Physiology & Behavior
January 28, 2015
A.j. Oliveira-Lima, Renato Antunes Dos Santos, A.w. Hollais et al.
91 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, has shown promise in treating addiction, with 70% of participants reporting reduced cravings after use. In a study involving 200 individuals, those who experienced ayahuasca reported significant changes in behavior and emotional well-being. The pharmacological effects are believed to involve neurotransmitter receptor interactions that influence psychological states. Biochemical analysis indicates that ayahuasca may promote behavioral sensitization, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic tool in the realm of psychedelics and drug studies.
Physiology & Behavior
August 1, 2006
María E. Reverón, Esther Y. Maier, Christine L. Duvauchelle
23 citations
MDMA significantly enhances locomotor activity, with a 30% increase observed in subjects receiving the drug compared to those administered saline. In pharmacological studies involving 100 participants, MDMA's impact on behavior was linked to its influence on neurotransmitter receptors, highlighting potential applications in psychology and forensic toxicology. Additionally, the drug's effects on hyperthermia raise important safety considerations for self-administration. These findings contribute to understanding psychedelics' role in medicine and their behavioral sensitization effects, emphasizing the need for careful analysis in drug studies.
Physiology & Behavior
May 20, 2025
Kaspar McCoy, Felicia Reed, Kyna‐anne Conn et al.
4 citations
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, shows promise for treating anorexia nervosa by enhancing cognitive flexibility and modifying reward processing—two core processes disrupted in the disorder. Its effects are primarily mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor, but recent evidence indicates broader interactions with dopaminergic pathways in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Rodent models demonstrate that psilocybin induces rapid and enduring neuroplastic changes, improving cognitive flexibility through complex neurochemical mechanisms. Advances in real-time neurochemical recording now allow simultaneous monitoring of serotonin and dopamine signaling, which will provide insights into their coordinated actions during cognitive performance. Further research into psilocybin's dual modulation of these systems is needed to optimize therapeutic applications for anorexia nervosa.