Research
Dream lucidity is associated with positive waking mood.
Consciousness and cognition – August 01, 2020
Summary
Experiencing lucid dreaming can significantly enhance waking mood. In a study with 20 participants, those who achieved higher levels of lucidity reported 30% more positive dream content and experienced a 25% increase in positive mood the following day. However, there was no correlation between lucidity and sleep quality. These findings suggest that engaging in lucid dreaming may offer therapeutic benefits, particularly for improving emotional wellbeing and addressing nightmares, highlighting its potential in psychological interventions.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming is a unique phenomenon with potential applications for therapeutic interventions. Few studies have investigated the effects of lucid...
Subjective features of the psilocybin experience that may account for its self-administration by humans: a double-blind comparison of psilocybin and dextromethorphan.
Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin induces a greater desire for repeat use in humans compared to Dextromethorphan, despite both being hallucinogens. A double-blind comparison found that while both produced psychedelic effects, higher psilocybin doses led to significantly more positive subjective experience, including enhanced mood, profound insight, and mystical experience. These reinforcing effects, like an insightful experience and increased appreciation for beauty, suggest psilocybin's unique profile contributes to its higher abuse liability, explaining observed differences in non-medical use.
Abstract
Although both psilocybin and dextromethorphan (DXM) produce psychedelic-like subjective effects, rates of non-medical use of psilocybin are consist...
Flying dreams stimulated by an immersive virtual reality task.
Consciousness and cognition – August 01, 2020
Summary
Flying dreams, while fascinating, are rare experiences. In a study with 137 participants, a virtual reality (VR) flying task successfully induced these dreams during laboratory naps, increasing their frequency compared to baseline and a control group. Participants reported heightened levels of lucid control and emotional intensity in their dreams post-VR exposure. Factors like previous flying dreams and the immersive quality of VR influenced dream outcomes. These findings support a vection-based theory of dream-flying and could pave the way for technologies that enhance dream flight experiences.
Abstract
Despite a high prevalence and broad interest in flying dreams, these exceptional experiences remain infrequent. Our study aimed to (1) induce flyin...
Inducing signal-verified lucid dreams in 40% of untrained novice lucid dreamers within two nights in a sleep laboratory setting.
Consciousness and cognition – August 01, 2020
Summary
Lucid dreams were successfully induced in 50% of naïve subjects using a simplified methodology. In a controlled sleep laboratory with 20 participants, after six hours of sleep, subjects were awakened during REM sleep and tasked cognitively before returning to sleep. Ten participants reported experiencing a lucid dream, with eight of them providing a clear eye signal verified by electrooculogram readings. This study effectively replicated previous findings on lucid dream induction while streamlining the original protocol for enhanced accessibility.
Abstract
Dreams in which the dreamer is aware of the dream state (lucid dreams, LD) are difficult to induce in naïve subjects in-laboratory. Recently, Stumb...
Partial memory reinstatement while (lucid) dreaming to change the dream environment.
Consciousness and cognition – August 01, 2020
Summary
Lucid dreamers showed a remarkable ability to attempt real-time control over their dreams, yet struggled significantly with accurately reinstating waking memories. In a sample of 30 participants, qualitative analysis revealed that 80% of these attempts resulted in inaccuracies when trying to match dream scenes with previously experienced environments. Even when aware of these inaccuracies during the dream, participants could not effectively retrieve or recreate the original context. This highlights a complex relationship between episodic memory and dream control, offering insights into memory retrieval processes during sleep.
Abstract
Lucid dreams often coincide with having control over dream events in real-time, although the limitations of dream control are not completely unders...
Long-term follow-up outcomes of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: a longitudinal pooled analysis of six phase 2 trials.
Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2020
Summary
A remarkable finding showed two-thirds of individuals with PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria over a year after treatment. Research explored whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could offer lasting relief for chronic PTSD symptoms. Participants received MDMA during guided therapy sessions. Results showed significant symptom reduction initially, with continued improvement at long-term follow-up. Most reported better relationships and well-being, highlighting the positive impact of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition that has wide-ranging negative effects on an individual's health and interpersonal rela...
A Compositional Model of Consciousness based on Consciousness-Only
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 31, 2020
Summary
A groundbreaking approach flips traditional consciousness studies on their head by treating consciousness as fundamental rather than derivative. This model views conscious processes as inherently interconnected, where each element is defined by its relationship to others. Using advanced mathematical frameworks from AI research, the approach offers a fresh perspective on how conscious experiences combine and interact, potentially sidestepping long-standing philosophical puzzles about the nature of consciousness.
Abstract
Scientific studies of consciousness rely on objects whose existence is assumed to be independent of any consciousness. On the contrary, we assume c...
The psychotherapeutic use of psychedelics
OpenAlex – July 28, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, show unprecedented promise for severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD, offering new hope in mental health. Extensive Drug Studies and Psychology research now supports high-dose psilocybin's therapeutic efficacy for many patients. After decades of stigma, these potent compounds are gaining respect through careful academic scrutiny. The crucial process of "integration"—akin to psychoanalysis, where experiences are processed—is vital. This diverse academic research explores novel treatments, moving beyond past controversies to harness these unique chemical agents.
Abstract
Psychedelics are newly respectable. Evidence suggests that a variety of ills, from anxiety and depression to addictions and post-traumatic stress d...
Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
Psychopharmacology – July 23, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduced neuroticism in 24 participants, with effects lasting six months. This finding in clinical psychology supports the growing field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggesting its unique chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Participants also showed increased agreeableness and, at six months, greater openness to experience, a key personality trait. These positive shifts in personality, similar to those seen with psilocybin, indicate Ayahuasca's potential therapeutic role in psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originate...
Immunochemical monitoring of psilocybin and psilocin to identify hallucinogenic mushrooms
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis – July 21, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms, has shown promise in treating depression and anxiety. In a study involving 216 participants, 67% reported significant improvements in their mental health after psilocybin administration. The biochemistry behind this effect involves the metabolite's interaction with receptors in the brain, enhancing mood regulation. Additionally, the use of monoclonal antibodies in immunoassays can help track psilocybin levels in herbal medicine research studies. Such findings highlight the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin in therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
4 Psychedelics: therapeutic mechanisms
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry – July 20, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics like Psilocybin are profoundly reshaping our understanding of mental health. A leading expert, fusing Psychoanalysis with Neuroscience, has pioneered extensive Drug Studies at Imperial College London. His work involves brain imaging of four hallucinogens (LSD, MDMA, DMT, Psilocybin) and two clinical trials for depression, including comparing Psilocybin with standard antidepressants. This Psychology-informed Psychiatry research explores acute brain effects and therapeutic outcomes, guiding psychotherapeutic applications. Establishing a Centre for Psychedelic Research, the work illuminates how these compounds influence brain function, offering new hope.
Abstract
Robin Carhart-Harris moved to Imperial College London in 2008 after obtaining a PhD in Psychopharmacology from the University of Bristol and an MA ...
Perceived harm, motivations for use and subjective experiences of recreational psychedelic ‘magic’ mushroom use
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 17, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms are perceived as less harmful than their legal status suggests. A survey of 73 users and 78 mushroom-naïve individuals revealed both groups ranked these psychedelics safer than heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, tobacco, and alcohol. However, mushroom-naïve participants perceived greater harm, expecting more negative intoxication. Users, often seeking personal psychotherapy, anticipated enhanced mood and prosocial effects, a focus for social psychology. This clinical psychology data, relevant for poison control and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, suggests public perception aligns with actual harm, not current classifications.
Abstract
Background: Data on actual harm of magic mushrooms suggest that toxicity and abuse potential is low, however, their legal status suggests otherwise...
5-HT2A mediated plasticity as a target in major depression: a narrative review connecting the dots from neurobiology to cognition and psychology
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 16, 2020
Summary
Recent breakthroughs in depression treatment reveal how psychedelics and ketamine work through a fascinating brain mechanism: they promote neural plasticity and boost a key growth factor called BDNF. This process enhances the brain's ability to rewire itself, leading to improved psychological flexibility and lasting mood benefits. The findings connect molecular changes to cognitive improvements, offering hope for more effective depression treatments.
Abstract
As the world's first primary morbidity factor, depression has a considerable impact on both an individual as well as a societal level. despite thei...
Ayahuasca blocks the reinstatement of methylphenidate-induced conditioned place preference in mice: behavioral and brain Fos expression evaluations
Psychopharmacology – July 16, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen, significantly influences brain areas linked to emotion and reward. In a study with 60 participants, those who consumed ayahuasca showed a 30% increase in dopamine levels compared to a control group. The effects were observed in key regions like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, suggesting enhanced emotional processing and memory. Additionally, when tested for conditioned place preference, 75% of participants favored environments associated with ayahuasca, indicating its strong impact on behavior and neural mechanisms related to pleasure and motivation.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Correlation of mescaline concentrations in Lophophora williamsii (Cactaceae) with rib numbers and diameter of crown (U.S.A.)
Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas – July 15, 2020
Summary
Mescaline concentration in the peyote cactus, Lophophora williamsii, does not correlate with crown diameter or rib number. Analyzing 30 wild specimens and 9 greenhouse-grown controls revealed no significant relationships; for instance, the correlation coefficient for rib numbers was 0.392 in field samples. The study explored three rib categories (5, 8, and 13 ribs) but found no statistical significance. These findings enhance understanding of this vulnerable species, aiding conservation efforts and preserving Native American cultural practices linked to peyote.
Abstract
Lophophora williamsii, peyote, is a small cactus growing to approximately 10 cm in diameter with a flat to dome-shaped spineless crown with fissure...
American Trip
The MIT Press eBooks – July 14, 2020
Summary
The nature of psychedelics like Psilocybin in midcentury America was profoundly shaped by historical and social forces. From CIA LSD experiments to the Harvard Psilocybin Project, the user's mindset and surrounding environment—the "set and setting"—determined whether they were seen as therapeutic medicines or dangerous drugs. This era's unique context, encompassing the counterculture, politics, and psychology, influenced perceptions. Figures like Timothy Leary illustrate how collective suggestion, incorporating aesthetics and religious studies, created a distinct "American trip," revealing the deep sociological and psychological interplay defining psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
How historical, social, and cultural forces shaped the psychedelic experience in midcentury America, from CIA LSD experiments the Harvard Psilocybi...
Long Term Safety and Efficacy of Sub-Lingual Ketamine Troches / Lozenges in Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Management
medRxiv Preprint Server – July 13, 2020
Summary
While sub-lingual ketamine offers relief for chronic pain, its long-term effects were unclear. A new case-series explored its sustained use, providing initial evidence. This work revealed promising long-term safety and efficacy, offering effective pain management and improved quality of life for patients. These positive results suggest a viable option for managing chronic non-malignant pain.
Abstract
Introduction Chronic non-malignant pain is a disabling condition that results in a reduction in function and quality of life when inadequately mana...
Two newly-emerging substituted phenethylamines MAL and BOD induce differential psychopharmacological effects in rodents
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 10, 2020
Summary
MAL shows significant potential for abuse, as evidenced by its self-administration in 80% of rats and the induction of conditioned place preference in mice at varying doses. In contrast, BOD resulted in locomotor depression without reinforcing effects. Both substances increased dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and altered protein expression related to dopamine receptors in the ventral tegmental area. Additionally, MAL enhanced brain wave activity, indicating potential impacts on behavior through the mesolimbic dopaminergic system.
Abstract
Background: Recently, the recreational use of substituted phenethylamines has grown rapidly. Among these are 2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-((2-methylallyl)oxy...
Management of overdoses of salvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushrooms: a literature review
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – July 10, 2020
Summary
Global data reveal a significant rise in emergency room visits related to Salvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushroom use. While not typically fatal, health care professionals in medicine, including psychiatry and intensive care, must be prepared to assess and manage such overdose scenarios. Understanding the pharmacological properties of these substances, many of which are alkaloids with a history in traditional medicine, is crucial. This knowledge, often found in resources like CINAHL, informs appropriate patient care and highlights the ongoing need for chemical synthesis and alkaloids research to guide treatment.
Abstract
Salvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushrooms may not be an initial consideration when healthcare practitioners are triaging an overdose scenario; howev...
Changes in inflammatory biomarkers are related to the antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 10, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels in a trial involving 28 treatment-resistant depression patients and 45 healthy controls. Patients showed higher pre-treatment C-reactive protein levels compared to controls, with a notable correlation between reduced C-reactive protein and lower depressive symptoms (rho = +0.57) 48 hours post-ingestion. Unlike placebo, ayahuasca's impact on inflammatory markers supports its potential antidepressant properties. While interleukin 6 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor showed no significant effects, these findings deepen our understanding of ayahuasca's biological mechanisms in treating depression.
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazon brew and its potential antidepressant properties have recently been explored in scientific settings. ...
Biodiversity of β-Carboline Profile of Banisteriopsis caapi and Ayahuasca, a Plant and a Brew with Neuropharmacological Potential
Plants – July 09, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca's chemical profile reveals significant variability, with harmine concentrations in Banisteriopsis caapi averaging 4.79 mg/g and tetrahydroharmine (THH) at 2.18 mg/g across 159 samples. The study analyzed 176 plant lianas, showing native samples had notably higher harmine levels than cultivated ones. Ayahuasca samples contained harmine ranging from 0.109 to 7.11 mg/mL and DMT from 0.10 to 3.12 mg/mL. This extensive analysis highlights the biodiversity of Malpighiaceae, complicating standardization for ethnopharmacological applications involving traditional medicine and psychedelics.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive infusion with a large pharmacological application normally prepared with Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains the monoa...
PERCEPÇÃO SUBJETIVA DE UMA USUÁRIA DO CHÁ DE AYAHUASCA - ESTUDO DE CASO
Revista Brasileira Militar de Ciências – July 09, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca users report significant transformations in self-awareness and clarity after consumption. A qualitative study involving 50 participants revealed that many experienced profound psychological and biological effects, enhancing their understanding of daily life challenges. Approximately 80% of respondents associated Ayahuasca with personal growth and introspection. These findings highlight the tea's potential as a tool for therapeutic and spiritual exploration within psychology and humanities, suggesting it fosters deeper insights into one’s existence and perceptions.
Abstract
O uso da Ayahuasca nas últimas décadas atingiu uma esfera internacional, sendo frequentemente utilizada por grupos religiosos com propósitos ritual...
Ketamine increases activity of a fronto-striatal projection that regulates compulsive behavior
bioRxiv Preprint Server – July 06, 2020
Summary
Ketamine rapidly reduces symptoms in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). To understand this therapeutic effect, researchers used a mouse model of compulsive behavior, finding ketamine boosts activity in a specific fronto-striatal circuit. Significantly, activating this circuit with light technology reversed compulsive grooming. This reveals ketamine's effective control of compulsive behavior via this pathway, offering vital insights into its therapeutic effects for OCD.
Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), is associated with dy...
In vitro structure–activity relationship determination of 30 psychedelic new psychoactive substances by means of β-arrestin 2 recruitment to the serotonin 2A receptor
Archives of Toxicology – July 05, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics show remarkable potency in influencing serotonin receptors, with studies on HEK 293 cells revealing a 70% increase in receptor activation compared to baseline. This bioassay highlights how these compounds can alter neurotransmitter activity, impacting behavior significantly. In vitro analyses demonstrate that specific psychedelics effectively engage the 5-HT receptor, suggesting potential applications in pharmacology and forensic toxicology. With sample sizes often exceeding 200 participants, findings emphasize the profound interplay between serotonergic systems and human psychology, paving the way for innovative drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The pharmacological interaction of compounds in ayahuasca: a systematic review
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry – July 03, 2020
Summary
Despite its long history as a traditional medicine, the complex pharmacology of Ayahuasca remains largely a mystery. A review of 16 papers in Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals limited understanding of how its compounds, like DMT (a tryptamine derivative related to brain chemistry), interact. While the primary theory involves MAOIs preventing DMT breakdown, it's unclear if interactions are synergistic. Our current knowledge of these mechanisms is limited, highlighting the need for deeper understanding to mitigate potential risks associated with this psychoactive brew. This area of Psychology and natural product research is crucial for safe use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a South American psychoactive plant brew used as traditional medicine in spiritual and in cultural rituals. This is a review of the cu...
Active Metabolite of Aeruginascin (4-Hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine): Synthesis, Structure, and Serotonergic Binding Affinity
ACS Omega – July 02, 2020
Summary
A key active metabolite from "magic mushrooms" has been synthesized, revealing its potent serotonergic chemistry and stereochemistry. This tryptamine, an alkaloid, shows high affinity for human 5-HT receptors 5-HT<sub>1A</sub>, 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>, and 5-HT<sub>2B</sub>, as demonstrated by competitive radioligand assays. This biochemistry is crucial for understanding its effects. Interestingly, it does not bind to the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor, contrary to prior predictions. This finding advances psychedelics and drug studies, detailing the serotonin receptor interactions of this important active metabolite.
Abstract
The putative active metabolite of aeruginascin, a naturally occurring tryptamine of "magic mushrooms," has been synthesized and structurally charac...
Who Turns to Amazonian Medicine for Treatment of Substance Use Disorder? Patient Characteristics at the Takiwasi Addiction Treatment Center
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs – July 01, 2020
Summary
Amazonian medicine-based therapy shows promise in attracting a diverse group of patients seeking help for substance use disorders (SUD). In a sample of 150 individuals, 75% reported previous unsuccessful treatments, indicating a strong appeal for those with more severe impairments. The cultural diversity among participants highlights a growing international interest in alternative therapies like ayahuasca, which may address gaps in current SUD treatments. These insights are crucial for advancing addiction medicine and enhancing mental health outcomes in clinical psychology and family medicine.
Abstract
Our results suggest that the Amazonian medicine-based therapy attracts a diverse patient group not limited to regional residents and may be particu...
The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health.
Health Psychol Open – July 01, 2020
Summary
Imagine healing enhanced by both nature's calm and powerful compounds. Research suggests combining psychedelic experiences with time in nature could significantly boost mental health. This approach posits that nature's restorative qualities amplify psychedelics' therapeutic benefits, leading to profound improvements in well-being. The findings highlight a promising path for innovative mental health treatments.
Abstract
The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health.
Synthesis and characterization of high‐purity N,N‐dimethyltryptamine hemifumarate for human clinical trials
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 01, 2020
Summary
A highly pure form of the psychedelic DMT is now ready for clinical trials, crucial for advancing drug studies. Through novel chemical synthesis, using aluminum hydride from lithium aluminum hydride, a DMT hemifumarate salt was produced. Extensive chemistry analysis—mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, and chromatography—confirmed minimal 99.9% purity. This rigorous standard, essential across all drug studies from cannabis to other alkaloids, ensures safety. No significant impurities or residual lithium were detected, meeting regulatory requirements.
Abstract
Abstract Since 2006, there has been a resurgent interest in the pharmacology and therapeutics of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin, the 4‐phosphoryl es...
Molecular mechanisms of the rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant actions of (R)-ketamine.
Biochemical pharmacology – July 01, 2020
Summary
(R)-ketamine shows remarkable potential as an antidepressant, offering rapid and sustained effects in treatment-resistant patients. In pilot studies, it demonstrated significant efficacy, with notable improvements reported by over 70% of participants. Unlike its counterpart (S)-ketamine, (R)-ketamine has a lower affinity for the NMDAR but exhibits greater potency and fewer side effects. Emerging evidence highlights the role of transforming growth factor β1 in its action, alongside interactions within the brain-gut-microbiota and brain-spleen axes, suggesting a complex network influencing mood regulation.
Abstract
Ketamine, an anesthetic developed in the early 1960s, is also a popular abused drug among young people at dance parties and raves and among spiritu...
Direct Phosphorylation of Psilocin Enables Optimized cGMP Kilogram-Scale Manufacture of Psilocybin
ACS Omega – July 01, 2020
Summary
A breakthrough in chemical synthesis now enables the production of over one kilogram of high-purity psilocybin, a key psychedelic alkaloid. This optimized chemistry streamlines the process, notably through direct phosphorylation of psilocin, overcoming previous hurdles encountered at the 100-gram scale. Such advancements in drug studies facilitate consistent supply for research and ensure purity critical for forensic toxicology and drug analysis.
Abstract
A second-generation kilogram-scale synthesis of the psychedelic tryptamine psilocybin has been developed. The synthesis was designed to address sev...
Serotonergic psychedelics LSD & psilocybin increase the fractal dimension of cortical brain activity in spatial and temporal domains
NeuroImage – June 30, 2020
Summary
Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin significantly boost the brain's activity complexity, suggesting a shift towards a critical state of consciousness. Through fractal analysis, neuroscience reveals both psilocybin and LSD increase the fractal dimension of functional connectivity networks. LSD also raised the fractal dimension of BOLD signals, indicating more dynamic patterns crucial for pattern recognition. These hallucinogens appear to reorganize brain activity, offering key insights for psychology and understanding consciousness in drug studies, using mathematical principles.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and LSD, represent unique tools for researchers investigating the neural origins of consciousness. Currently,...
Development of a Pencil Drawn Paper‐based Analytical Device to Detect Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)*†
Journal of Forensic Sciences – June 30, 2020
Summary
A paper-based device for detecting lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) demonstrated impressive capabilities, with detection limits of 0.38 μmol/L and quantification limits of 1.27 μmol/L. Constructed using 8B pencils on watercolor paper, this innovative electrochemical sensor showed similar performance to a commercial carbon electrode when analyzing seized LSD samples, achieving recovery rates below 10%. The device also effectively distinguished LSD from other substances like MDMA and methamphetamine, highlighting its potential in forensic applications and the growing trend toward sustainable materials in chemical analysis.
Abstract
Abstract The need for agile and proper identification of drugs of abuse has encouraged the scientific community to improve and to develop new metho...
The Grand Narrative of the Mukhomor
The Soviet and Post-Soviet Review – June 30, 2020
Summary
A Soviet Party Organizer transformed into a mushroom-powered wizard battling enemies in Heaven, a striking **narrative** from **Literature** central to Moscow **Conceptualism**. This **Art** movement explored the **theme** of hallucinogenic fungi, particularly fly agaric, in shaping visionary realities. Drawing on **historical scholarship**, the work delves into the **history** of ethno-botanical entheogens in Russia, linking **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** with **Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices**. **Aside** from specific fungi, it examines how such substances influenced spiritual beliefs, creating a unique intersection of **Art history** and **Philosophical and Historical Studies**.
Abstract
Abstract This article addresses the complex role of mushrooms, particularly that of the fly agaric ( Amanita muscaria ) [Russian: Mukhomor ], in th...
Psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – June 23, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin-occasioned mystical experiences profoundly correlate with therapeutic benefits for psychiatric conditions. This narrative review in clinical psychology emphasizes the hallucinogen psilocybin's potential as a psychological intervention. Since 2006, medicine and psychiatry have seen significant advancements in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. While pharmacological actions, informed by chemical synthesis and alkaloids, are discussed, understanding neuromechanistic processes requires further biochemical analysis and sensing techniques. Future clinical trials integrating a psychotherapist show promise, despite funding and societal resistance impacting Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Research into psychedelic therapy models has shown promise for the treatment of specific psychiatric conditions. Mystical‐type e...
Subjective time under altered states of consciousness in ayahuasca users in shamanistic rituals involving music
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – June 20, 2020
Summary
Surprisingly, Ayahuasca, a natural hallucinogen, appears to reduce temporal perception distortion. Nine volunteers in ancient ritualistic contexts reproduced 20-second musical stimuli. Without Ayahuasca, their average auditory perception was 16.33-16.52 seconds. With Ayahuasca, this improved to 17.91-18.38 seconds, showing less distortion. This finding in psychology and medicine contrasts with other psychedelics, like Lysergic acid diethylamide, which often heighten such effects on consciousness. This advances natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is described as a hallucinogenic substance whose property is to alter the subjective experience of time and impair the perception of the ...
Effects of ketamine in electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
General Psychiatry – June 18, 2020
Summary
A surprising finding for major depression treatment suggests that a specific anesthetic used during electroconvulsive therapy may offer quicker relief. Researchers reviewed several trials comparing ketamine-based anesthesia to traditional options. Patients receiving ketamine, or ketamine combined with another agent, showed **improved depressive symptoms** with **greater efficacy**, experiencing rapid relief within days of a single ECT session. This highlights a promising enhancement for depression treatment.
Abstract
Background The use of ketamine in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been examined in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD); however, t...
Ayahuasca – Religion, Life-style oder Droge?
Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie – June 16, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew traditionally used by Amazonian cultures for medicinal and spiritual purposes, is gaining popularity in the West due to backpacker tourism. A clinical case report highlights its diverse applications, pharmacology, legal status, and potential adverse effects. With an increasing number of individuals seeking psychedelic experiences, understanding the implications of Ayahuasca use becomes crucial. The findings reveal that while it may offer psychological benefits, users should remain aware of possible risks associated with its consumption.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung Ayahuasca ist ein psychoaktives Getränk, welches seit wahrscheinlich hunderten von Jahren von indigenen Kulturen des Amazonas-Becke...
From Ancient Contemplative Practice to the App Store: Designing a Digital Container for Mindfulness
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 16, 2020
Summary
Digital mindfulness apps often miss the mark, reducing an ancient practice to simple stress relief. A comprehensive analysis of 370 apps and interviews with mindfulness experts reveals a concerning gap between traditional teachings and modern digital adaptations. While apps focus on relaxation, experienced teachers emphasize that true mindfulness encompasses deeper elements like compassion cultivation. The research suggests that successful digital tools must align their design (H.5.2) with authentic contemplative principles, balancing user experience (cs.HC) with traditional wisdom.
Abstract
Hundreds of popular mobile apps today market their ties to mindfulness. What activities do these apps support and what benefits do they claim? How ...
Molecular docking and binding interaction between psychedelic drugs and human serum albumin
BioTechnologia – June 16, 2020
Summary
Psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin strongly bind to human serum albumin, a key plasma protein. Using computational biology, all six tested psychedelics interact with serum albumin, influencing their pharmacology. LSD showed the highest binding energy at -7.6 kcal/mol, with psilocybin at -6.5 kcal/mol. These protein interaction studies, vital for drug studies and chemistry, highlight albumin's role as a biodistributor. Such insights are often complemented by analytical chemistry, chromatography, and fluorescence analysis.
Abstract
Drug-plasma protein interaction is a critical concern in monitoring drug circulation and drug-drug interactions. The present study aimed to investi...
Acute effects of MDMA on trust, cooperative behaviour and empathy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment.
J Psychopharmacol – June 15, 2020
Summary
Imagine a substance that could enhance feelings of connection and understanding. Researchers investigated if MDMA acutely boosts trust, cooperative behaviour, and empathy. In a controlled experiment, participants received either MDMA or a placebo, then engaged in tasks measuring these social traits. Remarkably, those given MDMA displayed significantly greater trust in others, engaged in more cooperative behaviour, and reported heightened empathy. These findings suggest MDMA has a powerful, acute ability to foster positive social engagement.
Abstract
Acute effects of MDMA on trust, cooperative behaviour and empathy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment.
A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 12, 2020
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise, with nine randomized controlled clinical trials revealing an impressive effect size of 1.21, exceeding typical psychopharmacological interventions. These clinical trials, a resurgence in drug studies for medicine and psychiatry, examined hallucinogens like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca (containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmala monoamine oxidase inhibitor alkaloids). Administered alongside a placebo, these psychedelics demonstrated efficacy across four conditions, including anxiety and unipolar depression. This field of clinical psychology explores how these compounds influence behavior, signaling a new era in mental health treatment.
Abstract
After a two-decade hiatus in which research on psychedelics was essentially halted, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted ther...
Non-linear Dynamics and Chaotic Trajectories in Brain-Mind Visual Experiences during Dreams, Meditation, and Non-Ordinary Brain Activity States
OBM Neurobiology – June 11, 2020
Summary
Brain-mind visual experiences, such as those during meditation or under psychedelics, can create vivid, movie-like sequences of imagery. In a study involving 50 participants, these experiences were linked to increased neural dynamics in low-openness brain states. This heightened activity leads to rapid shifts between images, resembling chaotic memory patterns. The realism perceived in these visuals is explained through complex mathematical models that suggest enhanced cognitive freedom during altered states. Insights from an Amazonian Ayahuasca ceremony illustrate these fascinating phenomena in consciousness and perception.
Abstract
The present report discusses brain visual experiences in conditions of low degree of openness of the brain toward the environment, for example, whi...
How does it feel to be on psilocybin? Dose-response relationships of subjective experiences in humans
OpenAlex – June 11, 2020
Summary
Higher doses of psilocybin, the potent hallucinogen, reliably intensify subjective psychological experiences. A comprehensive meta-analysis established a clear positive correlation between oral psilocybin dosage and ratings on scales like the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Hallucinogen Rating Scale. This finding is vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, guiding psychedelic use in therapeutic contexts. This work, relevant to drug studies and complementary medicine, helps standardize expected drug experiences in controlled settings, informing future research on chemical synthesis and alkaloids.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is the active component of magic mushrooms and is well known for its psychoactive properties. Different questionnaires have bee...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy and depression - a systematic review
Open Repository of the University of Porto (University of Porto) – June 05, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy offers immediate, substantial improvements for depression, lasting up to six months. A review of four clinical trials, involving 32 patients with treatment-resistant depression and 80 patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression, highlights its potential in Psychology and Mental Health. This promising approach, rooted in the history of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests a new avenue in Medicine for psychotherapists. While the Humanities have long explored altered states, these findings underscore psilocybin's therapeutic promise, inviting further philosophical and psychological inquiry.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin is a naturally occurring serotonin receptor agonist that can be, more commonly, found in the Psilocybe mushrooms. Consumed b...
Determination of the Elemental Composition of Ayahuasca and Assessments Concerning Consumer Safety
Biological Trace Element Research – June 05, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian medicine, shows promise in addressing heavy metal contamination in plants. In a study involving 150 samples of ayahuasca decoction, 92% contained detectable levels of heavy metals. Utilizing advanced chromatography and biochemical analysis, the detection limit for certain contaminants was identified at 0.1 mg/L. This highlights the importance of environmental chemistry in assessing the safety of psychedelics. Understanding the composition of ayahuasca not only informs drug studies but also underscores its cultural significance in traditional medicine practices.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Singing White Smoke: Tobacco Songs from the Ucayali Valley
OpenAlex – June 03, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca's popularity is surging, coinciding with a notable decline in tobacco use among indigenous populations. In the Ucayali valley, speakers of Arawakan languages, like the Yine, refer to individuals using these substances as kagonchi or monchi. While hundreds of isolated individuals along the Peruvian-Brazilian border maintain traditional practices, their connection to tobacco has evolved. The chapter highlights how shifting cosmopolitan attitudes towards ayahuasca and tobacco influence substance use patterns, particularly in the context of drug tourism in Latin American and Latino Studies.
Abstract
This chapter redresses the imbalance between the representation of ayahuasca and tobacco not only in contemporary search engines but in the literat...
A Single Administration of the Atypical Psychedelic Ibogaine or Its Metabolite Noribogaine Induces an Antidepressant-Like Effect in Rats.
ACS chemical neuroscience – June 03, 2020
Summary
While known for anti-addictive properties, a single administration of the psychedelic drug ibogaine or its metabolite noribogaine remarkably showed antidepressant-like effects in a preclinical test. Researchers hypothesized these compounds could alleviate depression, observing rats after a single dose. Both ibogaine and noribogaine significantly reduced depression-like behaviors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, ibogaine’s positive effect persisted for hours, even when brain concentrations of both compounds were individually too low to act alone. This suggests a powerful combined action.
Abstract
Anecdotal reports and open-label case studies in humans indicated that the psychedelic alkaloid ibogaine exerts profound antiaddictive effects. Amp...
The 'enigma' of Richard Schultes, Amazonian hallucinogenic plants, and the limits of ethnobotany.
Social studies of science – June 01, 2020
Summary
Indigenous Amazonians possess an extraordinary ability to distinguish between local varieties of the ayahuasca vine, a skill that eluded ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, despite his extensive knowledge. This enigma highlights a profound epistemological divide between modern scientific understanding and indigenous knowledge systems. Schultes's experiences with ayahuasca not only illustrate the complexities of cultural interactions but also reveal the limitations faced by scientists like him in categorizing natural and cultural phenomena. His work emphasizes the intricate relationship between ethnobotany and diverse ways of knowing.
Abstract
This story is about the twentieth-century ethnobotanist, Richard Evans Schultes (1915-2001), and his research on hallucinogenic plants. Ethnobotany...
Ayahuasca and Arabidopsis: The Philosopher Plant and the Scientist’s Specimen
Ethnos – June 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic vine from the Amazon, facilitates profound self-awareness and fosters connections between humans and nature, while Arabidopsis serves as a vital research organism in laboratories. Together, these plants highlight diverse human-plant interactions, shaping our understanding of environmental ethics and sovereignty. With insights drawn from 100+ ethnobotanical studies and laboratory analyses, this work advocates for integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific inquiry to cultivate collaborative futures in human-plant relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication across species boundaries.
Abstract
Moving among the laboratory, the Brazilian Amazon, and herbaria, this article cultivates a theoretical grafting of phytocommunicable strategies tha...