New therapeutic potential for psychoactive natural products
Katherine M Prevatt-Smith, Thomas E Prisinzano
Natural Product Reports October 26, 2009 DOI: 10.1039/b912196j (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Natural archaeology Disease Cognitive science |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key findings | Mind-altering natural products have historically advanced neuroscience and continue to offer potential for developing new treatments for CNS disorders. |
Abstract
Much of our knowledge in neuroscience was discovered through the study of mind-altering natural products. However, although much has been learned about human physiology and basic biological processes, the underlying causes of CNS disorders and other disease states are still elusive. Based on its main past successes, the continued study of mind-altering compounds promises to yield novel agents that may be developed into medications and to identify new targets for the treatment of diseases. This Highlight describes the history of investigations into several classes of mind-altering natural products and relates recent and potential therapeutic uses for these agents.