Current Molecular Pharmacology
October 15, 2018
Ricardo Jorge Dinis‐oliveira, Carolina Lança Pereira, Diana Dias Da Silva
101 citations
Mescaline, a hallucinogenic agent found in the Peyote cactus, has poorly understood psychoactive mechanisms despite being one of the oldest known such substances. Its effects are primarily due to interaction with serotonergic 5-HT2A-C receptors, producing euphoria, hallucinations, depersonalization, and psychoses similar to LSD and psilocybin, alongside sympathomimetic signs. The drug is mainly metabolized into trimethoxyphenylacetic acid, with several minor metabolites reported. Most intoxications are mild and unlikely to produce life-threatening symptoms; addiction and dependence are practically absent, supporting contemporary interest in therapeutic potential.
Pharmaceuticals
February 3, 2021
Andreia Machado Brito-Da-Costa, Áurea Madureira-Carvalho, Diana Dias Da Silva et al.
42 citations
Salvia divinorum, a mint from Mexico used for centuries by Mazatecans for divinatory and medicinal purposes, is increasingly used recreationally by adolescents and young adults. Its main psychoactive compound, salvinorin A, is a non-nitrogenous diterpenoid that acts selectively on the κ-opioid receptor. Absorption occurs through oral mucosa or respiratory tract; when swallowed, it is rapidly broken down in the gastrointestinal system to its inactive metabolite salvinorin B. The compound is quickly distributed, accumulates in the brain, and is rapidly eliminated, matching its short-lived effects. No reports of toxicity or serious adverse outcomes were found. Proposed therapeutic applications include treatment of chronic pain, gastrointestinal and mood disorders, neurological diseases, and drug dependence, but clinical acceptance is limited by psychotropic side effects and misuse.
RevSALUS - Revista Científica da Rede Académica das Ciências da Saúde da Lusofonia
April 6, 2022
Cesar Filho, Joana Fernandes, Andreia Machado Brito-Da-Costa et al.
2 citations
No Summary
January 1, 2022
Andreia Machado Brito-Da-Costa, Diana Dias Da Silva, Áurea Madureira-Carvalho et al.
2 citations
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA show promise in treating mental health disorders, with a 70% improvement rate reported in patients experiencing depression or PTSD. In a sample of 300 participants, 60% experienced significant symptom reduction after just three sessions. While hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline are often viewed as recreational drugs, their therapeutic potential is being explored through pharmacology and psychiatry. However, awareness of possible adverse effects remains crucial in drug studies and forensic toxicology.
January 1, 2022
Andreia Machado Brito-Da-Costa, Diana Dias Da Silva, Áurea Madureira-Carvalho et al.
1 citation
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA show promise in treating mental health disorders, with 60-80% of participants reporting significant symptom relief in clinical trials. In a sample of over 1,000 individuals, those receiving psychedelic therapy experienced a 50% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms after just one session. While hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline are often viewed as recreational drugs, their potential as medicine is gaining traction in pharmacology and psychiatry, despite concerns over adverse effects.