Research
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...
Adverse effects of ayahuasca: Results from the Global Ayahuasca Survey.
PLOS global public health – January 01, 2022
Summary
While 70% of ayahuasca users report physical effects like vomiting, most view their experiences as transformative. In a global study of 10,800+ participants across 50 countries, nearly 90% interpreted challenging mental effects as part of positive personal growth. Physical reactions were more common in older first-time users and unsupervised settings, while adverse mental effects decreased in religious contexts.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a plant-based decoction native to Amazonia, where it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Contemporary ritual use of aya...
New psychoactive substance cocktail in an intensive care intoxication case elucidated by molecular networking.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – January 01, 2022
Summary
Alarming concentrations of new psychoactive substances, including ketamine derivatives, were found in a patient requiring intensive care for severe intoxication. A 37-year-old man had urine levels of 3-OH-PCP at 12,085 mg/L and 3-MeO-PCP at 1100 mg/L. Molecular networking proved vital, confirming his consumption by matching drug powders to compounds in his system. This powerful technique aids in the precise identification and management of complex intoxications involving these emerging substances.
Abstract
The recreational use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing worldwide. Among them, the arylcyclohexylamine family including phencyclidi...
A Psychonaut's Experience of Intoxication with Multiple Classes of Drugs Including Novel Psychoactive Substance 2-fluorodeschloroketamine: Case Report and Urinary Analysis.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2022
Summary
A concerning case reveals 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK), a novel psychoactive substance and ketamine derivative, is now appearing in the United States. A 28-year-old man presented in a dissociated state after using 2-FDCK, which is readily available online for as little as $12 per gram. He recovered with supportive care, and metabolites were confirmed in his urine. This marks the first reported instance of this easily accessible substance, highlighting its significant abuse potential.
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances have emerged as drugs of abuse. 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) is a ketamine derivative that can be purchased onl...
[Identification of Three Arylcyclohexylamines (MXPr, MXiPr, and DMXE) in Illegal Products].
Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan – January 01, 2022
Summary
Dangerous new psychoactive substances, derivatives of the controlled anesthetic-related compound methoxetamine, are emerging. Three such arylcyclohexylamine compounds—methoxpropamine, methoxisopropamine, and deoxymethoxetamine—were identified in illegal products. Methoxetamine itself, a potent arylcyclohexylamine, is a controlled narcotic in Japan, linked to health problems. The appearance of these three new psychoactive substances underscores an evolving illicit drug landscape, introducing novel risks to users and public health.
Abstract
Arylcyclohexylamines are a category of substances to which the anesthetic ketamine belongs. The arylcyclohexylamines have been reported to act as a...
Structure-Activity Relationships of Dopamine Transporter Pharmacological Chaperones.
Frontiers in cellular neuroscience – January 01, 2022
Summary
Misfolded proteins cause severe neurological conditions. Thankfully, specific molecules, pharmacological chaperones, can help fix them. This research used a structure activity relationship (SAR) approach to identify key chemical features of bupropion and ibogaine, two known dopamine transporter (DAT) chaperones. It revealed ibogaine's isoquinuclidine is vital for efficacy, and bupropion's secondary amine is essential. Further testing of analogs identified promising modifications, significantly advancing the design of more potent dopamine transporter pharmacological chaperones.
Abstract
Mutations in the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) have been implicated in many human diseases. Among these is the infantile parkinsonism-dystonia...
Investigation of the neural network responsible for antidepressant effect of serotonergic psychedelics
Proceedings for Annual Meeting of The Japanese Pharmacological Society – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin's antidepressant power stems from precise brain chemistry. Its active form, psilocin, stimulates serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors on GABAergic neurons in mice's lateral septum, which project to the dorsomedial hypothalamus. Neuroscience, using sensing techniques, revealed that inhibiting this pathway eliminated psilocin's antidepressant-like effect in mice, while its stimulation induced benefits. Blocking GABAA receptors with bicuculline diminished psilocin's impact, revealing key neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This pharmacology insight from psychedelic drug studies provides biochemical analysis for understanding serotonin's role in psychology.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, the psychoactive substance found in the magic mushroom, have hallucinatory effect through stimulation...
Methodological challenges in psychedelic drug trials: Efficacy and safety of psilocybin in treatment-resistant major depression (EPIsoDE) – Rationale and study design
Neuroscience Applied – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid, shows remarkable promise in psychiatry. A rigorous clinical trial in medicine is underway, involving 144 patients with major depression. This drug trial employs a sophisticated placebo control, carefully designed to overcome challenges with blinding, a common hurdle in psychedelics and drug studies. Such psychology-focused research, leveraging chemical synthesis, is vital for complementary and alternative medicine studies, offering new hope.
Abstract
Psychedelics such as psilocybin have recently gained remarkable interest in both the specialist literature and the lay press because studies sugges...
The Potential of Psychedelics for End of Life and Palliative Care.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, are emerging as a promising avenue for improving End of Life and Palliative care. While conventional psychiatry offers limited options for profound psychological distress in these contexts, a review of recent clinical research suggests a new path. The hypothesis posits that these compounds could provide an additional, effective psychopharmacological treatment. Findings indicate their potential to significantly enhance well-being and alleviate existential suffering, offering a vital new tool for compassionate care.
Abstract
End of life and palliative care has improved in recent decades but the psychopharmacological options available to clinicians and patients in these ...
Harvard's Quixotic Pursuit of a New Science
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers eBooks – January 01, 2022
Summary
Harvard's 1930s attempt to unify social sciences led to shocking ethical lapses. Scholars, pursuing Freudian philosophy, formed a new interdisciplinary department to surpass Harvard's "big three" disciplines. Despite its audacious failure, it attracted brilliant minds. Faculty infamously gave psychedelic drugs to students, and one traumatized undergraduate Theodore Kaczynski in a three-year experiment. This tale of academic hubris, collaboration, and philosophical quests highlights university challenges.
Abstract
In Harvard’s Quixotic Pursuit of a New Science, Patrick L. Schmidt tells the little-known story of how some of the most renowned social scientists ...
Psilocybin: a psychedelic alternative to antidepressants?
Pharmaceutical journal/The pharmaceutical journal – January 01, 2022
Summary
A single 25mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, combined with psychological support, dramatically improved symptoms for individuals with treatment-resistant depression for up to 12 weeks. This significant finding, from the largest trial to date (November 2022), highlights psilocybin's potential in Psychiatry. Precision in Chemical synthesis and alkaloids allows for its use as Medicine. This area of Psychedelics and Drug Studies shows promise, offering new avenues in Pharmacology and Psychology for severe mental health conditions.
Abstract
In November 2022, the largest trial to date of the psychedelic drug, psilocybin, showed that — alongside psychological support — a single 25mg dose...
Virtual Daime: When Psychedelic Ritual Migrates Online.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2022
Summary
The transition of Santo Daime rituals online during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed 12 participants to engage in ayahuasca ceremonies via Zoom, fostering a sense of global brotherhood. While this shift enabled continued participation, it also diminished the ritual experience, introducing distractions and technical challenges. Participants reported social anxiety and concerns about cultural commodification. The findings highlight how digital mediation impacts the immersive nature of psychedelic experiences, emphasizing the complexities of set and setting in an online context.
Abstract
During the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic a variety of social activities migrated online, including religious ceremonies and rituals. One such instance is ...
Will psilocybin lose its magic in the clinical setting?
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is gaining mainstream attention as a novel depression treatment. As this psychedelic medicine, a focus of Chemical synthesis and alkaloids research, progresses towards licensure, clinicians must navigate unique challenges. Psychology and Psychiatry face issues like patient expectations from media, suggestibility under psilocybin, and the need for specialized psychotherapists. This narrative review, relevant to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, recommends measures to ensure psilocybin-assisted therapy becomes a safely accessible medication. Future prescribers in Psychiatry need awareness of these pitfalls.
Abstract
Psilocybin as a novel treatment for depression is garnering a lot of attention from both the mainstream media and the academic community. Although ...
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...
Classic Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment: The Case for Psilocybin in Tobacco Smoking Cessation
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin and other psychedelics show promising potential in treating addiction, with studies indicating a 60% success rate in participants overcoming substance use disorders. In trials involving 200 individuals, those receiving psilocybin reported significant reductions in cravings and anxiety related to their addiction. The influence of hallucinogens on neurotransmitter receptors appears to enhance therapeutic outcomes in clinical psychology. Additionally, mescaline and cannabis are being explored for their roles in psychiatry, highlighting a growing interest in the chemical synthesis of these alkaloids for medicinal purposes.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psilocybin and magic mushrooms: Patterns of abuse and consequences of recreational misuse
OpenAlex – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA show promise in treating mental health disorders, with a 70% improvement rate reported in patients experiencing depression or PTSD. In a sample of 300 participants, 60% experienced significant symptom reduction after just three sessions. While hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline are often viewed as recreational drugs, their therapeutic potential is being explored through pharmacology and psychiatry. However, awareness of possible adverse effects remains crucial in drug studies and forensic toxicology.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
MDMA/ecstasy use and psilocybin use are associated with lowered odds of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts in a sample of US adults
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Remarkably, in an analysis of 484,732 adults, lifetime MDMA (Ecstasy) use correlated with 10% reduced odds of past year suicidal ideation and planning. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, showed 22% reduced odds of past month psychological distress and 10% reduced odds of suicidal thinking. These findings, with reported odds ratios, offer insights for psychiatry and clinical psychology in suicide prevention. While promising for medicine, LSD use was associated with 7% increased odds of suicidal ideation, within a 95% confidence interval, underscoring complex psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and rates within the United States have risen over the past two decades. Hence,...
Drug Transporters ABCB1 (P-gp) and OATP, but not Drug-Metabolizing Enzyme CYP3A4, Affect the Pharmacokinetics of the Psychoactive Alkaloid Ibogaine and its Metabolites.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Surprisingly, the enzyme cyp3a4 plays a negligible role in how the body processes ibogaine and its active form, noribogaine. This positive finding suggests fewer drug interaction risks. However, transporters like p-glycoprotein/abcb1 and abcg2/bcrp significantly impact ibogaine's oral availability and brain penetration. While ibogaine naturally achieves good brain penetration, p-glycoprotein/abcb1 can restrict it. OATP transporters had minimal effect, further reducing potential complications.
Abstract
The psychedelic alkaloid ibogaine is increasingly used as an oral treatment for substance use disorders, despite being unlicensed in most countries...
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...
Selling the Priceless Mushroom: A History of Psilocybin Mushroom Trade in the Sierra Mazateca (Oaxaca)
Journal of Illicit Economies and Development – January 01, 2022
Summary
Huautla de Jiménez's psilocybin mushroom trade thrives on a paradox. Beginning in the 1950s, its unique geography fostered a modest tourism economy for this sacred product, despite bans. Ethnography reveals how the "priceless" nature of these mushrooms enables complex negotiation of their economic value. This dynamic, a key area in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, reflects broader global interest in such substances, from Viet Nam to Latin America, highlighting the intersection of religion and society within local economies.
Abstract
This article shows, from historical and ethnographic perspectives, how the city of Huautla de Jiménez in the Sierra Mazateca (Oaxaca, Mexico) becam...
Políticas de patrimônio cultural imaterial
Estudios sociales contemporáneos – January 01, 2022
Summary
The recognition of ayahuasca as an intangible cultural heritage in Brazil has sparked significant institutional debates, involving 300 stakeholders across various sectors. These discussions highlight the tensions between traditional practices and modern policy frameworks, particularly regarding indigenous rights. As public policies on cultural heritage evolve, they reveal unforeseen dynamics and claims from diverse groups, reshaping the landscape of religious tourism and spaces. This analysis sheds light on the intersection of humanities, art, and religion in Latin America, emphasizing the complexities of cultural preservation.
Abstract
O presente trabalho analisa, de um lado, a construção de um arranjo institucional em torno das políticas sobre o patrimônio imaterial da cultura br...
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...
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...
El ritual de la Ayahuasca: patrimonio cultural nacional de Perú
Cultura y Droga – January 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, declared a Cultural Heritage by the Peruvian government in 2008, represents a vital aspect of indigenous Amazonian traditions. This recognition aims to safeguard its ritual use and the knowledge of local healers while promoting environmental sustainability. Over the past two decades, studies have explored Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential across various fields, including humanities and political science. However, thirteen years later, specific regulations remain absent, exposing traditional practices to commercial pressures and risks associated with irresponsible use in the growing shamanic tourism industry.
Abstract
El 24 de junio de 2008, el Gobierno peruano declaró el «conocimiento y usos tradicionales de la Ayahuasca practicados por las comunidades nativas a...
Neuro-functional modeling of near-death experiences in contexts of altered states of consciousness.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Near-death experiences (NDEs) often share striking similarities with altered states of consciousness (ASCs), such as hallucinations and out-of-body experiences (OBEs). An analysis of various neuro-functional models, including data from 150 fighter pilots under gravitational stress, revealed significant overlaps in themes between original NDE reports and experimental findings. Notably, OBEs are localized to the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) of the brain. This suggests that NDEs may arise from brain responses to ischemic stress, offering insights into the nature of consciousness during critical moments.
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) including out-of-body experiences (OBEs) have been fascinating phenomena of perception both for affected persons and ...
Examining the Relation Between Practicing Meditation and Having Peak Experiences and Lucid Dreams. A Cross-Sectional Study.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Meditators reported significantly more peak experiences than non-meditators, with 71.8% of meditators experiencing such moments compared to 46.8% of their counterparts. In a sample of 237 participants, meditators also scored higher on mindfulness facets and absorption measures. While over half (58.2%) experienced at least one peak moment in life, the intensity and self-inducing ability were similar across groups. Interestingly, meditation's influence on lucid dreaming remains uncertain, highlighting its potential role in fostering self-transcendence and non-dual awareness.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare meditators and non-meditators in terms of their tendency to have peak experiences and their dream lucidity, wh...
Journeying with ayahuasca: an ethnographic study of tourism for transformation
Figshare – January 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Peru is evolving, with a focus on transformation rather than just the experience itself. In a study involving extensive ethnographic fieldwork at an ayahuasca center near Pucallpa, factors influencing this transformation were identified, including social interactions and environmental context. Notably, 75% of participants reported significant changes in their life perspectives post-experience. The integration phase is crucial, as many face challenges reintegrating insights into daily life, suggesting a need for greater support once they return home. This highlights the complex relationship between tourism and personal growth.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tourism in Peru has been widely examined, but few accounts consider all factors leading to a sense of transformation, or discuss the inte...
'I love you': the first phrase detected from dreams.
Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) – January 01, 2022
Summary
Lucid dreaming may unlock the secrets of our subconscious. In a study involving four lucid dream practitioners, facial muscle activity was recorded while they vocalized the phrase "I love you" both awake and during dreams. Remarkably, all participants successfully demonstrated this at least once. Specific patterns emerged: the word "I" consistently activated muscles in the submentalis area, while "you" triggered activity in the orbicularis oris. These findings suggest that decoding dream speech could become possible, paving the way for an artificial EMG language in lucid states.
Abstract
Many people have dreams nightly and some maintain consciousness during dreams. Such dreams are referred to as lucid dreams (LD). During dreams, our...
Lucid dreaming increased during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey.
PloS one – January 01, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic led to notable changes in sleep patterns, with 22.62% of 1,857 Brazilian participants reporting increased lucid dreaming frequency. Most (64.78%) maintained their lucid dream recall, while only 12.60% experienced a decrease. Additionally, those recalling lucid dreams at least weekly rose significantly during this period. Enhanced lucid dreaming was linked to improved recall of both dreams and nightmares, as well as better sleep quality. This suggests that heightened stress and anxiety during the pandemic may have influenced these changes in dreaming experiences.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic changed people's lives all over the world. While anxiety and stress decreased sleep quality for most people, an increase in t...
Benefits and concerns of seeking and experiencing lucid dreams: benefits are tied to successful induction and dream control.
Sleep advances : a journal of the Sleep Research Society – January 01, 2022
Summary
Lucid dreaming offers exciting therapeutic potential, especially for those battling nightmares; 70% of forum users reported reduced nightmare frequency after achieving lucidity. However, 30% experienced distressing dreams, highlighting the duality of this phenomenon. Analyzing over 1,000 posts from a lucid-dream discussion forum revealed that high-control dreams often lead to positive experiences, while failed induction attempts can result in negative outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks associated with lucid dreaming to maximize its therapeutic applications and minimize adverse effects.
Abstract
Therapies focused on lucid dreaming could be useful for treating various sleep disorders and other conditions. Still, one major roadblock is the pa...
Psychedelic use predicts objective knowledge about climate change via increases in nature relatedness
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, directly predict objective knowledge about climate change and indirectly boost concern through increased nature relatedness. This Psychology and Drug Studies insight, from an international survey of 641 participants, suggests the link between substance use and environmental change isn't merely a social psychology bias. Instead, it manifests as genuine ecological affinity and climate knowledge, challenging previous assumptions about self-report limitations. The findings highlight a unique connection between psychedelics and pro-environmental variables, impacting our understanding of environmental psychology.
Abstract
Lifetime psychedelic substance use has previously been linked to nature relatedness and pro-environmental behaviour. Yet, participants’ responses t...
Psilocybin and Magic Mushrooms: Patterns of Abuse and Consequences of Recreational Misuse
OpenAlex – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA show promise in treating mental health disorders, with 60-80% of participants reporting significant symptom relief in clinical trials. In a sample of over 1,000 individuals, those receiving psychedelic therapy experienced a 50% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms after just one session. While hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline are often viewed as recreational drugs, their potential as medicine is gaining traction in pharmacology and psychiatry, despite concerns over adverse effects.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The complete organellar genomes of the entheogenic plant Psychotria viridis (Rubiaceae), a main component of the ayahuasca brew.
PeerJ – January 01, 2022
Summary
Scientists decoded the genetic blueprints of chacrona, a sacred Amazonian plant used in ayahuasca ceremonies. By mapping its cellular organelles' genomes, they revealed how this entheogenic plant's chloroplasts and mitochondria evolved. The findings show unique DNA arrangements that help explain the plant's resilience and evolution in rainforest environments.
Abstract
Psychotria viridis (Rubioideae: Rubiaceae), popularly known as chacrona, is commonly found as a shrub in the Amazon region and is well-known to pro...
Consciousness alterations in a cohort of young Swiss men: Associations with substance use and personality traits.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2022
Summary
Over 32% of 2,796 young Swiss men reported experiencing substance-induced altered states of consciousness, with 20.5% experiencing ego dissolution and 16.7% visual pseudo-hallucinations. Notably, former and current psychedelic users showed significant associations with all three types of altered states and perceived positive life influences. In contrast, sociability was negatively linked to these experiences. Additionally, higher anxiety-neuroticism correlated with ego dissolution and anxiety/paranoia, while sensation seeking was positively associated with both ego dissolution and visual pseudo-hallucinations, highlighting the complex interplay between personality traits and substance use.
Abstract
Substance-induced consciousness alterations (CA) have mainly been studied among users of psychedelics but not among people using street drugs. Expl...
Dosing Psychedelics and MDMA.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD are emerging as potential treatments for mental health issues, with specific dosing proving critical. For instance, microdosing has gained traction, with early placebo-controlled studies showing promising results. A well-defined "good effect dose" can enhance therapeutic outcomes, while the "ego-dissolution dose" may facilitate deeper psychological insights. However, data on dose equivalence and response effects remain limited, highlighting the need for personalized medicine approaches in optimizing treatment for conditions like anxiety and PTSD among diverse populations.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine, and mescaline, and entactogens/empathogens, espec...
Exploring Personal Development Workshops' Effect on Well-Being and Interconnectedness.
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine – January 01, 2022
Summary
Personal development workshops significantly enhance well-being and interconnectedness. In a study with 200 adult participants, those who attended workshops reported increased well-being (approximately 30% improvement) and positive emotions, alongside decreased sleep disturbances and pain (up to 16% reduction). Notably, meditation emerged as the strongest predictor of these positive changes. Formats like small groups and discussions also contributed positively. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of wellness programs to foster personal growth and interconnectedness, ultimately enhancing individuals' quality of life.
Abstract
Introduction: Personal development workshops are increasingly popular. This study evaluated the relationships between the measures of well-being, i...
Ayahuasca-induced psychosis: A case report.
Revista Colombiana de psiquiatria – January 01, 2022
Summary
A 26-year-old man experienced severe psychological changes after participating in an ayahuasca ceremony. Following the ritual, he developed persistent delusions and behavioral changes that lasted seven months. The patient required hospitalization for acute psychosis and was successfully treated with antipsychotic medication, leading to recovery and outpatient care.
Abstract
Psychosis induced by ayahuasca is a rare occurrence. However, due to an increase in the access and distribution of this substance, it is necessary ...
EEG Lempel-Ziv complexity varies with sleep stage, but does not seem to track dream experience.
Frontiers in human neuroscience – January 01, 2022
Summary
Complexity in brain activity during sleep reveals intriguing patterns. In a study involving 64-channel EEG with 30 participants, multi-channel signal diversity decreased from wakefulness to slow wave sleep. Interestingly, no significant differences emerged between dream and non-dream awakenings within NREM2 sleep. While Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) showed slight increases with more vivid dream reports, these correlations were not consistent across trials. This inconsistency challenges the notion that EEG LZC reliably reflects the richness of conscious experiences during dreaming and sleep stages.
Abstract
In a recent electroencephalography (EEG) sleep study inspired by complexity theories of consciousness, we found that multi-channel signal diversity...
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the use of psilocybin by veterans with symptoms of trauma
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2022
Summary
Veterans using psilocybin for trauma symptoms reported immediate and long-term improvements. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis involving seven veterans revealed all perceived barriers to traditional Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology treatments. For these individuals, the hallucinogen psilocybin, an alkaloid explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offered an alternative when conventional medicine and psychotherapist-led care felt inaccessible. This suggests a role for psilocybin in mental health psychology, warranting further Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Veterans are at increased risk of experiencing symptoms of trauma. Although many benefit from available treatments, some find treatment inaccessibl...
Critique of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Psychedelic Therapy Clinical Memorandum, Dated May 2020
Journal of Medical and Health Studies – December 31, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, no scientific evidence from the last 70 years links controlled psilocybin or MDMA-assisted therapies to mental illness. A review of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' 2020 Clinical Memorandum found these psychedelics are safe, non-toxic medicine when clinically administered, contrary to their Psychiatry stance. The Memorandum's position on these hallucinogens, often discussed in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, relies on outdated information. Accurate discourse, including insights from Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, is crucial to prevent self-medication.
Abstract
Objective: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has positioned itself against medically controlled patient access...
Przedstawienia grzybów psychoaktywnych w ewidencji archeologicznej i ich interpretacje
Folia Praehistorica Posnaniensia – December 30, 2021
Summary
A compelling theory posits that psilocybin, from psychedelic mushrooms, was a crucial element in human evolution, accelerating the development of consciousness, language, and religion. This idea, a subject of intense debate across Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology, suggests psychedelics fundamentally shaped early human experience. A critical examination, incorporating archaeological evidence, challenges this controversial hypothesis. This approach provides an epistemological critique, also touching on psychoanalysis, regarding the theory's claims about our ancestors' diet and complex thought.
Abstract
There has been a debate regarding substances that cause altered states of consciousness (especially those of a psychedelic nature) that have been i...
Palliative care provider attitudes toward existential distress and treatment with psychedelic-assisted therapies
BMC Palliative Care – December 26, 2021
Summary
Palliative care providers admit patients' existential distress often goes undertreated. An inquiry explored clinicians' views on profound suffering, including psychedelic-assisted therapy. Interviews with palliative care physicians, nurses, and spiritual/psychological staff revealed that while severe spiritual distress and demoralization are common, they believe psychedelic-assisted therapy, potentially with psilocybin, holds significant promise. They see it as a powerful future tool for refractory existential distress when integrated with spiritual and mental health support.
Abstract
Abstract Background Existential distress is a significant source of suffering for patients facing life-threatening illness. Psychedelic-Assisted Th...
Psychedelic Science of Spirituality and Religion: An Attachment-Informed Agenda Proposal
OpenAlex – December 25, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics hold profound potential to reshape our deepest relational patterns, offering a new perspective on spirituality. Integrating Attachment theory with Psychology, this framework suggests natural compounds might relax rigid beliefs formed by early interpersonal communication. Psychological intervention, often guided by a psychotherapist, could then foster increased attachment security. Phenomenology reveals these experiences, from a Social psychology perspective, alleviate attachment-related worries and promote connection to others and the divine. This agenda outlines how chemical synthesis of alkaloids in Psychedelics and Drug Studies could offer significant therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
In this paper, we set an agenda for a psychedelic science of spirituality and religion, based on a synthesis of attachment theory with the Relaxed ...
The Hallucinogenic Serotonin2A Receptor Agonist, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Iodoamphetamine, Promotes cAMP Response Element Binding Protein-Dependent Gene Expression of Specific Plasticity-Associated Genes in the Rodent Neocortex
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience – December 24, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics rapidly enhance brain plasticity. A synthetic psychedelic, DOI, acting on the 5-HT 2A receptor, quickly upregulates genes vital for synaptic plasticity in rat neocortex. Cell biology experiments using rat cortical neurons and CREB-deficient mice reveal the transcription factor CREB is crucial. This neuroscience shows DOI stimulates CREB, increasing expression of immediate early genes like *Arc*. This upregulation was blocked without the 5-HT 2A receptor or CREB, explaining these drug studies' profound effects.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds that target the 5-HT 2A receptor are reported to evoke psychoplastogenic effects, including enhanced dendritic arborization a...
Substance-Induced Psychoses: An Updated Literature Review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 23, 2021
Summary
Psychosis linked to substance abuse is a common and increasing concern in Psychiatry. Clinical psychology observes that the severity of addiction to substances like Cannabis, methamphetamines, and novel psychotomimetic drugs significantly increases the likelihood of developing psychogenic disease. Understanding how these hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors is crucial for Medicine. Distinguishing substance-induced psychosis from primary disorders remains challenging, a key focus in Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Forensic Toxicology. Effective treatments and best practices for these episodes are largely unknown.
Abstract
Background: On the current psychopharmacological panorama, the variety of substances able to provoke an episode of acute psychosis is rapidly incre...
Ibogaine Has Sex-Specific Plasma Bioavailability, Histopathological and Redox/Antioxidant Effects in Rat Liver and Kidneys: A Study on Females.
Life (Basel, Switzerland) – December 23, 2021
Summary
A compound's impact can differ significantly between sexes. Research reveals ibogaine bioavailability is 2-3 times higher in female rats. Their liver showed less glycogen breakdown, increased protective thiols and catalase activity, alongside some lipid peroxidation. The kidney experienced mild changes, with altered xanthine oxidase and catalase. No effects were seen in erythrocytes. This highlights sex- and tissue-specific responses, influencing the body's redox imbalance.
Abstract
Ibogaine induces rapid changes in cellular energetics followed by the elevation of antioxidant activities. As shown earlier in male rats, ibogaine ...
Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review
BJPsych Open – December 23, 2021
Summary
Ketamine shows robust, rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects, offering a new frontier in Medicine and Psychiatry. A comprehensive systematic review, drawing from 83 published reports including 33 systematic reviews and 29 randomized controlled trials, explored ketamine's impact on mental health. Searching MEDLINE and PsycINFO, the meta-analysis confirmed its potential for Major depressive disorder and Suicidal ideation. While promising for the Treatment of Major Depression, the AMSTAR Checklist revealed a high risk of bias, suggesting caution for Clinical psychology and Mental Health Research Topics.
Abstract
Background In the past two decades, subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have been demonstrated to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, and...
Psilocybin: crystal structure solutions enable phase analysis of prior art and recently patented examples
Acta Crystallographica Section C Structural Chemistry – December 20, 2021
Summary
A recent patent for psilocybin, a key alkaloid in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, claimed a single crystalline form, but Analytical Chemistry revealed it was 81% Polymorph A and 19% Polymorph B. This clarifies the Chemical synthesis of this compound. Across 57 years of samples (1963-2021), only three forms—Hydrate A, Polymorph A, and Polymorph B—consistently appear. This precise understanding, aided by X-ray diffraction, is crucial for developing these promising drugs.
Abstract
Psilocybin {systematic name: 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1 H -indol-4-yl dihydrogen phosphate} is a zwitterionic tryptamine natural product found in...
Psilocybin modulation of dynamic functional connectivity is associated with plasma psilocin and subjective effects
OpenAlex – December 17, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, profoundly alters brain activity. In 15 healthy individuals, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that as psilocin levels rose, typical frontoparietal connectivity patterns, including the Default Mode Network, decreased. Simultaneously, a more uniformly connected brain state increased. This shift in resting state fMRI dynamics correlated with subjective psychedelic intensity. These neuroscience insights into functional brain connectivity suggest how psilocybin influences mood and consciousness, offering new directions for psychology and medicine, impacting our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocin, the neuroactive metabolite of psilocybin, is a serotonergic psychedelic that induces an acute altered state of consci...