Indole Alkaloids from Psychoactive Mushrooms: Chemical and Pharmacological Potential as Psychotherapeutic Agents
Erika Plazas, Nicoletta Faraone
Biomedicines February 5, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020461 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Biosynthesis Clinical trials Ergot alkaloids Neuropsychiatric disorders Toxicology Tryptamines Β-carbolines Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Mental health depression Medical studies Pharmacology drug interactions Psychopharmacology Natural |
| Citations | 40 |
| Key findings | Indole alkaloids from magic mushrooms show potential as safe and effective therapeutic agents for neuropsychiatric disorders. |
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress represent a substantial long-term challenge for the global health systems because of their rising prevalence, uncertain neuropathology, and lack of effective pharmacological treatments. The approved existing studies constitute a piece of strong evidence whereby psychiatric drugs have shown to have unpleasant side effects and reduction of sustained tolerability, impacting patients’ quality of life. Thus, the implementation of innovative strategies and alternative sources of bioactive molecules for the search for neuropsychiatric agents are required to guarantee the success of more effective drug candidates. Psychotherapeutic use of indole alkaloids derived from magic mushrooms has shown great interest and potential as an alternative to the synthetic drugs currently used on the market. The focus on indole alkaloids is linked to their rich history, their use as pharmaceuticals, and their broad range of biological properties, collectively underscoring the indole heterocycle as significant in drug discovery. In this review, we aim to report the physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics of indole alkaloids, particularly those derived from magic mushrooms, highlighting the promising application of such active ingredients as safe and effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review General (healthcare, schools, workplace) | 2021 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology | 2018 | Review | |
| Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- Pharmacological and behavioural effects of tryptamines present in psilocybin‐containing mushrooms British Journal of Pharmacology June 2, 2024
- Deciphering psilocybin: Cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory effects, and mechanistic insights International Immunopharmacology February 23, 2024
- Psilocybin and psilocin regulate microglial immunomodulation and support neuroplasticity via serotonergic and AhR signaling. International Immunopharmacology June 26, 2025
- Neurobiology of psilocybin: a comprehensive overview and comparative analysis of experimental models Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience August 5, 2025
- Biological studies of clavine alkaloids targeting CNS receptors Frontiers in Psychiatry November 21, 2023
and 15 more in the library
Cites 55
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness Journal of Psychopharmacology September 28, 2011
- Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder JAMA Psychiatry August 24, 2022
- Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Neuron July 5, 2021
- Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up Journal of Psychopharmacology February 1, 2022
and 50 more in the library