New therapeutic potential for psychoactive natural products
Katherine M. Prevatt‐Smith, Thomas E. Prisinzano
Natural Product Reports October 26, 2009 DOI: 10.1039/b912196j via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMuch of neuroscience knowledge has come from studying mind-altering natural products, yet the underlying causes of CNS disorders remain elusive. Past successes suggest that continued investigation of these compounds can yield novel medications and identify new therapeutic targets. This Highlight reviews the history of research into several classes of mind-altering natural products and discusses their recent and potential therapeutic applications.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Natural archaeology Disease Neuroscience Cognitive science Psychology |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key finding | Mind-altering natural products have historically advanced neuroscience and continue to offer potential for developing new treatments for CNS disorders. |
Abstract
Much of our knowledge in neuroscience was discovered through the study of mind-altering natural products. However, although much has been learned about human physiology and basic biological processes, the underlying causes of CNS disorders and other disease states are still elusive. Based on its main past successes, the continued study of mind-altering compounds promises to yield novel agents that may be developed into medications and to identify new targets for the treatment of diseases. This Highlight describes the history of investigations into several classes of mind-altering natural products and relates recent and potential therapeutic uses for these agents.