Pharmacology & Therapeutics
October 20, 2018
Michael Bloomfield, Chandni Hindocha, Sebastian F Green et al.
236 citations
Cannabis and its primary psychoactive component, THC, acutely alter executive, emotional, reward, and memory processing by directly interacting with the endocannabinoid system and indirectly affecting glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic systems. Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, may offset some of these acute effects. Heavy repeated cannabis use, especially during adolescence, is associated with adverse effects that increase the risk of mental illnesses such as addiction and psychosis. This review synthesizes human neuroimaging research on the acute and chronic neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis, covering effects during development, implications for psychosis and cannabis use disorder, and methodological considerations.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
May 1, 2004
David H. Mckenna
41 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional medicine from the Amazon rainforest, has shown promising effects in treating mental health issues. In a sample of 120 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after just one session. This hallucinogen, rich in pharmacological properties, highlights the potential of psychedelics in modern drug studies. As interest grows alongside cannabis and cannabinoid research, biochemical analysis reveals ayahuasca's unique compounds may offer new avenues for therapeutic applications, bridging indigenous practices with contemporary medicine.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
April 6, 2024
Zarah R. Haniff, Mariia Bocharova, Tim Mantingh et al.
16 citations
Major depression increases the risk of later dementia, and late-life depression may be an early sign of dementia. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), the lifelong birth of new neurons in the dentate gyrus, supports learning, memory, and mood. Microglia, the brain's immune cells, regulate AHN, and disruptions in AHN and microgliosis are linked to both depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Psychedelics like psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist with rapid antidepressant effects, may promote neuroplasticity and modulate microglial function. This narrative review examines evidence that psilocybin could affect AHN and microglia, potentially altering the progression from major depression to dementia in at-risk individuals.