Serotonergic Psychedelics in Neural Plasticity
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience – October 12, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Dramatic shifts in consciousness induced by psychedelics, used for centuries, are now understood through their profound impact on brain biology. Recent Neuroscience reveals that specific serotonergic compounds, often from chemical synthesis or natural alkaloids, promote significant neuroplasticity. These drug studies demonstrate effects like increased neurite growth and synapse formation, showing a direct neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and mental states. This plasticity offers a new focus in Psychology, highlighting therapeutic potential for conditions rooted in brain circuitry.
Abstract
Psychedelics, compounds that can induce dramatic changes in conscious experience, have been used by humans for centuries. Recent studies have shown that certain psychedelics can induce neural plasticity by promoting neurite growth and synapse formation. In this review, we focus on the role of classical serotonergic psychedelics in neural plasticity and discuss its implication for their therapeutic potentials.