Neuroestimulantes naturales: de rituales ancestrales a terapias de vanguardia

Psilocybin from magic mushrooms and 5-MeO-DMT from the Incilius alvarius toad, used ancestrally in Mexican spiritual rituals, are now recognized as promising therapies for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant addictions. These substances act on serotonin receptors and stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and overcome negative mental patterns. Although further clinical studies are needed, their traditional use inspires therapies that integrate ancestral knowledge with modern science to improve emotional well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

La psilocibina, presente en los “hongos mágicos”, y la 5-MeO-DMT, secretada por el sapo Incilius alvarius, fueron empleadas ancestralmente en rituales espirituales en México. Hoy, la ciencia las reconoce como terapias prometedoras contra depresión, ansiedad, estrés postraumático y adicciones resistentes a tratamientos convencionales. Actúan sobre receptores de serotonina y estimulan la neuroplasticidad, favoreciendo la adaptación y la superación de patrones mentales negativos. Aunque se requieren más estudios clínicos, su uso ancestral inspira terapias innovadoras que integran tradición y ciencia para mejorar el bienestar emocional (Kishon et al., 2024). Abstract Psilocybin, found in “magic mushrooms,” and 5-MeO-DMT, secreted by the Incilius alvarius toad, were ancestrally used in spiritual rituals in Mexico. Today, science recognizes them as promising therapies for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addictions resistant to conventional treatments. They act on serotonin receptors and stimulate neuroplasticity, promoting adaptation and the overcoming of negative mental patterns. Although further clinical studies are needed, their ancestral use inspires innovative therapies that integrate tradition and science to improve mental health (Kishon et al., 2024).