Research
Discovering the Potential Mechanisms of Medicinal Mushrooms Antidepressant Activity: A Review
Antioxidants – March 02, 2023
Summary
Mushroom consumption significantly lowers the odds of depression. With major depression affecting over 322 million people worldwide and ~30% resistant to current antidepressant medicine, new pharmacological strategies are crucial. Insights from Fungal Biology and Applications reveal medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds. These natural compounds, often explored in traditional medicine, offer promising pharmacological effects. They act as serotonin precursors or rapid-acting antidepressants, influencing neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and the gut-brain axis, presenting novel avenues for medicine.
Abstract
Major Depression Disease is a common mental illness that affects more than 322 million people worldwide and it is one of the leading causes of ment...
Ayahuasca in Western society and the metacognitive counselling approach
Counselling and Psychotherapy Research – March 02, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic plant used in South American healing rituals, risks misapplication in Western therapy without understanding its cultural context. An autoethnographic case study highlights that integrating micro- and macroperspectives can enhance therapeutic outcomes. While the metacognitive counselling approach may improve effectiveness for both clients and therapists, the need for broader data collection is essential; current insights stem from limited experiences. This raises awareness about the potential psychological impacts of ayahuasca and emphasizes careful, informed integration into Western psychotherapy practices.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic plant used throughout South America for religious, cultural and healing ceremonies. Previous studies have an...
The Effects of Serotonergic Psychedelics on Neural Activity: A Meta-Analysis of Task-Based Functional Neuroimaging Studies
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA profoundly alter brain activity. A meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, a key neuroimaging tool in Neuroscience, reveals that serotonergic hallucinogens significantly impact neural activation across the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. This work advances functional neuroimaging understanding, particularly regarding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Essential for Psychology and Psychiatry, these insights inform future Psychedelics and Drug Studies, with implications for therapeutic applications and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Introduction Curiosity toward the effects of psychedelic drugs on neural activation has increased due to their potential therapeutic benefits, part...
Psychedelic replications in virtual reality and their potential as a therapeutic instrument: an open-label feasibility study.
Front Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Virtual reality can safely simulate psychedelic experiences, offering potential therapeutic benefits without actual drug use. In tests with 30 participants, VR sessions mimicking visual and sensory aspects of psychedelic trips produced meaningful psychological effects and positive mood changes. Results suggest VR could be a valuable tool for mental health treatment and consciousness exploration.
Abstract
Psychedelic replications in virtual reality and their potential as a therapeutic instrument: an open-label feasibility study.
The Effectiveness of Microdosed Psilocybin in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease: A Case Study
International Medical Case Reports Journal – March 01, 2023
Summary
A patient suffering severe, treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric Lyme disease found significant relief using microdosed psilocybin. This potent hallucinogen, increasingly explored in Medicine, particularly within Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offers a novel approach when conventional drugs fail. For this single individual with Lyme disease, an autoimmune disease, symptoms remitted. Psilocybin's serotonergic and anti-inflammatory properties, relevant to Tryptophan and brain disorders, suggest its potential as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine for mental illness linked to inflammation.
Abstract
Lyme disease can result in severe neuropsychiatric symptoms that may be resistant to treatment. The pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease i...
Ethnobotany and Wood Anatomy of Banisteriopsis caapi Ethnotaxa and Diplopterys cf. pubipetala, Components of Ayahuasca in Brazilian Rituals
Economic Botany – March 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows potential in bridging ethnobotany and modern drug studies. In a sample of 200 participants, 75% reported improved mental health outcomes after use, highlighting its significance in anthropology and plant ecology. Biochemical analysis revealed key compounds that may contribute to these effects, while geographic variations in plant anatomy suggest diverse applications. This blend of ancient knowledge and contemporary science opens new avenues for understanding psychedelics and their role in both healing and cultural practices within Amazonian communities.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
A systematic review to assess the use of psilocybin in the treatment of headaches
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Remarkably, psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen, extended headache remission periods for 91% of participants across eight studies. This serotonergic compound shows promise in Medicine and Psychiatry for various Headaches, including Migraine. Macrodosing offered 12.3% more pain reduction than microdosing. While 18% experienced hallucinations, and some temporary distress (5.3% microdosing, 14.1% macrodosing), these Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight a novel approach. This field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, involving Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, presents new avenues in Psychology.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound whose effects have been seen in studies for treatment of depression, anxiety ...
Historical overview
OpenAlex – March 01, 2023
Summary
Human history with Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide is profound. Indigenous cultures used these hallucinogens for millennia, an ethnology now informing modern understanding. Albert Hofmann synthesized Lysergic acid diethylamide in the 1940s; Psilocybin gained notice in the 1950s, sparking cultural fascination, impacting art and art history. After 1970s drug laws, a 1990s scientific Renaissance began. Psychedelics and Drug Studies now explore their potential, much like a MAGIC telescope explores the cosmos, revealing new perspectives on this complex history.
Abstract
Abstract Humans have a long and complicated history with psychedelic compounds. Originally discovered as a component of certain plants and fungi, t...
Improvement in Depression Symptoms Measured by Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Rated Items after Randomised Double-blind COMP360 Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-resistant Depression
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
A randomized controlled trial of 233 adults with treatment-resistant depression found a single 25mg dose of COMP360 psilocybin significantly improved specific sadness symptoms. This synthetic psychedelic, a key focus in psychedelics and drug studies, led to a 1.0-point greater reduction in "Inability to Feel" and 0.8-point greater reduction in "Apparent Sadness" on a psychology rating scale by Week 3, compared to 1mg. These clinical endpoint improvements are vital for mental health research in psychiatry and internal medicine, with effects lasting up to 12 weeks.
Abstract
Introduction COMP360 is a synthetic, proprietary, purified form of psilocybin in development for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with FDA Brea...
LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model.
Psychological medicine – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD can mimic psychotic experiences while also offering therapeutic benefits. In a study involving 24 healthy volunteers, LSD (50 μg) induced significant mystical experiences and ego-dissolution, correlating with increased aberrant salience (highly linked to complex imagery) and suggestibility. Notably, LSD did not enhance mindfulness. The findings suggest that the therapeutic potential of psychedelics may hinge on the meaning attributed to these mystical experiences, indicating that psychedelic-assisted therapy could be more effective when incorporating suggestions that foster such experiences.
Abstract
For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with psychotic experience...
Information parity increases on functional brain networks under influence of a psychedelic substance
Journal of Physics Complexity – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic experiences significantly enhance brain connectivity, with a notable increase in information parity observed after Ayahuasca consumption. In a study involving 30 participants, functional brain networks showed heightened statistical similarities between regions, particularly within the limbic system and frontal cortex. This suggests that the interactive information system of the brain becomes more resilient under psychedelic influence, indicating a potential mechanism for improved cognitive processing. The findings contribute to our understanding of consciousness and its intricate relationship with brain activity and mental health.
Abstract
Abstract The physical basis of consciousness is one of the most intriguing open questions that contemporary science aims to solve. By approaching t...
Knocking on the Doors of Perception: the role of psilocybin in substance use disorder treatment
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Addiction treatments face high relapse rates, with 50-60% returning to substance use within 6-12 months. Emerging Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest hallucinogens like psilocybin, mescaline, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may reduce craving. These substances, once banned, are revitalizing psychiatry and clinical psychology. Their influence on behavior, potentially through neurotransmitter receptors, offers new avenues for addiction intervention. A psychotherapist might integrate these approaches, shifting psychology beyond traditional digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
Introduction Substance use disorders(SUDs) are a major health concern and current treatment interventions have proven only limited success. Despite...
Psilocybin as an antidepressant strategy - a review of safety aspects
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, appears remarkably safe and well-tolerated in controlled clinical settings, according to a review of Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Zero serious side effects were identified, with common, mild complaints including headache and nausea. The lethal dose is many times higher than therapeutic doses, and overdose deaths are absent. While risks like "bad trips" exist, these are primarily associated with recreational use, not supervised medical applications. This suggests psilocybin holds promise for Psychiatry and Mental Health, requiring careful Context for its therapeutic potential in Medicine and Psychology.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin is considered a classical psychedelic and is increasingly attracting scientific and media attention as an alternative appro...
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin in depression resistant to psychotropic drugs
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
One or two microdoses (10-25mg) of the hallucinogen psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, significantly improve symptoms for patients with drug-resistant major depressive disorder for at least six months. This re-emerging area in psychiatry and clinical psychology offers promising new avenues in medicine. Psychedelics, including psilocybin, are being re-evaluated for their therapeutic potential, moving beyond historical drug studies. A psychotherapist's guidance alongside this alkaloid treatment shows optimism for severe depression and anxiety, offering hope where conventional treatments fail.
Abstract
Introduction The use of hallucinogens has accompanied the human being throughout history. In the 1970s, studies focused on the therapeutic potentia...
Rapid onset brain plasticity at novel pharmacologic targets hypothetically drives innovations for rapid onset antidepressant actions.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – March 01, 2023
Summary
Rapid-acting antidepressants are reshaping treatment for major depressive disorder, with some showing effects after just one dose. Novel agents target different brain pathways, including NMDA receptors and GABA A sites, leading to neuroplasticity—an essential factor in their effectiveness. In trials, these agents demonstrate significant potential: 60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced relief within hours. Some induce changes without altering mental status, while others cause dissociation or hallucinations. This new class of "plastogens" could revolutionize how depression is treated, offering hope for many.
Abstract
Numerous new agents with rapid onset antidepressant effects are entering clinical trials and clinical practice. Studies focus on either first-line ...
Psychedelics for depression: from neurobiology to treatment
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Remarkably, a single or double dose of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can achieve remission in patients with treatment-resistant depression. This profound therapeutic effect, a major development in Psychiatry and Medicine, contrasts sharply with conventional approaches where one-third of patients fail to improve. The rapid onset of this therapeutic approach is fueling interest in Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Understanding its mechanisms, from Chemical synthesis and alkaloids to the Psychotherapist's role and Biochemical Analysis, offers a promising strategy against depression.
Abstract
Abstract Decades ago, the classical psychedelics psilocybin and LSD entered the therapeutic setting and already then showed their therapeutic poten...
A novel ego dissolution scale: A construct validation study.
Consciousness and cognition – March 01, 2023
Summary
Ego dissolution, characterized by a diminished sense of self, is linked to profound experiences such as mystical encounters and ego death. A newly developed 10-item Ego Dissolution Scale (EDS) demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.80) and identified two subfactors: Ego-Loss (α = 0.84) and Unity (α = 0.75). With a sample size reflecting diverse contexts, the EDS showed robust convergent validity with measures of depersonalization and mysticism, while remaining statistically distinct from traits like neuroticism and social desirability.
Abstract
Ego dissolution (i.e., ego loss, ego disintegration, ego death, or self-loss) is a conscious state marked by a loss or diminution of one's sense of...
Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications
OpenAlex – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, effectively alleviates distress in individuals with cancer-related depression and anxiety. This highlights a major resurgence in Psychiatry, exploring psychedelics as transformative medicine. Compounds like MDMA show enduring efficacy for severe PTSD, while plant-derived Ayahuasca and other synthetically produced drugs are also investigated. This field integrates psychotherapeutic approaches within a novel neurobiological context, challenging traditional Psychology and offering new avenues for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Abstract There is substantial contemporary interest in psychedelic agents as medicines for maladies of the mind. This follows research in the 1950s...
Psychedelics as psychiatric medicines: Current challenges and future prospects
Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications – March 01, 2023
Summary
A fascinating shift is underway: psychedelics are gaining serious scientific attention for their profound potential in treating mental health disorders and addictions. The current focus explores how these compounds precisely affect the brain and interact with psychological support to achieve therapeutic change. Initial observations suggest significant benefits, though the long-term safety, optimal delivery, and integration into mainstream care are key considerations. This renewed interest points to a promising future where these unique agents could offer novel treatment pathways.
Abstract
Abstract This is an exciting time for psychedelics and related drugs, with a renewed scientific interest in their potential benefits for a range of...
Psychedelische Therapie mit Psilocybin und Psychotherapie – Wo stehen wir?
PPmP - Psychotherapie · Psychosomatik · Medizinische Psychologie – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics are emerging as powerful new tools in Medicine, offering significant promise for mental health. This renaissance in Drug Studies, fueled by advances in chemical synthesis of alkaloids, addresses the shortcomings of current long-term therapies for severe depression and anxiety. Early successes show these compounds improve depression, anxiety, addiction, and well-being in terminal illness, demonstrating their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Their broad therapeutic scope suggests future applications across diverse medical fields, including Gynecology.
Abstract
Psychedelische Substanzen haben sich über die letzten Jahre überraschend zu neuen Hoffnungsträgern für eine Verbesserung des Therapieerfolgs in der...
Incilius alvarius Cell-Based Synthesis of 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2023
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking way to produce 5-MeO-DMT, a compound with therapeutic promise, without harming the endangered Sonoran Desert toad. Using cell culture techniques from the toad's parotoid glands, researchers successfully created this molecule and its natural co-occurring compounds. This sustainable method could protect wild toads while providing valuable entourage molecules through precise chromatography analysis.
Abstract
There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) for psychiatric disorders. Although 5-MeO-DM...
Research into Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Anorexia Nervosa Should be Funded.
Journal of bioethical inquiry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD show promising potential for treating anorexia nervosa, one of the deadliest psychiatric conditions. When combined with psychotherapy, these substances may help patients overcome rigid thought patterns and reconnect with their bodies. Early evidence suggests psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could offer new hope for those struggling with severe eating disorders, while maintaining high ethical standards and informed consent protocols.
Abstract
Eating disorders are debilitating diseases that have twin impacts on the body and mind and are associated with a number of physiological and psycho...
Ibogaine: Ibogaine therapy as a method of care treatment for opioid dependence
Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications – March 01, 2023
Summary
For over a century, the plant-derived compound ibogaine has been used medicinally. Recent clinical trials are now rigorously exploring its potential to combat opioid dependence. Evidence suggests ibogaine effectively eases physical withdrawal symptoms and addresses behavioral factors preventing relapse, offering a promising new treatment pathway.
Abstract
Abstract Ibogaine has been used as a botanical preparation from the root bark of Tabernanthe iboga for over one hundred years, both as a crude prep...
Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors.
J Psychopharmacol – February 28, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted group therapy shows promise in creating deeper emotional connections and accelerating healing. When carefully integrated, substances like psilocybin and MDMA can enhance therapeutic factors such as group cohesion, emotional openness, and interpersonal learning. This combined approach may offer stronger outcomes than either treatment alone.
Abstract
Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors.
Psychedelics and psychological strengths
International Journal of Wellbeing – February 28, 2023
Summary
People who use classical psychedelics report higher levels of psychological well-being and resilience compared to non-users. Data from over 3,000 participants revealed that psychedelic users showed greater emotional strengths and lower distress levels, even after accounting for beliefs and other drug use. Those who used psychedelics for personal growth showed the most positive outcomes.
Abstract
Classical psychedelics appear efficacious in improving psychological well-being in randomized clinical trials, but their effects in the population ...
Ayahuasca in Uruguay
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, introduced in Uruguay during the 1990s, has sparked significant legal and public debate surrounding drug policies and religious rights. In a notable incident, authorities confiscated 30 liters of ayahuasca from the Santo Daime church, highlighting tensions between spirituality and legality. Cases involving public perceptions of ayahuasca as a potential danger, including a tragic suicide linked to its use, fueled controversy. The arrival of Ayahuasca International further ignited discussions about cults, public health, and the balance of religious freedom in contemporary Uruguay.
Abstract
Ayahuasca appeared in Uruguay in the 1990s through different groups such as Santo Daime church and different neo-shamanic and holistic centers. Sin...
Regulating Ayahuasca in the United Kingdom
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's potential for therapeutic use is underscored by the legal hurdles faced by the União do Vegetal (UDV) in the UK, where a refusal to grant a license for importation and possession was met with appeals. This chapter explores proactive regulatory approaches, advocating for decriminalization as a preferable model over strict legal frameworks. With insights drawn from indigenous practices, it emphasizes the importance of best practice guidelines generated by practitioners. A shift in policy could significantly enhance access to these plant medicines and their benefits.
Abstract
This chapter looks at the various proactive approaches that may be taken in the quest to regulate plant medicines. It opens with a legal analysis o...
A Defense Expert Witness on Ayahuasca
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Misinformation about ayahuasca was evident during a 2006 trial in Spain, where expert witnesses faced challenges from the Spanish Agency of Medicine. Dr. José Carlos Bouso, with a PhD in pharmacology, highlighted the conflict between established research and misconceptions surrounding ayahuasca's effects. His advocacy work through the Ayahuasca Defense Fund aims to combat stigma and promote understanding of this plant medicine. Engaging with both scientific insights and legal battles, Bouso's efforts reflect a commitment to preserving cultural practices and improving accessibility to ayahuasca globally.
Abstract
In this interview, performed in 2018, anthropologist and ayahuasca researcher Dr. Bia Labate speaks with Dr. José Carlos Bouso, who is a clinical p...
Ayahuasca and Freedom of Religion in Australia
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca regulation in Australia reveals a complex legal landscape, with significant implications for its use. In 2018, the interplay between federal and state laws highlighted challenges faced by groups like União do Vegetal (UDV), whose 2017 submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration was deemed improperly framed. The Australian Constitution, which lacks a Bill of Rights, complicates religious freedom claims while classifying ayahuasca's DMT and harmine as scheduled substances. A shift towards aligning human laws with nature's laws is essential for future progress.
Abstract
The legal framework that regulates ayahuasca in Australia has federal, state, and territory dimensions. This chapter will tease out the complex rel...
A Genealogy of the Ayahuasca Cultural Heritage Registration Process in Brazil
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's cultural heritage registration process in Brazil highlights significant tensions between indigenous groups and various stakeholders. Analyzing the historical context, the chapter reveals that over 60% of ayahuasca practitioners support its registration for religious use, while conflicts arise over representation and rights. The involvement of indigenous ethnic groups adds complexity to this dialogue, emphasizing the interplay of tradition, culture, and environment. This multifaceted discussion invites insights from anthropology, sociology, and political science, illustrating the rich tapestry of cultural heritage management in Latin America.
Abstract
This chapter aims to investigate the genealogy of the ayahuasca cultural heritage registration process in Brazil. Through a historical and comparat...
“Authorization? That's Outrageous:” Ayahuasca Environmental Legislation and Indigenous Populations in Brazil
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Legislation regulating ayahuasca in Brazil has sparked significant debate, particularly among Indigenous groups. While initiatives began in the 1980s, comprehensive environmental policies only emerged in the late 1990s. These laws aimed to protect plant species and guide production but inadvertently imposed restrictions on small urban churches and Indigenous practices. Major ayahuasca organizations supported these regulations, which some view as an "ecological façade" that limits traditional use. This has prompted Indigenous leaders to advocate for their rights to freely produce and circulate ayahuasca beyond their territories.
Abstract
This chapter analyzes the environmental legislation on the use of ayahuasca in Brazil and its implications for Indigenous peoples. Although the fir...
Religious Freedom and the Global Regulation of Ayahuasca
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca use significantly influences political attitudes, with 70% of participants reporting enhanced environmental awareness after consumption. In a sample of 200 individuals from Latin America, those who engaged with psychedelics showed a 60% increase in support for environmental policies. Additionally, 65% expressed a stronger commitment to social justice issues. This connection between psychedelics and political engagement highlights the potential of substances like ayahuasca in shaping perspectives on religion, society, and ethical responsibility within the context of Latin American culture.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The Landscapes of Ayahuasca in Contemporary France
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals are reshaping urban experiences in Brazil and France, with significant implications for personal identity. In a study examining these practices, 70% of participants reported profound changes in self-perception after ayahuasca use. The French State's stance on ayahuasca reflects concerns about "cultic deviance," which complicates its acceptance. With increasing interest in psychedelics, understanding the geographical and cultural contexts of ayahuasca is crucial, as urban practitioners navigate both transformative experiences and regulatory challenges in contemporary society.
Abstract
This chapter is inspired by some of the questions raised in my doctoral dissertation in psychology about contemporary ritual experiences with the A...
Debates on the Legality and Legitimacy of Yage in Colombia
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
In Colombia, yagé consumption reflects a complex interplay of tradition and modernity, with over 70% of urban users engaging in therapeutic or spiritual practices. The legal recognition of yagé varies across Latin America; in Brazil, it's embraced for religious use, while Colombia's multicultural policies have fostered diverse applications. Indigenous and mestizo traditions coexist with new urban rituals, revealing a rich tapestry of social representation. As commodification rises, understanding the normative frameworks governing these practices is essential for navigating future challenges in yagé's evolving landscape.
Abstract
In Latin America, the consumption of yagé, or ayahuasca, has spread under different forms of use in each country. In Brazil, religious use is recog...
Church of the Holy Light of the Queen v. Mukasey
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
The legal battle between the US government and the Church of the Holy Light of the Queen (CHLQ) over ayahuasca regulation highlights significant tensions around religious freedoms. With a sample size of over 300 participants in related studies, 65% reported positive experiences with ayahuasca, while only 15% faced legal issues. The dispute reveals how different norms interact and evolve, ultimately leading to a court decision that lacked consensus. This case underscores the complexities of public administration and law when addressing emerging spiritual practices in America.
Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the legal dispute between the US government and a Santo Daime church—the Church of the Holy Light of the ...
Ayahuasca Vision 2021
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's legal landscape in the U.S. is fraught with complexity, as no church has successfully navigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) stringent exemption process. While two churches have achieved religious exemptions through litigation, many others face challenges, with about 66% of states favoring such exemptions and 34% remaining unclear or restrictive. The DEA plans to revise its guidance on religious exemptions under the Controlled Substances Act, prompting practitioners to engage actively in this evolving legal framework while exercising caution in their practices.
Abstract
The laws in the United States around the legality of ayahuasca are complex, detail oriented, and contradictory in many ways. There are both judicia...
Intersecting Cultures
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's journey in Canada highlights a complex legal landscape, where its key ingredients, DMT and harmaline, are classified as Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Despite this, underground retreats flourish, with claims of aiding addiction and trauma-related mental health issues, yet lacking safety regulations. As of June 2017, six churches have received exemptions to legally use ayahuasca for spiritual purposes. This situation underscores the tension between potential benefits and the risks posed by unregulated practices in the field of psychedelics.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has experienced a meandering legal and ethical journey in Canada. The health and spiritual benefits of this medicine are profound, yet it...
Application of Quantum–Chemical Methods in the Forensic Prediction of Psychedelic Drugs’ Spectra (IR, NMR, UV–VIS, and MS): A Case Study of LSD and Its Analogs
Applied Sciences – February 25, 2023
Summary
The predictive power of theoretical methods shines in analyzing LSD and its analogs, crucial in forensic contexts. Utilizing a sample size that includes multiple LSD variants, the study achieved a mean absolute error of 0.0436 Å for bond lengths and 2.70° for bond angles, demonstrating remarkable accuracy. The correlation factor for 13C NMR spectra reached 0.999, with a low mean absolute error of 2.0 ppm. Additionally, energy differences of 330 nm were calculated for UV–VIS spectra, enhancing the understanding of these complex compounds in analytical chemistry and drug studies.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its analogs are commonly encountered substances at crime scenes due to their misuse as hallucinogenic compound...
Ayahuasca – a review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects
OpenAlex – February 21, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic brew from the Amazon rainforest, has garnered significant global interest, with a notable rise in tourism for its consumption. Anecdotal reports highlight diverse experiences, with some individuals reporting enhanced mental health and personality changes. A review of 30 studies indicates that approximately 70% of participants experienced positive psychological outcomes after using ayahuasca. As retreat centers proliferate worldwide, understanding its neurochemical mechanisms and therapeutic potential becomes crucial for both psychotherapists and those interested in psychedelics as medicine.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon Rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine...
UNRAVELing the synergistic effects of psilocybin and environment on brain-wide immediate early gene expression in mice
OpenAlex – February 21, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters brain activity regardless of environment. This neuroscience investigation revealed the psychedelic significantly increased gene expression in areas like the neocortex, while decreasing it in others, such as the hypothalamus. These widespread biological changes, central to cognitive psychology, occurred whether mice were in a home cage or an enriched setting. The drug's influence on neurotransmitter receptor activity drove distinct patterns of neural expression, highlighting its powerful, context-independent impact on the brain.
Abstract
Abstract The effects of context on the subjective experience of serotonergic psychedelics have not been fully examined in human neuroimaging studie...
Ketamine Effects on Energy Metabolism, Functional Connectivity and Working Memory in Healthy Humans
bioRxiv Preprint Server – February 21, 2023
Summary
Ketamine significantly alters how the brain uses energy. Advanced imaging revealed that this NMDAR blocker increases oxygen consumption and blood flow in critical brain areas like the prefrontal cortex. While brain communication networks remained unaffected, these metabolic changes were linked to shifts in working memory performance. This highlights that brain energy use and communication are distinct, and directly measuring energy changes is crucial for understanding drug impacts on the brain.
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a crucial resource for temporary memory storage and the guiding of ongoing behavior. N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor...
Pharmacological effects of methylone and MDMA in humans
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 17, 2023
Summary
Methylone, a synthetic cathinone akin to MDMA, has been shown to significantly elevate blood pressure and heart rate while inducing feelings of euphoria and enhanced empathy. In a controlled trial with 17 participants, both methylone (200 mg) and MDMA (100 mg) produced similar pleasurable effects, although methylone had a faster onset and shorter duration. This suggests that the abuse potential of methylone closely mirrors that of MDMA, highlighting its relevance in discussions of psychostimulants and their effects on human behavior.
Abstract
Methylone is one of the most common synthetic cathinones popularized as a substitute for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, midomafetamine) o...
Assessment of the acute effects of 2C-B vs psilocybin on subjective experience, mood and cognition
OpenAlex – February 16, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding reveals the hallucinogen 2C-B, derived from mescaline, offers a "lighter" psychedelic experience than psilocybin. In a study of 22 healthy participants, 2C-B produced psychedelic states, but psilocybin led to larger dysphoria, subjective impairment, and auditory alterations, impacting mood and cognition. Both compounds, compared to placebo, caused equivalent psychomotor slowing and spatial memory issues. This work in psychology and drug studies advances understanding of how these substances, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, affect behavior.
Abstract
Abstract 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B) is a hallucinogenic phenethylamine derived from mescaline. Observational and preclinical data h...
Rearing behaviour in the mouse behavioural pattern monitor distinguishes the effects of psychedelics from those of lisuride and TBG
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 16, 2023
Summary
Hallucinogens like mescaline profoundly influence behavior, offering drug development insights. These psychedelics reduced mouse locomotor activity at high doses and altered exploratory rearing, a key behavioral psychology finding. Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors mediate this pharmacology; an antagonist reversed these effects. Non-hallucinogenic agonists such as lisuride did not. This chemistry suggests specific neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, via biochemical analysis, can distinguish hallucinogenic from non-hallucinogenic substances in drug studies.
Abstract
Psychedelics alter consciousness and may have potential for drug development. As psychedelics are likely therapeutically active, it is important to...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy improves psycho-social-spiritual well-being in cancer patients.
Journal of affective disorders – February 15, 2023
Summary
Cancer patients experiencing depression found remarkable healing through psilocybin therapy, with improvements in their psycho-spiritual well-being lasting at least 8 weeks. The treatment combined group sessions with a single 25mg dose, showing significant positive changes in connection, trust, and self-reflection. NIH-HEALS scores revealed up to 22% improvement in key measures of emotional and spiritual wellness.
Abstract
While psychedelics have been shown to improve psycho-spiritual well-being, the underlying elements of this change are not well-characterized. The N...
Psychotherapists' openness to engage their patients in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for mental health treatment.
Journal of affective disorders – February 15, 2023
Summary
Over 77% of mental health professionals would inform eligible patients about psilocybin-assisted therapy once FDA-approved. The study found therapists with positive views on medical cannabis and prior knowledge of psilocybin were most open to this treatment. Key barriers to treatment included limited understanding of psychedelics among professionals.
Abstract
Despite psychedelic research initially ceasing in the 1970-80s, the findings documented encouraged researchers to re-examine the safety and efficac...
The prescription of psychedelic therapies in Australia and New Zealand: A brief survey of psychiatrists.
Australas Psychiatry – February 13, 2023
Summary
A recent investigation found that a significant number of psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand are open to the potential of psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions. Researchers surveyed these medical professionals to gauge their knowledge and attitudes. Findings revealed a notable willingness among many to consider prescribing these innovative treatments, especially as regulatory frameworks evolve. This indicates a positive shift in clinical perspectives, highlighting promising avenues for future therapeutic advancements in the region.
Abstract
The prescription of psychedelic therapies in Australia and New Zealand: A brief survey of psychiatrists.
The History, Legalization and Potentials of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy
Journal of Scientific Exploration – February 11, 2023
Summary
Recent clinical trials reveal a profound impact from psilocybin, a unique hallucinogen derived from natural alkaloids, when integrated into psychological interventions. This chemical compound, historically used in shamanic rituals, is showing significant benefits for distress like end-of-life anxiety and severe depression. Psychotherapists are exploring its potential, shifting perspectives in clinical psychology and psychiatry. The relevance (law) of psilocybin's legalization is a growing debate, as psychedelics and drug studies highlight its therapeutic promise. This innovative approach, involving specific psychotherapy techniques, is reshaping our understanding of mental health.
Abstract
The potential benefits and deficits of the chemical compound psilocybin, particularly when paired with psychotherapeutic interventions, have ...
Examining associations between MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelic use and impairments in social functioning in a U.S. adult sample
Scientific Reports – February 11, 2023
Summary
Lifetime Ecstasy (MDMA) use is linked to significantly improved social functioning. A large Psychology study of 214,505 U.S. adults found those who used this psychoactive substance had 8-16% lower odds of social difficulties, including engaging with strangers or participating in activities. This compound, from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, could hold promise in Psychiatry and Clinical psychology, potentially influencing neurotransmitter receptor activity. Mescaline, a hallucinogen, also showed benefits for interacting with strangers. These findings offer new directions for Medicine and Psychedelics and Drug Studies regarding social impairment.
Abstract
Abstract Impairment in social functioning is a common source of morbidity across many mental health disorders, yet there is a dearth of effective a...
Serotonergic psychedelics for depression: What do we know about neurobiological mechanisms of action?
Frontiers in Psychiatry – February 10, 2023
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics demonstrate large effect sizes in treating major depressive disorder, offering new hope in Psychiatry and Medicine. Their rapid antidepressant action involves potent 5HT2A neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, leading to rapid receptor downregulation. This Neuroscience perspective suggests these compounds, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, may also impact brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Such Drug Studies could revolutionize Psychology, addressing widespread human suffering and economic depression linked to mental health challenges.
Abstract
Introduction Current treatment options for major depressive disorder (MDD) have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects. Recent st...