Pharmaceutical science.
December 9, 2025
Marco Otto Toscano, Serena Chiara Civardi, Federico Durbano
Psychedelics, studied since the 1800s, are seeing renewed scientific interest after decades of prohibition. Research points to their therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders and their usefulness for studying brain networks and consciousness. This chapter reviews the history, traditional uses, mechanisms, and clinical evidence for ayahuasca, mescaline, psilocybin, ibogaine, and LSD. It also covers regulatory and ethical issues like informed consent and cultural respect, and discusses debates on ego dissolution and 'non-subjective psychedelics.' Psychedelics are described as 'molecules of complexity' that integrate biological, psychological, and social dimensions, suggesting a paradigm shift in psychiatry. However, the data remain preliminary and not unequivocal; excessive enthusiasm could expose people to more risks than benefits if research is not rigorous.
Pharmaceutical science.
October 13, 2025
Berta Fumàs, David Pubill, Raúl López‐arnau et al.
Substance use disorder is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, with current treatments like methadone carrying risks of dependency and overdose. Psychedelics such as psilocybin and ibogaine are being explored as potential treatments, possibly working through neuroplasticity, altered brain connectivity, and psychological experiences that support behavioral change. This chapter reviews mechanisms, clinical evidence, and future prospects for using psychedelics in substance use disorder treatment.
Pharmaceutical science.
August 27, 2025
Guilllermo Castaño-perez, Sara Isabel Castaño-ocampo
Psilocybin shows efficacy in treatment-resistant depression and cancer-associated anxiety, while MDMA combined with psychotherapy shows promise for post-traumatic stress disorder. For addictions, psilocybin is effective for alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence, and ayahuasca shows potential for various substance use disorders. The evidence on efficacy, safety, and limitations of psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ayahuasca as monotherapy or in combination with assisted therapies is reviewed.
Pharmaceutical science.
August 19, 2025
Afshan Zeeshan Wasti
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD disrupt brain networks involved in self-awareness and emotion, leading to altered perception, cognition, and social behavior. These drugs amplify emotions, dissolve the ego, and increase sensory vividness—a phenomenon called tripping—which carries hazards such as anxiety and perceptual distortions, yet can also promote empathy, creativity, and psychological openness. Emerging research indicates that destabilizing the brain's default mode network may have prosocial effects but also impair judgment, affecting mental health. Unsupervised use remains dangerous due to unpredictable psychological and physiological effects.
Pharmaceutical science.
August 1, 2025
Melissa Ortega
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew combining Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, produces psychedelic effects through a synergistic pharmacological action: β-carbolines (harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline) inhibit monoamine oxidase A, allowing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to reach active levels in the central nervous system and act as a serotonergic agonist at 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors. Preclinical studies and early clinical trials suggest antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroplastic benefits, with no evidence of dependence or significant tolerance. Risks include psychotic episodes, hazardous interactions with SSRIs, potential serotonin syndrome, nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular changes. The authors argue that controlled clinical research is essential to establish safety, efficacy, and toxicological profile.