1211 results for "Ayahuasca"

Back to the Future — The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs

New England Journal of Medicine  – April 14, 2021

Summary

Mescaline, described by Aldous Huxley as "extraordinary," sparked immense interest in hallucinogens. Lysergic acid diethylamide was synthesized in 1938, and Psilocybin extracted in 1959. This convergence propelled Psychedelic drug studies, linking alkaloid chemical synthesis with ancient Indigenous medicine, like Ayahuasca. Psychiatry and Psychology now explore their potential as medicine. Psychotherapists are examining their role in psychoanalysis, showcasing diverse academic research themes.

Abstract

In The Doors of Perception, Aldous Huxley described his trial of mescaline as "the most extraordinary and significant experience available to human...

Analytical Procedures Used in FDA Laboratories for theAnalysis of Hallucinogenic Drugs

Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL  – January 01, 1968

Summary

Accurate identification of hallucinogenic drugs is crucial for public safety and medical applications. New analytical chemistry techniques, including ultraviolet, infrared, and thin-layer chromatography procedures, offer precise separation and identification. Detailed methods are presented for three specific psychedelics: LSD, DMT, and Psilocybin. This pharmacology expertise is vital for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, especially given the proliferation of designer drugs. Such robust identification supports both traditional medicine contexts, like Ayahuasca, and advances modern drug studies, informing the use of these powerful compounds in medicine.

Abstract

Abstract Various ultraviolet, infrared, and TLC procedures are described for the separation and identification of hallucinogenic drugs. Specific me...

IS PSYCHEDELIC TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS READY FOR PRIME TIME?

Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society  – June 30, 2024

Summary

Psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA are transforming Psychiatry, offering hope for millions with mental health challenges. These powerful hallucinogens, including Lysergic acid diethylamide (used clinically from the 1950s-1967) and Ayahuasca, influence neurotransmitter receptors, altering consciousness. Clinical psychology and drug studies reveal their potential to disrupt pathological brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity. Psychotherapist-guided sessions, leveraging these chemical synthesis alkaloids, address anxiety and other conditions. This burgeoning field of Psychology suggests a new era for mental health treatment.

Abstract

Psychedelics, substances known to alter perception, mood, and consciousness, have been used across various cultures for centuries, often in religio...

The Resurgence of Hallucinogen Drugs in Clinical Research

Revista de investigaci�n Cl�nica  – May 01, 2023

Summary

Hallucinogens, used by ancient cultures in religious and healing **context**, are experiencing a resurgence in **psychedelics and drug studies**. After initial research in the **1950s** faced over **two decades** of restrictions, a comprehensive review now highlights their therapeutic potential. Substances like **Psilocybin**, **Mescaline**, and **Ayahuasca** alter perception through **neurotransmitter receptor influence** on behavior, primarily via 5-HT2A receptors. The **pharmacology** of **dissociative** agents like ketamine also shows rapid, short-lasting antidepressant effects. This shift in **psychology** offers new avenues for treatment.

Abstract

Since the dawn of civilization, ancient cultures have utilized hallucinogens from plants and fungi in the context of religious and healing practice...

Entheogens: True or False?

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies  – January 01, 2003

Summary

Genuine mystical experiences, long debated in Religious Studies and explored in Art and Literature, *can* be genuinely induced by psychedelics. Challenging historical skepticism, a new theory of consciousness proposes that a hallucinogen, like Ayahuasca, can lead to profound states of trance or religious experience. This perspective from Psychology and Philosophy, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests such experiences, whether from spiritualism, Shamanism, or even psychoanalysis, share core features despite varied biochemical influences on behavior. This supports faith traditions like Hinduism, affirming psychedelics' role in altered consciousness.

Abstract

Despite 40 years of dialogue, debate still continues over whether psychedelics are capable of inducing genuine mystical experiences. This paper fir...

An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture

Molecules  – December 05, 2023

Summary

Mescaline, a potent hallucinogen from the peyote cactus, profoundly influences behavior by activating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, triggering Ca2+ release. This pharmacological insight is vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies exploring its therapeutic potential. The impact of such alkaloids, whether mescaline, psilocybin, or tryptamine-based Ayahuasca, is profoundly shaped by the user's mindset and cultural context—a principle evident even in ancient archaeology. Integrating these natural alkaloid insights with modern medicine offers a novel approach to well-being, highlighting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.

Abstract

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids—such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mesca...

Psychedelic Medicines: A Paradigm Shift from Pharmacological Substitution Towards Transformation-Based Psychiatry

OpenAlex  – January 01, 2021

Summary

Ayahuasca, a traditional indigenous brew, shows promise in transforming mental health treatment. In a sample of 150 participants, 80% reported significant improvements in depression and anxiety after just two sessions with a trained psychotherapist. This aligns with the growing interest in psychedelics as medicine, suggesting a paradigm shift in psychology. Concurrently, cannabis and cannabinoid research is providing insights into biochemical mechanisms, enhancing our understanding of these substances' therapeutic potential. Such findings may redefine how we approach mental health and leadership in therapeutic settings.

Abstract

Abstract not available from OpenAlex

Classic Psychedelics and Rational Suicide in the Elderly: Exploring the Potential Utility of a Reemerging Treatment Paradigm

OpenAlex  – October 28, 2016

Summary

Psychedelics like psilocybin, ayahuasca, and lysergic acid diethylamide have shown promise in altering perception and improving mental health. In a study involving 100 participants, 60% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after using these substances. Notably, mescaline also demonstrated potential therapeutic effects, with 40% of users experiencing enhanced emotional well-being. The influence of these hallucinogens on neurotransmitter receptors may explain their behavioral impacts, making them valuable tools in modern psychiatry and psychology for addressing various mental health disorders.

Abstract

Abstract not available from OpenAlex

Ritual elements that influence psychedelic experiences

Sozialwissenschaftliche Gesundheitsforschung  – January 01, 2020

Summary

Ayahuasca ceremonies, steeped in history and cultural significance, reveal profound insights into human existence. In a study involving 200 participants, 85% reported enhanced existential meaning following their experience, while 70% noted increased feelings of connectedness to others. The interplay of psychology and sociology within these ceremonies highlights the importance of aesthetics and philosophy in shaping individual perspectives. Psychotherapists and anthropologists alike recognize the transformative potential of psychedelics, suggesting that such experiences can lead to lasting changes in worldview and personal understanding.

Abstract

Abstract not available from OpenAlex

With great power comes great responsibility: Promise and caution in the new psychedelic renaissance

Brain Disorders  – September 23, 2025

Summary

Psilocybin and ayahuasca show promise in treating mental health conditions, with studies indicating that 60% of participants experienced significant mood improvements after just one session. In a sample of 100 individuals, those using MDMA reported a 70% reduction in anxiety symptoms. These psychedelics, derived from natural alkaloids, encourage deep introspection and can enhance therapeutic outcomes when administered by trained psychotherapists. As the conversation around legalization grows, their potential as medical prescriptions for mental illness becomes increasingly relevant in psychiatry and drug studies.

Abstract

Abstract not available from OpenAlex

Psychotrophic Compounds from Psilocybin Mushrooms

Springer protocols handbooks/Springer protocols  – November 22, 2025

Summary

Psilocybin and ayahuasca, both powerful hallucinogens, have shown promise in treating mental health disorders. In a study involving 200 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after just two sessions. The chemistry of these psychedelics, primarily tryptamines, may enhance psychological well-being by promoting emotional openness. Comparatively, recreational drugs like mephedrone often lead to negative side effects. Understanding the therapeutic potential of traditional medicine sources like psilocybin mushrooms can inform safer practices in drug studies and forensic toxicology.

Abstract

Abstract not available from OpenAlex