Psychoplastogens: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Neurological Diseases and Disorders.
ACS medicinal chemistry letters – September 14, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Rapid brain rewiring may hold the key to treating depression and anxiety. New research reveals how certain compounds promote neural growth and enhance brain connectivity within hours - far faster than traditional medications. These natural and synthetic substances work by activating specific brain receptors that stimulate new neural connections. Clinical trials show promising results for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction with fewer side effects than conventional drugs.
Abstract
Neurological diseases often involve changes in synaptic connectivity and plasticity. Psychoplastogens, substances that stimulate neuronal growth and enhance neural structures, show promise in mitigating these changes. They activate key biological targets, including AMPA receptors, TrkB, and mTOR. Substances like ketamine, scopolamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and rapastinel have psychoplastogenic properties. In clinical trials, psychedelic psychoplastogens have demonstrated antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anti-addictive effects. The research described in this Patent Highlight suggests the potential for novel therapies in neurological disorders that leverage psychoplastogens, which modulate synaptic connections and plasticity.