Experimental Neurology
October 1, 2021
Giulia Costa, Krystyna Gołembiowska
64 citations
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, can cause acute and lasting abnormalities in the brain, as shown in both animal and human studies. Neurotoxic effects have been demonstrated in experimental animals, raising concerns about serious harm to health, especially since MDMA is used recreationally by young and adult people. This review summarizes recent findings on MDMA's central effects and the mechanisms behind its neurotoxicity.
Movement Disorders
September 20, 2013
Giulia Costa, Lucia Frau, Jadwiga Wardas et al.
52 citations
Chronic administration of MDMA (ecstasy) during late adolescence in mice worsens the brain damage caused by MPTP, a toxin that induces Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans. Mice treated twice daily with MDMA (10 mg/kg) from 8 to 17 weeks of age, then given MPTP (20 mg/kg four times), showed greater activation of microglia and astroglia in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) compared to mice given only MPTP or vehicle. This neuroinflammation was accompanied by a greater loss of dopamine-producing neurons (indicated by reduced tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity) in the SNc and striatum. The findings suggest that MDMA use may increase the risk of dopaminergic neuron degeneration.
Neural Regeneration Research
February 22, 2024
Marcello Serra, Nicola Simola, Alexia E Pollack et al.
19 citations
Recreational and therapeutic use of psychostimulants such as amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine can cause brain dysfunction and neurotoxic effects. This review of research from 2018 to 2023 examines evidence from both experimental models and humans, highlighting that central toxicity from these substances poses serious health risks, especially as their use rises among young people and adults. Understanding the factors and mechanisms behind these noxious brain effects is crucial for grasping the acute and lasting harm that may occur in users.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
May 1, 2023
Giulia Costa, Marcello Serra, Riccardo Maccioni et al.
13 citations
A standardized extract of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), when given acutely alongside MDMA (ecstasy), protects mice from the drug's harmful effects on the brain, body temperature, and memory. MDMA alone caused degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, inflammation (gliosis), a rise in body temperature, and impaired performance on a novel object recognition task. These effects were not prevented by pretreating mice with the extract for three days before MDMA. However, when the extract was given together with MDMA, it counteracted the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, reduced gliosis in the striatum, normalized body temperature, and restored memory performance to levels similar to those of saline-treated controls.
Current neuropharmacology
January 9, 2026
Maria Antonietta De Luca, Cristina Miliano, Amanda Roxburgh et al.
1 citation
Tablets sold as MDMA frequently contain psychoactive adulterants that vary by region and year, potentially increasing central nervous system harm. A review of studies from 2020 to 2025 covering Continental Europe, the UK, the USA, and Australia found that co-administration of MDMA with common adulterants can exacerbate noxious neurological and psychiatric effects. The composition of tablets differs across these regions, and interactions between MDMA and adulterants may explain some adverse effects seen in users. Expanding drug checking and public health efforts is essential to inform users, first responders, and healthcare professionals about these risks.