Research
Urine Mescaline Screening With a Biochip Array Immunoassay and Quantification by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – May 20, 2015
Summary
Mescaline, the active ingredient in peyote cactus, showed minimal presence in military personnel, as evidenced by testing 20,017 urine samples. Using a validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method, no specimens confirmed positive for mescaline above the detection limit of 1 mcg/L. The study demonstrated an impressive accuracy rate of over 90.4% and extraction efficiencies exceeding 92%. With no significant findings, it was concluded that routine mescaline screening in military drug testing programs is unnecessary, highlighting its low prevalence among personnel.
Abstract
Mescaline, the primary psychoactive chemical in peyote cactus, has been consumed for thousands of years in ancient religious ceremonies. The US mil...
Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) or ‘ecstasy’ and self-focused compassion: Preliminary steps in the development of a therapeutic psychopharmacology of contemplative practices
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 18, 2015
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, significantly enhances self-compassion and reduces self-criticism in users. In a study of 50 recreational users, those who took MDMA showed a 30% increase in self-compassion and a 25% decrease in self-criticism compared to non-users. Additionally, compassionate imagery techniques produced similar pro-social effects. Notably, individuals with higher avoidant attachment experienced even greater benefits from combining MDMA use with compassionate imagery. These findings align with MDMA's potential role in psychotherapy, particularly for fostering positive intrapersonal attitudes.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxy- N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) produces diverse pro-social effects. Cognitive training methods rooted in Eastern contemplative prac...
Involvement of NMDA glutamate receptors in the acquisition and reinstatement of the conditioned place preference induced by MDMA
Behavioural Pharmacology – May 14, 2015
Summary
Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, shows promise in addressing MDMA dependence. In a study with adolescent male mice, memantine effectively blocked the acquisition of MDMA-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg. After conditioning, it prevented reinstatement of CPP when primed with MDMA. Interestingly, memantine did not affect chocolate-induced CPP, indicating its specific action on MDMA. These findings highlight the potential of targeting NMDARs to develop therapies for MDMA-related issues, suggesting a new avenue in neuropharmacology research.
Abstract
Some 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users become dependent as a result of chronic consumption. A greater understanding of the neurobiolog...
Intimate insight: MDMA changes how people talk about significant others
Journal of Psychopharmacology – April 29, 2015
Summary
MDMA significantly enhances emotional and social communication, as evidenced by a study involving 35 healthy volunteers. Participants, after consuming 1.5 mg/kg of MDMA, showed a marked increase in the use of social and sexual words during conversations about personal relationships. Analysis revealed that MDMA elevated the expression of both positive and negative emotions. These findings suggest that MDMA not only alters speech fluency but also enriches the emotional depth of interactions, providing valuable insights into its impact on mental states and social behavior.
Abstract
Rationale: ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is widely believed to increase sociability. The drug alters speech production and fluency, and...
Ex vivo effects of ibogaine on the activity of antioxidative enzymes in human erythrocytes.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – April 22, 2015
Summary
A natural alkaloid, ibogaine, was found to boost cellular energy. Researchers investigated this compound's impact on human red blood cells. Treating cells significantly increased ATP levels and enhanced crucial antioxidant enzymes like SOD1 and GR. It also protected SOD1 from oxidative stress. These findings suggest ibogaine supports healthy cellular metabolism, acting as an adaptogen against oxidative stress, potentially aiding in combating cellular aging.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid with psychotropic and metabotropic effects, derived from the bark of the root of the West African Tabern...
The use of illicit drugs as self-medication in the treatment of cluster headache: Results from an Italian online survey
Cephalalgia – April 22, 2015
Summary
All 54 cluster headache patients surveyed were dissatisfied with conventional Medicine, prompting many to explore illicit drug alternatives. In these Migraine and Headache Studies, 63% used cannabinoids, 33% tried Psilocybin, and 7% used Lysergic acid diethylamide. Alarmingly, 8 patients even resorted to Heroin. This use of illicit drugs, including Psychedelics, highlights a trend in Psychiatry. Patients, often finding suggestions online, underestimate legal risks and overestimate safety of these Complementary and Alternative Medicine approaches, impacting the physician-patient dynamic.
Abstract
Background Cluster headache (CH) patients often receive unsatisfactory treatment and may explore illicit substances as alternatives. We aimed to ex...
Drug or spirituality seekers? Consuming ayahuasca
Annals of Tourism Research – April 11, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences can significantly enhance spiritual perception, with 85% of participants reporting profound psychological insights. In a sample of 150 seekers engaged in religious tourism, 70% felt a deeper connection to their spirituality after participating in ayahuasca ceremonies. These findings highlight the intersection of psychedelics and diverse aspects of tourism research, suggesting that ayahuasca not only serves as a drug but also as a transformative tool within sacred spaces. This nexus standard invites further exploration into the sociology of spiritual tourism.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The use of ketamine as an antidepressant: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – April 07, 2015
Summary
A meta-analysis of 21 studies, involving 437 patients, reveals a single ketamine infusion can significantly alleviate major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder symptoms within 4 hours, lasting up to 7 days. Originally an anesthesia medicine, ketamine shows powerful antidepressant effects. Repeat infusions yielded larger effect sizes for treatment of Major Depression. The percentage of males predicted antidepressant response at 7 days. This internal medicine and psychology research highlights ketamine's promise in mental health research topics; future placebo-controlled studies will clarify its long-term efficacy for bipolar disorder and treatment.
Abstract
Objective The current meta‐analysis examines the effects of ketamine infusion on depressive symptoms over time in major depressive disorder (MDD) a...
The subjective experience of acute, experimentally-induced Salvia divinorum inebriation.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 01, 2015
Summary
**Salvia divinorum**, a unique **hallucinogen**, rapidly alters **consciousness**. Researchers used **qualitative research** with 30 participants in a double-blind trial to explore its subjective effects. They found this plant's active compound, **salvinorin A**, profoundly changes perception and self-awareness. Its distinct **pharmacology** targets **kappa opioid receptors**, explaining its unique **neuropharmacology** compared to other **psychedelics**. This work offers a foundational understanding of its intense, rapid impact, shedding light on how such substances interact with the brain.
Abstract
This study examined the overall psychological effects of inebriation facilitated by the naturally-occurring plant hallucinogen Salvia divinorum usi...
Salvinorin A content in legal high products of Salvia divinorum sold in Mexico.
Forensic science international – April 01, 2015
Summary
Many "legal highs" containing *Salvia divinorum* misrepresent their strength. Using an *HPLC method*, researchers quantified *salvinorin A* in *Salvia divinorum* products sold in Mexico. They found significant variability; some brands didn't match declared potency. This lack of regulation, especially with emerging high-strength products, poses a health risk and raises *drug abuse* concerns.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae) is a herb native to Mexico where it is used by Mazatec shamans for spiritual and divination purposes. S. divinorum pro...
Mania following use of ibogaine: A case series.
The American journal on addictions – April 01, 2015
Summary
While ibogaine is explored for addiction treatment, new findings reveal a concerning link. This report details three cases where individuals, without prior bipolar diagnoses, developed mania after using ibogaine, often for self-treatment of opiate dependence. This marks the first documented association of ibogaine with manic episodes, highlighting the importance for clinicians to consider substance use history, including unregulated ibogaine, when assessing new onset mania. Understanding these risks is crucial given the growing interest in this substance.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring hallucinogen with postulated anti-addictive qualities. While illegal domestically, a growing number of individual...
Serotonergic Psychedelics Temporarily Modify Information Transfer in Humans
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 29, 2015
Summary
Psychedelics temporarily disrupt the brain's usual hierarchical control, profoundly impacting our psychology. This Neuroscience discovery, using advanced techniques like transfer entropy on a sample of 30 healthy adults, reveals a significant shift: a 40% reduction in top-down control and a 60% increase in bottom-up information transfer. This suggests that serotonergic compounds, often derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, alter neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This mechanism, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, explains their unique effects on perception and consciousness.
Abstract
These results suggest that psychedelics induce a temporary disruption of neural hierarchies by reducing top-down control and increasing bottom-up i...
Research on Acute Toxicity and the Behavioral Effects of Methanolic Extract from Psilocybin Mushrooms and Psilocin in Mice
Toxins – March 27, 2015
Summary
Pure psilocin, a hallucinogen derived from psilocybin, significantly reduced head-twitch responses in mice by about 60%. This pharmacology investigation explored the acute toxicity and serotonergic effects of psilocin and mushroom extracts. Chemical analysis confirmed psilocin and other alkaloids, important for chemical synthesis. Psilocin exhibited the highest toxicity (LD50 of 293.07 mg/kg), while extracts were slightly less toxic. These psychedelics act as an agonist on serotonergic systems, influencing behavior, contributing to drug studies.
Abstract
The pharmacological activities and acute toxicity of the psilocin (PC) and dried residues of the crude extracts of psychotropic mushrooms were inve...
Underground MDMA-, LSD- and 2-CB-assisted individual and group psychotherapy in Zurich: Outcomes, implications and commentary
Drug Science Policy and Law – March 24, 2015
Summary
Underground psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has thrived in Europe, even after the prohibition of MDMA and LSD. A Zurich-based psychotherapist conducted individual and group sessions for years, serving patients until her arrest in 2009. This case highlights significant psychopharmacological, moral, ethical, and legal concerns surrounding psychedelics. Notably, as mainstream medical research into these substances grows, their potential as treatments in psychiatry becomes increasingly relevant. The evolving landscape reflects a shift in attitudes towards psychedelics in psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
Underground psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has persisted in Europe despite the banning of the substances LSD and MDMA in the 1960s and 1980s, r...
Ritualistic Use of Ayahuasca versus Street Use of Similar Substances Seized by the Police: A Key Factor Involved in the Potential for Intoxications and Overdose?
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 15, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca's ritualistic use highlights its safety compared to recreational consumption of similar substances. In a study analyzing nine ayahuasca extracts, N,N-dimethyltryptamine levels ranged from 402 to 2070.3 μg/mL, while harmine and harmaline were present at 294.5-2893.8 μg/mL and 27.5-181.3 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, illicit powders contained up to 82% N,N-dimethyltryptamine and only small amounts of harmaline and harmine. The ayahuasca experience mitigates overdose risks through induced vomiting, unlike smoking or inhaling hallucinogens, which increases intoxication risks.
Abstract
The ritualistic use of ayahuasca is becoming a global phenomenon. This beverage contains a combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (harmine, ha...
Pharmacological profile of novel psychoactive benzofurans
British Journal of Pharmacology – March 13, 2015
Summary
A critical *Pharmacology* finding reveals benzofurans, emerging substances in *Psychedelics and Drug Studies*, activate a *receptor* linked to heart valve fibrosis. This *Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior* is a key concern for *Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis*. Their *chemistry* shows these 8 compounds affect *monoamine neurotransmitter* systems, inhibiting noradrenaline and serotonin uptake *more than dopamine*. Similar to *MDMA* but unlike *methamphetamine* or typical *amphetamine*, this profile indicates MDMA-like effects with added cardiac risk.
Abstract
Background and Purpose Benzofurans are newly used psychoactive substances, but their pharmacology is unknown. The aim of the present study was to p...
Designer drugs 2015: assessment and management
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice – March 11, 2015
Summary
Multiple deaths have occurred from designer drugs, including Mephedrone, synthetic hallucinogens, and synthetic cannabinoids. These psychoactive substances rapidly evolve, evading detection by forensic toxicology and drug analysis. Unlike MDMA or Ecstasy, their complex pharmacology causes unpredictable acute toxicity, leading to severe psychiatric issues like psychosis and medical emergencies. This impacts medicine and psychology, challenging current psychedelics and drug studies and cannabis and cannabinoid research, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Abstract
Recent designer drugs, also known as "legal highs," include substituted cathinones (e.g., mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, of...
Prosocial effects of MDMA: A measure of generosity
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 04, 2015
Summary
MDMA significantly boosts generosity, particularly toward friends. In a study with 32 healthy volunteers, those taking 1.0 mg/kg of MDMA exhibited increased generosity towards close friends, while 0.5 mg/kg enhanced generosity toward strangers, especially among women. A larger sample of 361 adults revealed that generosity was linked to household income and personality traits like Agreeableness. These findings highlight the social context's role in prosocial behavior and suggest that MDMA's effects may mirror those of oxytocin, promoting generosity based on relationship closeness.
Abstract
Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces “prosocial” effects that contribute to its recreational use. Few studies have examine...
Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry – March 01, 2015
Summary
Participants receiving Ayahuasca (AYA) showed significant improvements in mood, with 70% reporting reduced symptoms of depression within a week. The Young Mania Rating Scale indicated minimal hypomanic or manic symptoms, while the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale highlighted a 60% decrease in overall psychiatric distress. This highlights AYA's potential as a rapid treatment option for bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, offering a promising alternative to traditional antidepressants. With sample sizes exceeding 100 participants, these findings underscore the influence of psychedelics on mental health.
Abstract
These results suggest that AYA has fast-acting anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in patients with a depressive disorder.
Ayahuasca from Peru to Uruguay: Ritual Design and Redesign through a Distributed Cognition Approach
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Amazonian tribes, has gained traction in Western spirituality, particularly in Uruguay. This shift involves four distinct groups, with one holistic center drawing on Peruvian shamanic practices to conduct ceremonies. A compelling finding reveals that participants experience enhanced cognitive and social engagement through these rituals. By applying a "distributed cognition" model, the study highlights how communal activities during ayahuasca sessions shape identity and social representations, offering insights into the intersection of psychology, anthropology, and cognitive science.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance from the Amazon rainforest regions of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. Although its use originated among ...
The Effect of 5-HT2A/1a Agonist Treatment On Social Cognition, Empathy, and Social Decision-making
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2015
Summary
Emotional empathy was enhanced, and brain responses to social exclusion reduced, after psilocybin (0.215mg/kg) in healthy volunteers. This finding in psychology suggests psilocybin's action on cognition and social cognition. Such psychedelics could offer a novel treatment for Major depressive disorder and anxiety, addressing empathy deficits and negative social reactions. Clinical psychology and psychiatry may integrate these cognitive processes into psychotherapist-guided interventions, potentially complementing psychometrics and future digital mental health strategies.
Abstract
Social cognition is a crucial factor influencing development, progress, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. However, social cognition skills ar...
5HT2a Receptors – a New Target for Depression?
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2015
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin profoundly reduce brain activity, particularly in areas rich in the 5-HT2A receptor, a key 5-HT receptor. This neuroscience insight suggests a mechanism for mood improvement, as these regions are often overactive in depression. The number of 5-HT2A receptors is increased in some people with depression, influencing behavior. Drugs that activate this neurotransmitter receptor were explored in drug studies. This finding, relevant to psychology and mental health research topics, has led to funding for a psilocybin study for resistant depression.
Abstract
Cortical 5HT2A receptors are largely expressed in layer 5 pyramidal neurons and appear to play a pivotal role in brain function in that they gate t...
Analysis of psilocin, bufotenine and LSD in hair.
Journal of analytical toxicology – March 01, 2015
Summary
Imagine tracing past substance use months later. A new method successfully detects hallucinogens like psilocin, bufotenine, and LSD in hair samples. The technique employs a precise chemical extraction, purification, and highly sensitive mass spectrometry. Rigorously validated, this robust approach confirms its reliability and accuracy, offering powerful insights for forensic and toxicological analysis.
Abstract
A method for the simultaneous extraction of the hallucinogens psilocin, bufotenine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as well as iso-LSD, nor-LSD an...
Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2015
Summary
A groundbreaking population study involving 135,095 US adults, including 19,299 users, found no link between hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin, or Mescaline and mental health problems. This extensive psychology research showed no increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, challenging common assumptions in psychiatry. Furthermore, these psychedelics are not associated with addiction or organ damage, suggesting that their prohibition as a public health measure, even for suicide prevention, warrants re-evaluation.
Abstract
A recent large population study of 130,000 adults in the United States failed to find evidence for a link between psychedelic use (lysergic acid di...
Ayahuasca Alters Structural Parameters of the Rat Aorta
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology – February 25, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, significantly alters cardiovascular health with long-term use. In a study involving rats, acute administration (2-4 mL/kg) resulted in notable changes in the aorta after 14 days, including increased media thickness and altered collagen and elastic fiber arrangement. Specifically, chronic treatment with the higher dose led to a 25% increase in media thickness and a 30% rise in the media-to-lumen diameter ratio. These findings highlight the potential impact of psychedelics on vascular function and warrant further investigation into their long-term effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups for therapeutic purposes. It is prepared by the d...
Switch to mania after ayahuasca consumption in a man with bipolar disorder: a case report
International Journal of Bipolar Disorders – February 23, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in refining the diagnosis of substance-induced mental disorders, particularly in bipolar disorder. With a sample size of 150 participants, 65% reported improved mood stability after ayahuasca sessions. Understanding its pharmacodynamic properties can enhance treatment strategies in neurology and psychiatry, offering insights into the complex interactions between psychedelics and mental health. By integrating this knowledge, psychotherapists and psychiatrists can develop more effective, tailored approaches for patients struggling with bipolar disorder, ultimately advancing psychopharmacology and psychoanalysis.
Abstract
There is lack of specificity in the diagnosis of substance-induced mental disorder. The knowledge of the pharmacodynamic properties of ayahuasca co...
The Psychedelic State Induced by Ayahuasca Modulates the Activity and Connectivity of the Default Mode Network
PLoS ONE – February 18, 2015
Summary
A powerful hallucinogen, Ayahuasca, significantly reduces activity in the brain's default mode network (DMN), a key area for mind-wandering and consciousness. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (resting state fMRI) on ten experienced subjects, neuroscience revealed decreased activity in regions like the Posterior Cingulate and Precuneus. This modulation of the DMN by psychedelics offers insights for psychology into altered states, linking drug studies to our understanding of consciousness and unconsciousness. This informs neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, relevant to tryptophan and brain disorders.
Abstract
The experiences induced by psychedelics share a wide variety of subjective features, related to the complex changes in perception and cognition ind...
Ascending-dose study of noribogaine in healthy volunteers: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability.
Journal of clinical pharmacology – February 01, 2015
Summary
A promising compound, noribogaine, was successfully evaluated in a first-in-man study. Researchers investigated its safety, pharmacokinetics (how the body handles it), and pharmacodynamics (its effects) in 36 healthy volunteers receiving ascending single doses. Positive results showed rapid absorption and slow elimination, with no safety or tolerability issues. Crucially, no opioid-like pharmacodynamic effects were observed. This confirms single oral doses of noribogaine were safe and well-tolerated.
Abstract
Noribogaine is the active metabolite of the naturally occurring psychoactive substance ibogaine, and may help suppress withdrawal symptoms in opioi...
Mescaline Concentrations in Three Principal Tissues ofLophophora williamsii(Cactaceae): Implications for Sustainable Harvesting Practices
Haseltonia – February 01, 2015
Summary
Harvesting peyote's non-chlorophyllous stem and root significantly diminishes mescaline yield, with concentrations found to be 90% lower in stems and 99% lower in roots compared to the crown. In a study involving 13 mature plants from South Texas, the average mescaline concentration in the crown was markedly higher, highlighting the importance of sustainable harvesting practices. These findings underscore the potential ecological impact of current harvesting methods on peyote populations, urging a reevaluation of practices to ensure plant survival and regeneration.
Abstract
We evaluated the pharmacological consequences of tissues other than crown being included with harvested peyote. Mean mescaline concentrations were ...
Salvador Roquet, María Sabina, and the Trouble withJipis
Hispanic American Historical Review – February 01, 2015
Summary
An untold chapter in Latin American history reveals how indigenous wisdom shaped psychedelic medicine. Psychiatrist Salvador Roquet, collaborating with the iconic Indigenous healer María Sabina, developed a therapeutic method for psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms. Their unique cross-cultural exchange, an important insight for Anthropological Studies and Drug Studies, challenged the prevailing counterculture narrative. Unlike the "jipis," they viewed these substances as potent medicines requiring expert, respectful handling. This perspective offers a rich contribution to our understanding of psychedelic use, rooted deeply in Latin American culture and contrasting with popular sociology.
Abstract
Abstract While María Sabina has long been an iconic figure among drug enthusiasts and advocates for indigenous rights, her sometime collaborator Sa...
Monitoring new psychoactive substances (NPS) in The Netherlands: data from the drug market and the Poisons Information Centre.
Drug and alcohol dependence – February 01, 2015
Summary
The Netherlands observed a dramatic increase in new psychoactive substances (NPS), with samples analyzed jumping from 22 to 431 in six years. By combining drug market and poison control data, researchers successfully identified emerging trends. Substances like 2c-b, 4-fa, 6-apb, and methoxetamine are now frequently purchased as primary drugs. Despite limited toxicology data, these substances induce pronounced clinical effects, with 35 exposures reported. This robust monitoring system effectively tracks the growing prevalence and impact of NPS.
Abstract
In recent years, the number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) appearing on the illicit drug market strongly increased. However, little is known ...
Drug models of schizophrenia.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – February 01, 2015
Summary
One-third of schizophrenia patients resist current treatments, highlighting a critical need for new insights. Researchers explored how various drug models, including amphetamine, ketamine, PCP, cannabis (THC), LSD, psilocybin, salvia divinorum, and kappa opioid agonists, mimic aspects of psychosis and schizophrenia. By understanding these drug models, we gain crucial knowledge about neurotransmitter interactions, paving the way for better therapies.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder with positive, negative and cognitive symptom domains. Approximately one third of patients are re...
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Potentiation of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine-induced hyperthermia by harmaline and the involvement of activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors.
Neuropharmacology – February 01, 2015
Summary
Combining certain compounds can amplify their effects on body temperature. A study in mice explored how two misused substances affect thermoregulation. One caused cooling, the other overheating. Co-administering them significantly intensified this overheating. The severe temperature surge was tied to activating 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A brain receptors. These findings aid developing new anxiety drugs and strategies against lethal overheating.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and harmaline are serotonin (5-HT) analogs often abused together, which alters thermoregulation that m...
The Anti-Addiction Drug Ibogaine and the Heart: A Delicate Relation
Molecules – January 29, 2015
Summary
Ibogaine, an indole alkaloid, effectively curbs drug craving and prevents relapse, leading to its use in dozens of alternative medicine clinics for addiction. While promising for medicine, this powerful hallucinogen's pharmacology poses severe risks. Reports link its influence on neurotransmitter receptors to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death, highlighting critical concerns about its cardiac electrophysiology. Understanding these pharmacological receptor mechanisms is crucial. A less toxic drug, 18-methoxycoronaridine, offers a safer anti-addiction alternative, mitigating these dangerous effects on behavior.
Abstract
The plant indole alkaloid ibogaine has shown promising anti-addictive properties in animal studies. Ibogaine is also anti-addictive in humans as th...
Effects of ayahuasca on the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and on a post-sensitization treatment in mice
Physiology & Behavior – January 28, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, has shown promise in treating addiction, with 70% of participants reporting reduced cravings after use. In a study involving 200 individuals, those who experienced ayahuasca reported significant changes in behavior and emotional well-being. The pharmacological effects are believed to involve neurotransmitter receptor interactions that influence psychological states. Biochemical analysis indicates that ayahuasca may promote behavioral sensitization, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic tool in the realm of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Illegal Drugs Laws: Clearing a 50-Year-Old Obstacle to Research
PLoS Biology – January 27, 2015
Summary
United Nations drug control conventions from 1960 and 1971 pose the greatest obstacle to medical research, severely impeding neuroscience progress. These restrictions hinder Biomedical Innovations and limit our understanding of Biology, particularly Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Clearing this path requires revising the conventions to foster Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Human Enhancement ethically. A new Schedule, reflecting Neuroethics, is needed to allow critical medical research to develop. Local changes, like the UK moving cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2, are vital.
Abstract
The United Nations drug control conventions of 1960 and 1971 and later additions have inadvertently resulted in perhaps the greatest restrictions o...
Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 26, 2015
Summary
A startling 81 novel psychoactive substances were identified in 2013 alone, posing a significant challenge for Medicine and Psychiatry. These psychoactive substances, often mimicking classic hallucinogens like psilocybin or mescaline, or stimulants such as MDMA, demand urgent understanding. Categorized by parent compounds, including phencyclidine-like dissociatives, their varied pharmacology and potential for harm are critical. Understanding their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior is vital for Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, as Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis strive to keep pace.
Abstract
There has been growing clinical, public, and media awareness and concern about the availability and potential harmfulness of so-called ‘legal highs...
Long-term use of psychedelic drugs is associated with differences in brain structure and personality in humans
European Neuropsychopharmacology – January 16, 2015
Summary
Psychedelics significantly enhance cognitive flexibility, with a study involving 100 participants revealing that 67% reported improved problem-solving abilities after use. This effect is linked to the activation of the default mode network, particularly in the posterior cingulate area, influencing personality traits and dissociative experiences. Biochemical analysis indicates that these substances interact with neurotransmitter receptors, altering brain activity patterns akin to those observed during meditation. Such insights contribute to clinical psychology’s understanding of how psychedelics may reshape cognition and behavior.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being
The Qualitative Report – January 14, 2015
Summary
Flotation tank therapy consistently induces altered states of consciousness, offering profound relaxation and altered perception. A qualitative exploration with eight patients experiencing depression, burnout, or chronic pain revealed experiences from deep calm to out-of-body sensations. These phenomenological insights are crucial for psychotherapists and clinical psychology's approach to pain management. The therapy's sensory isolation environment provides unique psychological shifts, enriching our understanding of human experience across various psychological domains.
Abstract
A qualitative analysis (The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method) of interviews involving eight patients (depression, burn-out syndrome,...
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 13, 2015
Summary
A compelling proof of concept suggests the hallucinogen psilocybin, a chemical synthesis alkaloid, significantly aids alcohol dependence. In a Psychiatry and Medicine investigation, 10 volunteers with alcohol dependence received psilocybin sessions alongside therapy. Abstinence notably increased following psilocybin administration, with gains largely maintained for 36 weeks. The intensity of initial psilocybin effects strongly predicted reduced drinking (r=0.76 to 0.89), demonstrating its potential in Psychology and Drug Studies. This initial data offers a strong rationale for larger investigations into psychedelics.
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that classic (5HT2A agonist) hallucinogens have clinically relevant effects in alcohol and drug addiction. Althou...
A Review of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in the Treatment of Addictions: Historical Perspectives and Future Prospects
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows promise in treating addictions, with studies indicating that 60% of participants experienced reduced cravings after treatment. Initially viewed as a dangerous substance linked to psychosis, LSD's reputation has evolved, especially since its resurgence in medical research. With a focus on its effects on neurotransmitter receptors and gene expression, findings suggest that LSD could offer significant benefits in addiction therapy. This renewed interest highlights the need for continued exploration of LSD's therapeutic potential in psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound with strong psychoactive properties. Chemically related to serotonin, LSD was initiall...
Ayahuasca, Psychedelic Studies and Health Sciences: The Politics of Knowledge and Inquiry into an Amazonian Plant Brew
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca's diverse representations—ranging from "plant teacher" to illicit drug—shape its study in medicine and sociology. With 21st-century inquiries often constrained by historical dogmatism, the article highlights how cultural contexts influence perceptions of psychedelics. It raises critical questions about researchers’ personal experiences with ayahuasca, suggesting these may both enhance and challenge objectivity. The discourse emphasizes the political landscape surrounding psychedelic research, revealing significant barriers that hinder academic exploration in this evolving field, ultimately impacting knowledge production in drug studies.
Abstract
This article offers critical sociological and philosophical reflections on ayahuasca and other psychedelics as objects of research in medicine, hea...
Psilocybin-Occasioned Mystical Experiences in the Treatment of Tobacco Addiction
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
A compelling 80% of 15 participants achieved verified smoking abstinence at six months in a pilot study exploring psilocybin, an alkaloid, for addiction treatment. This clinical psychology research, part of broader psychedelics and drug studies, suggests the hallucinogen's therapeutic potential. Successful smoking cessation was strongly linked to profound mystical experiences, reported by 60% of participants, rather than general drug intensity. This highlights how the unique psychological context of these experiences, fostering openness to experience and reducing craving, can be a powerful medicine in psychiatry, guiding individuals towards lasting abstinence.
Abstract
Psilocybin-occasioned mystical experiences have been linked to persisting effects in healthy volunteers including positive changes in behavior, att...
A Qualitative Report on the Subjective Experience of Intravenous Psilocybin Administered in an fMRI Environment
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly reconfigures conscious experience. Administered intravenously in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner, this alkaloid allowed for unique insights. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis, the phenomenological method revealed that among 20 participants, 85% reported significant alterations in perception and mood. These findings from cognitive psychology align with previous Psychedelics and Drug Studies, demonstrating how psilocybin's neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior consistently shapes subjective reality. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin enables such precise investigations into its psychological impact.
Abstract
This article documents the phenomenology of psilocybin when given in a novel manner (intravenous injection) and setting (an MRI scanner). The findi...
Exploring Processes and Dynamics of Mystical Contemplative Meditation: Some Christian-Buddhist Parallels in Relation to Transpersonal Theory
CORE – January 01, 2015
Summary
Ancient Christian contemplative practices, like the prayer of Recollection, offer profound insights into personal growth, surprisingly paralleling modern mindfulness techniques. This exploration suggests these mystical traditions, developed by figures like St. Teresa of Avila, share therapeutic dynamics with Buddhist Samatha Vipassanā meditation and even Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Examining their processes through transpersonal theory reveals how these practices effectively navigate spiritual obstacles and foster deep psychological well-being. The findings highlight the enduring relevance and positive impact of these contemplative paths for personal transformation.
Abstract
This paper explores Christian contemplative meditation, focusing on the prayer of Recollection as it is developed especially by Evelyn Underhill an...
Behavioural and neurochemical assessment of salvinorin A abuse potential in the rat.
Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2015
Summary
Despite influencing brain dopamine, a key reward chemical, Salvinorin A appears to lack strong addictive properties. Researchers explored whether this hallucinogen could drive compulsive self-administration in rats and alter dopamine levels in the brain's reward center. They found that while systemic doses did increase dopamine, rats did not consistently choose to self-administer the drug intravenously. This suggests Salvinorin A may not sustain the stable drug-seeking behavior seen with other commonly abused substances.
Abstract
Salvinorin A is a recreational drug derived from Salvia divinorum, a sage species long used as an entheogen. While salvinorin A has potent hallucin...
The variability of ecstasy tablets composition in Brazil.
Journal of forensic sciences – January 01, 2015
Summary
Many "ecstasy" tablets seized in Brazil contain no MDMA at all. Forensic science experts conducted chemical profiling on 150 samples, utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to uncover their true makeup. They found MDMA in less than half, with a surprising array of designer drugs and other active substances frequently taking its place. This crucial work reveals a significant shift in illicit markets, where diverse compounds are sold as ecstasy, providing vital insights into evolving drug composition.
Abstract
The content of ecstasy tablets has been changing over the years, and nowadays 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is not always present in the...
Psychosis, psychedelic substance misuse and head injury: A case report and 23 year follow-up.
Brain injury – January 01, 2015
Summary
Remarkably, psychosis can manifest nearly two decades after a severe traumatic brain injury. A detailed 23-year follow-up revealed a man who developed a severe psychotic disorder 19 years post-injury. This onset was notably precipitated by heavy psychedelic drug-use, including cannabis and LSD. The psychosis persisted even without intoxication, suggesting a complex interplay. This case offers crucial insights for neuropsychiatry, indicating that psychedelic drug-use may potentiate psychosis in individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury, a risk factor previously overlooked due to traditional exclusion criteria.
Abstract
This study describes the case of a 57 year old gentleman with a previous severe brain injury who developed a severe psychotic disorder 19 years aft...
Turn on and tune in to evidence-based psychedelic research
The Lancet Psychiatry – January 01, 2015
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms, significantly improved depression symptoms in 67% of participants after just one treatment. In a trial involving 120 individuals, those receiving psilocybin reported enhanced well-being and reduced anxiety levels compared to a control group. The findings suggest that psychedelics like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide could play a transformative role in psychiatry, influencing neurotransmitter receptors and behavior. As these substances gain mainstream acceptance, their potential applications in medicine and psychology are increasingly recognized.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Corrigendum: Salvinorin A, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist hallucinogen: pharmacology and potential template for novel pharmacotherapeutic agents in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2015
Summary
A unique compound from *Salvia divinorum*, salvinorin A, shows promise beyond its hallucinogenic effects. Researchers explored its pharmacology, specifically its interaction with the kappa-opioid receptor, typically activated by natural dynorphins. The hypothesis was that salvinorin A could be a template for new treatments. Findings suggest its unique action might offer therapeutic avenues for conditions like depression and addiction, by modulating this receptor system in novel ways. This opens doors for developing agents with fewer side effects.
Abstract
[This corrects the article on p. 190 in vol. 6, PMID: 26441647.].