Farmacja Polska
December 30, 2025
Ewa Niedzielska-Andres, Angelika Ziaja, Stanisław Zielinski et al.
Natural hallucinogens such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and mescaline show therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, existential anxiety, and substance addictions. Psilocybin has the best-documented evidence, with controlled trials indicating rapid and lasting improvement in treatment-resistant depression, reduction of existential anxiety, easing of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and support for addiction therapy, alongside a favorable safety profile. Ayahuasca exhibits antidepressant and anxiolytic effects and potential in addiction treatment. Ibogaine reduces withdrawal and drug craving in opioid addiction and PTSD symptoms in war veterans but requires caution due to cardiotoxic side effects.
Folia Medica Cracoviensia
October 10, 2025
Angelika Ziaja, Ewa Niedzielska, Krzysztof Ciszkowski et al.
Natural hallucinogens from plants have been used for centuries in religious, shamanic, and traditional medicine. These compounds vary widely in their mechanisms of action, receptor interactions, and effects. While they are misused globally for altered states of consciousness, some show pharmacological promise for treating anxiety, depression, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes literature from 1998 to 2025 on plant-derived hallucinogens, focusing on their biological activity and neuropharmacological properties. Their activity across multiple neurotransmitter systems offers potential for new treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, but further research is needed to understand their mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects.
Folia medica Cracoviensia
July 31, 2025
Krzysztof Ciszowski, Angelika Ziaja, Ewa Niedzielska-Andres et al.
Hallucinogens from fungi and animals, such as psilocybin, ergot alkaloids, and bufotenine, have been used traditionally for centuries and are now being studied for therapeutic applications. These compounds vary widely in chemical structure and mechanism, affecting neurotransmitter systems to alter perception, cognition, and mood. A review of literature from 1983 to 2025 indicates that preclinical and limited clinical data suggest benefits for mood and anxiety disorders, treatment-resistant depression, pain, and possibly neurodegenerative diseases. Some compounds may serve as leads for new drugs. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms, safety, and therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatry.