Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
April 16, 2026
Maria Marmureanu, Mariana Valy Besoiu, Vlad Dionisie et al.
A substantial proportion of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not respond to first-line treatments. Ketamine and esketamine, NMDA receptor antagonists with rapid antidepressant effects, have attracted interest as potential treatments. This scoping review of 21 studies (5 preclinical, 16 clinical) found that preclinical evidence suggests ketamine and esketamine improve compulsive-like behaviors. Clinical studies suggest ketamine can produce rapid reductions in obsessive symptoms, though results remain inconsistent. Most trials evaluated single administrations; limited evidence suggests repeated dosing may provide greater benefit. The evidence remains preliminary and heterogeneous, and future research should prioritize adequately powered randomized trials with repeated dosing and longer follow-up.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
July 21, 2025
Rui Wang, Yuqian Yang, Tong Zhou et al.
A single intravenous dose of (R)-ketamine hydrochloride, ranging from 10.0 mg to 180 mg, was safe and well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. Adverse events were temporary and resolved without treatment. The peak plasma concentrations of (R)-ketamine and its metabolite (R)-norketamine increased roughly in proportion to the dose, with average peak levels ranging from 56.0 to 1424 ng/mL and 27.7 to 491 ng/mL, respectively. These results support further clinical studies of this rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
June 2, 2024
Joana Gonçalves, Mariana Feijó, Sílvia Socorro et al.
Decoctions made from Mimosa hostilis and Peganum harmala, plants sometimes used as substitutes in ayahuasca, can kill human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in the lab. The extracts triggered programmed cell death (apoptosis) and slowed cell growth. They also lowered oxidative stress and boosted activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, while superoxide dismutase activity remained unchanged. The findings suggest these plant decoctions have potential anticancer properties against colorectal cancer cells.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
November 7, 2023
Courtney M Vecera, Alan C Courtes, Gregory Jones et al.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) lacks a consensus definition, with studies requiring between 1 and 4 failed antidepressant therapies. An imbalance between the neurotransmitters L-glutamate and GABA is emerging as key in TRD. Among glutamatergic targets, NMDA receptor antagonism, particularly with ketamine and esketamine (Spravato), has shown robust responses. NMDA-glycine site modulators D-cycloserine and apimostinel show promising safety and efficacy. Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) demonstrates positive results, especially in subpopulations with cognitive dysfunction. The most promising GABA modulators are synthetic neurosteroid analogs like brexanolone. Three compounds are FDA-approved: esketamine for TRD, Auvelity for MDD, and brexanolone for postpartum depression, though concerns exist with esketamine and brexanolone.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
May 12, 2023
Philip Borsellino, Reese I Krider, Deanna Chea et al.
Ketamine offers rapid and enduring relief for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, unlike standard antidepressants. This narrative proposes that depression stems from neuronal atrophy and synaptic disconnection rather than a monoamine imbalance. Ketamine, its enantiomers, and metabolites act through multiple pathways, including NMDAR inhibition and enhanced glutamatergic signaling. The disinhibition hypothesis suggests ketamine causes excitatory cortical disinhibition, releasing neurotrophic factors like BDNF, VEGF, and IGF-1, which repair neuro-structural abnormalities. Ketamine's efficacy is revolutionizing psychiatric treatment and understanding of mental illness.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
February 25, 2021
Carolina Lobato-Freitas, Andreia Machado Brito-Da-Costa, Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira et al.
ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA are synthetic cannabinoids up to 140 and 85 times more potent than THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. First synthesized in 2009, ADB-FUBINACA appeared recreationally in Japan in 2013, with fatal cases by 2015; AMB-FUBINACA emerged in 2014 and has caused multiple intoxication and death outbreaks. When smoked, effects begin within 10 to 15 seconds and last up to 60 minutes. Both act as full agonists at the CB1 receptor, producing cardiovascular and neurological effects such as altered perception, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, and seizures. The review calls for more research on their toxicokinetics to improve detection and treatment.