Four compounds derived from (2R,6R;2S,6S)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) were tested for antidepressant effects in mice. In the forced swimming test, mice given 10 mg of HNK, compound I5, or compound I6 showed significantly less immobility time at 1 hour and 7 days compared to saline controls. Compounds C and D also reduced immobility in a glass cylinder test. In the locomotor sensitization test, compounds C and D increased movement distance on days 7 and 15 relative to day 1. Both compounds induced conditioned place preference, indicating rewarding effects. The results suggest compounds C and D may have some antidepressant activity, while HNK itself produced a rapid but short-lived antidepressant effect within one week.
Experienced practitioners of a meditation technique called Meditation on the Essence of Self (Gurusakásha), which uses visualization and mantra from the Indian tantric tradition, show lower perceived stress, higher resilience, greater empathic concern, better quality of life, and a healthier lifestyle profile compared to non-meditators matched for age, gender, and education. The study compared 23 meditation experts with 29 controls and assessed stress, resilience, mood, empathy, quality of life, and lifestyle. The findings suggest that this form of meditation is associated with improved psychological well-being and quality of life.