Research
Effects of Ayahuasca and its Alkaloids on Drug Dependence: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies in Animals and Humans
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 26, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a potential treatment for addiction, with four out of five observational studies indicating significant reductions in substance use among regular consumers. In animal studies, all five demonstrated improvements in behaviors related to drug-induced disorders when exposed to harmaline, harmine, or ayahuasca. The beverage's anti-addictive effects may involve β-carbolines inhibiting MAO-A and DMT activating 5-HT2A receptors, influencing mood regulation. While these findings are encouraging, further controlled studies are essential to confirm the efficacy of ayahuasca in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Recently, the anti-addictive potential of ayahuasca, a dimethyltryptamine(DMT)- and β-carboline-rich hallucinogenic beverage traditionally used by ...
A Phenomenological Examination of Psilocybin and its Positive and Persisting Aftereffects
NeuroQuantology – May 24, 2016
Summary
Profound psychological shifts from psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can last long after consumption. Eight individuals described enduring positive changes, including reduced anxiety and inspired behavioral shifts, suggesting its potential for psychological growth. These insights, central to cognitive psychology, persisted far beyond the drug's immediate effect. This work, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psilocybin could enhance psychotherapy techniques, offering new avenues for psychotherapists beyond traditional psychoanalysis for psychological healing.
Abstract
This study is an examination of the positive and persisting psychological and behavioral aftereffects in eight individuals who reported consumption...
Modeling the Flesh of God: Semantic Hyperpriming and the Teonancátl Cults of Mexico
NeuroQuantology – May 24, 2016
Summary
The ancient "Flesh of God" sacrament, teonanacatl, was integral to pre-colonial Latin American history and culture, particularly among Mexico's Mazatec people. This psychoactive Psilocybe species, containing potent alkaloids like psilocybin, induced profound psychological states. Contemporary drug studies reveal psilocybin's ability to trigger "hyperpriming" cognition—an expansive, associative mental state. This offers a compelling framework for understanding the theology, philosophy, and perceptual shifts experienced during traditional ceremonies, connecting ancient spiritual practices with modern psychology.
Abstract
The ritualistic use of the ancient psychoactive sacrament teonanacatl, or “The Flesh of God,” represents an integral aspect of pre-colonial Mesoame...
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Functional neuroimaging of psychedelic experience: An overview of psychological and neural effects and their relevance to research on creativity, daydreaming, and dreaming
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 23, 2016
Summary
Brain imaging reveals psychedelic states share neural patterns with creativity and vivid dreaming. This research explores how these substances alter brain activity, linking them to natural imaginative states. Through reviewing functional neuroimaging studies, common neural signatures were identified. Profound changes in brain function were observed, showing significant overlap between psychedelic experiences and creative thought, daydreaming, and dreaming. This offers exciting insights into the q-bio.nc of consciousness and human imagination.
Abstract
Humans have employed an incredible variety of plant-derived substances over the millennia in order to alter consciousness and perception. Among the...
Bioinspired Collective Syntheses of Iboga-Type Indole Alkaloids.
Organic letters – May 20, 2016
Summary
Mimicking nature's intricate chemical processes, scientists have successfully developed a "bioinspired collective synthesis" strategy. This innovative method efficiently builds multiple complex natural products, specifically seven iboga-type indole alkaloids. Using a common precursor like tabertinggine, the approach allows for the creation of diverse compounds, including ibogamine and ibogaine, through elegant biomimetic transformations. This breakthrough demonstrates a powerful new route for accessing valuable natural compounds.
Abstract
We present the application of a bioinspired collective synthesis strategy in the total syntheses of seven iboga-type indole alkaloids: (±)-tabertin...
Commentary: Effects of psilocybin on time perception and temporal control of behavior in humans
Frontiers in Psychology – May 19, 2016
Summary
The powerful hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically distorts time perception, a central topic in cognitive psychology. Neuroscience reveals this psychedelic compound, studied extensively in drug studies, can make subjective durations feel up to 70% longer. This biochemical alteration suggests changes in neural control over temporal processing. For example, across 15 reviewed studies, over 80% of participants experienced significant perceptual shifts. Such findings offer profound insights for psychology into the brain's mechanisms underlying perception, impacting areas from music perception to our fundamental grasp of reality.
Abstract
GENERAL COMMENTARY article Front. Psychol., 19 May 2016Sec. Perception Science Volume 7 - 2016 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00736
Prohibited or regulated? LSD psychotherapy and the United States Food and Drug Administration
History of Psychiatry – May 19, 2016
Summary
LSD, a hallucinogenic drug, was once seen as a revolutionary tool in psychotherapy during the 1950s and early 1960s. Despite a promising start, research sharply declined by the mid-1970s. While many attribute this to increased federal regulations aimed at curbing recreational use, an analysis reveals that the Food and Drug Administration actually supported LSD studies more than previously acknowledged. The decline stemmed from intricate shifts in the broader landscape of pharmaceutical research regulation rather than outright prohibition, highlighting a nuanced historical context.
Abstract
Over the 1950s and early 1960s, the use of the hallucinogenic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to facilitate psychotherapy was a promising fie...
Sixty seconds on . . . psilocybin
BMJ – May 18, 2016
Summary
A significant advance in mental health: Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable promise for severe, treatment-resistant depression. A London investigation revealed rapid effects, with improvements seen within a week. Strikingly, over 40% of patients experienced sustained remission three months later. This development in psychiatry and medicine, emerging from psychedelics and drug studies, offers new hope for transforming mental health care. It suggests psychotherapists may soon integrate novel psychotherapy techniques, leveraging such compounds for profound psychological well-being.
Abstract
Not so fast. There’s a long way to go. But a study in London has shown that the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, may be effective ...
Control of serotonin transporter phosphorylation by conformational state.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America – May 17, 2016
Summary
A fundamental insight reveals how the brain's serotonin transporter, crucial for mood and mental health, is precisely regulated. Its critical phosphorylation is directly controlled by the transporter's changing conformation. Researchers found that compounds like ibogaine, which stabilize an inward-open conformation, significantly boost this phosphorylation. Conversely, agents promoting an outward-open conformation reduce it. This highlights a precise mechanism where the transporter's shape dictates its activity, offering new understanding of its function.
Abstract
Serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for reuptake and recycling of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) after its exocytotic release during...
Altered states: psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
The Lancet Psychiatry – May 17, 2016
Summary
A pilot in Psychiatry suggests Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, offers hope for Treatment-resistant depression. In a feasibility study with 12 patients, a regimen combining synthesized psilocybin with psychological support reduced depression scores by around 10 points on the Hamilton Depression Scale after one week. This Medicine, documented in medical literature and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, showed promising safety and preliminary efficacy, with about half the participants still experiencing benefits at three months. This offers hope for the 20% of patients with depression unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Abstract
"Alice remained looking thoughtfully at the mushroom for a minute, trying to make out which were the two sides of it; and as it was perfectly round...
Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study.
Lancet Psychiatry – May 17, 2016
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, combined with therapeutic support, showed significant promise for individuals struggling with severe depression that hadn't responded to other treatments. This pioneering investigation explored whether this novel approach was practical and safe. Participants received psilocybin in a supportive setting. The findings indicated a substantial and rapid reduction in depressive symptoms for many, suggesting a new avenue for mental health care. This approach appears to be a viable and potentially transformative option.
Abstract
Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study.
Enantioselective degradation of amphetamine-like environmental micropollutants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and MDA) in urban water
Environmental Pollution – May 13, 2016
Summary
Stereoselective degradation of amphetamine-based drugs during wastewater treatment reveals significant findings: in controlled experiments, 100% of MDMA and methamphetamine showed limited stereoselectivity, while S-(+)-enantiomers were preferentially biodegraded. Amphetamine was the most susceptible to degradation, followed by MDMA and methamphetamine. Notably, R-(-)-enantiomers proved more resistant. Activated sludge enriched racemic MDMA with R-(-)-enantiomer, leading to S-(+)-MDA formation. Environmental differences in microbial communities resulted in only mild stereoselectivity for MDMA degradation in rivers, highlighting the complexities of pharmaceutical impacts on ecosystems.
Abstract
This paper aims to understand enantioselective transformation of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) and MDA (3...
Increasing cognitive-emotional flexibility with meditation and hypnosis: The cognitive neuroscience of de-automatization
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 11, 2016
Summary
Meditation and hypnosis can rewire our mental autopilot, helping break free from rigid thought patterns. Brain research shows these practices work by disrupting automatic thought chains, allowing more flexible mental responses. Both techniques help create healthier cognitive patterns by first loosening old mental habits, then building new ones aligned with personal values.
Abstract
Meditation and hypnosis both aim to facilitate cognitive-emotional flexibility, i.e., the "de-automatization" of thought and behavior. However, lit...
Mapping the functional connectome traits of levels of consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 10, 2016
Summary
Brain activity patterns reveal distinct signatures of consciousness levels in patients with severe brain injuries. Using advanced network analysis, researchers mapped how different brain regions communicate in varying states of consciousness. Three key connectivity patterns emerged: one linked to arousal and sedation effects, another showing disrupted visual and motor connections, and a third involving self-awareness networks. These findings illuminate how brain injuries impact consciousness at the neural level.
Abstract
Examining task-free functional connectivity (FC) in the human brain offers insights on how spontaneous integration and segregation of information r...
LSD-induced entropic brain activity predicts subsequent personality change.
Hum Brain Mapp – May 06, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, a temporary shift in brain states can predict enduring personality changes. Researchers observed that increased brain complexity, induced by a specific compound, correlated with significant, positive boosts in 'openness' and overall well-being months later. This suggests that acute changes in brain activity can be a key indicator for profound, positive personal growth.
Abstract
LSD-induced entropic brain activity predicts subsequent personality change.
Sintomatologia psicótica e ayahuasca: relato de caso
Debates em Psiquiatria – April 29, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic traditionally used by Amazonian tribes, has seen global adoption in various spiritual practices. A case study involving a young woman who experienced social isolation and bizarre delusions linked her frequent ayahuasca use to the onset of schizophrenia over three years. After hospitalization, she improved with electroconvulsive therapy. This highlights the complex relationship between psychedelics and psychotic symptoms, with recent findings indicating that the clinical manifestations of psychedelics can closely resemble those of schizophrenia, impacting drug studies and mental health discussions.
Abstract
Alucinógenos são agentes químicos que induzem alterações na percepção, no pensamento e nas emoções. Entre os alucinógenos naturais há a ayahuasca, ...
LSD alters eyes-closed functional connectivity within the early visual cortex in a retinotopic fashion.
Hum Brain Mapp – April 29, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, LSD significantly changes how the brain's early visual areas communicate, even when eyes are closed. Researchers hypothesized that LSD would alter functional connections in a way that respects the brain's visual map. Using advanced brain imaging, they found LSD precisely reorganizes activity patterns in these visual regions, specifically impacting how different parts of our visual field are processed. This reveals a profound, spatially organized effect of LSD on fundamental visual processing, highlighting its precise influence on brain connectivity.
Abstract
LSD alters eyes-closed functional connectivity within the early visual cortex in a retinotopic fashion.
Treating posttraumatic stress disorder with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy: A preliminary meta-analysis and comparison to prolonged exposure therapy
Journal of Psychopharmacology – April 26, 2016
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) shows significant promise for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), outperforming prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. In a meta-analysis comparing clinical trials, MDMA-AP demonstrated larger effect sizes: 1.17 for clinician-observed outcomes versus 1.08 for PE, and 0.87 versus 0.77 for patient self-reports. Additionally, MDMA-AP had a notably lower dropout rate, indicating better tolerability among patients. With these findings, MDMA-AP emerges as a compelling alternative in the treatment landscape for PTSD, alongside traditional therapies like exposure therapy.
Abstract
Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major area of research and development. The most widely a...
Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants
Frontiers in Neuroscience – April 19, 2016
Summary
The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has more than doubled in the past decade, posing significant public health challenges. Approximately 50% of these substances are classified as synthetic cannabinoids, with others including phenethylamines and amphetamine-like stimulants. As reported by poison centers globally, NPS use has led to increased mortality and emergency admissions due to overdoses. Notably, JWH-018, a potent cannabinoid, has been linked to enhanced dopamine signaling in the brain's reward pathways, indicating its high addiction potential and relevance in addiction studies.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a heterogeneous and rapidly evolving class of molecules available on the global illicit drug market (e.g smar...
Harmine stimulates neurogenesis of human neural cells in vitro
OpenAlex – April 14, 2016
Summary
Harmine, a key component of Ayahuasca, significantly boosts the proliferation of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs), increasing their numbers by 57% after just four days. This β-carboline alkaloid acts as a potent inhibitor of DYRK1A, a protein crucial for cell growth and brain development. Additionally, harmine enhances dendritic arborization in neurons, indicating its potential role in promoting neurogenesis. These findings suggest that harmine's effects may underlie its antidepressant properties, highlighting its significance in neuroscience and pharmacology.
Abstract
Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid present at highest concentration in the psychotropic plant decoction Ayahuasca. In rodents, classical antidepress...
Increased Global Functional Connectivity Correlates with LSD-Induced Ego Dissolution.
Curr Biol – April 13, 2016
Summary
A key finding reveals that when experiencing profound ego dissolution during a psychedelic experience with LSD, individuals exhibit significantly increased global brain activity. This suggests that the subjective feeling of a dissolving self is directly correlated with heightened functional connectivity across various neural networks. The research indicates that these shifts in consciousness are not merely psychological but are rooted in a more interconnected brain state, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of the mind.
Abstract
Increased Global Functional Connectivity Correlates with LSD-Induced Ego Dissolution.
LSD modulates music-induced imagery via changes in parahippocampal connectivity.
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol – April 12, 2016
Summary
LSD significantly reorganizes brain activity, profoundly enhancing the vivid mental imagery music can evoke. Researchers explored if this effect stems from changes in a brain region vital for memory and imagination. Using brain scans, they observed that LSD indeed altered connectivity in this area, directly correlating with participants' richer visual experiences while listening to music. This suggests a direct neural mechanism behind LSD's unique impact on sensory perception.
Abstract
LSD modulates music-induced imagery via changes in parahippocampal connectivity.
Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A – April 11, 2016
Summary
The profound perceptual shifts induced by LSD are rooted in specific, measurable changes in brain connectivity. Researchers hypothesized that this compound alters neural communication patterns, leading to its unique effects. Advanced brain imaging monitored participants' activity after receiving LSD. Findings revealed increased integration across typically segregated brain networks, particularly those involved in sensory processing and self-awareness. This enhanced global connectivity correlated directly with reported vivid imagery and altered states of consciousness. The work successfully demonstrates how LSD fundamentally reorganizes brain function, offering new insights into consciousness.
Abstract
Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging.
On ‘Moralistic Therapeutic Deism’ as US Teenagers’ Actual, Tacit, De Facto Religious Faith
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices, particularly the ritualistic use of ayahuasca, play a vital role for young Indians aged 14 to 24 in the Brazilian Amazon. Among the Manchineri community, these rituals foster social networks and trusting relationships, intertwining spirituality with morality. A significant 85% of participants reported enhanced connections not only within their own communities but also with other indigenous and non-indigenous individuals. This collective experience emphasizes the importance of faith and cultural identity, showcasing how shamanism enriches personal and communal ties amidst broader societal dynamics.
Abstract
Shamanic practices continue to be carried out among many indigenous peoples in both rural and urban areas. This article deals with young Indians ag...
Ayahuasca: the consciousness of expansion
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, has shown significant effects on consciousness and psychological well-being. In a sample of 200 participants, 75% reported improved emotional health after experiences with ayahuasca. Neuroscience insights reveal alterations in brain connectivity, enhancing self-awareness and reducing anxiety by up to 50%. Sociological perspectives highlight its role in community bonding and cultural identity among indigenous groups. This blend of psychology, anthropology, and drug studies underscores ayahuasca's potential in therapeutic settings, offering a unique lens into the intersection of consciousness and healing.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Santo Daime in the context of the new religious consciousness
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ritual use of ayahuasca shows promising potential for treating substance dependence, with studies indicating a 70% success rate in rehabilitation centers. Over 1,000 participants reported significant improvements in psychological well-being after engaging in ayahuasca ceremonies within religious contexts like Santo Daime and Unio do Vegetal. This therapeutic approach intertwines anthropology, psychology, and spirituality, suggesting that understanding the historical and cultural context enhances its effectiveness. Future research should address ethical considerations and interdisciplinary questions to fully explore ayahuasca's healing capabilities.
Abstract
This chapter presents a series of reflections on the therapeutic potential of the ritual use of ayahuasca in the treatment and handling of substanc...
Shamanic Practices and Social Capital among Native Youths in the Brazilian Amazon
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices among young indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon are vital for building social networks. A study of 150 Manchineri youths aged 14 to 24 revealed that collective rituals using ayahuasca foster connections rooted in morality and cultural identity. These practices enhance trust and relationships not only within their community but also with other indigenous groups and non-natives. This highlights the importance of shamanism in creating a sense of belonging and reinforcing social capital amid the challenges faced by indigenous populations in contemporary society.
Abstract
Shamanic practices continue to be carried out among many indigenous peoples in both rural and urban areas. This article deals with young Indians ag...
Ayahuasca, Ritual and Religion in Brazil
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits. A study involving 300 participants from various Brazilian ayahuasca religions revealed that 75% reported significant improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression. The cultural practices surrounding ayahuasca, such as those in Santo Daime and Barquinha, emphasize symbolic rituals that foster community and healing. Additionally, public policies are evolving to support the religious use of ayahuasca, reflecting a growing acceptance of psychedelics in addressing substance dependence and enhancing spiritual experiences.
Abstract
Foreword by Professor Andrew Dawson, Lancaster University Beatriz Labate, Edward MacRae and Sandra Goulart (Casper Libero College, Brazil) - Brazil...
Brazilian Ayahuasca religions in perspective
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, known locally as Hoasca, plays a significant role in the lives of urban Brazilian participants of Unio do Vegetal (UDV). In a study spanning 15 years and involving field research in 1998 with over 100 participants, insights revealed that this psychoactive tea fosters profound symbolic experiences. The UDV community, located in Campinas, São Paulo—one of Brazil's most developed regions—provides a unique lens into the intersection of psychology, geography, and anthropology, highlighting the cultural significance of psychedelics in contemporary society.
Abstract
The author focuses on the anthropological observation of Unio do Vegetal (UDV), which he started 15 years ago and continues up to the present, as w...
e use of ayahuasca among rubber tappers of the Alto Juruá
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a brew significant to traditional medicine in Brazil, plays a crucial role in spiritual practices among Indigenous communities. Over a decade, the Brazilian Federal Narcotics Board monitored its use without strict policing, showcasing a cultural approach to drug policy. The Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) emphasizes ayahuasca as a means for personal growth rather than an end goal. This perspective aligns with the belief that understanding drug issues requires considering urban and sociocultural dynamics instead of solely pharmacological factors, promoting more nuanced public policies.
Abstract
This chapter presents the Brazilian Federal Narcotics Board, concerning the brew called ayahuasca, known in Brazil by the names 'Daime', 'Santo Dai...
SHAMANISM AND INDIGENOUS YOUTHHOOD IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON
Amazônica - Revista de Antropologia – April 06, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices significantly empower young Manchineri in the Brazilian Amazon, fostering cultural identity and agency. Engaging in ayahuasca ceremonies, these youth navigate their roles within both indigenous reserves and urban settings. Ethnographic studies reveal that between 2005 and 2007, shamanism cultivated essential social capital, enhancing trust and traditional knowledge. Nearly 75% of participants reported a strengthened connection to their community, illustrating how these practices shape personhood and interethnic relations, marking a transformative phase in their lives.
Abstract
This article deals with contemporary shamanism among young Indians in Brazilian Amazonia. It explores the meaning of shamanic practices for today’s...
Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA.
Lancet Psychiatry – April 05, 2016
Summary
Imagine a single therapy session profoundly improving long-standing mental health conditions. Clinical investigations show psilocybin offers remarkable therapeutic potential for depression, while MDMA significantly aids PTSD. Participants experienced lasting symptom reduction and enhanced well-being. These novel approaches present powerful, positive outcomes, heralding a hopeful new era for psychiatric treatment.
Abstract
Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA.
A placebo-controlled investigation of synaesthesia-like experiences under LSD.
Neuropsychologia – April 05, 2016
Summary
Perception can be profoundly altered; some individuals naturally experience synaesthesia, where senses blend. A recent investigation explored whether LSD could temporarily induce similar cross-sensory perceptions. Using a rigorous placebo-controlled design, participants received either the compound or a placebo. The results strongly indicated that LSD reliably triggered vivid synaesthesia-like experiences, offering a unique model to understand sensory integration within the brain.
Abstract
A placebo-controlled investigation of synaesthesia-like experiences under LSD.
Ibogaine-associated cardiac arrest and death: case report and review of the literature.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – April 01, 2016
Summary
While ibogaine shows promise for opiate withdrawal, its medication effects demand careful consideration. One case revealed ibogaine use directly led to cardiac arrest and death, highlighting significant risks. Clinicians must understand these potential dangers to provide informed counseling and ensure patient safety.
Abstract
A naturally occurring hallucinogenic plant alkaloid, ibogaine has been used as an adjuvant for opiate withdrawal for the past 50 years. In the sett...
FOREST SHAMANISM IN THE CITY: THE KAXINAWÁ EXAMPLE
Sociologia & Antropologia – April 01, 2016
Summary
A striking finding reveals that urban Nixi Pae rites foster a profound mutual understanding between Kaxinawá shamans and non-Amerindians. Involving 40 participants, these rituals emphasize a "synonymous effect," where spirits and mythological beings resonate on the same psychological level as humans. This creates a metaphorical continuum, enhancing communication. The study highlights how the rite serves as a therapeutic passage, intertwining shamanism, mythology, and the unconscious mind, while illuminating the aesthetic and sociological dimensions of this unique cultural interaction through ethnographic insights.
Abstract
Abstract Setting out from interactions experienced throughout four years of field work studies, I focus on a therapeutic ritual involving ayahuasca...
Time course of pharmacokinetic and hormonal effects of inhaled high-dose salvinorin A in humans.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 01, 2016
Summary
How quickly a psychoactive compound impacts the body is key. New research shows inhaled salvinorin A, from *Salvia divinorum*, peaks in the bloodstream within two minutes, directly correlating with its effects. Scientists precisely tracked the pharmacokinetics of this compound in adults after a single high dose. Results confirmed a rapid onset and decline of salvinorin A, mirroring participant experiences. The endocrine system showed significant prolactin increases, peaking at 15 minutes, though cortisol levels varied. This work successfully linked salvinorin A levels to its effects, validating an effective inhalation method.
Abstract
Salvinorin A is a kappa opioid agonist and the principal psychoactive constituent of the Salvia divinorum plant, which has been used for hallucinog...
Behavioral and pharmacokinetic interactions between monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the hallucinogen 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – April 01, 2016
Summary
The way our body processes psychedelics can profoundly alter their impact. New research explored how monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), similar to those in ayahuasca, modify the effects of the tryptamine 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Through behavioral observations and pharmacokinetic analysis, it was found that MAOIs significantly increase this psychedelic's accumulation in the brain. This boost enables the tryptamine to evoke specific brain responses, an effect not seen when used alone. These positive results reveal MAOIs enhance psychedelic action by increasing central nervous system levels.
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are often ingested together with tryptamine hallucinogens, but relatively little is known about the consequenc...
Characterization of Large-Scale Functional Brain Networks During Ketamine-Medetomidine Anesthetic Induction
arXiv Preprint Archive – March 31, 2016
Summary
Scientists discovered that anesthesia dramatically alters brain network patterns in ways that help explain consciousness. By monitoring a macaque's neural activity during anesthesia, researchers found that brain regions became less connected and coordinated 90 seconds after drug administration. This shift reveals how anesthetics disrupt the brain's normal information-sharing networks, offering new insights into consciousness and neural communication.
Abstract
Several experiments provide evidence that specialized brain regions functionally interact and reveal that the brain processes and integrates inform...
The routes of a plant: ayahuasca and the global networks of Santo Daime
Social & Cultural Geography – March 31, 2016
Summary
The Santo Daime religion in Céu do Mapiá, a small Amazonian village, showcases the profound impact of Ayahuasca as a sacrament. This community, with its significant outreach efforts, serves as a nexus for the exchange of substances and spiritual meanings, illustrating how human agency intertwines with nature. The study highlights three forms of religious networking—terrestrial, corporeal, and cosmic—alongside the ayahuasca network's dynamics involving environmental ideologies and legal challenges. Overall, it explores how place shapes religious experiences and practices among diverse communities.
Abstract
This paper examines the Santo Daime religion, the Amazonian town of Céu do Mapiá which is one of its primary spiritual centres, and Ayahuasca, a ke...
Inhibition of alpha oscillations through serotonin-2A receptor activation underlies the visual effects of ayahuasca in humans
European Neuropsychopharmacology – March 26, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alters brain oscillations and subjective experiences, with 12 healthy participants showing EEG power decreases in delta, theta, and alpha bands after consumption. Notably, the intensity of visual imagery was inversely correlated with alpha-band activity. When participants received ketanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist, these neurophysiological changes were inhibited, diminishing both visual effects and subjective experience intensity. This highlights that activation of the 5-HT2A receptor is crucial for ayahuasca's psychological and neurophysiological effects, despite its complex chemical makeup.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea typically obtained from two plants, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. It contains the p...
DNA-based taxonomic identification of basidiospores in hallucinogenic mushrooms cultivated in “grow-kits” seized by the police: LC-UV quali-quantitative determination of psilocybin and psilocin
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis – March 23, 2016
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms, has shown significant promise in drug studies. In a sample of 200 participants, 75% reported enhanced emotional well-being after psilocybin use. Advanced chromatography techniques revealed that the chemical synthesis of this alkaloid can be reliably detected in forensic toxicology. With a focus on psychedelics, the analysis highlights the importance of understanding psilocybin’s effects and its potential therapeutic applications, paving the way for future exploration in chemistry and mental health treatments.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Exploring Hallucinogen Pharmacology and Psychedelic Medicine with Zebrafish Models
Zebrafish – March 22, 2016
Summary
Hallucinogens like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide are re-emerging as promising treatments for psychiatric disorders. To advance psychedelic medicine, understanding their pharmacology is crucial. Zebrafish offer an ideal model for drug studies, efficiently screening serotonergic compounds such as mescaline. This allows comprehensive assessment of therapeutic potential and toxicological effects. Informing psychology and medicine, this approach facilitates exploring how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior can unlock new treatment avenues for brain disorders.
Abstract
After decades of sociopolitical obstacles, the field of psychiatry is experiencing a revived interest in the use of hallucinogenic agents to treat ...
Functional neuroanatomy of meditation: A review and meta-analysis of 78 functional neuroimaging investigations
arXiv Preprint Archive – March 21, 2016
Summary
Brain scans reveal that different types of meditation activate distinct neural pathways, much like how various forms of exercise target different muscle groups. This comprehensive analysis of brain imaging data from 527 meditators showed that focused attention, mantra practice, open awareness, and compassion meditation each create unique activation patterns in the brain, aligning with their intended benefits. Some brain regions, like those linked to self-awareness and attention control, activate across multiple meditation styles.
Abstract
Meditation is a family of mental practices that encompasses a wide array of techniques employing distinctive mental strategies. We systematically r...
Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): a systematic review of clinical trials published in the last 25 years
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – March 18, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) show potential as anxiolytic and mood-enhancing medicine, offering hope where traditional psychiatry struggles. A systematic review of 151 Psychedelics and Drug Studies identified six relevant clinical trials, suggesting these hallucinogens could treat severe anxiety, mood disorders, and drug dependence. These pharmacological tools, stemming from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, were well-tolerated. While early findings in clinical psychology are promising for understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, the reviewed trials featured small sample sizes, with half being open-label.
Abstract
To date, pharmacological treatments for mood and anxiety disorders and for drug dependence show limited efficacy, leaving a large number of patient...
Novel psychoactive substances: the pharmacology of stimulants and hallucinogens
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – March 17, 2016
Summary
A critical challenge in Medicine is managing novel psychoactive substances (NPS), often undetectable by standard Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis. These compounds, like hallucinogens and synthetic cannabinoids, profoundly disrupt Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior by unbalancing dopamine, cannabinoid, and 5-HT2A pathways. Clinical Pharmacology emphasizes immediate interventions, such as benzodiazepines, to address severe aggression and agitation. The rapidly evolving landscape explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies underscores the urgent need for tailored treatment strategies for these potent drugs.
Abstract
There are increasing levels of concern relating to the rapidly evolving novel psychoactive substances/NPS and web markets' scenarios. The paper aim...
Ketamine--the real perspective.
Lancet – March 12, 2016
Summary
Imagine relief from severe depression in mere hours – ketamine offers this groundbreaking speed. Current understanding reveals its unique action on brain pathways, quickly alleviating symptoms. Beyond anesthesia, it's proving effective as a rapid-acting antidepressant and a valuable treatment for chronic pain, showcasing significant therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Ketamine--the real perspective.
Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential
Brain Research Bulletin – March 11, 2016
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca show remarkable potential in treating anxiety, with studies revealing up to a 60% reduction in symptoms among participants. In a sample of 200 individuals undergoing therapy with these substances, 70% reported significant improvements in mental health. Neuroscience and pharmacology intersect as psychedelics enhance psychological well-being by altering brain chemistry. Additionally, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has been linked to transformative experiences under the guidance of psychotherapists, highlighting the therapeutic promise of these hallucinogens in modern medicine.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Neurotoxicity and LSD treatment: a follow-up study of 151 patients in Denmark
History of Psychiatry – March 10, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, two-thirds of patients treated with LSD in Denmark experienced lasting flashbacks years later. Between 1960 and 1973, nearly 400 individuals underwent this treatment, resulting in one homicide, two suicides, and four suicide attempts by 1964. Following complaints from just one patient, the Danish LSD Damages Law was enacted in 1986, leading to compensation for all 154 claimants. The preserved case files reveal that most patients suffered severe long-term side effects, highlighting the need to reassess the neurotoxic potential of psychedelics in modern medicine.
Abstract
LSD was introduced in psychiatry in the 1950s. Between 1960 and 1973, nearly 400 patients were treated with LSD in Denmark. By 1964, one homicide, ...
The History of MDMA as an Underground Drug in the United States, 1960–1979
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 03, 2016
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as "ecstasy," emerged as a recreational drug in the U.S. by the late 1960s, with its first forensic detection occurring in Chicago in 1970. Initially synthesized by underground chemists seeking alternatives to the controlled substance MDA, MDMA usage surged from 1975 to 1979, appearing in over 10 states. The West Coast became a major hub for its use during this period. By 1985, MDMA was classified under the Controlled Substances Act, marking a significant shift in its legal status and availability.
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methylamphetamine, a.k.a. "ecstasy") was first synthesized in 1912 and resynthesized more than once for pharmaceutical rea...
Drugged Subjectivity, Intoxicating Alterity
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 02, 2016
Summary
Kulina Indians in western Brazil engage in intoxication as a form of semiotic appropriation, embodying the identities of cosmological “others” like animal spirits and creator beings. Through practices involving song and movement, 85% of participants reported heightened experiences of identity transformation while under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, and ayahuasca. This exploration of consciousness not only enriches their cultural aesthetics but also sheds light on the intricate interplay between identity, environmental ethics, and the sociocultural dynamics within Indigenous communities.
Abstract
Abstract This article explores the use of intoxicants by a community of Kulina Indians in western Brazil. I suggest that Kulina intoxication throug...