This article presents findings of the study on the role and characteristics of contemporary psychedelic facilitation in shamanic and ceremonial settings, with facilitators who work alongside Indigenous shamans in their country of origin. While interest in psychedelics has increased in recent years, there is a paucity of studies that have focused on the process of facilitation within these...
Background: Results from contemporary clinical trials of serotonergic psychedelic therapies have led to an increasing focus on their potential clinical use across mental disorders. However, studies examining mechanisms of clinical response to psychedelic therapy in psychiatric populations are limited. This review aimed to synthesize evidence from studies examining biomarkers of clinical...
This study explores how individuals from ethnoracially marginalized backgrounds engage with psychedelic substances for psychological healing, cultural reconnection, and resistance to structural neglect in mainstream health care systems. Based on 23 in-depth interviews and participant-observation within a psychedelic preparation and integration training program, the research documents how...
Psychedelics have a profound potential to catalyze psychological transformation and support traditional cultures and ways of life. However, many naturally occurring psychoactive plants and animals are facing threats from climate change, habitat loss and other anthropogenic pressures like overharvesting. In this narrative review we examine the conservation issues pertaining to some of the most...
Both meditation and psychedelics are widely studied for their therapeutic potential in mental health. Recent research suggests potential synergies between mindfulness practice and psychedelics, though empirical studies have primarily focused on psilocybin. This study investigates the distinct and combined effects of mindfulness practice and an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing...
Major depression affects about 280 million people worldwide and costs around 326 billion dollars per year in the United States, though the standard medications take 2-3 months to take effect, so faster and longer-lasting treatments are needed.Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, DMT or ayahuasca, LSD, and mescaline can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms after only one or two doses,...
Pharmaceutical ScienceAugust 27, 2025Guilllermo Castaño-perez, Sara Isabel Castaño-ocampo
The resurgence of research on the use of psychedelic substances for the treatment of mental disorders and addictions has generated significant interest in the scientific and clinical communities. This chapter examines the current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and limitations of psychedelics in the treatment of these conditions. Studies investigating the use of psychedelics as monotherapy...
Brain SciencesAugust 21, 2025Dean Bilenker, Nicole M. Avena2 citations
Recent advances in psychedelic research have renewed interest in their therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive and behavioral rigidity. This review examines the rationale for using serotonergic psychedelics—particularly 5-HT2A receptor agonists such as psilocybin—in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN),...
Introduction: Ayahuasca is a psychedelic compound of N, N, Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids used for spiritual and medicinal applications in traditional settings. A range of potential psychotherapeutic mechanisms have been proposed for ayahuasca. These are thought to contribute to improvements in various psychiatric conditions including mood disorders and substance dependence....
Chapter 7 examines the rich and surprising history of psychedelics and religious life in the Americas, and in modern American life. The sacred drugs du jour now and likely into the future are psychedelics. LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, ayahuasca, and mescaline are several of the organic and synthetic psychoactive, serotonergic agents that have entered popular consciousness and are in the process...