Three Naturally-Occurring Psychedelics and Their Significance in the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
Frontiers in Pharmacology June 28, 2022 Nataliya S. Vorobyeva, Alena A. Kozlova 16 citations
Classic psychedelics, which resemble serotonin and bind to serotonin receptors, are being studied as treatments for psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Mental health disorders are common and pose a major public health challenge; existing treatments often face issues with treatment resistance and high relapse rates. This review examines three naturally occurring psychedelics—psilocybin, ibogaine, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine—focusing on their pharmacological properties and clinical potential. The article aims to summarize key research on these substances and consider their possible use as alternatives or additions to current pharmacological and psychological therapies.