Life
December 15, 2023
Gregory Ian Robinson, Dongping Li, Bo Wang et al.
19 citations
Psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT, and eugenol significantly reduce levels of the inflammatory markers TNF-α and IFN-γ in human 3D EpiIntestinal tissue, while capsaicin and curcumin decrease these markers to a lesser extent. Psilocybin effectively lowers IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF levels, but curcumin, capsaicin, and 4-AcO-DMT have limited effects on these markers. Ketanserin lowers IL-6 and GM-CSF levels but has no effect on TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-8, or MCP-1. Synergistic effects between 5-HT2A ligands and TRP channel ligands are minimal. The results provide further evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin and eugenol, though more research is needed on mechanisms and therapeutic feasibility for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Life
November 5, 2021
Mateusz Kowalczyk, Edward Kowalczyk, Paweł Kwiatkowski et al.
16 citations
The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has increased the number of people experiencing depression, with about one third of the global population affected by mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. S-ketamine, approved by the FDA in March 2019 for drug-resistant depression, offers a rapid antidepressant effect, reaching maximum effectiveness within 24 hours and possibly reducing suicidal thoughts. However, further research on its side effects is needed, particularly for individuals prone to psychosis or those using alcohol or psychoactive substances.
Life
November 8, 2023
Bruno Pires, Luana M. Rosendo, Ana Teresa Brinca et al.
15 citations
A review of amphetamine-type stimulants—including lisdexamphetamine dimesylate, mixed amphetamine salts, MDMA, dextroamphetamine, and phentermine—highlights their therapeutic potential for psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, drug dependence, and obesity. Lisdexamphetamine dimesylate effectively treats ADHD in children and adults and shows encouraging results for drug dependency. Mixed amphetamine salts reduce ADHD symptoms in adults. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy leads to sustained reductions in PTSD symptoms and may promote post-traumatic growth, also showing promise for anxiety in life-threatening illnesses. Dextroamphetamine and phentermine demonstrate efficacy for cocaine and opioid dependence, ADHD, and obesity. Careful monitoring is required due to risks. Further research is needed on mechanisms, dosing, and long-term effects.
Life
July 29, 2021
Dominika Psiuk, Emilia Nowak, Krystian Cholewa et al.
13 citations
A systematic review of 14 clinical trials from the last decade found that psychedelic substances, particularly psilocybin, can reduce depressive symptoms as measured by several psychological scales, with effects often lasting months after the last session. One study showed psilocybin has comparable efficacy to escitalopram for treating depression. No serious adverse events were reported. The authors suggest psychedelics hold great potential for depression therapy, pending further research to address current study limitations.
Life
October 26, 2022
Szabolcs Kéri
8 citations
Posttraumatic stress disorder involves intrusive memories, heightened arousal, and avoidance, rooted in altered learning and memory processes regulated by complex neural and molecular networks. Successful treatment may depend on modifying memory engrams while they are unstable during retrieval. Psychedelic psychotherapy can increase this instability, enhancing the ability to change traumatic memories. This narrative review describes PTSD's clinical features, neuroanatomy, and molecular pathways of memory destabilization and reconsolidation. It proposes that psychedelics, through serotonin-glutamate interactions, destabilize trauma-related engrams, allowing psychotherapeutic modification.