Research
Salvia divinorum: a psychopharmacological riddle and a mind-body prospect.
Current drug abuse reviews – March 01, 2013
Summary
A sacred plant, traditionally used for divination, offers unique insights into consciousness. Researchers investigated its active compound, salvinorin A, observing it induces short-lived sensory shifts and vivid imagery. While its specific brain receptor activity is understood, the full range of effects points to broader neural network engagement. This work holds promise for understanding the mind-body connection and developing new analgesics, antidepressants, and drug-abuse treatments.
Abstract
The multidisciplinary research on Salvia divinorum and its chemical principles is analyzed concerning whether the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ment...
Ibogaine in the treatment of substance dependence.
Current drug abuse reviews – March 01, 2013
Summary
Remarkably, a compound from an African plant may significantly ease drug withdrawal and cravings. Preclinical findings strongly suggest this substance can lessen withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings, offering a promising avenue for treating substance dependence. While safety considerations are being addressed, ongoing research is exploring its potential as an anti-addictive treatment in humans, highlighting its positive impact on addiction recovery.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from Tabernanthe iboga, a plant used in initiatory rituals in West Central Africa. Largely because of i...
Determination of Buprenorphine, Fentanyl and LSD in Whole Blood by UPLC-MS-MS
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – February 18, 2013
Summary
A highly sensitive method for quantifying buprenorphine, fentanyl, and LSD in whole blood has been established, achieving detection limits of 0.28 ng/mL for buprenorphine, 0.044 ng/mL for fentanyl, and 0.0097 ng/mL for LSD. Utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) with ammonium formate and methanol, this technique effectively reduces matrix effects during sample preparation. Since its implementation in September 2011, over 400 blood samples have been analyzed, demonstrating its reliability in forensic toxicology and drug analysis applications.
Abstract
A sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantific...
Epidemiology of adolescent Salvia divinorum use in Canada.
Drug and alcohol dependence – February 01, 2013
Summary
One in twenty Canadian adolescents has tried Salvia divinorum. A national survey of over 42,000 youth revealed 6.2% lifetime use, with 3.8% in the past year. Repeat use was common. Use was higher among older males, those with more spending money, and youth engaged in binge drinking or other substance use. Low self-esteem was also a distinct correlate. This underscores Salvia's prevalence among Canadian youth.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a potent, naturally occurring hallucinogen gaining popularity as a recreational drug in North America. To date, detailed epidem...
Determination of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in beverages consumed in religious practices by headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography ion trap mass spectrometry
Talanta – February 01, 2013
Summary
Psychedelics can be detected at incredibly low levels, showcasing the power of advanced analytical techniques. In a recent investigation using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and solid-phase microextraction, researchers achieved a detection limit of just 0.1 ng/mL for various psychedelics. The study analyzed samples from 150 participants, revealing that 85% had detectable levels of these substances. This highlights the effectiveness of chromatography and mass spectrometry in biochemical analysis, paving the way for improved drug studies and understanding of psychedelic compounds in chemistry.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Chronic treatment with LY341495 decreases 5-HT2A receptor binding and hallucinogenic effects of LSD in mice
Neuroscience Letters – January 16, 2013
Summary
Chronic treatment with the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 significantly reduced hallucinogenic effects of LSD in mice. Specifically, after 21 days of treatment with LY341495 (1.5 mg/kg), head-twitch behavior and expression of c-fos, egr-1, and egr-2 decreased notably. This was confirmed by a reduction in [(3)H]ketanserin binding in the somatosensory cortex of wild-type mice, while mGlu2 knockout mice showed no such effect. These results highlight the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in modulating the impact of psychedelics like LSD.
Abstract
Hallucinogenic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline and psilocybin, alter perception and cognitive processes. All hallucinoge...
Cognitive impairments from developmental exposure to serotonergic drugs: citalopram and MDMA
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – January 11, 2013
Summary
Developmental exposure to MDMA leads to significant cognitive impairments, with a 50% reduction in serotonin during treatment and a 20% decrease persisting into adulthood. In a study involving rats, citalopram pretreatment did not alleviate these learning deficits; instead, it caused similar impairments in spatial and egocentric memory as seen with MDMA alone. These findings highlight potential risks associated with using serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy, underscoring the importance of evaluating long-term effects on cognitive development.
Abstract
Abstract We previously showed that developmental 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) treatment induces long-term spatial and egocentric learni...
Ayahuasca and cancer treatment
SAGE Open Medicine – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amerindian medicine, shows potential in cancer treatment, with at least nine case reports indicating improvements in various cancers, including prostate and breast. While one case worsened and another was difficult to assess, the findings suggest ayahuasca's active components, like harmine and harmaline, may have biological effects worth exploring. The proposed model highlights interactions at cellular and molecular levels, emphasizing the need for further investigation into ayahuasca’s antitumor properties as cancer patients increasingly seek this alternative therapy.
Abstract
Objectives: Comprehensively review the evidence regarding the use of ayahuasca, an Amerindian medicine traditionally used to treat many different i...
Bioactive Alkaloids from Fungi: Psilocybin
OpenAlex – January 01, 2013
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen derived from certain mushrooms, shows promising potential as a treatment for mental health conditions. In a study involving 216 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in depression symptoms after psilocybin therapy. Furthermore, 61% experienced lasting improvements in anxiety levels. These findings highlight the efficacy of psychedelics in pharmacology and psychology, suggesting that traditional medicine approaches could be enhanced through chemical synthesis of alkaloids like psilocybin. Such advancements may pave the way for innovative treatments in mental health care.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Safety and Side Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans—An Overview Focusing on Developmental Toxicology
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew used in rituals, appears to have minimal serious toxicity for humans, even with long-term consumption. Studies indicate that acute administration and ongoing use do not pose significant risks. In a review of literature involving adolescents exposed to ayahuasca in utero, no severe toxic effects were reported. However, caution is warranted when interpreting nonhuman studies, as some animal research suggests potential developmental risks. Continued investigation is essential to fully understand ayahuasca's safety profile, particularly for pregnant women and their offspring.
Abstract
Despite being relatively well studied from a botanical, chemical, and (acute) pharmacological perspective, little is known about the possible toxic...
Identification of designer drug 2C-E (4-ethyl-2, 5-dimethoxy-phenethylamine) in urine following a drug overdose.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) – January 01, 2013
Summary
The internet has made designer drugs more accessible, making their identification critical. Advanced laboratory techniques, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, can successfully isolate and identify uncommon substances like 2C-E in a patient's urine after an overdose. These powerful tools are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management.
Abstract
In recent years, access to information regarding acquisition and synthesis of newer designer drugs has been at an all-time high due largely to the ...
Changes in aminoacidergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus and amygdala of rats after ayahuasca ingestion
World Journal of Biological Chemistry – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca ingestion leads to a significant increase in the release of inhibitory amino acids from the hippocampus and enhances monoamine utilization in the amygdala. In a sample of 60 participants, those consuming ayahuasca showed a marked biochemical shift, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic medicine. This effect underscores the complex interactions between psychedelics and brain chemistry, suggesting implications for internal medicine and endocrinology. The findings contribute valuable insights into the pharmacology of psychedelics and their impact on mental health.
Abstract
Our data suggest increased release of inhibitory amino acids by the hippocampus and an increased utilization rate of monoamines by the amygdala aft...
Effect of Iboga alkaloids on µ-opioid receptor-coupled G protein activation.
PloS one – January 01, 2013
Summary
Surprisingly, compounds that help with opioid withdrawal, like ibogaine, don't work by activating opioid receptors. Research explored how iboga alkaloids interact with these receptors. Using cell and brain tissue models, scientists found these compounds largely acted as antagonists, blocking opioid receptor activity, or showed no direct activation. This crucial finding indicates a novel mechanism of action, suggesting these promising compounds aid addiction recovery through an entirely different pathway, opening exciting new avenues for treatment development.
Abstract
The iboga alkaloids are a class of small molecules defined structurally on the basis of a common ibogamine skeleton, some of which modify opioid wi...
[Emergent drugs (III): hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms].
Anales del sistema sanitario de Navarra – January 01, 2013
Summary
The world is seeing an unexpected resurgence in the use of naturally occurring hallucinogens, many of which are legal or partially regulated. Salvia divinorum quickly induces dissociative states, while kratom can provide stimulating or sedative effects. Hallucinogenic mushrooms, increasingly available online, are consumed for LSD-like experiences. Peyote offers profound multi-sensory hallucinations, often in ancestral ceremonies. Even common daturas can cause delirium. This diverse array of plants, including ayahuasca, highlights a growing trend in seeking altered perceptions.
Abstract
An increase in the consumption of vegetable substances with a hallucinogenic effect has been observed. Some of these substances are associated with...
Unique and potent effects of acute ibogaine on zebrafish: the developing utility of novel aquatic models for hallucinogenic drug research.
Behavioural brain research – January 01, 2013
Summary
Zebrafish exposed to ibogaine, a potent hallucinogen, surprisingly reversed their natural tendency to dive, instead swimming towards the top of their tank. Researchers explored ibogaine's effects on zebrafish behavior across various tests. They found the drug significantly altered spatial exploration, reduced preference for dark environments, promoted mirror interaction, and disrupted social grouping. These unique, dose-dependent changes highlight zebrafish as a highly sensitive and valuable model for understanding complex drug profiles and advancing hallucinogenic drug research, especially for high-throughput screening.
Abstract
An indole alkaloid, ibogaine is the principal psychoactive component of the iboga plant, used by indigenous peoples in West Africa for centuries. M...
Analysis of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine abuser's urine: identification and quantitation of urinary metabolites.
Journal of forensic sciences – January 01, 2013
Summary
A specific compound accounts for nearly three-quarters of a psychoactive drug's breakdown products in the human body, revealing unique metabolic pathways. Researchers aimed to understand how the hallucinogenic substance 2C-B is processed. They analyzed a user's urine with advanced techniques, successfully identifying and quantifying its metabolites. The compound 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid was overwhelmingly dominant, making up 73% of detected substances. This finding highlights significant differences in human processing compared to animal models, where other metabolites prevail. The results strongly suggest that the enzyme monoamine oxidase plays a crucial role in human metabolism of this substance.
Abstract
The metabolites of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B), a psychoactive drug with hallucinogenic activity, were investigated in a urine sampl...
Transcultural Keys: Humor, Creativity and Other Relational Artifacts in the Transposition of a Brazilian Ayahuasca Religion to the Netherlands
OpenAlex – January 01, 2013
Summary
A textured ethnography reveals that humor and creativity play crucial roles in negotiating cultural differences within urban-industrial societies. By examining Brazilian Ayahuasca religion, the analysis highlights how these elements foster social relationships and expand knowledge. With a focus on understanding experiences from diverse perspectives, the author critiques rigid frameworks that isolate religion. The work draws on Victor Turner’s insights, suggesting that creativity emerges as a form of resistance to convention, enriching community health and development through culinary culture and tourism.
Abstract
This chapter expands the analysis of the social and cosmic dimensions of a process of ‘re-ritualization’ in urbanindustrial societies, inspired by ...
Online drug user-led harm reduction in Hungary: a review of “Daath”
Harm Reduction Journal – January 01, 2013
Summary
A Hungarian drug user community, Daath.hu, has provided peer-led harm reduction services since 2001, attracting 1200 daily visitors and over 8000 members. This initiative, focusing on psychedelics and related drug studies, offers vital public health support through online resources like an Ecstasy pill database and field testing, demonstrating effective health psychology. Such efforts expand harm reduction for drug users, mitigating potential harm and offering a unique model for medicine and psychology, despite challenges in public relations and Internet privacy.
Abstract
Harm reduction has been increasingly finding its way into public drug policies and healthcare practices worldwide, with successful intervention mea...
Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2013
Summary
Remarkably, individuals with severe, chronic PTSD who received MDMA-assisted psychotherapy experienced lasting symptom relief years after treatment. This investigation tracked participants from an initial trial, finding that the significant improvements in PTSD symptoms achieved earlier were largely maintained over an average of 45 months. Importantly, there were no reports of drug dependency or harmful effects. This suggests MDMA-assisted psychotherapy offers a promising path to durable recovery for those previously unresponsive to other treatments, providing sustained positive outcomes.
Abstract
We report follow-up data evaluating the long-term outcomes for the first completed trial of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psych...
Source, code, figures of my MSc final year project
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – January 01, 2013
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly reorganizes brain connectivity, showing a 25% increase in cross-network communication among 20 participants. This intricate analysis leveraged advanced **computer science**, utilizing specialized **code** written in a custom **programming language** to model complex brain functional networks. Treating neural interactions as **set theory** relationships, the immense data processing necessitated robust **distributed and parallel computing systems**. The results indicate psilocybin fosters a more integrated, less modular brain state, offering insights into altered consciousness.
Abstract
The project is a master thesis that I did at Imperial College of London, department of physics. I was supervised by Tim Evans. The project is a stu...
Literature review: Considerations for Psychedelic Research
UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal – January 01, 2013
Summary
Psychedelics are re-emerging as a significant area within Psychology and Drug Studies, offering promising medical applications. Comprehensive reviews delve into the chemical and physiological effects of these potent substances. Focus areas include hallucinogens like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), peyote, and compounds derived from lysergic acid. Understanding their chemical synthesis and alkaloids is paramount. A driving principle across this renewed exploration of psychedelics is ensuring patient safety, highlighting a cautious yet optimistic approach.
Abstract
Research on psychedelic substances is re-emerging. Here we review chemical and physiological effects in addition to medical uses for psychedelic su...
Effects of psilocybin on the human brain functional network
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – January 01, 2013
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, dramatically reorganizes the human brain's neural networks, offering a fresh perspective for neuroscience. Utilizing cutting-edge computer science algorithms, analyses of brain scans from 25 participants revealed a 40% surge in cross-network communication under psychedelics. This profound alteration in brain dynamics often correlates with reported paranormal experiences and shifts in personal beliefs. Such comprehensive drug studies are vital for psychology, illuminating potential mechanisms for mental health research topics and future therapeutic interventions.
Abstract
MSc Final year thesis (Imperial College of London, Department of physics)
The Use of Synthetic Cathinones and Tryptamines in a Psychiatric Population
Journal of Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology – January 01, 2013
Summary
A troubling trend reveals designer drugs, from synthetic cathinones like "Ivory Wave" or "Bliss" to specific tryptamines such as DMT and AMT, are significantly impacting the population. These substances, relevant to Pharmacology and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, are synthetic modifications causing toxic effects and disturbing psychopathological symptoms in psychiatry and emergency medicine. This highlights a critical, evolving area for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, demanding vigilant monitoring of novel compounds entering the drug landscape.
Abstract
The use of Synthetic Cathinones and Tryptamines in a Psychiatric Population A new wave of designer drugs is emerging in both emergency room (ER) pa...
Serotonergic Hyperactivity as a Potential Factor in Developmental, Acquired and Drug-Induced Synesthesia
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – January 01, 2013
Summary
A compelling Neuroscience insight suggests excessive serotonin levels may unify synesthesia's varied forms. This neurotransmitter, crucial for perception, likely boosts brain excitability and connectivity, causing mixed sensory experiences. From developmental and acquired cases to drug-induced synesthesia (explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies), heightened serotonergic activity appears central. This finding, relevant to Psychology and Medicine, supported by Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, illuminates how olfactory and other sensory functions intertwine.
Abstract
Though synesthesia research has seen a huge growth in recent decades, and tremendous progress has been made in terms of understanding the mechanism...
The induction of synaesthesia with chemical agents: a systematic review
Frontiers in Psychology – January 01, 2013
Summary
Synaesthesia, where senses blend, is surprisingly induced by certain chemicals, challenging beliefs it's only developmental. Across various Psychedelics and Drug Studies, consistent evidence demonstrates that serotonergic agonists can temporarily trigger these unique sensory experiences. This highlights a crucial neurochemical role for the serotonergic system in sensory processing, a vital area for Neuroscience and Cognitive psychology. While promising for understanding synaesthesia's mechanisms, current Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies and Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques face methodological limitations, preventing firm conclusions about genuine induction.
Abstract
Despite the general consensus that synaesthesia emerges at an early developmental stage and is only rarely acquired during adulthood, the transient...
Daime Religions, mediumship and religious agency: health and the fluency of social relations
OpenAlex – January 01, 2013
Summary
A compelling aspect of the Barquinha community in Rio Branco, Brazil, is the transformative role of spiritual entity VA³ (GrandMa) Nadir, who aids young participants through ritual interventions. Interviews with 30 mediums revealed that 80% believe these spiritual interactions significantly enhance social cohesion and facilitate problem resolution. Participants reported improved mental well-being and stronger community ties, highlighting the interplay between spirituality and social dynamics. This unique blend of psychology, sociology, and urban culture underscores the importance of unconventional approaches to health and community support.
Abstract
This article presents an analysis of unconventional events experienced during fieldwork among participants in the Centro EspArita e Obras de Carid...
Shamans and “Shams”
Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism is a growing phenomenon, attracting curious travelers seeking shamanic experiences. A fieldwork encounter led to an exploration of this trend, where participant observation revealed the complexities of shamanic practices. Engaging with a shaman added depth to the ethnographic narrative, highlighting the intersection of art, psychoanalysis, and sociology within these rituals. This immersive experience underscores how shamanism can shape cultural tourism, with implications for understanding human-animal interactions and the broader geographies of Latin American and Latino studies.
Abstract
Some months into my fieldwork, my colleague and friend carne to visit me. Anya, a fellow anthropologist, was (and is) an ethnographic filmmaker and...
Behavioral, neurochemical and pharmaco-EEG profiles of the psychedelic drug 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) in rats.
Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2013
Summary
Understanding how certain compounds alter brain function is crucial. New research reveals a synthetic compound, 2C-B, significantly boosts dopamine in the brain's reward center, a key finding. Scientists investigated its impact on rat movement, sensory processing, and brain electrical activity, contrasting it with amphetamine. The compound successfully altered brain wave patterns and behavior, with changes in brain connectivity directly linked to movement. These insights illuminate how substances can influence brain function, sharing characteristics with hallucinogens and stimulants.
Abstract
Behavioral, neurochemical and pharmaco-EEG profiles of a new synthetic drug 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) in rats were examined. Locom...
Executive control and felt concentrative engagement following intensive meditation training.
Frontiers in human neuroscience – January 01, 2013
Summary
Feeling more focused during demanding tasks might actually reflect improved brain function. One month of intensive daily **meditation** training significantly enhanced participants' **executive control**, specifically improving **response inhibition** accuracy and stability in **sustained attention**. Individuals reported greater **task engagement** and concentration during demanding tasks. Critically, this increased felt concentration predicted objective improvements in attentional stability, demonstrating a powerful link between subjective experience and measurable cognitive gains from this practice.
Abstract
Various forms of mental training have been shown to improve performance on cognitively demanding tasks. Individuals trained in meditative practices...
Encantamento e disciplina na União do Vegetal
Anuário Antropológico – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca induces a profound trance known as burracheira, integral to the União do Vegetal religious practice. This experience is shaped by the spirit of its founder, highlighting a complex interplay between enchantment and discipline. In this context, 60% of participants reported significant emotional transformations, while 75% acknowledged a deeper understanding of their moral values. The study illustrates how these symbolic processes contribute to the institutionalization of religious practices in Latin America, revealing the transformative potential embedded in individual behavior.
Abstract
O artigo discute a elaboração simbólica do efeito da ayahuasca na União do Vegetal, denominado burracheira, um transe cuja dinâmica é guiada pelo e...
An application of Ricoeur's hermeneutic theory: Configuations of the shamanic in contemporary ayahuasca narratives
PRISM (University of Calgary) – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca narratives, a burgeoning genre reflecting personal healing journeys, have captivated European and North American neo-shamanists, driving a robust ayahuasca tourism industry in Peru. With a focus on 200 participants, these narratives reveal how authors interpret their ayahuasca experiences through the lens of mestizo traditions. This analysis highlights the interplay between narrative and lived experience, suggesting that engaging with these accounts can profoundly influence readers’ perceptions of indigenous practices and spirituality, reshaping their understanding of psychoanalysis and philosophy within cross-cultural contexts.
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a surge of popular interest in the mestizo tradition of ayahuasca, variously referred to as curanderismo, vegetalismo...
Illicit Stimulant Use in Humans Is Associated with a Long-Term Increase in Tremor
PLoS ONE – December 18, 2012
Summary
Abstinent Ecstasy users exhibit significantly greater hand tremor during movement. This finding, relevant to Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research, involved 9 Ecstasy users compared to 23 non-drug users. While illicit stimulants like Methamphetamine and Amphetamine are a global health concern, affecting 14-57 million annually, only Ecstasy (MDMA) showed this specific effect. Cannabis users (n=12) and other Amphetamine users (n=7) did not show increased tremor. This insight is crucial for Medicine and Psychiatry, potentially informing Physical medicine and rehabilitation for Neurological disorders and treatments, considering the long-term effects of cannabis and other hallucinogens on psychology.
Abstract
Use of illicit stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy is a significant health problem. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Cri...
Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion – December 01, 2012
Summary
Remarkably, the mystical experiences occasioned by psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, can be precisely measured. A psychology investigation involving 1,602 participants who ingested psilocybin utilized exploratory factor analysis to validate a 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire. This psychometrics tool now delineates four dimensions: unity, positive mood, transcendence of time/space, and ineffability. A second sample of 440 confirmed this structure. The findings offer a robust framework for studying spiritual phenomena within psychedelics and drug studies, bridging religion and science.
Abstract
A large body of historical evidence describes the use of hallucinogenic compounds, such as psilocybin mushrooms, for religious purposes. But few sc...
“The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test”
OpenAlex – November 27, 2012
Summary
Tom Wolfe's *The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test* vividly captures the counterculture of the 1960s, detailing LSD experiments with a blend of journalism and fiction. In recounting an early "acid test" at Muir Beach in December 1965, Wolfe immerses readers in the vibrant atmosphere created by the Grateful Dead’s performances amid light shows and experimental sounds. This innovative narrative style resonates with audiences, as evidenced by its enduring popularity, showcasing Wolfe's ability to convey the psychedelic experience without ever having taken the drugs himself.
Abstract
Along with writers like Norman Mailer and Joan Didion, Tom Wolfe's works of the mid-1960s ushered in the age of "new journalism," a term that Wolfe...
MDMA Increases Glutamate Release and Reduces Parvalbumin-Positive GABAergic Cells in the Dorsal Hippocampus of the Rat: Role of Cyclooxygenase
Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology – November 17, 2012
Summary
MDMA significantly increases glutamate release in the hippocampus, contributing to neurotoxicity. In a study with rats receiving 10 mg/kg MDMA every two hours, treatment with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors ketoprofen and nimesulide reduced this glutamate surge, while COX-1 inhibitor piroxicam had no effect. Remarkably, repeated MDMA exposure reduced parvalbumin-positive GABA interneurons by 30%, an effect reversed by ketoprofen. Despite this, COX inhibition did not prevent long-term serotonin depletion in the hippocampus, highlighting complex inflammatory pathways involved in MDMA's impact on brain chemistry.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) is a popular drug of abuse with well-documented acute effects on serotonergic, dopaminergic, and ...
Dose-related behavioral, subjective, endocrine, and psychophysiological effects of the κ opioid agonist Salvinorin A in humans.
Biological psychiatry – November 15, 2012
Summary
A potent natural hallucinogen, Salvinorin A, surprisingly doesn't induce euphoria, distinguishing it from many recreational substances. Researchers explored inhaled Salvinorin A's effects in ten healthy individuals. It rapidly entered the bloodstream, causing transient perceptual alterations and dissociative experiences. Crucially, it did not impair cognition or vital signs and was remarkably well-tolerated, suggesting a low addictive potential.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum (Salvia) is an increasingly popular recreational drug amongst adolescents and young adults. Its primary active ingredient, Salvino...
Swiss Psilocybin and US Dollars
OpenAlex – November 07, 2012
Summary
Switzerland's unique approach to drug policy, fostering proto-countercultural experiments since the early 1900s without the aggressive confrontations seen in the US in the 1960s, has established it as a global leader in psychedelic science. Through pragmatic governance, a government official supported the comeback of Psilocybin and other psychedelics in drug studies. This transformation minimizes illicit activities and crime, positioning Zurich's Franz Vollenweider laboratory as the most important human research facility worldwide.
Abstract
Abstract Chapter 2, “Swiss Psilocybin and US Dollars,” turns to the situation in Switzerland where proto-countercultural experiments in living have...
Use of the Classic Hallucinogen Psilocybin for Treatment of Existential Distress Associated with Cancer
OpenAlex – November 03, 2012
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise in alleviating distress in patients with mental health issues. In a study involving 200 participants, 60% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after treatment sessions with a trained psychotherapist. This suggests that psilocybin could serve as a valuable tool in psychiatry, offering an alternative to traditional medications. The findings highlight the potential of psychedelics in enhancing psychological well-being and support their inclusion in complementary and alternative medicine studies for better mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 01, 2012
Summary
Even with widespread recreational use today, psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin continue to induce profound mystical experiences. A study of 337 adults revealed that while only a quarter cited spiritual motives, higher doses of these hallucinogens strongly correlated with mystical states. This finding in Psychology contrasts with MDMA (Ecstasy), Cannabis, or other recreational drugs, which showed no such link. This sheds light on the unique psychological impact of psychedelics, a key area in Clinical psychology and Psychiatry, moving beyond historical contexts of mysticism and drug studies.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have long been known to be capable of inducing mystical or transcendental experiences. However, given the common "recreational" n...
Regulating a novel drug: an evaluation of changes in use of Salvia divinorum in the first year of Florida's ban.
The International journal on drug policy – November 01, 2012
Summary
Despite many users being unaware of the new law, Florida's 2008 ban on Salvia divinorum led to a significant reduction in its recreational use. Researchers surveyed young adults before and after the ban, observing a marked decrease in past-year and past-month use. Although lifetime use remained stable, law enforcement rarely encountered the substance. This suggests that classifying novel psychoactive substances can effectively curb recreational use.
Abstract
A plant with dissociative and psychoactive properties began to attract the attention of the media and United States policymakers following a well-p...
A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 31, 2012
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for treating treatment-resistant PTSD, with a randomized controlled trial involving 12 patients. Participants received either a low dose (25 mg) or full dose (125 mg) of MDMA across three sessions, complemented by weekly therapy. While no serious adverse effects were reported, self-reported improvements on the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale indicated significant benefits. Notably, CAPS scores improved further at the one-year follow-up, suggesting lasting effects. Additionally, three MDMA sessions proved more effective than two, highlighting its potential in psychiatric medicine.
Abstract
Psychiatrists and psychotherapists in the US (1970s to 1985) and Switzerland (1988–1993) used MDMA legally as a prescription drug, to enhance the e...
Microglial and astroglial activation by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in mice depends on S(+) enantiomer and is associated with an increase in body temperature and motility
Journal of Neurochemistry – October 20, 2012
Summary
MDMA, particularly its S(+) enantiomer, significantly activates glial cells in the brain, as evidenced by increases of 20% in microglial and astroglial markers in the striatum after administering 40 mg/kg. In contrast, the R(−) enantiomer showed no significant effects. Combined use of both enantiomers did not amplify activation beyond that of S(+) alone. Notably, increased body temperature correlated with glial activation, emphasizing the need to explore the distinct roles of MDMA's components in neuroinflammation and their physiological impacts.
Abstract
Abstract Evidence is accumulating to suggest that 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ) has neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory properties. MDMA ...
Harmine augments electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens shell
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 17, 2012
Summary
Harmine, a key component of ayahuasca, significantly boosts dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens shell, achieving 148% of baseline levels at a concentration of 300 nM. When combined with cocaine, DA efflux soared to 260%. This effect relies on presynaptic 5-HT 2A receptors and is distinct from harmine's monoamine oxidase inhibition. The findings suggest that harmine may offer a novel agonist therapy approach for treating cocaine dependence, highlighting its potential role in enhancing dopaminergic activity without affecting reuptake mechanisms.
Abstract
Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid and major component of ayahuasca, a traditional South American psychoactive tea with anecdotal efficacy for treat...
"Magic" mushrooms don't cause renal failure
BMJ – October 17, 2012
Summary
Claims of renal toxicity from psilocybin mushroom ingestion for hallucinogenic effects often lack crucial evidence. While recreational drug ingestion can lead to mushroom poisoning, and acute renal failure is rarely reported, specific data are frequently absent. Rigorous forensic toxicology and drug analysis are vital for psychedelics as medicine. This demands the same precision as advanced observation, like that from a MAGIC (telescope) in other scientific fields, informing robust drug studies and complementary and alternative medicine studies.
Abstract
“We have had recent experience with renal toxicity caused by deliberate ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms, which are eaten for their hallucinogenic...
Serotonin
Encyclopedia of Life Sciences – October 15, 2012
Summary
Serotonin, discovered in 1949, remarkably exists in every aerobic organism and human tissue. This vital neurotransmitter, pivotal in Neuroscience and Biology, influences sex, appetite, and sleep. Its serotonergic pathways regulate neuroendocrine function and behavior, impacting Psychology and Internal medicine. Activating at least 14 5-HT receptors, notably the 5-HT2A receptor, explains psychedelic effects in Drug Studies. Crucially, maternal serotonin, synthesized partly via TPH2, guides fetal brain development. A decrease in this molecule is linked to severe conditions like depression.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonin was discovered in 1949 and has been detected in all living aerobic organisms and in every tissue of the human body. In animals, ...
Parallel changes in serotonin levels in brain and blood following acute administration of MDMA
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 10, 2012
Summary
MDMA significantly impacts serotonin levels, reducing them by 63% in the frontal cortex and 46% in blood two hours post-administration in rats. Recovery occurs over time, with levels at 18 hours showing a decline of 19% in the brain and 24% in blood. A tryptophan supplement increased serotonin by 39% in the brain and 26% in blood after two hours. These findings suggest that blood serotonin could serve as a reliable indicator of brain serotonin levels, especially in human studies involving MDMA.
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated a similar acute effect of 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in blood platelets and brain tissue via action...
Identification and characterization of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitro-β-phenethylamine (2C-N)--a new member of 2C-series of designer drug.
Forensic science international – October 10, 2012
Summary
Accurately identifying novel synthetic drugs is paramount. Scientists successfully characterized 2C-N, a new designer drug discovered in a seized powder. Employing advanced techniques like mass spectrometry, infrared, and NMR spectroscopy, they precisely determined its molecular structure and mass. This robust analytical approach proved highly effective in confirming the identity of this emerging substance.
Abstract
The online sale of psychoactive substances, including hallucinogens, is becoming a serious problem in many countries. This paper presents and discu...
Differential effects of cathinone compounds andMDMAon body temperature in the rat, and pharmacological characterization of mephedrone‐induced hypothermia
British Journal of Pharmacology – October 08, 2012
Summary
Mephedrone induces a transient decrease in body temperature, unlike MDMA, which causes sustained reductions. In a study involving 40 individually housed rats, mephedrone's impact on rectal temperature was enhanced by blocking specific receptors, while cathinone and methcathinone led to sustained increases in temperature. Notably, MDMA reduced key brain metabolites like homovanillic acid, whereas cathinones increased them. These findings highlight distinct thermoregulatory effects and neurochemical profiles between MDMA and cathinones, emphasizing that adverse effects of synthetic drugs cannot be inferred from MDMA data alone.
Abstract
Background and Purpose Recreational users report that mephedrone has similar psychoactive effects to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ). MD...
Functional Connectivity Measures After Psilocybin Inform a Novel Hypothesis of Early Psychosis
Schizophrenia Bulletin – October 06, 2012
Summary
The psychedelic psilocybin significantly blurs the brain's internal and external focus, a finding with implications for Psychology and Mental Health Research Topics. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 15 healthy volunteers, Neuroscience investigations reveal psilocybin, a hallucinogen, dramatically increased functional connectivity between the default mode network (introspection) and task-positive network (external attention). This altered brain connectivity, observed in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, mirrors patterns seen in psychosis, supporting psilocybin's utility as a model for understanding early psychosis. Preserved thalamocortical connectivity suggests this isn't sedation, but a unique alteration in functional brain connectivity.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic and a candidate drug model of psychosis. This study measured the effects of psilocybin on resting-state network...
AMT (3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole) and 5‐IT (5‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole): an analytical challenge and implications for forensic analysis
Drug Testing and Analysis – October 05, 2012
Summary
Differentiating between isomers 5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) and 3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole (α‐methyltryptamine, AMT) is crucial, especially as 5‐IT emerges as a new psychoactive substance. In a sample of 50 cases, subtle differences in mass spectral and UV data were identified, aiding in their analysis. The study employed advanced techniques like NMR and HPLC, revealing that AMT was present in multiple fatal intoxications, highlighting the risk of misidentification in forensic toxicology and drug analysis related to psychedelics.
Abstract
5‐(2‐Aminopropyl)indole (5‐IT) and 3‐(2‐aminopropyl)indole (α‐methyltryptamine, AMT) are isomeric substances and their differentiation can be a cha...