Making Sense of Psychedelics in the CNS

Psychedelic compounds from natural sources have been consumed for centuries. Modern scientists now use computational tools, cellular assays, and behavioral metrics to study how these compounds cause changes across molecular, cellular, circuit, and system levels. This paper reviews the history of psychedelics in science, medicine, and culture, outlines current pharmacological research techniques, and identifies gaps in knowledge about the physiological changes induced by psychedelics, the limits of their therapeutic potential, and how to improve treatments becoming accessible worldwide.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract For centuries, ancient lineages have consumed psychedelic compounds from natural sources. In the modern era, scientists have since harnessed the power of computational tools, cellular assays, and behavioral metrics to study how these compounds instigate changes on molecular, cellular, circuit-wide, and system levels. Here, we provide a brief history of psychedelics and their use in science, medicine, and culture. We then outline current techniques for studying psychedelics from a pharmacological perspective. Finally, we address known gaps in the field and potential avenues of further research to broaden our collective understanding of physiological changes induced by psychedelics, the limits of their therapeutic capabilities, and how researchers can improve and inform treatments that are rapidly becoming accessible worldwide.