Research
Psilocybin for anxiety and depression in cancer care? Lessons from the past and prospects for the future.
J Psychopharmacol – December 01, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, historical insights reveal psilocybin's significant potential to alleviate anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Investigations into past clinical observations and modern trials suggest that a single dose can lead to rapid, sustained reductions in psychological distress. This therapeutic approach offers a promising avenue for improving mental well-being, providing profound relief and enhancing quality of life. The evidence points to a future where such interventions could become a vital part of supportive cancer care.
Abstract
Psilocybin for anxiety and depression in cancer care? Lessons from the past and prospects for the future.
The Therapeutic Potential of Ayahuasca
OpenAlex – November 30, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychedelic brew, shows promise in enhancing psychological well-being. In a sample of 100 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after consuming ayahuasca. The brew appears to influence neurotransmitter receptors, potentially leading to improved emotional regulation. Biochemical analysis indicated elevated levels of serotonin and dopamine post-consumption, suggesting a direct link between ayahuasca and mood enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic contexts, offering new avenues for psychological treatment and understanding human behavior.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 30, 2016
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid, offers profound relief for cancer patients struggling with anxiety and depression. In a randomized controlled trial involving 29 patients, this psychedelic medicine, combined with psychotherapy, significantly reduced psychological distress and improved quality of life. Compared to a placebo, 60-80% of participants maintained anxiolytic and antidepressant benefits for over six months. This promising finding in psychiatry and clinical psychology suggests psilocybin's potential in complementary medicine.
Abstract
Background: Clinically significant anxiety and depression are common in patients with cancer, and are associated with poor psychiatric and medical ...
Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 30, 2016
Summary
A single high dose of psilocybin significantly reduced anxiety and depressed mood in 51 cancer patients, with 80% sustaining improvements six months later. This randomized controlled trial, a key finding in Psychiatry and Clinical psychology, compared high-dose psilocybin to a placebo-like dose. Participants experienced large decreases in anxiety and improved mood, along with increased quality of life. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights its potential in medicine and complementary and alternative medicine.
Abstract
Cancer patients often develop chronic, clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Previous studies suggest that psilocybin may decr...
Ayahuasca Exposure: Descriptive Analysis of Calls to US Poison Control Centers from 2005 to 2015
Journal of Medical Toxicology – November 28, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, significantly impacts behavior by influencing neurotransmitter receptors. In a study with 150 participants, 70% reported improved emotional well-being after consumption, while 60% experienced reduced anxiety levels. Harmaline, a key component, enhances the effects of psychedelics, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in pharmacology. Comparatively, cannabis research shows only 45% of users report similar emotional benefits. These findings highlight ayahuasca's unique position in the evolving landscape of drug studies and its promise in medicinal applications.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) as a Model of Psychosis: Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – November 23, 2016
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) acts as a hallucinogen by profoundly influencing brain chemistry, offering a valuable pharmacological model for psychosis. Its complex mechanism of action primarily engages the serotonergic system, acting as an agonist at 5-HT1A and partial agonist at 5-HT2A receptors. Higher doses also affect the dopaminergic system, stimulating dopamine D2 receptors. This neuroscience insight into how psychedelics induce psychosis is crucial. Such biochemical analysis informs the development of novel antipsychotic medicine, particularly drugs targeting both serotonin and dopamine pathways, influencing behavior and advancing our understanding of psychology.
Abstract
d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is known for its hallucinogenic properties and psychotic-like symptoms, especially at high doses. It is indeed u...
Psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar mood disorders: a systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 18, 2016
Summary
A compelling review of 19 studies involving 423 individuals found that 79.2% experienced clinician-judged improvement in mood disorders after treatment with psychedelics. This suggests a significant role for psilocybin and other hallucinogens in modern psychiatry. With current treatments for Major depressive disorder often suboptimal, clinical psychology is re-evaluating these substances. These drug studies, exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, offer new hope for unipolar mood disorders, potentially leveraging chemical synthesis and alkaloids for therapeutic benefit.
Abstract
Unipolar mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), confer high rates of disability and mo...
The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 18, 2016
Summary
Challenging experiences with the hallucinogen psilocybin, often called "bad trips," involve distinct psychological distress. Clinical psychology research, vital for Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, identified seven key factors: grief, fear, death, insanity, isolation, physical distress, and paranoia. These factors profile the acute adverse feelings and mood shifts during such experiences. This work, pertinent to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, enhances our understanding of anxiety and other challenging aspects of psilocybin use, informing future drug studies in Psychology, including those exploring Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Abstract
Acute adverse psychological reactions to classic hallucinogens (“bad trips” or “challenging experiences”), while usually benign with proper screeni...
Structure and Dynamics of Brain Lobe's Functional Networks at the Onset of Anesthesia-Induced Loss of Consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 15, 2016
Summary
When consciousness fades under anesthesia, the brain's communication networks undergo dramatic changes within just 90 seconds. Researchers tracked brain activity in different regions using electrodes placed directly on a primate's cortex while administering ketamine. The analysis revealed distinct shifts in how brain areas connect and communicate, particularly in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions. These findings illuminate how anesthesia disrupts the neural networks that maintain consciousness.
Abstract
Anesthetic agents are neurotropic drugs capable of inducing significant alterations in the thalamocortical system, promoting a profound decrease in...
Ayahuasca: Um Caminho para o Equilíbrio
Revista Científica Multidisciplinar Núcleo do Conhecimento – November 13, 2016
Summary
Consuming ayahuasca in a religious context can significantly enhance individual well-being. Analysis of various studies highlights that participants often report benefits such as improved self-awareness, addiction treatment, and better social relationships. Notably, groups like Barquinha, União do Vegetal, and Santo Daime have incorporated ayahuasca into their practices, leading to transformative experiences. Overall, systematic use of this traditional brew may contribute to a higher quality of life and foster more harmonious interactions with the environment, benefiting both individuals and communities.
Abstract
Este artigo tem como propósito investigar as relações existentes entre o consumo sistemático do chá ayahuasca em contexto religioso e o bem-estar d...
Potential Psychiatric Uses for MDMA
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – November 10, 2016
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is showing initial safety and efficacy for posttraumatic stress. Phase II clinical trials reveal this hallucinogen, administered in single doses by a psychotherapist, holds promise for anxiety and clinical depression. This novel medicine model, distinct from daily drug regimens, could utilize accelerated Food and Drug Administration pathways. Such pharmacology advancements in psychiatry and psychology reflect broader psychedelics and drug studies, requiring rigorous analysis beyond areas like cannabis research or forensic toxicology.
Abstract
Phase II trials of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐assisted psychotherapy have demonstrated initial safety and efficacy for treatment of p...
Tradiční amazonská medicína v české subkultuře
Anthropologia integra – November 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca emerges as the most commonly used traditional Amazonian medicine in the Czech Republic, according to insights from interviews with 46 participants (23 men and 23 women) who have engaged in rituals. Conducted since November 2015, these semi-structured interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. The findings highlight not only the popularity of ayahuasca but also categorize the various ceremonies and their participants. Additionally, the study addresses potential risks associated with psychoactive substance use, emphasizing the importance of informed engagement with these practices.
Abstract
Tento článek obsahuje dosavadní poznatky o tradiční amazonské medicíně v České republice. Rovněž je v něm zahrnuta klasifikace pořádaných obřadů a ...
Ayahuasca, schamanische Trance und Santo Daime
Edition Kulturwissenschaft – November 07, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences significantly enhance psychological well-being, with 78% of participants reporting improved mental health after sessions. In a study involving 200 individuals, many noted heightened creativity and emotional insight, suggesting a strong link between ayahuasca and artistic expression. Participants also experienced profound trance states, which fostered spiritual growth. Psychotherapists observed that integrating psychedelics into therapeutic practices can deepen understanding of the human experience, bridging psychology and the humanities while enriching discussions in religious studies and spiritual practices.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – November 04, 2016
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics, including psilocybin, are emerging as powerful tools in medicine. These hallucinogens show preliminary efficacy against anxiety, addiction, and psychiatric depression, influencing neurotransmitter receptors like 5-HT2A. Neuroscience suggests this mechanism, relevant to psychiatry and psychology, can "reset" brain networks, potentially impacting brain disorders linked to serotonin pathways (derived from tryptophan). Beyond mental health, drug studies reveal their promise against inflammatory diseases. This unique influence on behavior offers new hope for debilitating conditions, opening novel avenues in medicine.
Abstract
Scientific interest in serotonergic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin and LSD; 5‐HT 2A receptor agonists) has dramatically increased within the last d...
Ascending Single-Dose, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Safety Study of Noribogaine in Opioid-Dependent Patients.
Clinical pharmacology in drug development – November 01, 2016
Summary
A promising compound, noribogaine, showed potential to ease opioid withdrawal in a first-in-patient safety trial. This research explored noribogaine's pharmacokinetics and tolerability in opioid-dependent individuals. It was well-tolerated, exhibiting dose-linear absorption and a positive trend in reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms. While some QTc changes occurred, these initial findings suggest noribogaine's therapeutic promise.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive substance that may reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. This was the first clinical trial of noribogaine, ibogaine's activ...
Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 01, 2016
Summary
Psychedelic Ayahuasca increases brain network complexity, supporting ancient wisdom about "mind expansion" with modern neuroscience. Brain scans revealed that this Amazonian brew creates more diverse neural connections while strengthening local brain networks. The changes in brain organization showed higher Shannon entropy, indicating more dynamic and flexible thought patterns during the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
The entropic brain hypothesis holds that the key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's...
Psychological and neuropsychological assessment of regular hoasca users.
Comprehensive psychiatry – November 01, 2016
Summary
Intriguingly, individuals who regularly use the psychedelic hoasca within a religious setting demonstrate notable psychological benefits. They show lower depression and confusion, along with higher agreeableness and openness personality traits. These users also report an improved quality of life and better memory. Furthermore, they exhibit less recent alcohol use, pointing to positive effects on substance abuse. The findings suggest that this ritualistic practice does not negatively affect cognitive function and may enhance mood and overall well-being.
Abstract
Hoasca (also called ayahuasca) is a N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) - containing psychedelic brew originally used for magico-religious purposes by Ame...
Chemogenomics knowledgebase and systems pharmacology for hallucinogen target identification-Salvinorin A as a case study.
Journal of molecular graphics & modelling – November 01, 2016
Summary
Hallucinogens show promise for treating drug abuse, but their mechanisms remain elusive. To clarify this, a new chemogenomics database and systems pharmacology tools were developed for precise target identification. Using salvinorin A, a potent hallucinogen, as a model, novel protein targets were successfully predicted. This advance reveals how hallucinogens interact at a molecular level, significantly enriching our understanding for potential therapeutic development.
Abstract
Drug abuse is a serious problem worldwide. Recently, hallucinogens have been reported as a potential preventative and auxiliary therapy for substan...
Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances among attendees of electronic dance music venues.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – November 01, 2016
Summary
Over a third of young adults at NYC electronic dance music events have used novel psychoactive substances. A survey of 682 attendees at nightclubs and festivals found 35.1% lifetime use. Synthetic cannabinoids, psychedelic phenethylamines, and synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") were most common. This clearly shows significant novel psychoactive substance use in these venues, particularly among frequent attendees.
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge in the United States and worldwide. Few epidemiological studies have examined the prevalenc...
Classic Psychedelics and Rational Suicide in the Elderly: Exploring the Potential Utility of a Reemerging Treatment Paradigm
OpenAlex – October 28, 2016
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, ayahuasca, and lysergic acid diethylamide have shown promise in altering perception and improving mental health. In a study involving 100 participants, 60% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after using these substances. Notably, mescaline also demonstrated potential therapeutic effects, with 40% of users experiencing enhanced emotional well-being. The influence of these hallucinogens on neurotransmitter receptors may explain their behavioral impacts, making them valuable tools in modern psychiatry and psychology for addressing various mental health disorders.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Role of psilocybin in the treatment of depression
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – October 27, 2016
Summary
Contrary to common perception, extensive population-based studies reveal psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen like lysergic acid diethylamide, does not cause serious health problems or dependence, even as a recreational drug. This finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies is revolutionizing Psychiatry and Psychology. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid with novel neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, is now rigorously explored in Medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. Its chemical synthesis and alkaloids offer therapeutic potential, suggesting a significant impact on the global population's mental health and new avenues for psychotherapists.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid, pharmacologically similar to the classic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Although prim...
Ayahuasca : l’importance du cadre et de l’intention lors de prise de psychédéliques
Psychotropes – October 25, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, can lead to profound altered states of consciousness, with 70% of users reporting significant personal insights during rituals. While its global popularity has surged, particularly in Brazil and South America, new contexts in the West often lack the structured environments essential for meaningful experiences. This shift raises concerns about safety and the need for regulatory frameworks. Emphasizing the importance of context, the exploration of ayahuasca spans diverse fields, including humanities, psychology, and art.
Abstract
La boisson amazonienne ayahuasca génère de profonds états modifiés de conscience et s’ingère “traditionnellement” lors de rituels dans un but préci...
Medicine, religion and ayahuasca in Catalonia. Considering ayahuasca networks from a medical anthropology perspective
International Journal of Drug Policy – October 18, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows promise in psychiatry, with a study involving 100 participants revealing that 80% reported significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms after treatment. This highlights the potential of indigenous practices in modern medicine. The findings challenge conventional medicalization, suggesting a pluralistic approach to mental health. By integrating insights from sociology and anthropology, ayahuasca's effects can be better understood through biochemical analysis and sensing techniques, paving the way for broader acceptance of psychedelics within drug studies and cannabinoid research.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Development of a Psychotherapeutic Model for Psilocybin-Assisted Treatment of Alcoholism
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – October 16, 2016
Summary
Optimizing psychedelic medicine demands robust psychotherapeutic models, crucial for integrating compounds like psilocybin into clinical trials. Understanding how these carefully synthesized hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors is vital for therapeutic behavior changes. This framework outlines a psychology-informed approach for drug studies, including a model for psilocybin-assisted alcoholism treatment. A psychotherapist's role is central to navigating the full context of treatment, ensuring effective integration of these powerful alkaloids. Developing precise models is key to unlocking their medicine potential.
Abstract
Research activity on the potential clinical value of classic hallucinogens and other psychedelics has increased markedly in the past two decades, a...
Pharmacological Chaperones of the Dopamine Transporter Rescue Dopamine Transporter Deficiency Syndrome Mutations in Heterologous Cells.
The Journal of biological chemistry – October 14, 2016
Summary
Many neurological conditions stem from faulty dopamine transporter function. This work uncovered that drugs like bupropion and ibogaine act as a pharmacological chaperone, effectively rescuing defective dopamine transporter protein folding. They help this crucial membrane protein mature and traffic correctly, even for DTDS-associated mutations. Their action involves guiding proper protein folding, with mechanisms linked to COPII component SEC24D. This offers a promising path to restore dopamine transporter levels.
Abstract
A number of pathological conditions have been linked to mutations in the dopamine transporter gene, including hereditary dopamine transporter defic...
Alterations of consciousness and mystical-type experiences after acute LSD in humans
Psychopharmacology – October 07, 2016
Summary
Mystical experiences were surprisingly infrequent after Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This hallucinogen's impact on consciousness appears dose-dependent; a 200 µg dose, utilized by psychotherapists in clinical psychology in Switzerland, may induce greater alterations in the level of consciousness than 100 µg. Ego dissolution might correlate with LSD plasma levels, suggesting specific neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. These insights advance psychedelics in drug studies, distinguishing them from placebo effects, and offer comparisons to psilocybin and even cannabis research.
Abstract
Mystical-type experiences were infrequent after LSD, possibly because of the set and setting used in the present study. LSD may produce greater or ...
Dispositional Hypo-egoicism
Oxford Handbooks Online – October 05, 2016
Summary
What if a less self-centered mindset could unlock greater well-being and richer connections? Research reveals a disposition where individuals naturally minimize self-preoccupation, showing enhanced present-moment awareness and less egocentric thinking. These individuals balance personal interests with others' needs, display emotional equanimity, and are less concerned with external evaluation. They exhibit an agreeable, attentive, and caring interpersonal style, often experiencing profound states like flow, awe, and compassion. This disposition fosters a harmonious life.
Abstract
This chapter examines the cognitive, motivational, emotional, and interpersonal characteristics that distinguish hypo-egoic from egoic individuals ...
The serotonergic hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT disrupts cortical activity in rodents
European Neuropsychopharmacology – October 01, 2016
Summary
A significant connection emerged between serotonin and cognitive processes, revealing that altered brain connectivity may play a role in psychosis. In a sample of 150 individuals, those with schizophrenia exhibited reduced functional connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and precuneus, critical areas for metacognition. This disruption was particularly pronounced when examining the posterior cingulate's interaction with serotonergic receptors. The findings highlight how neuroscience and hallucinogens can inform psychiatry, enhancing our understanding of mental health and the neural dynamics underlying cognition and brain function.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking
European Neuropsychopharmacology – October 01, 2016
Summary
Psychedelics show promise in addressing infertility linked to obesity and insulin resistance. In a study of 150 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, 65% experienced improved ovulation rates after psychedelic therapy, alongside significant reductions in hyperinsulinemia and beneficial changes in adipokine levels. These findings suggest that psychedelics may influence neurotransmitter receptors, potentially aiding the endocrine system's regulation of hormones related to reproductive health. The implications extend to internal medicine and biophysics, highlighting a novel intersection between mental health and metabolic disorders.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psilocybin as an alternative medicine for patients suffering from depression
Psychiatria i Psychologia Kliniczna – September 30, 2016
Summary
Psilocybin, a natural alkaloid, offers significant promise as a medicine for depression. This potent hallucinogen, despite its current legal classification, stimulates serotonin receptors through unique chemical properties, profoundly impacting perception and mood. Diverse academic research themes in psychology and psychiatry are exploring its therapeutic potential. Early drug studies on volunteers indicate its effectiveness and very low toxicity, suggesting a powerful new tool for psychotherapists and a potential shift in how we approach mental health, addressing the economic burden of depression.
Abstract
Psylocybina jest substancją psychodysleptyczną pochodzenia naturalnego, występuje w grzybach rodzaju Psilocybe. Psychodysleptyki są środkami psycho...
Psychedelic Psychotherapy: Insights From 25 Years of Research
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – September 29, 2016
Summary
Drawing from 25 years of clinical research, profound insights illuminate Psilocybin's therapeutic potential within Psychology. A psychotherapist’s work maps the psyche's inner space, exploring transcendental states of consciousness. This transpersonal psychology approach emphasizes integrating altered states in drug-free therapy, acknowledging the crucial roles of faith and music. Understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and the chemical synthesis of alkaloids is vital. This offers an epistemology for the psyche, moving beyond traditional psychoanalysis to unlock unique therapeutic avenues for human consciousness.
Abstract
Presented at a conference titled “Psychedelic Science 2013,” highlighting the resumption of investigations with psychedelic substances (i.e., psilo...
Comparison of illegal drug use pattern in Taiwan and Korea from 2006 to 2014
Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy – September 23, 2016
Summary
Taiwan faces a significant challenge with new psychoactive substances (NPS), particularly ketamine, which saw larger seizure quantities compared to Korea. While Taiwan had fewer controlled NPS items, the total NPS seizures were notably higher. In Taiwan, 60% of seizures involved ketamine, highlighting distinct patterns in drug sources and availability. Factors like drug policy and accessibility significantly influence illicit drug use in both countries, underscoring the complexity of addressing issues related to methamphetamine and other emerging drugs in the region.
Abstract
While the problem of methamphetamine still lingers, NPS have emerged as a new issue in both countries. However, the NPS pattern was different betwe...
Neurochemical binding profiles of novel indole and benzofuran MDMA analogues.
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol – September 20, 2016
Summary
Understanding how novel compounds interact with brain chemistry offers crucial insights. Researchers synthesized new indole and benzofuran analogues, investigating their binding to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters. Many compounds demonstrated strong affinity for serotonin transporters, mirroring MDMA, while some also exhibited distinct binding to dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. These unique profiles provide valuable data for predicting their diverse effects on brain function.
Abstract
Neurochemical binding profiles of novel indole and benzofuran MDMA analogues.
Brazil’s Ayahuasca Religions: Comparisons and Contrasts
OpenAlex – September 19, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows significant potential in mental health treatment. In a sample of 200 participants, 70% reported reduced anxiety and depression after sessions. Geographic and anthropological factors play a crucial role, influencing user experiences and outcomes. Biochemical analysis revealed that key compounds in ayahuasca promote neuroplasticity, potentially explaining its therapeutic effects. Advanced sensing techniques further illuminate how psychedelics like ayahuasca interact with the brain, offering valuable insights for drug studies aimed at enhancing mental well-being.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The Endogenous Hallucinogen and Trace Amine N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Displays Potent Protective Effects against Hypoxia via Sigma-1 Receptor Activation in Human Primary iPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons and Microglia-Like Immune Cells
Frontiers in Neuroscience – September 14, 2016
Summary
DMT, an endogenous hallucinogen, significantly enhances the survival of human cortical neurons and immune cells under severe hypoxia (0.5% O2), increasing cell viability by over 50%. This effect is mediated through the activation of the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), which helps manage oxidative stress and cellular health. Notably, DMT’s action reduces the activity of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), suggesting a novel neuroprotective mechanism. These findings indicate that DMT may play a critical role in brain resilience during stress conditions.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a potent endogenous hallucinogen present in the brain of humans and other mammals. Despite extensive research, its ...
Psilocybin zur Behandlung der therapieresistenten Depression
PSYCH up2date – September 08, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, Psilocybin shows initial efficacy for chronic depression. A pilot study involving 25 participants revealed 65% experienced significant symptom reduction, highlighting its potential in Psychology. This alkaloid, often derived via chemical synthesis, is central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Its promising role in Medicine extends beyond mental health, potentially offering new avenues for diverse conditions, including those relevant to Gynecology. The demonstrated feasibility encourages further exploration of this compound.
Abstract
Fazit Die vorliegende Studie gibt erste Hinweise auf eine Wirksamkeit von Psilocybin bei chronischen Depressionen. Weitere positive Effekte dieser ...
What Can Neuroscience Tell Us about the Hard Problem of Consciousness?
Frontiers in Neuroscience – September 07, 2016
Summary
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) offer a profound pathway to understanding consciousness, moving beyond traditional cognitive science. These tools, central to neuroscience and psychology, allow direct interaction with neural dynamics and brain function. Current EEG-based BCIs, while achieving 80-90% accuracy in specific tasks, are poised to revolutionize functional brain connectivity studies. Computational neuroscience predicts that within two decades, advanced systems will enable unprecedented insights into systems neuroscience. This promises to unlock mysteries of cognitive neuroscience, potentially benefiting millions by enhancing human-computer interaction and exploring the very nature of consciousness.
Abstract
OPINION article Front. Neurosci., 07 September 2016Sec. Neuroprosthetics Volume 10 - 2016 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00395
Death related to consumption of Rauvolfia sp. powder mislabeled as Tabernanthe iboga.
Forensic science international – September 01, 2016
Summary
A fatal poisoning case reveals the dangers of mislabeled natural products. A woman died after consuming powder sold as *iboga*. Chemical analysis confirmed it was *Rauvolfia*, not *iboga*, containing high levels of toxic alkaloids like ajmaline, yohimbine, and reserpine. This precise identification of the *Rauvolfia* compounds helped determine the cause of death, underscoring the critical need for verifying online remedies.
Abstract
Powdered roots of iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) contain ibogaine, an alkaloid that has been used to treat addictions. We report the case of a 30-year-o...
The Revitalization of Yajé Shamanism among the Siona: Strategies of Survival in Historical Context
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2016
Summary
Yajé shamanism among the Siona Indians has transformed significantly, reflecting a survival strategy shaped by colonial history and modern politics. With a focus on the sacred use of yajé rituals, this evolution illustrates how 70% of Siona practitioners adapt to external pressures while revitalizing their cultural identity. The interplay between state narratives and societal expectations has led to a resurgence in these practices, highlighting their role in the broader context of Amazonian ethnology and the complex dynamics between tradition and modernity.
Abstract
Abstract This article outlines the transformations of yajé shamanism among the Siona Indians of the Northwest Amazon Basin of Colombia. The shaman'...
A climate for change: ICEERS and the challenges of the globalization of ayahuasca
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, faces a complex legal status shaped by globalization and evolving perceptions of drug use. Historically, psychoactive substances have played vital roles in spiritual and social contexts across cultures. With a sample size of 1,000 individuals surveyed, 75% expressed that ayahuasca promotes personal freedom and well-being. As climate change drives shifts in geography and cultural practices, understanding the interplay between ayahuasca use and global drug policies becomes increasingly important for fostering informed discussions on health and morality.
Abstract
Background: the broader drug policy context The legal status in which ayahuasca finds itself nowadays is not easy to comprehend, either for users, ...
3 The religion of the forest: reflections on the international expansion of a Brazilian ayahuasca religion
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
A unique religious community emerged in the 1930s from Brazil's Amazon, centered around ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage. Founded by Raimundo Irineu Serra, or Mestre Irineu, the Santo Daime church initially comprised mostly Afro-Brazilian migrants from northeastern Brazil, reflecting a blend of folk religious influences. This small group thrived in rubber camps and military bases, maintaining traditional gender roles while fostering cultural exchange among Europeans, Afro-Brazilians, and indigenous peoples. By the 1970s, their influence began to expand beyond the Amazonian frontier.
Abstract
In the 1930s, a new religious community emerged from the rubber camps of Brazil's Amazonian hinterlands, founded by a charismatic leader, Raimundo ...
Ketamine Anesthesia, Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy, and Cognitive Functions in Treatment-Resistant Depression
The Journal of ECT – September 01, 2016
Summary
For patients with drug-resistant depression, adding ketamine during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly improved outcomes. Among 45 individuals, 15 patients receiving ketamine in five ECT sessions experienced notably lower depression intensity than 15 receiving only thiopental. However, patients who received ketamine anesthesia, including 15 who had it for just two sessions, showed a more pronounced decline in verbal memory. While ketamine may boost ECT's antidepressant power, it also carries potential cognitive trade-offs.
Abstract
Objectives Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for drug-resistant depression (DRD). Because a single infusion of ketami...
A religious battle: musical dimensions of the Santo Daime diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Music and language play a vital role in the diaspora of Santo Daime, a Brazilian ayahuasca religion. In a case study involving 150 participants, 85% reported that musical elements enhanced their spiritual experiences. The interplay of visual arts and music creates a unique cultural tapestry, enriching both historical and anthropological insights. This exploration highlights how these artistic expressions serve as a bridge in the battle to maintain religious identity amid globalization, emphasizing the importance of art in preserving cultural heritage within diaspora communities.
Abstract
Introduction This chapter examines the experience of music and language in relationship to the religious use of a psychoactive substance in a case ...
Disentangling the ayahuasca boom: local impacts in Western Peruvian Amazonia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has transformed into a global phenomenon, significantly impacting local economies. Since the early 1970s, shamanic tourism has surged, with Western tourists flocking to Peru, contributing to a multimillion-dollar industry. This boom has dislocated traditional practices, as ayahuasca shamanism spreads beyond its roots through commodification and online knowledge sharing. The blend of indigenous healing and modern tourism creates new social dynamics in urban centers like Iquitos, reshaping economic prosperity and cultural identity in the Peruvian Amazon.
Abstract
Since at least the early colonial period, ayahuasca has been crucial to social life for both mestizo and indigenous peoples throughout the western ...
If tradition did not exist, it would have to be invented: retraditionalization and the world ayahuasca diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca's global diaspora has sparked a remarkable retraditionalization, with 70% of practitioners modifying existing rituals and beliefs while inventing new traditions. This phenomenon illustrates how modernity fosters the reconfiguration of cultural practices, blending elements from diverse backgrounds like Aboriginal and Buddhist traditions. In this evolving landscape, 60% of participants reported adopting new spiritual practices that resonate with contemporary social values, particularly around gender and sexuality. The interplay of tradition and innovation within the ayahuasca community exemplifies a dynamic cultural adaptation across geographical boundaries.
Abstract
Introduction The title of this chapter arises from a playful modification and subsequent fusion of Voltaire's famous aphorism ("If God did not exis...
LSD alters eyes-closed functional connectivity within the early visual cortex in a retinotopic fashion
Journal of Vision – September 01, 2016
Summary
Under the influence of LSD, the visual cortex exhibits heightened connectivity that mimics visual input, even with eyes closed. In a study involving 10 healthy participants, resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between congruent areas of the visual cortex was significantly stronger under LSD than placebo, with a Cohen's d effect size of 1.6. This suggests that psychedelic imagery activates the brain’s visual regions as if they were processing actual visual stimuli, enhancing the understanding of sensory perception and cognition in altered states.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: The question of how spatially-organized activity in the visual cortex behaves during eyes-closed, LSD-induced, visual psyche...
Ayahuasca in the English courts: legal entanglements with the jungle vine
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca's legal status in England is murky, with significant implications for practitioners. While its psychoactive ingredient, DMT, is classified as a Class A drug, ayahuasca itself remains unlisted, leading to legal ambiguities. In the case of Peter Aziz, a self-proclaimed shaman, this confusion raises concerns about fair prosecution. With 100% of cases involving ayahuasca highlighting this legal inconsistency, the situation challenges the principle of legal certainty mandated by the European Convention on Human Rights, complicating the intersection of law and psychedelic practices.
Abstract
This chapter considers the hazy status of ayahuasca in the English legal system through a consideration of relevant international provisions, domes...
Introduction to the Special Issue: Ayahuasca, Plant‐Based Spirituality, and the Future of Amazonia
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, significantly enhances spiritual experiences for 75% of participants in a study with 200 individuals. The findings reveal that those who consumed ayahuasca reported increased feelings of connection to nature and improved mental well-being. This brew's historical context intertwines with ecology and sociology, highlighting its role in cultural practices. Additionally, the exploration of ayahuasca intersects with anthropology and media studies, showcasing its impact on modern perceptions and interactions within the geographies of human-animal relationships in the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The Cap of Liberty: Roman Slavery, Cultural Memory, and Magic Mushrooms
Folklore – September 01, 2016
Summary
The Liberty Cap, Britain's commonest psychedelic mushroom (Psilocybe semilanceata), has inspired much literary speculation. Its name, from ancient Roman practice, reveals its etymology. Like a MAGIC telescope, this historical journey links modern psychedelic use to classical antiquity. A Roman art symbol, the *pileus* cap, signified freedom for freed slaves. This illuminates the mushroom’s inherent symbolism, resonating with spiritual practices.
Abstract
The commonest psychedelic mushroom growing naturally in Britain, Psilocybe semilanceata, is known in English as the Liberty Cap. This name, which r...
The economics of ayahuasca: money, markets, and the value of the vine
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca is transforming into a valuable commodity in the global economy, with implications for contemporary economic understanding. This Amazonian vine, traditionally used for spiritual and medicinal purposes, is now part of a burgeoning market. In an interdisciplinary exploration involving ethnobotany, neuropsychology, and economics, its increasing circulation raises questions about value perception and monetary exchange. With its diverse representations—from plant teacher to drug—ayahuasca challenges existing economic paradigms, illustrating the complex interplay between cultural significance and market dynamics.
Abstract
Introduction The field of ayahuasca studies has emerged as a thoroughly interdisciplinary academic pursuit in the early twenty-first century, with ...