International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology
November 17, 2024
Raj Nashikkar, Kavita Mane, Rajendra Patil
1 citation
Psilocybin mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms, have psychoactive properties and potential therapeutic uses. This review covers their morphology, pharmacognostic properties, and pharmacology. Morphological features help identify various Psilocybe species. Pharmacognostic analysis addresses identification, sourcing, and quality control. Psilocybin, the main bioactive compound, acts on the central nervous system and shows promise for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. The paper bridges traditional knowledge with modern science to support future research and clinical applications.
International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology
June 14, 2026
Himali Upadhyay
Designer drugs, also known as novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of controlled drugs while evading legal restrictions. Their rapid emergence poses serious public health and forensic challenges due to abuse potential, unpredictable toxicity, and constant structural changes. This review covers their classification, chemistry, street names, mechanisms of action, and effects on the cardiovascular, neurological, renal, hepatic, and psychiatric systems, including psychosis, hallucinations, aggression, addiction, and fatal overdose. It also examines global abuse patterns, online drug markets, and social media distribution. Forensic toxicology challenges are discussed, highlighting advanced analytical techniques such as GC–MS, LC–MS/MS, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and AI-assisted methods. The review calls for enhanced monitoring, regulatory updates, and multidisciplinary strategies.