Plant-derived hallucinogens: neuropharmacological properties and psychoactive mechanisms — a narrative review
Folia Medica Cracoviensia October 10, 2025 Angelika Ziaja, Ewa Niedzielska, Krzysztof Ciszkowski et al.
Natural hallucinogens from plants have been used for centuries in religious, shamanic, and traditional medicine. These compounds vary widely in their mechanisms of action, receptor interactions, and effects. While they are misused globally for altered states of consciousness, some show pharmacological promise for treating anxiety, depression, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes literature from 1998 to 2025 on plant-derived hallucinogens, focusing on their biological activity and neuropharmacological properties. Their activity across multiple neurotransmitter systems offers potential for new treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, but further research is needed to understand their mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects.