Universität Zürich, ZORA
June 1, 2026
Klemens Egger, Robert Bozsak, Helena D Aicher et al.
A psychedelic dose of DMT combined with the MAO-A inhibitor harmine, mimicking ayahuasca, globally increased cerebral glucose metabolism by 12.5% compared to placebo in 14 healthy males. Scans acquired during peak drug effects using FDG-PET showed widespread cortical increases, particularly in higher-order brain networks. Higher harmine plasma levels correlated with greater global glucose metabolism, while DMT levels and subjective intensity did not. This metabolic signature recapitulates a classic finding for psilocybin, suggesting a potential hallmark of the psychedelic state.
Universität Zürich, ZORA
October 10, 2025
Wolfgang Emanuel Zürrer, Lionel Wettstein, Helena Aicher et al.
Salvinorin A, the main psychoactive compound in Salvia divinorum and a potent kappa opioid receptor agonist, has been tested in animal models of pain, stroke, addiction, and depression. It shows anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-addictive effects. However, findings on depression are inconsistent, with both antidepressant and depressogenic outcomes reported. Toxicity data indicate anxiogenic effects and motor and cognitive impairment, with minimal impact on vital parameters. Pharmacokinetic data show rapid onset, fast peak, and a half-life of about one hour. Sixteen structurally distinct analogues were identified with potentially improved safety and pharmacokinetic profiles.
Universität Zürich, ZORA
September 29, 2025
Egger, Klemens, Meling, Daniel, Polat, Firuze et al.
Meditation alone increased network segregation in the brain, while a combination of meditation and a DMT–harmine formulation (an ayahuasca-inspired compound) increased connectivity within the visual network and between visual and attention networks. Forty meditation practitioners participated in a 3-day retreat and were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or buccal DMT–harmine. Brain scans taken before and after showed no lasting disruption of cortical gradients, indicating brain organization returned to typical patterns shortly after the psychedelic experience. These distinct neural effects suggest meditation and psychedelic-augmented meditation engage different mechanisms, warranting further study of their combined therapeutic potential.