This systematic review investigates the effects of the ayahuasca beverage (Aya) in various animal models. Using the PRISMA protocol and adhering to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, a comprehensive selection of 2,359 documents was identified from the Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases between 2012 and 2022. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were...
The 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is one of the key targets in the development of novel antidepressants. To develop new antidepressants targeting the 5-HT2A receptor, this study established a high-throughput screening method for drugs targeting the 5-HT2A receptor based on the principle of detecting calcium flux signals. The immunofluorescence assay and western blotting were...
Background: While psychedelics are often claimed to enhance creativity, their precise effects on distinct stages of creative cognition remain poorly understood. This study investigated the acute effects of an ayahuasca-inspired formulation combining N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine (DMT/HAR), as well as harmine alone (HAR), on micro-level (divergent/convergent thinking) and macro-level...
While psychedelics are often claimed to enhance creativity, their precise effects on distinct stages of creative cognition remain poorly understood. This study investigated the acute effects of an ayahuasca-inspired formulation combining N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine (DMT/HAR), as well as harmine alone (HAR), on micro-level (divergent/convergent thinking) and macro-level (creative...
Abstract Background Maladaptive motivational memory (MMM) is the term given to a learned association between environmental predictors of reward (cues) and the receipt of rewarding stimuli (reward). A key characteristic of MMMs is that they drive excessive consumption behaviours in a variety of disorders such as substance use disorders (SUDs) and behavioural addictions. MMMs underlie the...
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew composed primarily of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, drawing increasing interest for its psychedelic effects and potential therapeutic applications. Its pharmacological action is based on the synergistic combination of β-carbolines (harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline), which act as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A...
This viewpoint reconceptualizes mysticism and fundamentalism as brain network disorders, with psychedelics like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine offering potential to modulate these states. By disrupting rigid neural patterns, psychedelics may foster cognitive flexibility, challenge inflexible belief systems, and offer therapeutic value for extremism and mental...
Background: Although classic psychedelic trials show therapeutic potential, the limited diversity of participants raises concerns about generalizability and safety. Aims: This study assesses the representation of race, ethnicity, and sex in interventional clinical trials of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to evaluate disparities in participant diversity. Methods: We conducted a...
Background: Classic serotonergic psychedelics are 5-HT2A partial agonists that induce non-ordinary states of consciousness. Many have demonstrated anti-addictive properties; however, their impact on smoking behaviors remains under-researched. This review provides a synthesis of the therapeutic potential of these compounds in promoting smoking cessation and reduction. Methods: A systematic...
Abstract Psychedelic drug use is experiencing a global resurgence, both in clinical research and community settings. This paper presents a comprehensive public health analysis of the naturalistic use of psychedelics—defined as use outside clinical or research environments. Drawing on a review of 104 peer-reviewed articles, this analysis evaluates the mental, physical, and social outcomes...