Molecules
April 22, 2021
Paul Cumming, Milan Scheidegger, Dario Dornbierer et al.
45 citations
Hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline are being re-evaluated for their psychotherapeutic potential. This narrative review covers in vitro and ex vivo binding studies and molecular imaging using PET or SPECT. Early PET work with [11C]-MBL showed that most specific binding is to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, but interactions with 5-HT1A receptors and other pathways may contribute to the unique experiences. Other important factors include blood-brain barrier permeability, metabolism, and active metabolites. Only a few PET or SPECT studies of radiolabeled hallucinogens exist, most recently using [11C]Cimbi-36. Hybrid imaging combining PET with fMRI is expected to advance future research.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
October 7, 2020
Ilana Berlowitz, Ernesto García Torres, Heinrich Walt et al.
43 citations
In the Peruvian Amazon, tobacco—particularly Nicotiana rustica—is used as a potent medicinal plant, applied topically or ingested to treat conditions including mental health issues, respiratory problems, parasitic infections, gout, and spiritual-energetic ailments. A transdisciplinary field study interviewed a Maestro Tabaquero (traditional healer specializing in tobacco) to document preparation methods, indications, contraindications, effects, and risks. The most common remedy was a liquid taken orally, producing acute psychoactive effects and physiological responses like vomiting. Safe treatment requires a skilled healer knowledgeable in dosing and managing adverse effects. This work contributes to research on Amazonian medicine and psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
July 1, 2020
Ilana Berlowitz, Heinrich Walt, Christian Ghasarian et al.
19 citations
The Amazonian medicine-based therapy attracts a diverse group of patients, including those from outside the region, and may be especially appealing to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who have a history of unsuccessful treatment. The cultural diversity of the sample indicates international interest in such therapies among SUD treatment-seeking patients. These findings are relevant to the need for improved SUD therapies and add to the growing research on ayahuasca-based treatments.