Natural Psychoplastogens As Antidepressant Agents
Molecules – March 05, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Addressing the critical issue where one-third of patients find current antidepressants ineffective, a new frontier in Psychiatry is emerging. Psychoplastogens, including Psilocybin, offer a rapid, potent solution for Depression. These compounds, central to Pharmacology and Drug Studies, quickly reorganize neural networks—a significant medical advance. Their chemical synthesis and alkaloids, often linked to Tryptophan and brain disorders, promise faster, more effective relief, transforming Psychology's approach to mental health.
Abstract
Increasing prevalence and burden of major depressive disorder presents an unavoidable problem for psychiatry. Existing antidepressants exert their effect only after several weeks of continuous treatment. In addition, their serious side effects and ineffectiveness in one-third of patients call for urgent action. Recent advances have given rise to the concept of psychoplastogens. These compounds are capable of fast structural and functional rearrangement of neural networks by targeting mechanisms previously implicated in the development of depression. Furthermore, evidence shows that they exert a potent acute and long-term positive effects, reaching beyond the treatment of psychiatric diseases. Several of them are naturally occurring compounds, such as psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. Their pharmacology and effects in animal and human studies were discussed in this article.