Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
March 1, 2023
Leonard Lerer, Eric Reynolds, Jeet Varia et al.
6 citations
A cell line derived from the parotoid gland of the endangered Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) can biosynthesize 5-MeO-DMT, a psychedelic compound with therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders. The toad's secretions also contain other molecules such as bufotenine, bufagenins, bufotoxins, and indole alkylamines, which may have individual clinical utility or act as entourage molecules. The species faces ecological pressure from demand for natural 5-MeO-DMT and habitat loss. Cell-based biosynthesis offers a potentially cruelty-free and sustainable source of naturally derived 5-MeO-DMT for research and drug development.
Frontiers in Space Technologies
September 15, 2022
Leonard Lerer, Jeet Varia
2 citations
Psychedelics, particularly psychedelic mushrooms, could help astronauts cope with the physiological and psychological challenges of long-duration space travel. Current research shows psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation, in addition to their therapeutic potential in psychiatry. The authors suggest that psychedelics may be as transformative for 21st-century space travel as citrus fruits were for preventing scurvy during 18th-century sea voyages. They also argue that psychedelics could aid astronauts in processing and integrating the profound, spiritual experiences of deep space travel, ensuring their mental well-being on potentially perilous missions.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
February 1, 2025
Leonard Lerer, Kathleen Spear, Jeet Varia et al.
In a zebrafish model of depression, both synthetic psilocybin and an extract from psychedelic mushrooms reversed stress-induced behavioral changes, making the fish behave similarly to non-stressed controls. The mushroom extract produced more neurotransmitter precursors in the brain than synthetic psilocybin, though no significant behavioral differences between the two treatments were observed. Whole-brain metabolomics revealed increases in GABA, vitamin B6, glutamine, and NADH, along with a decrease in xanthosine, suggesting possible neuroplastic effects. This work demonstrates the potential of zebrafish models for studying psychedelic compounds.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
May 22, 2022
Leonard Lerer, Eric C. Reynolds, Jeet Varia et al.
preprint
A sustainable source of 5-MeO-DMT, a promising compound for psychiatric treatment, has been developed using a cell line from the parotoid gland of the endangered Incilius alvarius toad. This innovative approach demonstrated successful biosynthesis of 5-MeO-DMT through chemical processes in vitro. Given that natural populations are under ecological threat due to habitat loss and demand, this method offers a cruelty-free alternative for producing 5-MeO-DMT, potentially supporting future psychedelics and drug studies while preserving biodiversity.