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Whitehurst LN, Morehouse A, Mednick SC. Can stimulants make you smarter, despite stealing your sleep? Trends Cogn Sci 2024:S1364-6613(24)00102-5. [PMID: 38763802 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Nonmedical use of psychostimulants for cognitive enhancement is widespread and growing in neurotypical individuals, despite mixed scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Sleep benefits cognition, yet the interaction between stimulants, sleep, and cognition in neurotypical adults has received little attention. We propose that one effect of psychostimulants, namely decreased sleep, may play an important and unconsidered role in the effect of stimulants on cognition. We discuss the role of sleep in cognition, the alerting effects of stimulants in the context of sleep loss, and the conflicting findings of stimulants for complex cognitive processes. Finally, we hypothesize that sleep may be one unconsidered factor in the mythology of stimulants as cognitive enhancers and propose a methodological approach to systematically assess this relation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Whitehurst
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA, 40508.
| | - Allison Morehouse
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA, 92617
| | - Sara C Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA, 92617.
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2
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Armstrong M, Castellanos J, Christie D. Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1346053. [PMID: 38706873 PMCID: PMC11066302 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1346053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite research advances and urgent calls by national and global health organizations, clinical outcomes for millions of people suffering with chronic pain remain poor. We suggest bringing the lens of complexity science to this problem, conceptualizing chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex biopsychosocial system. We frame pain-related physiology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, learning, and epigenetics as components and mini-systems that interact together and with changing socioenvironmental conditions, as an overarching complex system that gives rise to the emergent phenomenon of chronic pain. We postulate that the behavior of complex systems may help to explain persistence of chronic pain despite current treatments. From this perspective, chronic pain may benefit from therapies that can be both disruptive and adaptive at higher orders within the complex system. We explore psychedelic-assisted therapies and how these may overlap with and complement mindfulness-based approaches to this end. Both mindfulness and psychedelic therapies have been shown to have transdiagnostic value, due in part to disruptive effects on rigid cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns as well their ability to promote neuroplasticity. Psychedelic therapies may hold unique promise for the management of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Armstrong
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Joel Castellanos
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Devon Christie
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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3
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Allen N, Jeremiah A, Murphy R, Sumner R, Forsyth A, Hoeh N, Menkes DB, Evans W, Muthukumaraswamy S, Sundram F, Roop P. LSD increases sleep duration the night after microdosing. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:191. [PMID: 38622150 PMCID: PMC11018829 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02900-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Microdosing psychedelic drugs at a level below the threshold to induce hallucinations is an increasingly common lifestyle practice. However, the effects of microdosing on sleep have not been previously reported. Here, we report results from a Phase 1 randomized controlled trial in which 80 healthy adult male volunteers received a 6-week course of either LSD (10 µg) or placebo with doses self-administered every third day. Participants used a commercially available sleep/activity tracker for the duration of the trial. Data from 3231 nights of sleep showed that on the night after microdosing, participants in the LSD group slept an extra 24.3 min per night (95% Confidence Interval 10.3-38.3 min) compared to placebo-with no reductions of sleep observed on the dosing day itself. There were no changes in the proportion of time spent in various sleep stages or in participant physical activity. These results show a clear modification of the physiological sleep requirements in healthy male volunteers who microdose LSD. The clear, clinically significant changes in objective measurements of sleep observed are difficult to explain as a placebo effect. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of repeated microdoses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in healthy volunteers; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381476 ; ACTRN12621000436875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Allen
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Aron Jeremiah
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Robin Murphy
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Rachael Sumner
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Anna Forsyth
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas Hoeh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - David B Menkes
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - William Evans
- Mana Health, 7 Ruskin St, Parnell, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand
| | - Suresh Muthukumaraswamy
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Frederick Sundram
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Partha Roop
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
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Acero VP, Cribas ES, Browne KD, Rivellini O, Burrell JC, O’Donnell JC, Das S, Cullen DK. Bedside to bench: the outlook for psychedelic research. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1240295. [PMID: 37869749 PMCID: PMC10588653 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1240295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There has recently been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic compounds based on studies demonstrating their potential therapeutic applications in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorders, and treatment-resistant depression. Despite promising efficacy observed in some clinical trials, the full range of biological effects and mechanism(s) of action of these compounds have yet to be fully established. Indeed, most studies to date have focused on assessing the psychological mechanisms of psychedelics, often neglecting the non-psychological modes of action. However, it is important to understand that psychedelics may mediate their therapeutic effects through multi-faceted mechanisms, such as the modulation of brain network activity, neuronal plasticity, neuroendocrine function, glial cell regulation, epigenetic processes, and the gut-brain axis. This review provides a framework supporting the implementation of a multi-faceted approach, incorporating in silico, in vitro and in vivo modeling, to aid in the comprehensive understanding of the physiological effects of psychedelics and their potential for clinical application beyond the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We also provide an overview of the literature supporting the potential utility of psychedelics for the treatment of brain injury (e.g., stroke and traumatic brain injury), neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases), and gut-brain axis dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder). To move the field forward, we outline advantageous experimental frameworks to explore these and other novel applications for psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor P. Acero
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Psychedelics Collaborative, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emily S. Cribas
- Penn Psychedelics Collaborative, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kevin D. Browne
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Olivia Rivellini
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Psychedelics Collaborative, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Justin C. Burrell
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - John C. O’Donnell
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Psychedelics Collaborative, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Suradip Das
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - D. Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2573. [PMID: 37447135 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Traditional therapies, resorting to the use of plants, have acquired a great demand over the years, both for economic reasons and the preference for natural treatments. Some studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial properties in treating some physical and psychological imbalances. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of studies published up to December 2022, where these themes were addressed. The search was carried out in the PubMed database, and only studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Thus, 228 publications were identified, of which 66 were included in the present study. The reviewed studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial effects on various physical and psychological conditions, namely in the treatment of depression, anxiety and various diseases of the neurobiological system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, demonstrating its therapeutic potential. The number of studies that address this issue has also been growing, demonstrating interest in the search for alternative treatments. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review where all the findings of therapeutic effects associated with the consumption of ayahuasca are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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The Altered States Database: Psychometric data from a systematic literature review. Sci Data 2022; 9:720. [PMID: 36418335 PMCID: PMC9684144 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01822-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we present the development of the Altered States Database (ASDB), an open-science project based on a systematic literature review. The ASDB contains psychometric questionnaire data on subjective experiences of altered states of consciousness (ASC) induced by pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. The systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scientific journal articles were identified through PubMed and Web of Science. We included studies that examined ASC using the following validated questionnaires: Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (APZ, 5D-ASC, 11-ASC), Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS), or Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30). The systematic review resulted in the inclusion of a total of 165 journal articles, whereof questionnaire data was extracted and is now available on the Open Science Framework (OSF) website (https://osf.io/8mbru) and on the ASDB website (http://alteredstatesdb.org), where questionnaire data can be easily retrieved and visualized. This data allows the calculation of comparable psychometric values of ASC experiences and of dose-response relationships of substances inducing ASC. Measurement(s) | Psychometric questionnaire data | Technology Type(s) | Systematic literature review (PRISMA) | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Human |
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7
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The neuroprotective and neuroplastic potential of glutamatergic therapeutic drugs in bipolar disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104906. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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8
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Apud I, Scuro J, Carrera I, Oliveri A. Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2022.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ayahuasca's psychological and subjective effects were compared in rituals of two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay.
Aims
Compare, describe and analyze psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca ceremonies in two different groups: a psychospiritual holistic center, and a center specialized in substance use disorder's treatment.
Methods
A mixed qualitative-quantitative study was conducted, using the Hallucinogen Rating Scale for measuring psychological effects, and in-depth interviews for the description of ayahuasca subjective experiences. Data from both techniques were compared, analyzing convergences and differences.
Results
When comparing the two neoshamanic groups, significant differences with a medium-size effect were found in the psychological variables Affect (r = 0.47), Cognition (r = 0.36) and Perception (r = 0.36). The qualitative descriptions of ayahuasca experiences in the group with higher scores in those variables showed more frequent and complex experiences of emotional, cognitive, and perceptive content. Dissimilar results were found when comparing Intensity and Somaesthetic domains, with no significant results in the quantitative part, while in the qualitative part intensity was reported as “soft” in one group, and corporal experiences (e.g., purging effects) were especially manifested.
Conclusions
Stronger subjective experiences and higher psychological effects may be related to differences in the dosage and the setting of the centers. Emotional, cognitive, and perceptive psychological effects of ayahuasca rituals measured by the Hallucinogen Rating Scale, seem to be associated with more frequent and complex subjective experiences in the mentioned domains. Qualitative group differences in corporal alterations and the overall intensity of the experience differed from non-significant results of the quantitative part of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Apud
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de la República Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Scuro
- Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences, Universidad de la República Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ignacio Carrera
- Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andres Oliveri
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de la República Montevideo, Uruguay
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Thomas CW, Blanco-Duque C, Bréant BJ, Goodwin GM, Sharp T, Bannerman DM, Vyazovskiy VV. Psilocin acutely alters sleep-wake architecture and cortical brain activity in laboratory mice. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:77. [PMID: 35197453 PMCID: PMC8866416 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01846-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), profoundly alter the quality of consciousness through mechanisms which are incompletely understood. Growing evidence suggests that a single psychedelic experience can positively impact long-term psychological well-being, with relevance for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. A prominent factor associated with psychiatric disorders is disturbed sleep, and the sleep-wake cycle is implicated in the homeostatic regulation of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent psychedelic agents directly affect sleep, in terms of both acute arousal and homeostatic sleep regulation. Here, chronic electrophysiological recordings were obtained in mice to track sleep-wake architecture and cortical activity after psilocin injection. Administration of psilocin led to delayed REM sleep onset and reduced NREM sleep maintenance for up to approximately 3 h after dosing, and the acute EEG response was associated primarily with an enhanced oscillation around 4 Hz. No long-term changes in sleep-wake quantity were found. When combined with sleep deprivation, psilocin did not alter the dynamics of homeostatic sleep rebound during the subsequent recovery period, as reflected in both sleep amount and EEG slow-wave activity. However, psilocin decreased the recovery rate of sleep slow-wave activity following sleep deprivation in the local field potentials of electrodes targeting the medial prefrontal and surrounding cortex. It is concluded that psilocin affects both global vigilance state control and local sleep homeostasis, an effect which may be relevant for its antidepressant efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Thomas
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cristina Blanco-Duque
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin J. Bréant
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy M. Goodwin
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Trevor Sharp
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David M. Bannerman
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vladyslav V. Vyazovskiy
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Nižnanský Ľ, Nižnanská Ž, Kuruc R, Szórádová A, Šikuta J, Zummerová A. Ayahuasca as a Decoction Applied to Human: Analytical Methods, Pharmacology and Potential Toxic Effects. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1147. [PMID: 35207420 PMCID: PMC8880227 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ahyahuasca is a term commonly used to describe a decoction prepared by cooking the bark or crushed stems of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi (contains β-carbolines) alone or in combination with other plants, most commonly leaves of the shrub Psychotria viridis (contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine-DMT). More than 100 different plants can serve as sources of β-carbolines and DMT, which are the active alkaloids of this decoction, and therefore it is important to know the most accurate composition of the decoction, especially when studying the pharmacology of this plant. The aim was to summarize the latest sensitive methods used in the analysis of the composition of the beverage itself and the analysis of various biological matrices. We compared pharmacokinetic parameters in all of the studies where decoction of ayahuasca was administered and where its composition was known, whereby minimal adverse effects were observed. The therapeutic benefit of this plant is still unclear in the scientific literature, and side effects occur probably on the basis of pre-existing psychiatric disorder. We also described toxicological risks and clinical benefits of ayahuasca intake, which meant that the concentrations of active alkaloids in the decoction or in the organism, often not determined in publications, were required for sufficient evaluation of its effect on the organism. We did not find any post-mortem study, in which the toxicological examination of biological materials together with the autopsy findings would suggest potential lethality of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ľuboš Nižnanský
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Žofia Nižnanská
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Roman Kuruc
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Szórádová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Šikuta
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anežka Zummerová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
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11
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Bouso JC, Andión Ó, Sarris JJ, Scheidegger M, Tófoli LF, Opaleye ES, Schubert V, Perkins D. Adverse effects of ayahuasca: Results from the Global Ayahuasca Survey. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000438. [PMID: 36962494 PMCID: PMC10021266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ayahuasca is a plant-based decoction native to Amazonia, where it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Contemporary ritual use of ayahuasca has been expanding throughout the world for mental health purposes, and for spiritual and personal growth. Although researchers have been conducting clinical trials and observational studies reporting medical and psychological benefits, most of these do not report ayahuasca's immediate or medium-term adverse effects, so these are underrepresented in the literature. With the expansion of ayahuasca ceremonies from their traditional contexts to countries around the world, there is an important public health question regarding the risk/benefit balance of its use. METHODS We used data from an online Global Ayahuasca Survey (n = 10,836) collected between 2017 and 2019 involving participants from more than 50 countries. Principal component analysis was performed to assess group effects. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test for adverse effects associated with history of ayahuasca use, clinical, context of use and spiritual effect variables. RESULTS Acute physical health adverse effects (primarily vomiting) were reported by 69.9% of the sample, with 2.3% reporting the need for subsequent medical attention. Adverse mental health effects in the weeks or months following consumption were reported by 55.9% of the sample, however, around 88% considered such mental health effects as part of a positive process of growth or integration. Around 12% sought professional support for these effects. Physical adverse effects were related to older age at initial use of ayahuasca, having a physical health condition, higher lifetime and last year ayahuasca use, having a previous substance use disorder diagnosis, and taking ayahuasca in a non-supervised context. Mental health adverse effects were positively associated with anxiety disorders; physical health conditions; and the strength of the acute spiritual experience; and negatively associated with consumption in religious settings. CONCLUSIONS While there is a high rate of adverse physical effects and challenging psychological effects from using ayahuasca, they are not generally severe, and most ayahuasca ceremony attendees continue to attend ceremonies, suggesting they perceive the benefits as outweighing any adverse effects. Knowing what variables might predict eventual adverse effects may serve in screening of, or providing additional support for, vulnerable subjects. Improved understanding of the ayahuasca risk/benefit balance can also assist policy makers in decisions regarding potential regulation and public health responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center, Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, University of Rovira I Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Óscar Andión
- Research Sherpas, Mieres (Olot), Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jerome J Sarris
- Psychae Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Melbourne Clinic Professorial Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Violeta Schubert
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Perkins
- Psychae Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Savino A, Nichols CD. Lysergic acid diethylamide induces increased signalling entropy in rats' prefrontal cortex. J Neurochem 2021; 162:9-23. [PMID: 34729786 PMCID: PMC9298798 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs are gaining attention from the scientific community as potential new compounds for the treatment of psychiatric diseases such as mood and substance use disorders. The 5‐HT2A receptor has been identified as the main molecular target, and early studies pointed to an effect on the expression of neuroplasticity genes. Analysing RNA‐seq data from the prefrontal cortex of rats chronically treated with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), we describe the psychedelic‐induced rewiring of gene co‐expression networks, which become less centralised but more complex, with an overall increase in signalling entropy typical of highly plastic systems. Intriguingly, signalling entropy mirrors, at the molecular level, the increased brain entropy reported through neuroimaging studies in human, suggesting the underlying mechanisms of higher‐order phenomena. Moreover, from the analysis of network topology, we identify potential transcriptional regulators and propose the involvement of different cell types in psychedelics’ activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Savino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Charles D Nichols
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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13
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Kiraga MK, Mason NL, Uthaug MV, van Oorsouw KIM, Toennes SW, Ramaekers JG, Kuypers KPC. Persisting Effects of Ayahuasca on Empathy, Creative Thinking, Decentering, Personality, and Well-Being. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:721537. [PMID: 34658861 PMCID: PMC8517265 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.721537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Naturalistic and placebo-controlled studies have suggested that ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian beverage, could be helpful in the treatment of psychopathologies like depression and anxiety disorders by changing otherwise disturbed cognitive and emotional processes. To better understand its full therapeutic potential, one way is to study the effects on processes like flexible thinking, empathy, and well-being, which are normally compromised in stress-related psychopathologies. Materials and Methods: Volunteers attending ayahuasca ceremonies were asked to complete a test battery at three separate occasions: baseline, the morning after, and 1 week after the ceremony. We included the constructs of creative thinking (measured by Picture Concept Test), empathy (Multifaceted Empathy Test), satisfaction with life (Satisfaction with Life Scale), decentering (Experiences Questionnaire), and personality (Big Five Inventory) into the test battery. Additionally, the psychedelic experience was quantified with the Persisting Effects Questionnaire, the Ego Dissolution Scale, and Visual Analogue Scales. Results: In total, 43 attendees (males = 22; females = 21) completed parts of the baseline assessment, 20 (males = 12; females = 8) completed assessments in the morning after the ceremony, and 19 (males = 14; females = 5) completed assessments at the 1-week follow-up. At one and 7 days post-ceremony, cognitive empathy, satisfaction with life, and decentering increased, while divergent thinking (Fluency corrected for Originality) decreased, when compared to baseline. Implicit emotional empathy increased at 1-week follow-up, whereas ratings of the trait neuroticism decreased. Conclusion: The study suggests that a single ingestion of ayahuasca in a social setting is associated with enhancement of subjective well-being, an enhanced ability to take an objective and non-judging stance towards the self (decentering), and the ability to correctly recognize emotions in others, compared to baseline, lasting up to 1 week post-ceremony. To understand the therapeutic potential related to these effects, further research with clinical populations is needed in which these effects can be assessed, including its link with therapeutic outcomes. Together, this will increase our understanding of the effectiveness and breadth of future therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie K Kiraga
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Natasha L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Malin V Uthaug
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kim I M van Oorsouw
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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14
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Newson M, Khurana R, Cazorla F, van Mulukom V. 'I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends' - How Raves Can Invoke Identity Fusion and Lasting Co-operation via Transformative Experiences. Front Psychol 2021; 12:719596. [PMID: 34646208 PMCID: PMC8504457 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.719596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychoactive drugs have been central to many human group rituals throughout modern human evolution. Despite such experiences often being inherently social, bonding and associated prosocial behaviors have rarely been empirically tested as an outcome. Here we investigate a novel measure of the mechanisms that generate altered states of consciousness during group rituals, the 4Ds: dance, drums, sleep deprivation, and drugs. We conducted a retrospective online survey examining experiences at a highly ritualized cultural phenomenon where drug use is relatively uninhibited- raves and illegal free parties. Engaging in the 4Ds at raves or free parties was associated with personal transformation for those who experienced the event as awe-inspiring, especially for people with open personalities (n = 481). Without awe, or a ritual context, indulging in the 4Ds was associated with a lack of personal growth, or anomie. A complex SEM revealed that personal transformation following awe-inspiring raves was associated with bonding to other ravers and prosocial behavior toward this group at a cost to self in a simple economic game. Bonding to humanity was not associated with these events. The findings suggest that employing the 4Ds in a ritualized environment - particularly dancing and drug use - can help build meaningful social bonds with associated positive behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Newson
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ragini Khurana
- Department of Sociology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Cazorla
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie van Mulukom
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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15
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Dudysová D, Janků K, Šmotek M, Saifutdinova E, Kopřivová J, Bušková J, Mander BA, Brunovský M, Zach P, Korčák J, Andrashko V, Viktorinová M, Tylš F, Bravermanová A, Froese T, Páleníček T, Horáček J. The Effects of Daytime Psilocybin Administration on Sleep: Implications for Antidepressant Action. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:602590. [PMID: 33343372 PMCID: PMC7744693 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic agonist psilocybin is a psychedelic with antidepressant potential. Sleep may interact with psilocybin’s antidepressant properties like other antidepressant drugs via induction of neuroplasticity. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of psilocybin on sleep architecture on the night after psilocybin administration. Regarding the potential antidepressant properties, we hypothesized that psilocybin, similar to other classical antidepressants, would reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and prolong REM sleep latency. Moreover, we also hypothesized that psilocybin would promote slow-wave activity (SWA) expression in the first sleep cycle, a marker of sleep-related neuroplasticity. Twenty healthy volunteers (10 women, age 28–53) underwent two drug administration sessions, psilocybin or placebo, in a randomized, double-blinded design. Changes in sleep macrostructure, SWA during the first sleep cycle, whole night EEG spectral power across frequencies in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep, and changes in subjective sleep measures were analyzed. The results revealed prolonged REM sleep latency after psilocybin administration and a trend toward a decrease in overall REM sleep duration. No changes in NREM sleep were observed. Psilocybin did not affect EEG power spectra in NREM or REM sleep when examined across the whole night. However, psilocybin suppressed SWA in the first sleep cycle. No evidence was found for sleep-related neuroplasticity, however, a different dosage, timing, effect on homeostatic regulation of sleep, or other mechanisms related to antidepressant effects may play a role. Overall, this study suggests that potential antidepressant properties of psilocybin might be related to changes in sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dudysová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karolina Janků
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Šmotek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elizaveta Saifutdinova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Kopřivová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jitka Bušková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Bryce Anthony Mander
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Martin Brunovský
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Zach
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Jakub Korčák
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | | | - Michaela Viktorinová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Filip Tylš
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Anna Bravermanová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tom Froese
- Embodied Cognitive Science Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Horáček
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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16
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Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:202-277. [PMID: 33328244 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. Ketamine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in a new class of antidepressants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is undergoing phase III clinical trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated in several phase II and phase I clinical trials. Hence, the concept of psychedelics as therapeutics may be incorporated into modern society. Here, we discuss the main known neurobiological therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, which are thought to be mediated by the effects of these compounds on the serotonergic (via 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors) and glutamatergic [via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors] systems. We focus on 1) neuroplasticity mediated by the modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-, and early growth response-related pathways; 2) immunomodulation via effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, nuclear factor ĸB, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1, 6, and 10 production and release; and 3) modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and norepinephrinergic receptors, transporters, and turnover systems. We discuss arising concerns and ways to assess potential neurobiological changes, dependence, and immunosuppression. Although larger cohorts are required to corroborate preliminary findings, the results obtained so far are promising and represent a critical opportunity for improvement of pharmacotherapies in psychiatry, an area that has seen limited therapeutic advancement in the last 20 years. Studies are underway that are trying to decouple the psychedelic effects from the therapeutic effects of these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating improvement remains limited. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the effects of psychedelic compounds on pathways that modulate neuroplasticity, immunity, and neurotransmitter systems. This work aims to be a reference for psychiatrists who may soon be faced with the possibility of prescribing psychedelic compounds as medications, helping them assess which compound(s) and regimen could be most useful for decreasing specific psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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17
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Whitehurst LN, Mednick SC. Psychostimulants may block long-term memory formation via degraded sleep in healthy adults. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 178:107342. [PMID: 33227506 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sleep is vital for biological function and long-term memory formation, with preferential enhancement of emotionally laden content. A growing trend in healthy young adults is the non-medical use of psychostimulants, or "smart drugs", to prevent sleep and, hopefully, enhance cognition. However, the effect of these drugs on sleep-dependent memory processes are unclear. Here, in a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we investigated the impact of morning administration of dextroamphetamine on memory retention of negative and neutral pictures after 1) 12 h of wake, and 2) 24 h with sleep. After 12-hrs of wake, stimulants increased hit rate for neutral, but not negative, pictures, compared to placebo. No differences in memory discrimination were found. In addition, stimulants impaired nighttime sleep and significantly reduced memory for neutral pictures at 24-hrs, compared to placebo. Again, no performance differences between drug conditions were found for negative pictures. Together, these findings suggest that stimulants impairment of nighttime sleep likely leads to next day memory costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Whitehurst
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, 171 Funkhouser Dr, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
| | - Sara C Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, Irvine, 2201 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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18
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Whitehurst LN, Agosta S, Castaños R, Battelli L, Mednick SC. The impact of psychostimulants on sustained attention over a 24-h period. Cognition 2019; 193:104015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2019.104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Tselha T, Whitehurst LN, Yetton BD, Vo TT, Mednick SC. Morning stimulant administration reduces sleep and overnight working memory improvement. Behav Brain Res 2019; 370:111940. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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20
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Estrella-Parra EA, Almanza-Pérez JC, Alarcón-Aguilar FJ. Ayahuasca: Uses, Phytochemical and Biological Activities. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2019; 9:251-265. [PMID: 31134518 PMCID: PMC6646606 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-019-0210-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Ayahuasca (caapi, yajé), is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a "master plant." It is prepared as a decoction from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, which it is thought that it stimulates creative thinking and visual creativity. Native healers of the Orinoco and Amazon basins have used traditionally ayahuasca as a healing tool for multiple purposes, particularly to treat psychological disorders in the patients, with some beneficial effects experimentally and clinically validated. Recently, several syncretic religions, as the "União de Vegetal" (UDV) group in Brazil, have been spread around the world. The use of ayahuasca has been popularized by internet and smart-shops, bringing the psychoactive substance to new highs, emerging new "ayahuasqueros." Ayahuasca has alkaloids as β-carbolines and dimethyltryptamines, which inhibit the monoamine oxidase and active the 5-HT2A (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor, respectively, resulting in hallucinations in the users. Ayahuasca induces a psychedelic change in the anteroposterior coupling of the electrophysiological brain oscillations in humans. Traditional ayahuasca beverage is generating pharmacological, commercial and spiritual interest among the scientific community, government people, and different populations worldwide. The goal of this article is to report about the uses, chemistry and biological activities of ayahuasca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Antonio Estrella-Parra
- Laboratorio de Farmacología. Dpto. Ciencias de la Salud. Div. C.B.S. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina, 09340, Mexico CDMX, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, Laboratorio de Farmacognosia, Laboratorio de Fisiología Vegetal, Unidad UBIPRO, FES-Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla de Baz, 54090, Mexico CDMX, Mexico
| | - Julio Cesar Almanza-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología. Dpto. Ciencias de la Salud. Div. C.B.S. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina, 09340, Mexico CDMX, Mexico
| | - Francisco Javier Alarcón-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Farmacología. Dpto. Ciencias de la Salud. Div. C.B.S. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa. Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina, 09340, Mexico CDMX, Mexico.
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21
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Hamill J, Hallak J, Dursun SM, Baker G. Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:108-128. [PMID: 29366418 PMCID: PMC6343205 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180125095902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian decoction with psychoactive properties, is made from bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (containing beta-carboline alkaloids) and leaves of the Psychotria viridis bush (supplying the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT). Originally used by indigenous shamans for the purposes of spirit communi-cation, magical experiences, healing, and religious rituals across several South American countries, ayahuasca has been in-corporated into folk medicine and spiritual healing, and several Brazilian churches use it routinely to foster a spiritual experi-ence. More recently, it is being used in Europe and North America, not only for religious or healing reasons, but also for rec-reation. Objective: To review ayahuasca’s behavioral effects, possible adverse effects, proposed mechanisms of action and potential clinical uses in mental illness. Method: We searched Medline, in English, using the terms ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, Banisteriopsis caapi, and Psy-chotria viridis and reviewed the relevant publications. Results: The following aspects of ayahuasca are summarized: Political and legal factors; acute and chronic psychological ef-fects; electrophysiological studies and imaging; physiological effects; safety and adverse effects; pharmacology; potential psychiatric uses. Conclusion: Many years of shamanic wisdom have indicated potential therapeutic uses for ayahuasca, and several present day studies suggest that it may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders and addictions. The side effect profile ap-pears to be relatively mild, but more detailed studies need to be done. Several prominent researchers believe that government regulations with regard to ayahuasca should be relaxed so that it could be provided more readily to recognized, credible re-searchers to conduct comprehensive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hamill
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaime Hallak
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences and Behavior and National Institute of Science and Technology (Translational Medicine), Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Serdar M Dursun
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Glen Baker
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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22
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Kuypers KPC. Psychedelic medicine: The biology underlying the persisting psychedelic effects. Med Hypotheses 2019; 125:21-24. [PMID: 30902145 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have regained interest as therapeutic agents in the treatment of stress-related disorders. The effects seem to be of persisting nature even after a single dose. Also in lower than 'regular' recreational doses, so-called micro-doses, without the typical effects on consciousness, users report beneficial effects on cognitive processes and well-being. The exact neurobiological mechanism underlying these persisting effects is not clear. While previous research has mainly focused on the central nervous system including the immune system and the neuroendocrine system, I propose a central role for sleep and the microbiome in the effects of regular and low doses of psychedelics respectively. It will be explained why this is hypothesized and studies to test this idea proposed. It is concluded that while these studies are needed to understand the biology underlying psychedelic medicine, it is also important to approach it in a holistic way, including all the above mentioned biological processes psychedelics are known to affect, and explore the role of other substance-related factors like route of administration and form, and factors like diet and lifestyle which are part of the psychedelic experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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23
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Dos Santos RG, Bouso JC, Alcázar-Córcoles MÁ, Hallak JEC. Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics for the management of mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:889-902. [PMID: 30102078 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1511424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the population. Although several pharmacological treatments are available, they are not effective for a significant proportion of patients and are associated with several adverse reactions. Therefore, new treatments should be explored. Recent studies suggest that serotonergic hallucinogens/psychedelics including ayahuasca, psilocybin, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have anxiolytic, antidepressive, and antiaddictive effects. Areas Covered: A systematic review of systematic reviews assessing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serotonergic hallucinogens/psychedelic was performed using the PubMed data base until 11 April 2018. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis were analyzed, but only reviews that described at least one randomized controlled trial (RCT) were included. Expert Commentary: Psilocybin and LSD reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients and symptoms of alcohol and tobacco dependence, and ayahuasca reduced depression symptoms in treatment-resistant depression. Although the results are promising, several studies were open label, and only few were RCTs, and most had small sample sizes and a short duration. Single or few doses of these drugs seem to be well tolerated, but long-term studies are lacking. New RCTs with bigger samples and longer duration are needed to replicate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G Dos Santos
- a ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services) , Barcelona , Spain.,b Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School , University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil.,c Translational Medicine , National Institute of Science and Technology , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- a ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Alcázar-Córcoles
- d Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud. Facultad de Psicología , Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- b Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School , University of São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil.,c Translational Medicine , National Institute of Science and Technology , Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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Malcolm BJ, Lee KC. Ayahuasca: An ancient sacrament for treatment of contemporary psychiatric illness? Ment Health Clin 2018; 7:39-45. [PMID: 29955496 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2017.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive sacrament that's been used in Amazonian shamanic rituals for hundreds of years. Ayahuasca is notorious for its psychedelic properties produced from the combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) found in the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and N-N-dimethyltryptamine from Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana. Recently, ritual use of ayahuasca has increased and garnered attention for its potential in treating mental illnesses, such as substance use and depressive disorders. Due to its MAOI properties, there are serious drug interactions that may be of concern among patients who participate in ayahuasca use. The objectives of this paper are to describe ayahuasca's pharmacology, potential drug interactions, and clinical data for its treatment potential in psychiatric illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Malcolm
- Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, Pomona, California,
| | - Kelly C Lee
- Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Associate Dean for Assessment and Accreditation, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California; Residency Program Director, PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency, University of California at San Diego Health, San Diego, California
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Dakic V, Minardi Nascimento J, Costa Sartore R, Maciel RDM, de Araujo DB, Ribeiro S, Martins-de-Souza D, Rehen SK. Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-MeO-DMT. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12863. [PMID: 28993683 PMCID: PMC5634411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dimethyltryptamines are entheogenic serotonin-like molecules present in traditional Amerindian medicine recently associated with cognitive gains, antidepressant effects, and changes in brain areas related to attention. Legal restrictions and the lack of adequate experimental models have limited the understanding of how such substances impact human brain metabolism. Here we used shotgun mass spectrometry to explore proteomic differences induced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) on human cerebral organoids. Out of the 6,728 identified proteins, 934 were found differentially expressed in 5-MeO-DMT-treated cerebral organoids. In silico analysis reinforced previously reported anti-inflammatory actions of 5-MeO-DMT and revealed modulatory effects on proteins associated with long-term potentiation, the formation of dendritic spines, including those involved in cellular protrusion formation, microtubule dynamics, and cytoskeletal reorganization. Our data offer the first insight about molecular alterations caused by 5-MeO-DMT in human cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Dakic
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Minardi Nascimento
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Costa Sartore
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stevens K Rehen
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Correa-Netto NF, Masukawa MY, Nishide F, Galfano GS, Tamura F, Shimizo MK, Marcato MP, Santos JG, Linardi A. An ontogenic study of the behavioral effects of chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 50:e6036. [PMID: 28591379 PMCID: PMC5463532 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20176036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from decoctions of the Banisteriopsis caapi plus Psychotria viridis. In religious contexts, ayahuasca is used by different age groups. However, little is known of the effects of ayahuasca during ontogenic development, particularly with regard to the functional characteristics of the central nervous system. Animal models are useful for studying the ontogenic effects of ayahuasca because they allow exclusion of the behavioral influence associated with the ritualistic use. We investigated the effects of exposure to ayahuasca (1.5 mL/kg, orally, twice a week) on memory and anxiety in C57BL/6 mice, with the post-natal day (PND) being used as the ontogenic criterion for classification: childhood (PND21 to PND35), adolescence (PND35 to PND63), adulthood (PND90-PND118), childhood-adolescence (PND21 to PND63), childhood-adulthood (PND21 to PND118) and adolescence-adulthood (PND35 to PND118). One day after the last ayahuasca exposure, the mice were subjected to the Morris water maze (MWM), open field and elevated plus maze tasks (EPM). Ayahuasca did not affect locomotion in the open field or open arms exploration in the EPM, but increased the risk assessment behavior in the childhood group. Ayahuasca did not cause any change in acquisition of spatial reference memory in the MWM task, but decreased the time spent on the platform quadrant during the test session in the adolescence group. These results suggest that, in mice, exposure to ayahuasca in childhood and adolescence promoted anxiety and memory impairment, respectively. However, these behavioral changes were not long-lasting since they were not observed in the childhood-adulthood and adolescence-adulthood groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- N F Correa-Netto
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - M Y Masukawa
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - F Nishide
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - G S Galfano
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - F Tamura
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - M K Shimizo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - M P Marcato
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - J G Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - A Linardi
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Carbonaro TM, Gatch MB. Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:74-88. [PMID: 27126737 PMCID: PMC5048497 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid widely found in plants and animals. It is best known for producing brief and intense psychedelic effects when ingested. Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous DMT plays important roles for a number of processes in the periphery and central nervous system, and may act as a neurotransmitter. This paper reviews the current literature of both the recreational use of DMT and its potential roles as an endogenous neurotransmitter. Pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action in the periphery and central nervous system, clinical uses and adverse effects are also reviewed. DMT appears to have limited neurotoxicity and other adverse effects except for intense cardiovascular effects when administered intravenously in large doses. Because of its role in nervous system signaling, DMT may be a useful experimental tool in exploring how the brain works, and may also be a useful clinical tool for treatment of anxiety and psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Carbonaro
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael B Gatch
- Center for Neuroscience Discovery University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth, TX, United States.
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Abstract
Hallucinogens fall into several different classes, as broadly defined by pharmacological mechanism of action, and chemical structure. These include psychedelics, entactogens, dissociatives, and other atypical hallucinogens. Although these classes do not share a common primary mechanism of action, they do exhibit important similarities in their ability to occasion temporary but profound alterations of consciousness, involving acute changes in somatic, perceptual, cognitive, and affective processes. Such effects likely contribute to their recreational use. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that these drugs may have therapeutic applications beyond their potential for abuse. This review will present data on several classes of hallucinogens with a particular focus on psychedelics, entactogens, and dissociatives, for which clinical utility has been most extensively documented. Information on each class is presented in turn, tracing relevant historical insights, highlighting similarities and differences between the classes from the molecular to the behavioral level, and presenting the most up-to-date information on clinically oriented research with these substances, with important ramifications for their potential therapeutic value. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Brennan Kersgaard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Peter H. Addy
- Department of Medical Informatics, Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT
- Department of Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Tófoli LF, de Araujo DB. Treating Addiction: Perspectives from EEG and Imaging Studies on Psychedelics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 129:157-85. [PMID: 27503452 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite reports of apparent benefits, social and political pressure beginning in the late 1960s effectively banned scientific inquiry into psychedelic substances. Covert examination of psychedelics persisted through the 1990s; the turn of the century and especially the past 10 years, however, has seen a resurgent interest in psychedelic substances (eg, LSD, ayahuasca, psilocybin). This chapter outlines relevant EEG and brain imaging studies evaluating the effects of psychedelics on the brain. This chapter also reviews evidence of the use of psychedelics as adjunct therapy for a number of psychiatric and addictive disorders. In particular, psychedelics appear to have efficacy in treating depression and alcohol-use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Tófoli
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - D B de Araujo
- Brain Institute/Hospital Universitario Onofre Lopes, UFRN, Natal, Brazil
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Rodríguez Salgado B, Gómez-Arnau Ramírez J, Sánchez Mateos D, Dolengevich Segal H. [Vegetables as new psychoactive drugs: a narrative review]. Medwave 2016; 16:e6372. [PMID: 26937890 DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2016.01.6372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in plants with psychoactive effects among consumers with different levels of experience. This has generated a need for updated knowledge among medical professionals and other health workers. These plants, which may be used in shamanic healing ceremonies or rituals or just for traditional purposes, have emerged in the Western world as new psychoactive drugs; largely thanks to the ease of purchase, sale, cultivation and exchange of information that the Internet offers. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the most important psychoactive plants, either by their mention in Internet forums or harm-reduction portals or by their allusion in scientific texts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rodríguez Salgado
- Centro de Salud Mental de San Blas, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España; Address: Castillo de Ucles 35, San Blas-Canillejas, Madrid, España.
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Pic-Taylor A, da Motta LG, de Morais JA, Junior WM, Santos ADFA, Campos LA, Mortari MR, von Zuben MV, Caldas ED. Behavioural and neurotoxic effects of ayahuasca infusion (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis) in female Wistar rat. Behav Processes 2015; 118:102-10. [PMID: 26049017 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage used by indigenous and religious groups, is generally prepared by the coction of Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi plants containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline alkaloids, respectively. To investigate the acute toxicity of ayahuasca, the infusion was administered by gavage to female Wistar rats at doses of 30X and 50X the dose taken during a religious ritual, and the animals observed for 14 days. Behavioural functions were investigated one hour after dosing at 15X and 30X using the open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming tests. Neuronal activation (c-fos marked neurons) and toxicity (Fluoro-Jade B and Nissl/Cresyl staining) were investigated in the dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN), amygdaloid nucleus, and hippocampal formation brain areas of rats treated with a 30X ayahuasca dose. The actual lethal oral dose in female Wistar rats could not be determined in this study, but was shown to be higher than the 50X (which corresponds to 15.1mg/kg bw DMT). The ayahuasca and fluoxetine treated groups showed a significant decrease in locomotion in the open field and elevated plus-maze tests compared to controls. In the forced swimming test, ayahuasca treated animals swam more than controls, a behaviour that was not significant in the fluoxetine group. Treated animals showed higher neuronal activation in all brain areas involved in serotoninergic neurotransmission. Although this led to some brain injury, no permanent damage was detected. These results suggest that ayahuasca has antidepressant properties in Wistar female at high doses, an effect that should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Pic-Taylor
- Department of Genetic and Morphology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Luciana Gueiros da Motta
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves de Morais
- Department of Genetic and Morphology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Willian Melo Junior
- Department of Genetic and Morphology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Ambrósio Campos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Addy PH, Garcia-Romeu A, Metzger M, Wade J. The subjective experience of acute, experimentally-induced Salvia divinorum inebriation. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:426-35. [PMID: 25691501 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115570081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the overall psychological effects of inebriation facilitated by the naturally-occurring plant hallucinogen Salvia divinorum using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty healthy individuals self-administered Salvia divinorum via combustion and inhalation in a quiet, comfortable research setting. Experimental sessions, post-session interviews, and 8-week follow-up meetings were audio recorded and transcribed to provide the primary qualitative material analyzed here. Additionally, post-session responses to the Hallucinogen Rating Scale provided a quantitative groundwork for mixed-methods discussion. Qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis, being coded independently by three researchers before being collaboratively integrated to provide the final results. Three main themes and 10 subthemes of acute intoxication emerged, encompassing the qualities of the experience, perceptual alterations, and cognitive-affective shifts. The experience was described as having rapid onset and being intense and unique. Participants reported marked changes in auditory, visual, and interoceptive sensory input; losing normal awareness of themselves and their surroundings; and an assortment of delusional phenomena. Additionally, the abuse potential of Salvia divinorum was examined post hoc. These findings are discussed in light of previous research, and provide an initial framework for greater understanding of the subjective effects of Salvia divinorum, an emerging drug of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Addy
- Medical Informatics, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA Department of Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Guimarães dos Santos R. Safety and Side Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans—An Overview Focusing on Developmental Toxicology. J Psychoactive Drugs 2013; 45:68-78. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2013.763564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Barbosa PCR, Mizumoto S, Bogenschutz MP, Strassman RJ. Health status of ayahuasca users. Drug Test Anal 2012; 4:601-9. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Caudevilla-Gálligo F, Riba J, Ventura M, González D, Farré M, Barbanoj MJ, Bouso JC. 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B): presence in the recreational drug market in Spain, pattern of use and subjective effects. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:1026-35. [PMID: 22234927 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111431752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) is a psychoactive analogue of mescaline that is becoming increasingly popular as a rave and club drug. We investigated its presence in the illicit drug market in Spain, its pattern of use and profile of subjective effects. Drug material was analysed for 2C-B and information on pattern of use and subjective effects was obtained from recreational users. Scores were statistically compared with previously collected data on psychostimulants (d-amphetamine), entactogens (MDMA) and psychedelics (ayahuasca and Salvia divinorum). The percentage of samples containing 2C-B doubled between 2006 and 2009, evolved from powder to tablet form and showed low falsification rates. Respondents reported taking 2C-B orally in doses of about 20 mg. Subjective effects involved perceptual modifications analogous to those observed after ayahuasca and salvia but absent after amphetamine and MDMA. Pleasure and sociability effects did not differ from those after MDMA and incapacitation was lower than for the psychedelics used as comparators. In conclusion, we found 2C-B is consistently present in the illicit drug market in Spain. While it elicits perceptual modifications that are analogous to other psychedelics, the lower impairment and higher pleasurable effects make it comparable with entactogens.
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Addy PH. Acute and post-acute behavioral and psychological effects of salvinorin A in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 220:195-204. [PMID: 21901316 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries, and nontraditional use in modern societies is increasing. Inebriation and aftereffects of use are poorly documented in the scientific literature. OBJECTIVES This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study analyzed subjective experiences of salvinorin A (SA) inebriation and consequences of use after 8 weeks. METHODS Thirty middle-aged, well-educated, hallucinogen-experienced participants smoked either 1,017 or 100 μg SA 2 weeks apart in counterbalanced order. Vital signs were recorded before and after inhalation. A researcher rated participants' behavior during sessions. Participants completed the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) assessing inebriation immediately after each session. Differences were analyzed between groups as functions of dose and time. After 8 weeks, participants were interviewed to determine reported consequences and aftereffects. RESULTS Participants talked, laughed, and moved more often on an active dose. All six HRS clusters were significantly elevated on an active dose indicating hallucinogenic experiences. No significant adverse events were observed or reported by participants. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate similarities as well as differences between the subjective effects of S. divinorum and other hallucinogens. As a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, SA may be useful for expanding understanding of the psychopharmacology and psychology of hallucinogenic states beyond serotonergic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Addy
- Schizophrenia Biological Research Center, VA Connecticut HealthCare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
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Dos Santos RG, Valle M, Bouso JC, Nomdedéu JF, Rodríguez-Espinosa J, McIlhenny EH, Barker SA, Barbanoj MJ, Riba J. Autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunological effects of ayahuasca: a comparative study with d-amphetamine. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2011; 31:717-26. [PMID: 22005052 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31823607f6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea combining the 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting β-carboline alkaloids that render DMT orally active. The tea, obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, has traditionally been used for religious, ritual, and medicinal purposes by the indigenous peoples of the region. More recently, the syncretistic religious use of ayahuasca has expanded to the United States and Europe. Here we conducted a double-blind randomized crossover clinical trial to investigate the physiological impact of ayahuasca in terms of autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunomodulatory effects. An oral dose of encapsulated freeze-dried ayahuasca (1.0 mg DMT/kg body weight) was compared versus a placebo and versus a positive control (20 mg d-amphetamine) in a group of 10 healthy volunteers. Ayahuasca led to measurable DMT plasma levels and distinct subjective and neurophysiological effects that were absent after amphetamine. Both drugs increased pupillary diameter, with ayahuasca showing milder effects. Prolactin levels were significantly increased by ayahuasca but not by amphetamine, and cortisol was increased by both, with ayahuasca leading to the higher peak values. Ayahuasca and amphetamine induced similar time-dependent modifications in lymphocyte subpopulations. Percent CD4 and CD3 were decreased, whereas natural killer cells were increased. Maximum changes occurred around 2 hours, returning to baseline levels at 24 hours. In conclusion, ayahuasca displayed moderate sympathomimetic effects, significant neuroendocrine stimulation, and a time-dependent modulatory effect on cell-mediated immunity. Future studies on the health impact of long-term ayahuasca consumption should consider the assessment of immunological status in regular users.
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Alonso JF, Mañanas MA, Romero S, Hoyer D, Riba J, Barbanoj MJ. Drug effect on EEG connectivity assessed by linear and nonlinear couplings. Hum Brain Mapp 2010; 31:487-97. [PMID: 19894215 PMCID: PMC6870649 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Revised: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of human electroencephalogram (EEG) is a valuable method for evaluating psychopharmacological agents. Although the effects of different drug classes on EEG spectra are already known, interactions between brain locations remain unclear. In this work, cross mutual information function and appropriate surrogate data were applied to assess linear and nonlinear couplings between EEG signals. The main goal was to evaluate the pharmacological effects of alprazolam on brain connectivity during wakefulness in healthy volunteers using a cross-over, placebo-controlled design. Eighty-five pairs of EEG leads were selected for the analysis, and connectivity was evaluated inside anterior, central, and posterior zones of the scalp. Connectivity between these zones and interhemispheric connectivity were also measured. Results showed that alprazolam induced significant changes in EEG connectivity in terms of information transfer in comparison with placebo. Trends were opposite depending on the statistical characteristics: decreases in linear connectivity and increases in nonlinear couplings. These effects were generally spread over the entire scalp. Linear changes were negatively correlated, and nonlinear changes were positively correlated with drug plasma concentrations; the latter showed higher correlation coefficients. The use of both linear and nonlinear approaches revealed the importance of assessing changes in EEG connectivity as this can provide interesting information about psychopharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan F Alonso
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Department of Automatic Control, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
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