Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
January 1, 2004
Gilbert Pépin, Gaëlle Duffort
10 citations
Hallucinogenic plants have been used in primitive societies for centuries, but their use was limited to shamans and medicine men during religious rites. Recently, a resurgence of interest in natural hallucinogens has occurred, linked to a 'back to nature' movement and facilitated by the internet. Ayahuasca, a mixture of plants from northwestern South America, is the most known. Two Banisteriopsis species provide β-carbolines (harmaline, harmine, tetrahydroharmine, harmol). Another plant, often Psychotria viridis, adds dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Ingestion causes profound alteration of consciousness, with little change in real environmental perception, but sensory hallucinations after dizziness, nausea, and digestive symptoms. Risks include psychological disruption and potential for chemical submission by cult leaders. The French Ministry of Public Health has classified DMT and its derivatives as narcotics.
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
January 1, 2004
Régis Courtecuisse, Marc Deveaux
7 citations
Recreational use of hallucinogenic mushrooms is common in Europe and North America, while in Central America they are used for spiritual and religious purposes. The active indole compounds are psilocin and psilocybin. A few milligrams of psilocybin cause a classic hallucinogenic syndrome with depersonalization, euphoria, and dysphoria; treatment is symptomatic. Mycologists continually revise the list of species and their distribution across both continents; the genus Psilocybe is most important, followed by Panaeolus. Approximately 150 species are potentially hallucinogenic, based on 280 references. Proven human poisonings remain rare, and diagnosis is clinical.
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
March 28, 2017
Guillaume Hoizey, Marjorie Chèze, Aurélie Muckensturm et al.
5 citations
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, shows promise in enhancing creativity and emotional well-being. In a study with 100 participants, 75% reported increased artistic inspiration after consumption, while 60% experienced improved mood and emotional clarity. The chemistry of ayahuasca involves harmaline, which may influence brain function. This highlights the intersection of psychedelics and the humanities, suggesting potential benefits for artists and creatives. Additionally, insights from cannabis and cannabinoid research can inform forensic toxicology and drug analysis in understanding these substances' effects on mental health.
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
January 1, 2012
Cédric Mazoyer, Jérémy Carlier, Michel Péoc’h et al.
2 citations
A 27-year-old man with a history of drug addiction died about twelve hours after ingesting powdered iboga root during a detoxification program. The main alkaloids ibogaine and ibogamine were measured in the powder and in biological fluids collected at the scene and during autopsy. Concentrations in peripheral blood taken at the scene, peripheral blood from autopsy, urine, and gastric fluid ranged from 0.65 to 53.5 µg/mL for ibogaine and 0.05 to 4.34 µg/mL for ibogamine. The powder contained 7.2% ibogaine and 0.6% ibogamine. Additional toxicological tests revealed concurrent use of diazepam and methadone, supporting the conclusion that death resulted from a mixed overdose with ibogaine as the primary toxic agent.
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique
August 14, 2022
Bogumila Byrska, Karolina Masier, Roman Stanaszek
1 citation
Ayahuasca, a traditional medicine, shows promise in psychedelic therapies. In a study involving 120 participants, 75% reported significant mood improvements after consumption. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the analysis identified key compounds like harmine and harmaline, essential for understanding ayahuasca's effects. This innovative approach highlights the intersection of analytical chemistry and traditional practices, paving the way for advancements in forensic toxicology and drug analysis. With psychedelics gaining attention, these findings underscore the importance of chemistry in exploring their therapeutic potential.