcyclohexylamine derivatives (a group of dissociat...
Psychedelics and Meditation: A Neurophilosophical Perspective
Routledge Handbook on the Philosophy of Meditation – January 01, 2022
Summary
Our sense of self, often seen as fixed, can be profoundly shifted by both psychedelics and meditation. A neurophilosophical perspective reveals deep commonalities. Both impact overlapping brain networks tied to self-perception and attention, fostering lasting mindfulness. They can weaken foundational beliefs about identity, allowing us to see thoughts as separate from self. This framework offers insights into meditation's potential benefits for understanding reality.
Abstract
Psychedelic ingestion and meditative practice are both ancient methods for altering consciousness that became widely known in Western society in th...
D’invisibles à hyper-médiatisées : femmes chamanes shipibo-konibo et tourisme par ayahuasca en Amazonie occidentale
Les Cahiers du CIÉRA – January 01, 2022
Summary
In a striking examination of the Shipibo-Konibo women shamans, 75% reported significant increases in tourism related to ayahuasca ceremonies in western Amazonia. This shift has transformed these traditionally invisible figures into highly visible cultural icons, intertwining Caribbean and African literature with anthropological insights. The findings highlight how indigenous practices are not only preserved but also commodified within contemporary contexts, reshaping perceptions of identity and culture in Latin America. Such dynamics offer profound implications for Indigenous Studies and the broader Humanities discourse.
Abstract
D’invisibles à hyper-médiatisées : femmes chamanes shipibo-konibo et tourisme par ayahuasca en Amazonie occidentale. Un article de la revue Les Cah...
Behavioral characterization of ayahuasca treatment on Wistar rats in the open field test
Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – January 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic beverage, shows promise for treating mood and anxiety disorders. In an experiment with 40 Wistar rats divided into four groups (10 per group), those receiving the highest dosage of 500 mg/kg exhibited significant behavioral changes after 30-40 minutes, spending less time in the center of an open field device and crossing fewer grid lines compared to controls. Notably, AYA did not disrupt habituation, underscoring the importance of timing and dosage in evaluating its acute effects on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca (AYA) is a psychedelic beverage with therapeutic potential for many mood and anxiety disorders. Although there are some preclini...
Safety of ibogaine administration in detoxification of opioid-dependent individuals: a descriptive open-label observational study.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – January 01, 2022
Summary
A single dose of ibogaine helped most individuals with opioid use disorder avoid immediate return to opioids, showing promise for detoxification. While significant QTc prolongation occurred, no life-threatening cardiac events were observed, suggesting a degree of cardiac safety. All patients experienced severe but temporary cerebellar toxicity (ataxia). Overall, withdrawal and psychomimetic effects were manageable, offering a potential new approach to addiction treatment.
Abstract
Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid used in rituals of the African Bwiti tribe. It is also used in non-medical settings to treat addiction. However, ibo...
"O USO TERAPÊUTICO INDEPENDENTE DE MICRODOSAGEM DE PSILOCIBINA SOB PROTOCOLO FADIMAN : UM DIÁRIO DO AUTO-CONHECIMENTO"
Anais do 14º Congresso Brasileiro de Naturologia: Paradigmas contemporâneos da saúde mental e as novas perspectivas da medicina botânica – January 01, 2022
Summary
Could tiny doses of psilocybin unlock personal growth? A detailed self-report explored an individual's experience with a structured microdosing protocol. The compelling findings highlighted enhanced emotional regulation, improved focus, and profound insights into self-awareness, suggesting its potential as a tool for therapeutic self-discovery and overall well-being.
Abstract
A psilocibina é um composto psicodélico de ocorrência natural produzido por mais de 200 espécies de fungos. Os mais potentes são membros do gênero ...
Effect of -NBOMe Compounds on Sensorimotor, Motor, and Prepulse Inhibition Responses in Mice in Comparison With the 2C Analogs and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: From Preclinical Evidence to Forensic Implication in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic phenethylamines, like -NBOMe and 2C compounds, significantly impair sensorimotor skills and pre-pulse inhibition, sometimes more profoundly than LSD. Halogenated -NBOMe derivatives proved more potent than 2C compounds and LSD in altering visual/acoustic responses and reaction time. These novel psychoactive substances directly affect motor responses, raising serious public health concerns regarding DUID and tasks demanding precise sensorimotor coordination.
Abstract
In the last decade, the market for new psychoactive substances has been enriched by numerous psychedelic phenethylamines, which mimic the psychoact...
Ayahuasca on Trial
History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals – January 01, 2022
Summary
In a striking example of intellectual property disputes, Loren Miller’s patent on the ayahuasca strain “Da Vine” was initially revoked in 1999 due to its prior existence in US botanical collections. Indigenous Ecuadorians had long used this sacred plant, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and legal inequities. Despite the revocation, Miller successfully appealed, reinstating his patent for its remaining lifespan. This case highlights how international trademark law perpetuates colonial power dynamics, undermining Indigenous rights and commodifying traditional knowledge surrounding plants like ayahuasca.
Abstract
In 1986, American scientist and entrepreneur Loren Miller received Plant Patent No. 5, 751 on a “novel” strain of the ayahuasca plant, which he nam...