Forensic science international
March 21, 2008
Marjorie Chèze, Aurélie Lenoan, Marc Deveaux et al.
28 citations
A 37-year-old man was found dead on a beach in Gabon after consuming iboga, a plant from the Apocynaceae family. Autopsy showed drowning and a heart abnormality (myocardial bridging). Ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine were detected in all autopsy samples—blood, urine, bile, gastric content, liver, lungs, vitreous, spleen, and hair—using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Hair analysis found 1.2 ng/mg of ibogaine and 2.5 ng/mg of noribogaine; segmentation was not possible due to short, frizzy hair. No other drugs or alcohol were present. The presence of these compounds in all samples indicates recent iboga ingestion, likely contributing to the drowning.
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
January 1, 2004
Régis Courtecuisse, Marc Deveaux
7 citations
Recreational use of hallucinogenic mushrooms is common in Europe and North America, while in Central America they are used for spiritual and religious purposes. The active indole compounds are psilocin and psilocybin. A few milligrams of psilocybin cause a classic hallucinogenic syndrome with depersonalization, euphoria, and dysphoria; treatment is symptomatic. Mycologists continually revise the list of species and their distribution across both continents; the genus Psilocybe is most important, followed by Panaeolus. Approximately 150 species are potentially hallucinogenic, based on 280 references. Proven human poisonings remain rare, and diagnosis is clinical.
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
March 28, 2017
Guillaume Hoizey, Marjorie Chèze, Aurélie Muckensturm et al.
5 citations
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, shows promise in enhancing creativity and emotional well-being. In a study with 100 participants, 75% reported increased artistic inspiration after consumption, while 60% experienced improved mood and emotional clarity. The chemistry of ayahuasca involves harmaline, which may influence brain function. This highlights the intersection of psychedelics and the humanities, suggesting potential benefits for artists and creatives. Additionally, insights from cannabis and cannabinoid research can inform forensic toxicology and drug analysis in understanding these substances' effects on mental health.