1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
Efficacy and Safety of Four Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Adults with Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 15, 2023
Summary
Depression symptoms saw substantial relief from psychedelics, a meta-analysis of eighteen studies in clinical psychology reveals. Psilocybin therapy showed a large effect size (g = -1.92), while MDMA also significantly impacted depression (g = -0.71). These well-tolerated treatments, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, offer promising avenues for psychiatry and medicine, potentially aiding psychotherapists addressing anxiety and posttraumatic stress. While these chemical synthesis compounds are exciting for drug studies, current evidence has limitations like small sample sizes, highlighting the need for more robust investigation.
Abstract
There has been a resurgence in psychedelic research for managing psychiatric conditions in recent years. This study aimed to present a comprehensiv...
N, N-dimethyltryptamine forms oxygenated metabolites via CYP2D6 - an in vitro investigation.
Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems – December 01, 2023
Summary
The psychedelic compound DMT undergoes complex processing in the body through liver enzymes. Scientists discovered that a specific enzyme, CYP2D6, transforms DMT into new oxygen-containing compounds. Using human liver tissue samples, researchers found that this metabolic pathway works alongside the already-known MAO-A system. This finding advances our understanding of how the body processes DMT and may help explain individual differences in responses.
Abstract
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic compound that has shown potential in the treatment of depression. Aside from the primary role of mon...
Cardiovascular safety of psychedelic medicine: current status and future directions
Pharmacological Reports – October 24, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics, powerful hallucinogens like psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and mescaline, are re-emerging in medicine for psychiatry, improving mood and psychological well-being. Their pharmacology, involving serotonergic neurotransmitter receptor influence, is crucial. While clinical trials suggest relative cardiovascular safety in healthy populations for these five chemical synthesis and alkaloids, evidence is insufficient for microdoses or patients with heart conditions. Understanding the full cardiovascular impact of these drug studies, especially for intensive care medicine applications, is a vital area for pharmacology.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood processes. Their effectiveness in the treatment of psychi...
A cane toad (Rhinella marina) N-methyltransferase converts primary indolethylamines to tertiary psychedelic amines.
The Journal of biological chemistry – October 01, 2023
Summary
Scientists have discovered that cane toads naturally produce enzymes that create psychedelic compounds similar to those found in magic mushrooms. The toad's N-methyltransferase enzyme efficiently converts simple compounds into complex psychedelic molecules that interact with brain serotonin receptors. This finding reveals nature's remarkable drug-making machinery and opens new paths for developing stable, therapeutic compounds.
Abstract
Psychedelic indolethylamines have emerged as potential medicines to treat several psychiatric pathologies. Natural sources of these compounds inclu...
Risk of bias in randomized clinical trials on psychedelic medicine: A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 01, 2023
Summary
Nearly all **clinical trials** on **psychedelics** face significant design challenges, raising concerns for **Medicine** and **Psychiatry**. A systematic review of 10 **randomized controlled trials** revealed that blinding was unsuccessful or unreported in every case, leading to 9 out of 10 trials being rated high risk of bias. These studies, identified via databases like **MEDLINE** and relevant to **Psychology** and **Clinical psychology**, often involved small, predominantly white, highly educated samples. Future rigorous **clinical trials** are crucial for advancing **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** and **Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies** involving **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**.
Abstract
Background: The classical psychedelics, psilocybin, peyote, ayahuasca/ N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide are considered promis...
Psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders: Rationale and potential mechanisms
European Neuropsychopharmacology – June 21, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy offers compelling promise for severe Eating disorders like Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa. Preliminary data, from various studies and case reports, suggests potential in Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology for improving body image and cognitive flexibility. These novel Psychedelics and Drug Studies address common Comorbidity with Mood disorders and Anxiety. While data on Binge-eating disorder and Binge eating remains limited, mechanisms influencing Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior offer new avenues. Psychotherapists in Medicine are exploring these treatments for challenging conditions.
Abstract
Eating disorders are serious illnesses showing high rates of mortality and comorbidity with other mental health problems. Psychedelic-assisted ther...
In vivo mapping of pharmacologically induced functional reorganization onto the human brain’s neurotransmitter landscape
Science Advances – June 14, 2023
Summary
The human brain's response to drugs reveals a profound link between molecular structure and behavior. Neuroscience shows diverse pharmacological agents, including 10 psychedelics and anesthetics, reorganize brain function by engaging multiple neurotransmitter systems. By mapping 19 neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, a clear influence on behavior emerged. This pharmacology insight has significant implications for Psychology and Medicine, informing drug studies and our understanding of brain disorders. Crucially, regional drug susceptibility mirrors vulnerability to structural alterations seen in conditions like those linked to Tryptophan imbalances.
Abstract
To understand how pharmacological interventions can exert their powerful effects on brain function, we need to understand how they engage the brain...
The psychedelic afterglow phenomenon: a systematic review of subacute effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Many experience a "psychedelic afterglow" after using hallucinogens like psilocybin, often synthesized alkaloids. A review of 48 drug studies (1,774 participants) reveals this subacute period (up to a month) brings beneficial psychological changes. Individuals report reduced anxiety, improved mood, and wellbeing, offering new avenues for clinical psychology and psychiatry. While mild to severe adverse effects like headaches were observed, no serious adverse events occurred. Understanding these compounds' neurotransmitter receptor influence informs modern medicine.
Abstract
Background: Classic serotonergic psychedelics have anecdotally been reported to show a characteristic pattern of subacute effects that persist afte...
Is the Requirement for First-Person Experience of Psychedelic Drugs a Justified Component of a Psychedelic Therapist's Training?
Cambridge quarterly of healthcare ethics : CQ : the international journal of healthcare ethics committees – March 02, 2023
Summary
Should therapists personally experience psychedelics before guiding others? New findings challenge the common belief that first-hand psychedelic experience is essential for effective psychedelic therapy. While direct experience may offer insights, research suggests it's not crucial for successful therapeutic outcomes. Training programs can effectively prepare practitioners through other methods, making mandatory psychedelic use ethically questionable for therapist certification.
Abstract
Recent research offers good reason to think that various psychedelic drugs-including psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, MDMA, and LSD-may have signif...
Psychedelics for Patients With Cancer: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Annals of Pharmacotherapy – January 12, 2023
Summary
For cancer patients battling **anxiety** and **depression**, psychedelics offer a compelling finding in **psychiatry**. Five randomized, **placebo**-controlled **drug studies** revealed substantial reductions on **rating scales** like the **Beck Depression Inventory**. These substances, often derived from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**, offer a unique mechanism, presenting a novel therapeutic option in **medicine** and **clinical psychology**. Unlike traditional **psychology** treatments, benefits may extend 6-12 months from just a few sessions. While these **complementary and alternative medicine** approaches are still early, with small study sizes and noted blood pressure increases, they offer hope.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the role of psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety or depression among patients with cancer. Data Sources: PubMed search fro...
Rumors of Psychedelics, Psychotropics and Related Derivatives in Vachellia and Senegalia in Contrast with Verified Records in Australian Acacia.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) – December 02, 2022
Summary
Australian Acacia trees contain unique psychoactive compounds like DMT and phenethylamine, unlike their African relatives. Chemical analysis reveals striking differences between these sister species: while Australian varieties produce powerful tryptamine compounds, African Vachellia and Senegalia show no evidence of these psychopharmacological substances, debunking popular myths about their similarity.
Abstract
There are almost 1000 species of Acacia sensu stricto in Australia, while the 44 species and 4 subspecies in southern Africa were taxonomically rev...
Psychedelic Drug Legislative Reform and Legalization in the US
JAMA Psychiatry – December 07, 2022
Summary
A majority of US states are projected to legalize psychedelics by 2034-2037, echoing Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Since 2019, 25 states considered 74 legislative initiatives and ballot measures. Most legislation (58%) proposes decriminalization, primarily for psilocybin (90% of bills). However, only 35% outline licensure or training for medical use. This rapid shift in public administration and medicine, informed by political science and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, highlights an urgent need for clear hallucinogen regulation and law reform.
Abstract
Importance Psychedelic drugs are becoming accessible in the US through a patchwork of state legislative reforms. This shift necessitates consensus ...
Classic psychedelics and alcohol use disorders: A systematic review of human and animal studies
Addiction Biology – August 31, 2022
Summary
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin show promise in reducing alcohol consumption. A review of 27 Psychedelics and Drug Studies from the last two decades, including 20 Human studies, indicates these compounds could help. While some Human studies had methodological concerns, psilocybin emerged as a consistent potential candidate. Animal studies (7 included) were scarcer and less conclusive. These findings suggest a potential psychological and biological impact, warranting further rigorous investigation into these unique alkaloids for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Classic psychedelics refer to substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, ayahuasca, and mescaline, which induce alte...
Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – October 21, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin profoundly alter brain activity, consistently disrupting the Default Mode Network (DMN), a key brain region for self-referencing and linked to various psychological conditions. This acute modulation of the DMN, crucial in neuroscience and drug studies, involves increased connectivity across brain networks. Understanding the chemical synthesis of these compounds and their psychological effects, perhaps alongside insights from nicotinic acetylcholine receptors studies and computational analyses, is vital to fully grasp their impact on brain function.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics are a unique class of drug that commonly produce vivid hallucinations as well as profound psychological and mystical experien...
Use of psychedelics in the Czech Republic: results of recent population surveys.
Central European journal of public health – September 01, 2022
Summary
Nearly one-third of Czech adults have experienced psychedelics or cannabis, with younger males being the predominant users. Recent population surveys reveal that 350,000-430,000 people have tried classical hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin, while cannabis use is significantly higher at 2.1 million users. Current substance use patterns show similar demographic trends, highlighting shifting attitudes toward psychedelic substances.
Abstract
Different psychoactive substances are widely used in today's society. So far limited data are available on the use of psychedelics in the general p...
Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can rewire the brain's neural connections, particularly in areas controlling mood and memory. These substances trigger rapid growth of new neural connections and enhance brain plasticity, especially in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. This helps explain why a single treatment can lead to lasting positive changes in depression and anxiety that persist for months.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and the DMT-containing beverage ayahuasca, show some potential to treat depression, anxiety, and add...
Psychedelics, entactogens and psychoplastogens for depression and related disorders
British Journal of Pharmacology – June 15, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics are revolutionizing Psychiatry. Psilocybin and MDMA, powerful hallucinogens, show promise as rapid antidepressants and anxiolytics in Psychology and Neuroscience. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight their ability to target monoamine neurotransmitter systems, specifically 5-HT2A receptors, influencing behavior. They correct neural network defects in Major depressive disorder and Anxiety, linked to altered brain tryptophan metabolism. Psilocybin received FDA breakthrough status for depression, while MDMA for PTSD was recently rejected. This offers new hope for severe mental health conditions.
Abstract
Currently, the most actively investigated rapidly acting antidepressants, anxiolytics and/or anti PTSD agents, include psychedelics e.g. psilocybin...
Psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression
International Journal of Bipolar Disorders – July 05, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin shows promising efficacy in initial randomized trials for unipolar depression, signaling a renaissance in psychiatry. This hallucinogen, alongside lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline, influences mood by affecting neurotransmitter receptors. While classic psychedelics risk inducing mania, a concern for bipolar disorder, ketamine's enantiomer is already approved for treatment-resistant depression. Clinical psychology explores psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Future psychopharmacology and drug studies, requiring larger sample sizes and careful chemical synthesis of alkaloids, will determine their broader role for psychotherapists in psychiatry.
Abstract
Abstract This is a narrative review about the role of classic and two atypical psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression. Si...
Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – July 12, 2022
Summary
Compelling findings for **Psychology**: mystical experiences significantly reduce **distress** and **anxiety**. Ten of twelve reviews on **psychedelics** like psilocybin (derived from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**) confirm a strong link between these profound experiences and symptom reduction. This offers promising avenues for **Clinical psychology**, **Psychiatry**, and **Psychotherapists**, illustrating how these substances, through **neurotransmitter receptor influence**, affect behavior. While impactful, many analyses had small sample sizes, suggesting the need for broader investigation in **Drug Studies**.
Abstract
The mystical experience is a potential psychological mechanism to influence outcome in psychedelic therapy. It includes features such as oceanic bo...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part I. Historical Perspective and Overview
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
MDMA shows striking promise, proving superior to existing treatments for PTSD in two completed Phase III clinical trials. This marks a new frontier in Psychiatry and Medicine. While a Psilocybin clinical trial is underway, larger studies (over 100 participants) suggest it may not surpass current antidepressants for depression. The pharmacology of various psychedelics, including Lysergic acid diethylamide and other hallucinogens, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers significant hope for anxiety, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and ot...
On serotonin, psychedelics, entactogens and psychoplastogens in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and related disorders.
OpenAlex – May 23, 2024
Summary
Potent hallucinogens like psilocybin offer rapid, long-lasting antidepressant and anxiolytic effects for major depressive disorder and anxiety, often after just one or two administrations. Neuroscience and psychiatry reveal these psychedelics modulate the serotonin system, crucial for brain function and implicated in tryptophan-related disorders. Their chemical synthesis yields alkaloids showing promise in drug studies, achieving FDA breakthrough status for conditions involving neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, revolutionizing psychology's approach to mental health.
Abstract
There is controversy about a causal role of serotonin (5-HT) in depression, some arguing that there is no proof for impaired brain 5-HT function in...
Race and Gender Differences in the Moderating Relationship of Psychedelics on Stigma and Distress
Psychedelic Medicine – April 22, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic use, including psilocybin and LSD, is linked to reduced psychological distress stemming from mental health stigma, according to an analysis of 458,372 individuals. This finding, relevant to clinical psychology, suggests potential benefits for mental well-being. However, the impact varies significantly; White men show stronger associations between lifetime psychedelic use and lower distress from stigma. For other groups, including women and individuals of different race/ethnicity, these associations are less pronounced. The influence of these substances on neurotransmitter receptors, often involving tryptophan-derived compounds, may alter social psychology related to stigma, but benefits are not universal.
Abstract
Objective: Prior research has found an association between psychedelic use and reduced stigma attached to mental illness. However, whether psychede...
Serotonergic psychedelics for depression: A comprehensive overview.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Imagine a single treatment rapidly easing severe depression. Recent insights from clinical trials show certain psychedelics, like psilocybin, offer profound and sustained relief for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). These powerful compounds demonstrate antidepressant effects comparable to conventional therapies, presenting a promising new frontier in addressing challenging forms of depression.
Abstract
Depressive disorders continue to pose a major clinical challenge worldwide, particularly given the high prevalence and increasing number of treatme...
Effects of psychedelics on human oscillatory brain activity.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds profoundly reorganize brain activity. Using EEG and MEG, researchers investigated how these substances alter neural oscillations. A key finding was a consistent decrease in alpha power, indicating reduced inhibitory control, alongside a significant increase in brain signal complexity. This suggests altered functional connectivity, potentially reversing typical top-down processing. These objective EEG markers offer valuable insights into the unique psychedelic experience and its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
This chapter reviews the effects of classic psychedelics on human oscillatory brain activity, as measured by resting-state electroencephalography (...
Psychedelics for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Narrative Review with Candidate Mechanisms of Action.
CNS drugs – July 10, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, psychedelics have been explored for alcohol use disorder since the 1950s. A comprehensive review of foundational studies reveals promising results from observational research. While controlled trials show varied outcomes due to diverse methods, potential mechanisms—from brain changes to social connection—are being actively investigated, highlighting their positive role in addressing alcohol challenges.
Abstract
Psychedelics have been studied since the 1950s as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), with over a dozen clinical trials of lyserg...
A review of psychedelics trials completed in depression, informed by European regulatory perspectives.
Neuroscience applied.. – January 01, 2025
Summary
As European regulators prepare for new treatments, eight completed clinical trials reveal key insights into using psychedelics for depression. These clinical trials, testing various psychedelics, highlight the importance of aligning their design with emerging regulatory guidance. This collaboration is crucial for successful medicines development, paving the way for innovative depression treatments.
Abstract
There is a growing body of clinical research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health disorders, notably dep...
OAV and 5D-ASC for Brazilian Portuguese: A validation and adaptation study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – June 28, 2025
Summary
Understanding the profound subjective experiences induced by Psychedelics is crucial. New research successfully adapted and validated key psychometrics, like the OAV, for use in Brazil, specifically to measure altered states of consciousness. Through robust methods, including expert reviews and a large online survey of 3762 individuals, the scales demonstrated strong reliability and validity. This confirms their effectiveness in capturing diverse psychedelic experiences, highlighting cultural nuances.
Abstract
This study aimed to validate and culturally adapt the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (OAV) and Five Dimensional-Altered States of Con...
Population Survey Data Informing the Therapeutic Potential of Classic and Novel Phenethylamine, Tryptamine, and Lysergamide Psychedelics
Frontiers in Psychiatry – February 11, 2020
Summary
A large population survey reveals classic tryptamines are linked to significantly reduced psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. This suggests strong potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly for mental health outcomes. While lysergamides showed no clear link, novel phenethylamines were associated with increased suicidal ideation, highlighting the specific promise of classic tryptamines.
Abstract
IntroductionThe majority of contemporary psychedelic research has focused on ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin, though there ar...
Treatment and therapy of mental health conditions in the Global South using psychedelics: A scoping review and narrative synthesis
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 21, 2024
Summary
Traditional plant medicines show renewed promise for mental health. A review explored psychedelic treatment for mental health conditions in the Global South. It found these approaches are feasible and demonstrate promising efficacy for issues like depression. Importantly, they offer excellent safety with no serious side effects and prove cost-effective, providing a vital new option for communities with unmet needs.
Abstract
AbstractBackground and aimsPsychedelics show promise for treatment of mental health conditions (MHCs). But there is relatively little research on i...
Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – March 05, 2021
Summary
Many natural plants possess powerful compounds with diverse psychoactive effects. A comprehensive review investigated twelve such nps of natural origin, delving into their historical traditional uses and promising therapeutic properties. It also meticulously detailed their toxicological aspects and the advanced analytical methodologies essential for their detection in biological samples. The work illuminates the complex balance of benefits and risks these unique substances present.
Abstract
The consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been increasing, and this problem affects several countries worldwide. There is a class o...
Hallucinogens and Their Therapeutic Use: A Literature Review.
Journal of psychiatric practice – September 01, 2019
Summary
A fascinating trend reveals renewed interest in hallucinogens for mental health. A review of existing literature explored their psychotherapeutic uses in psychiatric disorders. It found substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have been evaluated for conditions including depression and substance use disorders. Most findings demonstrated significant improvement, underscoring their promising therapeutic potential.
Abstract
The exploration of possible therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic substances has undergone a revitalization in the past decade. This literature re...
Behavioral effects of α,α,β,β-tetradeutero-5-MeO-DMT in rats: comparison with 5-MeO-DMT administered in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2012
Summary
How the body processes natural compounds dictates their lasting impact. Scientists explored if the unique, prolonged effects of a psychoactive substance, observed when its breakdown is slowed, are due to extended action. Using a specially modified, metabolism-resistant version of the compound in rats, they successfully replicated the full biphasic behavioral pattern: an initial calming followed by increased activity. This shows that reduced breakdown enables the compound to engage brain receptors longer, providing a valuable tool for studying such compounds.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive tea prepared from a combination of plants that contain a hallucinogenic tryptamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MA...
Screening the receptorome for plant-based psychoactive compounds.
Life sciences – December 22, 2005
Summary
Many powerful plant-based compounds influence our brains by targeting specific cellular receptors. A new high-throughput system was developed to systematically uncover how these natural compounds interact with the body's vast network of receptors. This innovative screening successfully identified the precise molecular targets for psychoactive compounds found in plants like Salvia divinorum and Banisteriopsis caapi, offering a powerful tool for discovering beneficial plant-derived substances.
Abstract
Throughout time, humans have used psychoactive plants and plant-derived products for spiritual, therapeutic and recreational purposes. Furthermore,...
Cross-Sectional Associations Between Lifetime Use of Psychedelic Drugs and Psychometric Measures During the COVID-19 Confinement: A Transcultural Study
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 16, 2021
Summary
Regular psychedelic users reported significantly less psychological distress during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. A survey of 2,974 individuals (70% female) showed that those regularly using psychedelics, including psilocybin, experienced reduced peritraumatic stress and more social support. This finding, crucial for mental health and clinical psychology, suggests either protective effects or distinct personality traits within this population. Such insights are vital for psychology, psychiatry, and medicine, advancing our understanding in psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Background: One of the main public health strategies adopted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic consisted of implementing strict lockdowns t...
Teacher plants - Indigenous Peruvian-Amazonian dietary practices as a method for using psychoactives.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – March 25, 2022
Summary
The Peruvian-Amazonian dieta, a transformative method in traditional medicine, involves strict dietary restrictions while consuming psychoactive plants. Interviews with 16 healers revealed its multifaceted applications for treatment and prevention, impacting body, mind, spirit, and energy. Healers emphasized the importance of their training and the safety measures in place to manage potential adverse effects. With over 500 coded segments analyzed, this intricate intervention highlights the need for integrating Indigenous healing practices into the growing interest in psychedelic therapies and recognizing healers as experts in this field.
Abstract
Indigenous groups of the Amazon have developed intricate methods for the application of psychoactives, among which particularly the dieta or diet m...
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – December 31, 2023
Summary
Understanding how the body processes psychedelic compounds is vital for unlocking their therapeutic potential. A review of studies on substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT reveals that while their primary breakdown products are largely known, their broader impact on human metabolism is still emerging. Integrating advanced metabolomics with drug tracking promises to illuminate the precise molecular interactions behind their positive therapeutic effects, paving the way for novel treatment development.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...
Acute experiences and persisting psychological effects associated with an encapsulated DMT-harmala alkaloid combination: results of a phase 1 study.
Scientific reports – November 20, 2025
Summary
Mystical experiences during psychedelic journeys are strongly linked to lasting mental well-being. A clinical study explored an encapsulated DMT-harmala combination. Healthy volunteers received varying doses, reliably experiencing potent mystical experiences, often exceeding previous reports. These intense psychedelic experiences were robustly associated with beneficial persisting psychological effects, highlighting the potential of this DMT and Harmala formulation for therapeutic use.
Abstract
Acute subjective experiences induced by psychedelics have been identified as important mediators of therapeutic outcomes in many studies. Mystical ...
Synthesis and characterization of high‐purity N,N‐dimethyltryptamine hemifumarate for human clinical trials
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 01, 2020
Summary
A highly pure form of the psychedelic DMT is now ready for clinical trials, crucial for advancing drug studies. Through novel chemical synthesis, using aluminum hydride from lithium aluminum hydride, a DMT hemifumarate salt was produced. Extensive chemistry analysis—mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, and chromatography—confirmed minimal 99.9% purity. This rigorous standard, essential across all drug studies from cannabis to other alkaloids, ensures safety. No significant impurities or residual lithium were detected, meeting regulatory requirements.
Abstract
Abstract Since 2006, there has been a resurgent interest in the pharmacology and therapeutics of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin, the 4‐phosphoryl es...
Psilocybin, psychological distress, and suicidality
Journal of Psychopharmacology – September 01, 2015
Summary
Lifetime psilocybin use significantly correlates with reduced psychological distress and suicidality. Among 191,832 U.S. adults, those reporting only psilocybin (a potent hallucinogen) use (2.47% of the sample) exhibited the greatest reductions in distress and suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts. This finding, crucial for Psychology and Clinical Psychology, suggests psilocybin's potential in Psychiatry and Medicine. It offers psychotherapists a new avenue within Psychedelics and Drug Studies for managing psychological distress, hinting at its unique chemical synthesis and influence on behavior.
Abstract
Hendricks et al. (2015) found that having ever used any classic psychedelic substance—namely, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ayahuasca, lysergic acid di...
Psychedelic resting-state neuroimaging: a review and perspective on balancing replication and novel analyses
OpenAlex – June 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin show promising efficacy for psychiatric conditions, driving interest in their neurocognitive effects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a key neuroimaging tool, with 42 articles analyzing resting-state fMRI data from 17 unique datasets on drug effects. However, this field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies faces significant methodological heterogeneity. Nearly all studies vary in data processing, and over half the literature stems from just two datasets. To advance understanding of functional brain connectivity in neuroscience and psychology, greater consistency and replicability are crucial.
Abstract
Clinical research into serotonergic psychedelic drugs including psilocybin, LSD and N,N-DMT (e.g., in ‘ayahuasca’) is expanding rapidly and clinica...
Association Between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use and Hypertension in the Past Year
Hypertension – March 08, 2021
Summary
Adults reporting lifetime classic psychedelic use showed a 14% lower likelihood of hypertension, a significant association with implications for medicine. Analyzing US survey data from 2005-2014, these drug studies reveal a particularly strong connection with tryptamines, which are structurally similar to tryptophan and influence neurotransmitter receptor activity. Lifetime tryptamine use was linked to a 20% lower likelihood of high blood pressure. This intriguing finding suggests a potential role for psychedelics in cardiovascular health, impacting our understanding of brain disorders and their treatment.
Abstract
Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005–2014), weighted to be representative of the US adult population, the present study...
Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern‐era clinical studies
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica – October 30, 2020
Summary
Serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin show remarkable promise, offering 188 patients long-lasting relief from anxiety and major depressive disorder after just 1-3 sessions. This burgeoning field of clinical psychology and medicine, grounded in careful psychedelics and drug studies, reviewed 16 papers. It confirms these compounds, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, are safe, reporting no severe adverse effects. Psychiatry is exploring these naturally derived or chemically synthesized agents as powerful new tools for psychotherapists, addressing significant unmet needs in mental health.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To conduct a systematic review of modern‐era (post‐millennium) clinical studies assessing the therapeutic effects of serotonergi...
“The mushroom was more alive and vibrant”: Patient reports of synthetic versus organic forms of psilocybin
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – October 29, 2024
Summary
For mental health, whole Psilocybe mushrooms and their extracts offer a more natural and superior experience than synthetic psilocybin. Participants in a Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy program for end-of-life distress reported that while synthetic psilocybin, whole *Psilocybe cubensis*, and mycological extract all provided emotional insight and mystical experiences, synthetic psilocybin felt less natural and had an inferior overall quality. This suggests future Psychedelics and Drug Studies in psychology and psychiatry should prioritize natural mushroom compounds in medicine, moving beyond synthetic drug forms.
Abstract
Abstract Interest in psychedelic research in the West is surging, however, clinical trials have almost exclusively studied synthetic compounds such...
Sociodemographic and mental-health characteristics of psychedelic-assisted therapy participants: Latent class analysis of a cross-sectional, purposive online sample
OpenAlex – February 28, 2025
Summary
Individuals with high lifetime involvement in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) report elevated depression and anxiety, a compelling finding from a cross-sectional study. Analyzing a nonprobability sample of 244 PAT patients, a latent class model identified three groups: High-PAT (55.7%), Medium-PAT (29.1%), and a unique Psilocybin-Ketamine class (15.2%). This psychology-focused research suggests a link between extensive PAT engagement and mental health challenges, informing clinical psychology, medicine, and psychiatry regarding these psychedelics.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging treatment approach that often combines pharmacotherapeutic dosing sessions with more traditional ...
Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show remarkable therapeutic potential for stress-related disorders, offering antidepressant, anxiolytic, and cognitive benefits. Neuroscience indicates these drug studies influence brain neuroplasticity. Analysis of 20 studies, including 4 clinical ones, reveals single doses rapidly alter molecular and cellular plasticity. Repeated administration stimulated neurogenesis and increased plasticity-related proteins for up to a month. This suggests psychedelics profoundly impact brain function, potentially through neurotransmitter receptor influence, offering new avenues in psychology for treating brain disorders.
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, and LSD, in stress-related disorders. The...
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – July 23, 2018
Summary
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent hallucinogen, is remarkably ubiquitous, produced by diverse plant and animal species, and even endogenously in mammals. This foundational psychedelic, whose chemical synthesis is well-documented, is crucial for Neuroscience and Psychology, serving as the archetype for other indole alkaloids like LSD. Its enigmatic biological function in humans, along with its pharmacology and potential medical applications, are key areas in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Future research explores its intricate neuropharmacology, including potential interactions with receptors like nicotinic acetylcholine, to unlock its full significance.
Abstract
Though relatively obscure, N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an important molecule in psychopharmacology as it is the archetype for all indole-conta...
Classical Psychedelics as Therapeutics in Psychiatry – Current Clinical Evidence and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms in Substance Use and Mood Disorders
Pharmacopsychiatry – January 20, 2021
Summary
Compelling clinical trials show psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), powerful hallucinogens, are re-emerging in psychiatry. Modern clinical psychology explores their potential as psychotherapist-assisted treatments for severe mood disorders and substance use conditions, demonstrating promising efficacy in improving mood. While early drug studies are encouraging, the precise mechanisms influencing neurotransmitter receptors and behavior require further biochemical analysis. Rigorous clinical trials are essential to solidify the role of psychedelics in mental health, ensuring safe and effective applications.
Abstract
Abstract Classical psychedelics, primarily psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), have been used and extensively studied in Western medic...
Serotonergic hallucinogens and recognition of facial emotion expressions: a systematic review of the literature
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2019
Summary
Serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin significantly reduce the recognition of negative facial expressions, a key aspect of cognitive psychology. A review of 8 studies, from 62 identified in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealed that drugs such as LSD modulate amygdala activity. This neuroscience finding suggests a neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, potentially aiding psychotherapists. These compounds, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, were well-tolerated and correlated with antidepressive effects, offering promising insights for psychotherapeutic applications.
Abstract
Background: Recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a key aspect of social cognition. Anxiety and mood disorders are associated wit...
Medicinal psychedelics for mental health and addiction: Advancing research of an emerging paradigm
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – March 21, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin and other psychedelics show immense promise for mental health, potentially revolutionizing psychiatry. Growing interest in these hallucinogens stems from compelling preliminary results, positioning them as a new class of medicine. Psychotherapist-guided treatments, focusing on neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, are key. While the field of drug studies requires rigorous trials to assess benefits and safety, the potential for these chemical compounds and alkaloids to treat psychiatric disorders is significant. Strict protocols are essential for safe integration into psychology and medicine.
Abstract
The medical use of psychedelic substances (e.g. psilocybin, ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is attract...
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
Anesthesia & Analgesia – February 17, 2021
Summary
Michael Pollan's 480-page "How to Change Your Mind" compellingly argues that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, could revolutionize mental health. Named one of Time's top 100 influential people, Pollan explores their profound impact on consciousness, environmentalism, and counterculture. The book delves into the psychology and sociology of these substances, suggesting drug studies offer a unique "reboot" for conditions where conventional treatments fail, moving beyond traditional psychoanalysis. This engaging work encourages a cautious re-evaluation of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
Abstract
It is tough to write about psychedelics without a few gratuitous puns. Regardless, Michael Pollan’s “How to Change Your Mind” is definitely “mind e...