# publications

authors: Winkelman MJ.
publication_date: 2021-02-22
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.619890
pubmed_id: 33732156
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.619890
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Aging,Personality Change,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
The Evolved Psychology of Psychedelic Set and Setting: Inferences Regarding the Roles of Shamanism and Entheogenic Ecopsychology.

abstract:
This review illustrates the relevance of shamanism and its evolution under effects of psilocybin as a framework for identifying evolved aspects of psychedelic set and setting. Effects of 5HT2 psychedelics on serotonin, stress adaptation, visual systems and personality illustrate adaptive mechanisms through which psychedelics could have enhanced hominin evolution as an environmental factor influencing selection for features of our evolved psychology. Evolutionary psychology perspectives on ritual, shamanism and psychedelics provides bases for inferences regarding psychedelics' likely roles in hominin evolution as exogenous neurotransmitter sources through their effects in selection for innate dispositions for psychedelic set and setting. Psychedelics stimulate ancient brain structures and innate modular thought modules, especially self-awareness, other awareness, "mind reading," spatial and visual intelligences. The integration of these innate modules are also core features of shamanism. Cross-cultural research illustrates shamanism is an empirical phenomenon of foraging societies, with its ancient basis in collective hominid displays, ritual alterations of consciousness, and endogenous healing responses. Shamanic practices employed psychedelics and manipulated extrapharmacological effects through stimulation of serotonin and dopamine systems and augmenting processes of the reptilian and paleomammalian brains. Differences between chimpanzee maximal displays and shamanic rituals reveal a zone of proximal development in hominin evolution. The evolution of the mimetic capacity for enactment, dance, music, and imitation provided central capacities underlying shamanic performances. Other chimp-human differences in ritualized behaviors are directly related to psychedelic effects and their integration of innate modular thought processes. Psychedelics and other ritual alterations of consciousness stimulate these and other innate responses such as soul flight and death-and-rebirth experiences. These findings provided bases for making inferences regarding foundations of our evolved set, setting and psychology. Shamanic setting is eminently communal with singing, drumming, dancing and dramatic displays. Innate modular thought structures are prominent features of the set of shamanism, exemplified in animism, animal identities, perceptions of spirits, and psychological incorporation of spirit others. A shamanic-informed psychedelic therapy includes: a preparatory set with practices such as sexual abstinence, fasting and dream incubation; a set derived from innate modular cognitive capacities and their integration expressed in a relational animistic worldview; a focus on internal imagery manifesting a presentational intelligence; and spirit relations involving incorporation of animals as personal powers. Psychedelic research and treatment can adopt this shamanic biogenetic paradigm to optimize set, setting and ritual frameworks to enhance psychedelic effects.

raw_json:
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title: Chemistry and Toxicology of Major Bioactive Substances in Inocybe Mushrooms.
authors: Patocka J, Wu R, Nepovimova E, Valis M, Wu W, Kuca K.
publication_date: 2021-02-22
doi: 10.3390/ijms22042218
pubmed_id: 33672330
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042218
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Review Article,Toxicity
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Mushroom poisoning has always been a threat to human health. There are a large number of reports about ingestion of poisonous mushrooms every year around the world. It attracts the attention of researchers, especially in the aspects of toxin composition, toxic mechanism and toxin application in poisonous mushroom. Inocybe is a large genus of mushrooms and contains toxic substances including muscarine, psilocybin, psilocin, aeruginascin, lectins and baeocystin. In order to prevent and remedy mushroom poisoning, it is significant to clarify the toxic effects and mechanisms of these bioactive substances. In this review article, we summarize the chemistry, most known toxic effects and mechanisms of major toxic substances in Inocybe mushrooms, especially muscarine, psilocybin and psilocin. Their available toxicity data (different species, different administration routes) published formerly are also summarized. In addition, the treatment and medical application of these toxic substances in Inocybe mushrooms are also discussed. We hope that this review will help understanding of the chemistry and toxicology of Inocybe mushrooms as well as the potential clinical application of its bioactive substances to benefit human beings.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Agaricales, Mushroom Poisoning, Muscarine, Tryptamines, Organophosphorus Compounds, Lectins, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Castro Santos H, Gama Marques J.
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000128
pubmed_id: 33884324
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000128
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
What is the clinical evidence on psilocybin for the treatment of psychiatric disorders? A systematic review.

abstract:
BackgroundPsilocybin is a predominant agonist of 5HT1A and 5HT2A/C receptors and was first isolated in 1958, shortly before it became a controlled substance. Research on the potential therapeutic effects of this compound has recently re-emerged alongside what is being addressed as a psychedelic renaissance.MethodsIn this paper we performed a systematic review of the clinical trials conducted so far regarding the therapeutic effects of psilocybin on psychiatric disorders. The eligibility criteria included clinical trials that assessed psilocybin's potential therapeutic effects on patients with psychiatric disorders. Nine hundred seven articles were found and screened in regard to the title, from which 94 were screened through abstract and 9 met the eligibility criteria and were included.ResultsThe papers published focused on 3 disorders: depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorder (namely tobacco and alcohol). Psilocybin has shown a relatively safe profile and very promising results, with reductions found on most of the psychiatric rating scales' scores. Research on depression showed the most solid evidence, supported by 3 randomized controlled trials. Studies on OCD and substance use disorder showed more limitations due to their open-label design.ConclusionsAltogether, the results from the studies reviewed in this paper suggest a substantial therapeutic potential. This calls for further research to confirm the results observed so far and further explain the underlying mechanisms.

topic_tags:
Depression,Addiction,OCD,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article

raw_json:
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publication_date: 2021-02-02
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.586682
pubmed_id: 33643087
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.586682
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Development and Evaluation of a Therapist Training Program for Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Clinical Research.

authors:
Tai SJ, Nielson EM, Lennard-Jones M, Johanna Ajantaival RL, Winzer R, Richards WA, Reinholdt F, Richards BD, Gasser P, Malievskaia E.

abstract:
Introduction: Psychological support throughout psilocybin therapy is mandated by regulators as an essential part of ensuring participants' physical and psychological safety. There is an increased need for specially trained therapists who can provide high-quality care to participants in clinical studies. This paper describes the development and practical implementation of a therapist training program of psychological support within a current phase IIb international, multicenter, randomized controlled study of psilocybin therapy for people experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Description of Training Program: This new and manualized approach, based on current evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, was developed in partnership with different mental health researchers, practitioners, and experts; and has been approved by the FDA. Training consists of four components: an online learning platform; in-person training; applied clinical training; and ongoing individual mentoring and participation in webinars.This paper provides a brief overview of the method of support, the rationale and methodology of the training program, and describes each stage of training. The design and implementation of fidelity procedures are also outlined. Lessons Learned: As part of the phase IIb study of psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression, 65 health care professionals have been fully trained as therapists and assisting therapists, across the US, Canada and Europe. Therapists provided informal feedback on the training program. Feedback indicates that the didactic and experiential interactive learning, delivered through a combination of online and in-person teaching, helped therapists build conceptual understanding and skill development in the therapeutic approach. Clinical training and engagement in participant care, under the guidance of experienced therapists, were considered the most beneficial and challenging aspects of the training. Conclusions: Clinical training for therapists is essential for ensuring consistently high-quality psilocybin therapy. Development of a rigorous, effective and scalable training methodology has been possible through a process of early, active and ongoing collaborations between mental health experts. To maximize impact and meet phase III and post-approval need, enhanced online learning and establishing pathways for clinical training are identified as critical points for quality assurance. This will require close public, academic and industry collaboration.

topic_tags:
Depression,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety

raw_json:
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authors: De Gregorio D, Aguilar-Valles A, Preller KH, Heifets BD, Hibicke M, Mitchell J, Gobbi G.
publication_date: 2020-11-29
doi: 10.1523/jneurosci.1659-20.2020
pubmed_id: 33257322
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.1659-20.2020
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Pharmacology,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine.

abstract:
A revamped interest in the study of hallucinogens has recently emerged, especially with regard to their potential application in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In the last decade, a plethora of preclinical and clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of depression. More recently, emerging evidence has pointed out the potential therapeutic properties of psilocybin and LSD, as well as their ability to modulate functional brain connectivity. Moreover, MDMA, a compound belonging to the family of entactogens, has been demonstrated to be useful to treat post-traumatic stress disorders. In this review, the pharmacology of hallucinogenic compounds is summarized by underscoring the differences between psychedelic and nonpsychedelic hallucinogens as well as entactogens, and their behavioral effects in both animals and humans are described. Together, these data substantiate the potentials of these compounds in treating mental diseases.

keywords:
Brain, Animals, Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33257322","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Galvão-Coelho NL, Marx W, Gonzalez M, Sinclair J, de Manincor M, Perkins D, Sarris J.
publication_date: 2021-01-10
doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05719-1
pubmed_id: 33427944
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05719-1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Classic serotonergic psychedelics for mood and depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis of mood disorder patients and healthy participants.

abstract:
RationaleMajor depressive disorder is one of the leading global causes of disability, for which the classic serotonergic psychedelics have recently reemerged as a potential therapeutic treatment option.ObjectiveWe present the first meta-analytic review evaluating the clinical effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics vs placebo for mood state and symptoms of depression in both healthy and clinical populations (separately).ResultsOur search revealed 12 eligible studies (n = 257; 124 healthy participants, and 133 patients with mood disorders), with data from randomized controlled trials involving psilocybin (n = 8), lysergic acid diethylamide ([LSD]; n = 3), and ayahuasca (n = 1). The meta-analyses of acute mood outcomes (3 h to 1 day after treatment) for healthy volunteers and patients revealed improvements with moderate significant effect sizes in favor of psychedelics, as well as for the longer-term (16 to 60 days after treatments) mood state of patients. For patients with mood disorder, significant effect sizes were detected on the acute, medium (2-7 days after treatment), and longer-term outcomes favoring psychedelics on the reduction of depressive symptoms.ConclusionDespite the concerns over unblinding and expectancy, the strength of the effect sizes, fast onset, and enduring therapeutic effects of these psychotherapeutic agents encourage further double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials assessing them for management of negative mood and depressive symptoms.

keywords:
Humans, Banisteriopsis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Treatment Outcome, Double-Blind Method, Depression, Affect, Mood Disorders, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Serotonin Receptor Agonists, Healthy Volunteers, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

topic_tags:
Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Meta-Analysis,Review Article,Healthy Volunteers

raw_json:
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authors: Andersen KAA, Carhart-Harris R, Nutt DJ, Erritzoe D.
publication_date: 2020-11-30
doi: 10.1111/acps.13249
pubmed_id: 33125716
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13249
keywords: Humans, Alcoholism, Hallucinogens, Anxiety Disorders, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,OCD,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern-era clinical studies.

abstract:
ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of modern-era (post-millennium) clinical studies assessing the therapeutic effects of serotonergic psychedelics drugs for mental health conditions. Although the main focus was on efficacy and safety, study characteristics, duration of antidepressants effects across studies, and the role of the subjective drug experiences were also reviewed and presented.MethodA systematic literature search (1 Jan 2000 to 1 May 2020) was conducted in PubMed and PsychINFO for studies of patients undergoing treatment with a serotonergic psychedelic.ResultsData from 16 papers, representing 10 independent psychedelic-assisted therapy trials (psilocybin = 7, ayahuasca = 2, LSD = 1), were extracted, presented in figures and tables, and narratively synthesized and discussed. Across these studies, a total of 188 patients suffering either cancer- or illness-related anxiety and depression disorders (C/I-RADD), major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or substance use disorder (SUD) were included. The reviewed studies established feasibility and evidence of safety, alongside promising early data of efficacy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD, and tobacco and alcohol use disorders. For a majority of patients, the therapeutic effects appeared to be long-lasting (weeks-months) after only 1 to 3 treatment session(s). All studies were conducted in line with guidelines for the safe conduct of psychedelic therapy, and no severe adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe resurrection of clinical psychedelic research provides early evidence for treatment efficacy and safety for a range of psychiatric conditions, and constitutes an exciting new treatment avenue in a health area with major unmet needs.

raw_json:
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authors: Gotvaldová K, Hájková K, Borovička J, Jurok R, Cihlářová P, Kuchař M.
publication_date: 2020-11-03
doi: 10.1002/dta.2950
pubmed_id: 33119971
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2950
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Stability of psilocybin and its four analogs in the biomass of the psychotropic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis.

abstract:
Psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin are tryptamines structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Psilocybin and its pharmacologically active metabolite psilocin in particular are known for their psychoactive effects. These substances typically occur in most species of the genus Psilocybe (Fungi, Strophariaceae). Even the sclerotia of some of these fungi known as "magic truffles" are of growing interest in microdosing due to them improving cognitive function studies. In addition to microdosing studies, psilocybin has also been applied in clinical studies, but only its pure form has been administrated so far. Moreover, the determination of tryptamine alkaloids is used in forensic analysis. In this study, freshly cultivated fruit bodies of Psilocybe cubensis were used for monitoring stability (including storage and processing conditions of fruiting bodies). Furthermore, mycelium and the individual parts of the fruiting bodies (caps, stipes, and basidiospores) were also examined. The concentration of tryptamines in final extracts was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No tryptamines were detected in the basidiospores, and only psilocin was present at 0.47 wt.% in the mycelium. The stipes contained approximately half the amount of tryptamine alkaloids (0.52 wt.%) than the caps (1.03 wt.%); however, these results were not statistically significant, as the concentration of tryptamines in individual fruiting bodies is highly variable. The storage conditions showed that the highest degradation of tryptamines was seen in fresh mushrooms stored at -80°C, and the lowest decay was seen in dried biomass stored in the dark at room temperature.

keywords:
Psychotropic Drugs, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Biomass, Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Psilocybe, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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title: [Treatment with psilocybin: applications for patients with psychiatric disorders].
authors: Breeksema JJ, Koolen MHB, Somers M, Schoevers RA.
publication_date: 2021-01-20
pubmed_id: 33560605
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/33560605
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,OCD,End-of-Life Distress,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
After a cessation of almost 40 years, there is renewed interest into therapeutic applicationsof the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin for the treatment of patients with various psychiatric disorders. PubMed was searched for clinical trials into "psilocybin" between 2000 and 2020, complemented by handsearching. Articles were also screened for explanatory models and working mechanisms. Psilocybin has been studied in 9 clinical trials: for the treatment of substance use disorders, depression, end-of-life anxiety, demoralization, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Results show that psilocybin is well tolerated, with only limited side-effects, while even patients with treatment-resistant disorders sometimes show marked, long-term improvements after one or a few sessions. Initial results are encouraging, but there are several limitations. More research is needed to determine which patient populations can benefit, what role setting and the placebo response play, and how these novel treatments can be optimized.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Treatment Outcome, Mental Disorders, Adult, Female, Male, Clinical Trials as Topic, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Raval NR, Johansen A, Donovan LL, Ros NF, Ozenne B, Hansen HD, Knudsen GM.
publication_date: 2021-01-14
doi: 10.3390/ijms22020835
pubmed_id: 33467676
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020835
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
A Single Dose of Psilocybin Increases Synaptic Density and Decreases 5-HT2A Receptor Density in the Pig Brain.

abstract:
A single dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic and serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist, may be associated with antidepressant effects. The mechanism behind its antidepressive action is unknown but could be linked to increased synaptogenesis and down-regulation of cerebral 5-HT2AR. Here, we investigate if a single psychedelic dose of psilocybin changes synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) and 5-HT2AR density in the pig brain. Twenty-four awake pigs received either 0.08 mg/kg psilocybin or saline intravenously. Twelve pigs (n = 6/intervention) were euthanized one day post-injection, while the remaining twelve pigs were euthanized seven days post-injection (n = 6/intervention). We performed autoradiography on hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) sections with [3H]UCB-J (SV2A), [3H]MDL100907 (5-HT2AR antagonist) and [3H]Cimbi-36 (5-HT2AR agonist). One day post psilocybin injection, we observed 4.42% higher hippocampal SV2A density and lowered hippocampal and PFC5-HT2AR density (-15.21% to -50.19%). These differences were statistically significant in the hippocampus for all radioligands and in the PFC for [3H]Cimbi-36 only. Seven days post-intervention, there was still significantly higher SV2A density in the hippocampus (+9.24%) and the PFC (+6.10%), whereas there were no longer any differences in 5-HT2AR density. Our findings suggest that psilocybin causes increased persistent synaptogenesis and an acute decrease in 5-HT2AR density, which may play a role in psilocybin's antidepressive effects.

keywords:
Brain, Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex, Synapses, Animals, Swine, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Ligands, Autoradiography, Female, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Grandjean J, Buehlmann D, Buerge M, Sigrist H, Seifritz E, Vollenweider FX, Pryce CR, Rudin M.
publication_date: 2020-10-14
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117456
pubmed_id: 33069863
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117456
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin exerts distinct effects on resting state networks associated with serotonin and dopamine in mice.

abstract:
Hallucinogenic agents have been proposed as potent antidepressants; this includes the serotonin (5-HT) receptor 2A agonist psilocybin. In human subjects, psilocybin alters functional connectivity (FC) within the default-mode network (DMN), a constellation of inter-connected regions that displays altered FC in depressive disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of psilocybin on FC across the entire brain with a view to investigate underlying mechanisms. Psilocybin effects were investigated in lightly-anaesthetized mice using resting-state fMRI. Dual-regression analysis identified reduced FC within the ventral striatum in psilocybin- relative to vehicle-treated mice. Refinement of the analysis using spatial references derived from both gene expression maps and viral tracer projection fields revealed two distinct effects of psilocybin: it increased FC between 5-HT-associated networks and cortical areas, including elements of the murine DMN, thalamus, and midbrain; it decreased FC within dopamine (DA)-associated striatal networks. These results suggest that interactions between 5-HT- and DA-regulated neural networks contribute to the neural and therefore psychological effects of psilocybin. Furthermore, they highlight how information on molecular expression patterns and structural connectivity can assist in the interpretation of pharmaco-fMRI findings.

keywords:
Brain, Mesencephalon, Thalamus, Corpus Striatum, Neural Pathways, Animals, Mice, Dopamine, Serotonin, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Rest, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Functional Neuroimaging, Psilocybin, Default Mode Network

topic_tags:
Depression,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Default Mode Network,Aging,Animal Study,Drug Interactions

raw_json:
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authors: Konkel Z, Scott K, Slot JC.
publication_date: 2021-01-06
doi: 10.1128/mra.01230-20
pubmed_id: 33414338
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01230-20
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Genomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Draft Genome Sequence of the Termite-Associated "Cuckoo Fungus," Athelia (Fibularhizoctonia) sp. TMB Strain TB5.

abstract:
Atheliales is a diverse order of crust-forming Basidiomycota fungi. Here, we report the draft genome of the "cuckoo fungus," Athelia (Fibularhizoctonia) sp. TMB strain TB5 (Atheliales), which forms termite-egg-mimicking sclerotia that termites tend. We further compare its repertoire of psilocybin gene homologs to homologs previously reported for Fibularhizoctonia psychrophila.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33414338","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Investigational and Experimental Drugs to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
authors: Grassi G, Cecchelli C, Vignozzi L, Pacini S.
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.2147/jep.s255375
pubmed_id: 33447096
source_url: https://doi.org/10.2147/jep.s255375
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Review Article,Inflammation,Immune Function
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Treatment-resistance is a frequent condition for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Over the past decades, a lot of effort has been made to address this issue, and several augmentation strategies of serotonergic drugs have been investigated. Antidopaminergic drugs are considered the first choice as augmentation strategy for treatment-resistant OCD patients, but they seem to work only for a subset of patients, and none of them have been officially approved for OCD. Recently, the role of glutamate and inflammation in OCD pathophysiology clearly emerged, and this has led to several investigations on glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory agents. Results seem promising but still inconclusive. Probiotic interventions (considered to modulate the immune systems and the brain activity) are gaining attention in several psychiatric fields but are still at their early stages in the OCD field. Research on new treatment approaches for OCD is moving forward, and more than one hundred interventional trials are ongoing around the world. While the vast majority of these trials involve neuromodulation and psychotherapeutic approaches, only a small proportion (around 20%) involve the investigation of new pharmacological approaches (tolcapone, nabilone, psilocybin, troriluzole, nitrous oxide, rituximab, naproxen, and immunoglobulins). Here, we provide a comprehensive review of investigational and experimental drugs to treat OCD.

raw_json:
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title: A Trip Through Employment Law: Protecting Therapeutic Psilocybin Users in the Workplace.
authors: Sheppard B.
publication_date: 2020-12-31
pubmed_id: 35026878
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/35026878
keywords: Public Policy, Employment, Workplace, Medical Marijuana, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Headache / Migraine
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
In 2020, Oregon voters legalized therapeutic psilocybin in response to a plethora of scientific studies showing symptom reduction for depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, opioid addictions, migraines, other mental illnesses, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. The legal rethinking regarding therapeutic psilocybin continues in both state legislatures and city councils. Yet, despite state and local legalization or decriminalization of therapeutic psilocybin it remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This tension between local and federal law places therapeutic psilocybin users and their employers in a difficult position. Because all types of psilocybin use remain illegal under federal law, a zero-tolerance drug use workplace policy would discipline a state sanctioned psilocybin user for off-site or off-hours therapeutic psilocybin use. Therefore, this article proposes that as states and cities legalize therapeutic psilocybin, jurisdictions should adopt employment protections for therapeutic psilocybin users like states have adopted for medical cannabis users. The proposed statute in this article protects therapeutic psilocybin users from adverse action based solely on off-site and off-hours drug use and balances employers' rights.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35026878","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy.
publication_date: 2020-02-25
doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010035
pubmed_id: 32098487
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010035
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Reiff CM, Richman EE, Nemeroff CB, Carpenter LL, Widge AS, Rodriguez CI, Kalin NH, McDonald WM, the Work Group on Biomarkers and Novel Treatments, a Division of the American Psychiatric Association Council of Research.

abstract:
ObjectiveThe authors provide an evidenced-based summary of the literature on the clinical application of psychedelic drugs in psychiatric disorders.MethodsSearches of PubMed and PsycINFO via Ovid were conducted for articles in English, in peer-reviewed journals, reporting on "psilocybin," "lysergic acid diethylamide," "LSD," "ayahuasca," "3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine," and "MDMA," in human subjects, published between 2007 and July 1, 2019. A total of 1,603 articles were identified and screened. Articles that did not contain the terms "clinical trial," "therapy," or "imaging" in the title or abstract were filtered out. The 161 remaining articles were reviewed by two or more authors. The authors identified 14 articles reporting on well-designed clinical trials investigating the efficacy of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), psilocybin, and ayahuasca for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, and substance-related and addictive disorders as well as in end-of-life care.ResultsThe most significant database exists for MDMA and psilocybin, which have been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "breakthrough therapies" for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression, respectively. The research on LSD and ayahuasca is observational, but available evidence suggests that these agents may have therapeutic effects in specific psychiatric disorders.ConclusionsRandomized clinical trials support the efficacy of MDMA in the treatment of PTSD and psilocybin in the treatment of depression and cancer-related anxiety. The research to support the use of LSD and ayahuasca in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is preliminary, although promising. Overall, the database is insufficient for FDA approval of any psychedelic compound for routine clinical use in psychiatric disorders at this time, but continued research on the efficacy of psychedelics for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is warranted.

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psychotherapy, Evidence-Based Practice, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,End-of-Life Distress,Brain Imaging,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Observational Study,Cancer Patients,Treatment-Resistant Depression

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32098487","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Williams MT, Davis AK, Xin Y, Sepeda ND, Grigas PC, Sinnott S, Haeny AM.
publication_date: 2020-12-09
doi: 10.1080/09687637.2020.1854688
pubmed_id: 34349358
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2020.1854688
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
People of color in North America report improvements in racial trauma and mental health symptoms following psychedelic experiences.

abstract:
This study examined how psychedelics reduced symptoms of racial trauma among black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) subsequent to an experience of racism. A cross-sectional internet-based survey included questions about experiences with racism, mental health symptoms, and acute and enduring psychedelic effects. Changes in mental health were assessed by retrospective report of symptoms in the 30 days before and 30 days after an experience with psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). We recruited 313 diverse BIPOC in the US and Canada. Results revealed a significant (p <.001) and moderate (d = -.45) reduction in traumatic stress symptoms from before-to-after the psychedelic experience. Similarly, participants reported decreases in depression (p <.001; d = -.52), anxiety (p <.001; d = -.53), and stress (p <.001; d = -.32). There was also a significant relationship (Rc = 0.52, p <.001) between the dimension of acute psychedelic effects (mystical-type, insight, and challenging experiences) and decreases in a cluster of subsequent psychopathology (traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and stress), while controlling for the frequency of prior discrimination and the time since the psychedelic experience. BIPOC have been underrepresented in psychedelic studies. Psychedelics may decrease the negative impact of racial trauma. Future studies should examine the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for individuals with a history of race-based trauma.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34349358","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Medicines in Major Depression: Progress and Future Challenges.
authors: Bouso JC, Ona G, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC.
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_26
pubmed_id: 33834416
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_26
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Psychiatry, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
The volume of research on the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs has been increasing during the last decades. Partly because of the need of innovative treatments in psychiatry, several studies have assessed the safety and efficacy of drugs like psilocybin or ayahuasca for a wide range of mental disorders, including major depression. The first section of this chapter will offer an introduction to psychedelic research, including a brief historical overview and discussions about appropriate terminology. In the second section, the recently published clinical trials in which psychedelic drugs were administered to patients will be analysed in detail. Then, in the third section, the main neurobiological mechanisms of these drugs will be described, noting that while some of these mechanisms could be potentially associated with their therapeutic properties, they are commonly used as adjuvants in psychotherapeutic processes. The last section suggests future challenges for this groundbreaking field of research and therapy.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33834416","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors as potential targets for the treatment of nicotine use and dependence.
authors: Higgins GA, Sellers EM.
publication_date: 2021-01-21
doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.007
pubmed_id: 33541678
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.007
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Biomarkers,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Nicotine use and dependence, typically achieved through cigarette smoking, but increasingly through vape products, is the leading cause of preventable death today. Despite a recognition that many current smokers would like to quit, the success rate at doing so is low and indicative of the persistent nature of nicotine dependence and the high urge to relapse. There are currently three main forms of pharmacotherapy approved as aids to treat nicotine dependence: a variety of nicotine replacement products (NRT's), the mixed NA/DA reuptake inhibitor bupropion (Zyban®), and the preferential nicotinic α4β2 receptor agonist drug, varenicline (Chantix®); the latter being generally recognized to be the most effective. However, each of these approaches afford only limited efficacy, and various other pharmacological approaches are being explored. This chapter focusses on approaches targeted to the serotonin (5-HT) system, namely, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) which served a pioneer role in the investigation of serotoninergic modulators in human smoking cessation trials; and secondly drugs selectively interacting with the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor systems. From an efficacy perspective, measured as smoking abstinence, the 5-HT2A agonist psychedelics, namely psilocybin, seem to show the most promise; although as the article highlights, these findings are both preliminary and there are significant challenges to the route to approval, and therapeutic use of this class should they reach approval status. Additional avenues include 5-HT2C receptor agonists, which until recently was pioneered by lorcaserin, and 5-HT2A receptor antagonists represented by pimavanserin. Each of these approaches has distinct profiles across preclinical tests of nicotine dependence, and may have therapeutic potential. It is anticipated as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers emerge, they may provide opportunities for subject stratification and opportunities for personalizing smoking cessation treatment. The clinical assessment of SSRI, 5-HT2A and/or 5-HT2C receptor-based treatments may be best served by this process.

keywords:
Humans, Serotonin, Nicotine, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C, Smoking Cessation, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Varenicline, Tobacco Use Cessation Devices

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33541678","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: How ecstasy and psilocybin are shaking up psychiatry.
authors: Tullis P.
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.1038/d41586-021-00187-9
pubmed_id: 33505033
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-00187-9
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
keywords:
Animals, Humans, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Serotonin, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Niacin, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Depression, Efficiency, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Neuronal Plasticity, Certification, Clinical Trials as Topic, Drug Prescriptions, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Psilocybin, Rumination, Cognitive, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33505033","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms.
authors: Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G.
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056
pubmed_id: 33328244
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Mounting evidence suggests safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. Ketamine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in a new class of antidepressants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is undergoing phase III clinical trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated in several phase II and phase I clinical trials. Hence, the concept of psychedelics as therapeutics may be incorporated into modern society. Here, we discuss the main known neurobiological therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, which are thought to be mediated by the effects of these compounds on the serotonergic (via 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors) and glutamatergic [via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors] systems. We focus on 1) neuroplasticity mediated by the modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-, and early growth response-related pathways; 2) immunomodulation via effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, nuclear factor ĸB, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1, 6, and 10 production and release; and 3) modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and norepinephrinergic receptors, transporters, and turnover systems. We discuss arising concerns and ways to assess potential neurobiological changes, dependence, and immunosuppression. Although larger cohorts are required to corroborate preliminary findings, the results obtained so far are promising and represent a critical opportunity for improvement of pharmacotherapies in psychiatry, an area that has seen limited therapeutic advancement in the last 20 years. Studies are underway that are trying to decouple the psychedelic effects from the therapeutic effects of these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating improvement remains limited. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the effects of psychedelic compounds on pathways that modulate neuroplasticity, immunity, and neurotransmitter systems. This work aims to be a reference for psychiatrists who may soon be faced with the possibility of prescribing psychedelic compounds as medications, helping them assess which compound(s) and regimen could be most useful for decreasing specific psychiatric symptoms.

keywords:
Pituitary-Adrenal System, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System, Humans, Neurotransmitter Agents, Hallucinogens, Psychiatry, Neuronal Plasticity, United States, Immunomodulation

topic_tags:
PTSD,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Observational Study,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33328244","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2020-12-03
doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.11.013
pubmed_id: 33288378
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.11.013
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Personality Change,Immune Function
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Effects of a single dose of psilocybin on behaviour, brain 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and gene expression in the pig.

authors:
Donovan LL, Johansen JV, Ros NF, Jaberi E, Linnet K, Johansen SS, Ozenne B, Issazadeh-Navikas S, Hansen HD, Knudsen GM.

abstract:
Psilocybin has in some studies shown promise as treatment of major depressive disorder and psilocybin therapy was in 2019 twice designated as breakthrough therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A very particular feature is that ingestion of just a single dose of psilocybin is associated with lasting changes in personality and mood. The underlying molecular mechanism behind its effect is, however, unknown. In a translational pig model, we here present the effects of a single dose of psilocybin on pig behaviour, receptor occupancy and gene expression in the brain. An acute i.v. injection of 0.08 mg/kg psilocybin to awake female pigs induced characteristic behavioural changes in terms of headshakes, scratching and rubbing, lasting around 20 min. A similar dose was associated with a cerebral 5-HT2A receptor occupancy of 67%, as determined by positron emission tomography, and plasma psilocin levels were comparable to what in humans is associated with an intense psychedelic experience. We found that 19 genes were differentially expressed in prefrontal cortex one day after psilocybin injection, and 3 genes after 1 week. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated that multiple immunological pathways were regulated 1 week after psilocybin exposure. This provides a framework for future investigations of the lasting molecular mechanisms induced by a single dose of psilocybin. In the light of an ongoing debate as to whether psilocybin is a safe treatment for depression and other mental illnesses, it is reassuring that our data suggest that any effects on gene expression are very modest.

keywords:
Brain, Animals, Swine, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Hallucinogens, Gene Expression, Female, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33288378","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Taking Different Roads: l-Tryptophan as the Origin of Psilocybe Natural Products.
authors: Lenz C, Sherwood A, Kargbo R, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2020-11-24
doi: 10.1002/cplu.202000581
pubmed_id: 33237633
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/cplu.202000581
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Psychotropic fungi of the genus Psilocybe, colloquially referred to as "magic mushrooms", are best known for their l-tryptophan-derived major natural product, psilocybin. Yet, recent research has revealed a more diverse secondary metabolism that originates from this amino acid. In this minireview, the focus is laid on l-tryptophan and the various Psilocybe natural products and their metabolic routes are highlighted. Psilocybin and its congeners, the heterogeneous blue-colored psilocyl oligomers, alongside β-carbolines and N,N-dimethyl-l-tryptophan, are presented as well as current knowledge on their biosynthesis is provided. The multidisciplinary character of natural product research is demonstrated, and pharmacological, medicinal, ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary aspects are included.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33237633","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Exploratory Controlled Study of the Migraine-Suppressing Effects of Psilocybin.
publication_date: 2020-11-11
doi: 10.1007/s13311-020-00962-y
pubmed_id: 33184743
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-020-00962-y
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Headache / Migraine,Receptor Pharmacology,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Schindler EAD, Sewell RA, Gottschalk CH, Luddy C, Flynn LT, Lindsey H, Pittman BP, Cozzi NV, D'Souza DC.

abstract:
While anecdotal evidence suggests that select 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor ligands, including psilocybin, may have long-lasting therapeutic effects after limited dosing in headache disorders, controlled investigations are lacking. In an exploratory double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, adults with migraine received oral placebo and psilocybin (0.143 mg/kg) in 2 test sessions spaced 2 weeks apart. Subjects maintained headache diaries starting 2 weeks before the first session until 2 weeks after the second session. Physiological and psychological drug effects were monitored during sessions and several follow-up contacts with subjects were carried out to assure safety of study procedures. Ten subjects were included in the final analysis. Over the 2-week period measured after single administration, the reduction in weekly migraine days from baseline was significantly greater after psilocybin (mean, - 1.65 (95% CI: - 2.53 to - 0.77) days/week) than after placebo (- 0.15 (- 1.13 to 0.83) days/week; p = 0.003, t(9) = 4.11). Changes in migraine frequency in the 2 weeks after psilocybin were not correlated with the intensity of acute psychotropic effects during drug administration. Psilocybin was well-tolerated; there were no unexpected or serious adverse events or withdrawals due to adverse events. This exploratory study suggests there is an enduring therapeutic effect in migraine headache after a single administration of psilocybin. The separation of acute psychotropic effects and lasting therapeutic effects is an important finding, urging further investigation into the mechanism underlying the clinical effects of select 5-HT2A receptor compounds in migraine, as well as other neuropsychiatric conditions. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03341689.

keywords:
Humans, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Migraine Disorders, Young Adult, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33184743","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Gashi L, Sandberg S, Pedersen W
journal: The International journal on drug policy
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102997
pubmed_id: 33080454
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33080454/
keywords: Bad trip, DMT, LSD, Narratives, Psilocybin, Psychedelics
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"33080454"}
title:
Making "bad trips" good: How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences.

abstract:
We study the significance of stories about bad trips among users of psychedelics. Drawing on narrative theory, we describe the characteristics of such stories and explore the work they do.
In-depth qualitative interviews with 50 Norwegian users of psychedelics.
Almost all participants had frightening experiences when using psychedelics and many described these as bad trips. The key feature of a bad trip was a feeling of losing oneself or going crazy, or ego dissolution. Most users said that these experiences could be avoided by following certain rules, based on tacit knowledge in the subcultures of users. Possessing such knowledge was part of symbolic boundary work that distinguished between drug culture insiders and outsiders. Some also rejected the validity of the term bad trip altogether, arguing that such experiences reflected the lack of such competence. Finally, and most importantly, most participants argued that unpleasant experiences during bad trips had been beneficial and had sometimes given them deep existential and life-altering insights.
Bad trip experiences are common among users of psychedelics. Such experiences are often transformed into valuable experiences through storytelling. Bad trip narratives may be a potent coping mechanism for users of psychedelics in non-controlled environments, enabling them to make sense of frightening experiences and integrate these into their life stories. Such narrative sense-making, or narrative work, facilitates the continued use of psychedelics, even after unpleasant experiences with the drugs.


authors: Varker T, Watson L, Gibson K, Forbes D, O'Donnell ML.
publication_date: 2020-09-14
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1817639
pubmed_id: 32931403
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1817639
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Randomized Controlled Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article,Observational Study
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Efficacy of Psychoactive Drugs for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of MDMA, Ketamine, LSD and Psilocybin.

abstract:
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A search of four databases for English language, peer-reviewed literature published from inception to 18th October 2019 yielded 2,959 records, 34 of which were screened on full-text. Observational studies and RCTs which tested the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, or psilocybin for reducing PTSD symptoms in adults, and reported changes to PTSD diagnosis or symptomatology, were included. Nine trials (five ketamine and four MDMA) met inclusion criteria. Trials were rated on a quality and bias checklist and GRADE was used to rank the evidence. The evidence for ketamine as a stand-alone treatment for comorbid PTSD and depression was ranked "very low", and the evidence for ketamine in combination with psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment was ranked "low". The evidence for MDMA in combination with psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment was ranked "moderate".

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Psychotropic Drugs, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32931403","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Chemical Composition of Traditional and Analog Ayahuasca.
authors: Kaasik H, Souza RCZ, Zandonadi FS, Tófoli LF, Sussulini A.
publication_date: 2020-09-07
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1815911
pubmed_id: 32896230
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1815911
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Spirituality
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Traditional ayahuasca can be defined as a brew made from Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi and Amazonian admixture plants. Ayahuasca is used by indigenous groups in Amazonia, as a sacrament in syncretic Brazilian religions, and in healing and spiritual ceremonies internationally. The study aimed to determine concentrations of the main bio- and psychoactive components of ayahuasca used in different locations and traditions. We collected 102 samples of brews from ayahuasca-using communities. Concentrations of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine, harmine, and harmaline were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Qualitative analyses for non-traditional additives (moclobemide, psilocin, yuremamine) were performed by high resolution mass spectrometry. Higher and more variable concentrations of DMT in neoshamanic ayahuasca samples compared to indigenous samples may indicate use of higher and more variable proportions of DMT-containing admixture plants. From European samples, we found two related samples of analog ayahuasca containing moclobemide, psilocin, DMT, yuremamine, and very low concentrations of B. caapi alkaloids. Some analogs of ayahuasca (Peganum harmala, Mimosa tenuiflora) were used in Europe. No analogs were found from Brazil or Santo Daime ceremonies in Europe. We recommend awareness about the constituents of the brew and ethical self-regulation among practitioners of ayahuasca ceremonies.

keywords:
Humans, Banisteriopsis, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Harmaline, Plant Extracts, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Tandem Mass Spectrometry

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32896230","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Nkadimeng SM, Steinmann CML, Eloff JN.
publication_date: 2020-12-17
doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-79328-5
pubmed_id: 33339902
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79328-5
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushroom extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes.

abstract:
Prevalence of major depression in people with chronic heart failure is higher than in normal populations. Depression in heart failure has become a major issue. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms commonly known as magic mushrooms, have been used since ancient times for their mind healing properties. Their safety in cardiovascular disease conditions is not fully known and may pose as a risk for users suffering from these illnesses. Study investigates the effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushrooms use from genus Psilocybe and Panaeolus respectively, in a pathological hypertrophy conditions in which endothelin-1 disorder is a contributor to pathogenesis. We examined the effects of the mushrooms extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α)-induced cell injury in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Mushrooms were oven dried and extracted with cold and boiling-hot water. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were induced with endothelin-1 prior to treatment with extracts over 48 h. Cell injury was stimulated with TNF-α. Results proposed that the water extracts of Panaeolus cyanescens and Psilocybe cubensis did not aggravate the pathological hypertrophy induced by endothelin-1 and also protected against the TNF-α-induced injury and cell death in concentrations used. Results support medicinal safe use of mushrooms under controlled conditions and cautioned use of higher concentrations.

keywords:
Myocytes, Cardiac, Animals, Humans, Rats, Agaricales, Hypertrophy, Phenylpropionates, Pyridazines, Endothelin-1, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Receptor, Endothelin A, Hallucinogens, Heart Failure, Psilocybe, Endothelin A Receptor Antagonists, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33339902","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Heradstveit O, Skogen JC, Edland-Gryt M, Hesse M, Vallentin-Holbech L, Lønning KJ, Sivertsen B.
publication_date: 2020-12-09
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.543507
pubmed_id: 33362594
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.543507
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Wellbeing,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Self-Reported Illicit Drug Use Among Norwegian University and College Students. Associations With Age, Gender, and Geography.

abstract:
Background and Aims: Several studies have pointed to relatively high levels of illicit drug use among students in higher education compared to the general population. The aim of the present study was to provide an updated examination of self-reported illicit drug use among Norwegian University and college students. Methods: Data stem from the SHoT study (Students' Health and Well-being Study), a nationwide cross-sectional survey for higher education in Norway including Norwegian full-time students aged 18-35. Self-reported illicit drug use across a range of specified drugs comprised the outcome variables. Information on gender, age, and study location (geographical area) was also collected and used as stratification variables. The SHoT-survey from 2018 (N = 50,054) was used for the analyses of associations between demographical variables and illicit drug use, while trends in illicit drug use were estimated by comparing the 2018-results with data from the SHoT-surveys conducted in 2010 and 2014. Results: The proportion of students reporting having ever tried illicit drugs increased from 2014 to 2018, for both males (30.8 vs. 36.7%) and females (17.5 vs. 24.0%, both p < 0.001), while only minimal changes occurred between 2010 and 2014. The most commonly used illicit drugs during the past 12 months in 2018 were cannabis (15.2%), followed by MDMA (4.0%), cocaine (3.0%), and LSD/psilocybin (2.1%). Illicit drug use showed both linear increase with age, and inverted U-shaped relationships that peaked in the age span from 23 to 28 years of age. Males reported higher illicit drug use compared with females for all drugs. Proportions of illicit drug use varied across geographical areas within the country, with the highest use being reported in the Oslo area (the largest city and capital of Norway). Conclusions: The present study reports an increase from 2010 to 2018 among Norwegian University and college students in the proportion of those reporting to have tried illicit drugs. Despite varying proportions of use across type of drug, age, gender, and geographical location, the overall high levels of illicit drug use past 12 months confirm the need to address illicit drug use in this population.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33362594","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The Effects of Daytime Psilocybin Administration on Sleep: Implications for Antidepressant Action.
publication_date: 2020-12-02
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602590
pubmed_id: 33343372
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.602590
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Biomarkers,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Dudysová D, Janků K, Šmotek M, Saifutdinova E, Kopřivová J, Bušková J, Mander BA, Brunovský M, Zach P, Korčák J, Andrashko V, Viktorinová M, Tylš F, Bravermanová A, Froese T, Páleníček T, Horáček J.

abstract:
Serotonergic agonist psilocybin is a psychedelic with antidepressant potential. Sleep may interact with psilocybin's antidepressant properties like other antidepressant drugs via induction of neuroplasticity. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of psilocybin on sleep architecture on the night after psilocybin administration. Regarding the potential antidepressant properties, we hypothesized that psilocybin, similar to other classical antidepressants, would reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and prolong REM sleep latency. Moreover, we also hypothesized that psilocybin would promote slow-wave activity (SWA) expression in the first sleep cycle, a marker of sleep-related neuroplasticity. Twenty healthy volunteers (10 women, age 28-53) underwent two drug administration sessions, psilocybin or placebo, in a randomized, double-blinded design. Changes in sleep macrostructure, SWA during the first sleep cycle, whole night EEG spectral power across frequencies in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep, and changes in subjective sleep measures were analyzed. The results revealed prolonged REM sleep latency after psilocybin administration and a trend toward a decrease in overall REM sleep duration. No changes in NREM sleep were observed. Psilocybin did not affect EEG power spectra in NREM or REM sleep when examined across the whole night. However, psilocybin suppressed SWA in the first sleep cycle. No evidence was found for sleep-related neuroplasticity, however, a different dosage, timing, effect on homeostatic regulation of sleep, or other mechanisms related to antidepressant effects may play a role. Overall, this study suggests that potential antidepressant properties of psilocybin might be related to changes in sleep.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33343372","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: NBOMes.
authors: Poulie CBM, Jensen AA, Halberstadt AL, Kristensen JL.
publication_date: 2019-11-11
doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00528
pubmed_id: 31657895
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00528
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Safety,Toxicity
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
N-Benzylphenethylamines, commonly known as NBOMes, are synthetic psychedelic compounds derived from the phenethylamine class of psychedelics (2C-X compounds), which originally have been derived from the naturally occurring alkaloid mescaline. Analogously to their parent compounds and other classical psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), NBOMes are believed to exert their main pharmacological effects through activation of serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors. Since their introduction as New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) in 2010, NBOMes have been widely used for recreational purposes; this has resulted in numerous cases of acute toxicity, sometimes with lethal outcomes, leading to the classification of several NBOMes as Schedule I substances in 2013. However, in addition to their recreational use, the NBOMe class has yielded several important biochemical tools, including [11C]Cimbi-36, which is now being used in positron emission tomography (PET) studies of the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the mammalian brain, and 25CN-NBOH, one of the most selective 5-HT2A receptor agonists developed to date. In this Review, the history, chemistry, structure-activity relationships, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties, and safety profiles of NBOMes will be outlined and discussed.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31657895","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Goldberg SB, Shechet B, Nicholas CR, Ng CW, Deole G, Chen Z, Raison CL.
publication_date: 2020-11-03
doi: 10.1017/s003329172000389x
pubmed_id: 33143790
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1017/s003329172000389x
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Post-acute psychological effects of classical serotonergic psychedelics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

abstract:
BackgroundScientific interest in the therapeutic effects of classical psychedelics has increased in the past two decades. The psychological effects of these substances outside the period of acute intoxication have not been fully characterized. This study aimed to: (1) quantify the effects of psilocybin, ayahuasca, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on psychological outcomes in the post-acute period; (2) test moderators of these effects; and (3) evaluate adverse effects and risk of bias.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies (single-group pre-post or randomized controlled trials) that involved administration of psilocybin, ayahuasca, or LSD to clinical or non-clinical samples and assessed psychological outcomes ⩾24 h post-administration. Effects were summarized by study design, timepoint, and outcome domain.ResultsA total of 34 studies (24 unique samples, n = 549, mean longest follow-up = 55.34 weeks) were included. Classical psychedelics showed significant within-group pre-post and between-group placebo-controlled effects on a range of outcomes including targeted symptoms within psychiatric samples, negative and positive affect-related measures, social outcomes, and existential/spiritual outcomes, with large between-group effect in these domains (Hedges' gs = 0.84 to 1.08). Moderator tests suggest some effects may be larger in clinical samples. Evidence of effects on big five personality traits and mindfulness was weak. There was no evidence of post-acute adverse effects.ConclusionsHigh risk of bias in several domains, heterogeneity across studies, and indications of publication bias for some models highlight the need for careful, large-scale, placebo-controlled randomized trials.

keywords:
Humans, Banisteriopsis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Evidence-Based Practice, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Personality Change,Spirituality,Randomized Controlled Trial,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33143790","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Psychiatry: Preparing for Novel Treatments Involving Altered States of Consciousness.
authors: Holoyda B
journal: Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.)
publication_date: 2020-11-30
doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000213
pubmed_id: 33050796
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33050796/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Aging,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"33050796"}
abstract:
The past decade has seen a renaissance of research interest into the psychotherapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds. In 2019, Oakland and Denver became the first two jurisdictions in the United States to decriminalize the possession of psychedelic-containing organisms. As research and public policy continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly plausible that psychedelics will become viable treatment options for psychiatric conditions. Psychiatrists should be integral to models of psychedelic prescription and patient management. The risk for adverse psychological and medical effects from psychedelic sessions necessitates psychiatric supervision. The literature on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may provide wisdom regarding practical aspects of managing patients' treatment sessions.

keywords:
LSD, psilocybin, psychedelic drugs, psychedelic psychiatry, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, psychedelics


authors: Ona G, Bouso JC.
publication_date: 2020-10-04
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.035
pubmed_id: 33031815
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.035
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Creativity,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Potential safety, benefits, and influence of the placebo effect in microdosing psychedelic drugs: A systematic review.

abstract:
Microdosing psychedelic drugs-that is, taking sub-behavioral doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin-is a growing practice in Western societies. Taken mainly for creative or mood-enhancing purposes, thousands of users are increasingly being exposed to (micro)doses of psychedelic drugs. In this systematic review, we searched the available evidence from human studies, focusing our results in terms of three main axes: efficacy, safety, and the influence of the placebo effect in microdosing practices. While the available evidence has some strengths (e.g. large sample sizes, robust methodologies) there are also remarkable limitations (e.g. gender bias, heterogeneity of dosing schedules and drugs used). Highly contradictory results have been found, showing both the benefits and detriments of microdosing in terms of mood, creative processes, and energy, among other regards. This review provides a general overview of the methods and approaches used, which could be useful for improving future studies.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Placebo Effect, Female, Male, Sexism, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33031815","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The emerging role of psilocybin and MDMA in the treatment of mental illness.
publication_date: 2020-09-29
doi: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1826931
pubmed_id: 32954860
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2020.1826931
keywords: Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Gill H, Gill B, Chen-Li D, El-Halabi S, Rodrigues NB, Cha DS, Lipsitz O, Lee Y, Rosenblat JD, Majeed A, Mansur RB, Nasri F, Ho R, McIntyre RS.

abstract:
IntroductionMental illness has a chronic course of illness with a number of clinical manifestations. Affected individuals experience significant functional, emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral impairments. The growing prevalence of mental illness has been associated with significant social and economic costs. Indeed, the economic burden of mental illness is estimated to exceed $1.8 trillion USD over the next 30 years. A significant number of individuals affected by mental illness fail to respond to first-line treatment options. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for rapidly attenuating therapeutic options for mental health disorders with minimal social and economic burden.Areas coveredThe paucity of novel treatment options warrants a renewed investigation of psychedelic-based psychotherapy. Herein, the authors will evaluate the therapeutic potential of traditional psychedelics, psilocybin, and MDMA, in the treatment of mental illness with a narrative review of available literature.Expert opinionPsychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, offer an alternative avenue of therapy for many mental health disorders. Available evidence indicates that psychedelics may offer a single-dose, rapid effect model that have robust effects with treatment-resistant mental disorders and a unique advantage as a possible monotherapy for mental illness. Novel clinical trials that evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy in clinically representative populations are warranted.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32954860","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Smigielski L, Kometer M, Scheidegger M, Stress C, Preller KH, Koenig T, Vollenweider FX.
publication_date: 2020-08-20
doi: 10.1002/hbm.25174
pubmed_id: 32820851
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.25174
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
P300-mediated modulations in self-other processing under psychedelic psilocybin are related to connectedness and changed meaning: A window into the self-other overlap.

abstract:
The concept of self and self-referential processing has a growing explanatory value in psychiatry and neuroscience, referring to the cognitive organization and perceptual differentiation of self-stimuli in health and disease. Conditions in which selfhood loses its natural coherence offer a unique opportunity for elucidating the mechanisms underlying self-disturbances. We assessed the psychoactive effects of psilocybin (230 μg/kg p.o.), a preferential 5-HT1A/2A agonist known to induce shifts in self-perception. Our placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-subject crossover experiment (n = 17) implemented a verbal self-monitoring task involving vocalizations and participant identification of real-time auditory source- (self/other) and pitch-modulating feedback. Subjective experience and task performance were analyzed, with time-point-by-time-point assumption-free multivariate randomization statistics applied to the spatiotemporal dynamics of event-related potentials. Psilocybin-modulated self-experience, interacted with source to affect task accuracy, and altered the late phase of self-stimuli encoding by abolishing the distinctiveness of self- and other-related electric field configurations during the P300 timeframe. This last effect was driven by current source density changes within the supragenual anterior cingulate and right insular cortex. The extent of the P300 effect was associated with the intensity of psilocybin-induced feelings of unity and changed meaning of percepts. Modulations of late encoding and their underlying neural generators in self-referential processing networks via 5-HT signaling may be key for understanding self-disorders. This mechanism may reflect a neural instantiation of altered self-other and relational meaning processing in a stimulus-locked time domain. The study elucidates the neuropharmacological foundation of subjectivity, with implications for therapy, underscoring the concept of connectedness.

keywords:
Gyrus Cinguli, Humans, Electroencephalography, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, Self Concept, Auditory Perception, Pitch Perception, Social Perception, Psychomotor Performance, Event-Related Potentials, P300, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Executive Function, Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Psilocybin, Insular Cortex

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32820851","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Historic psychedelic drug trials and the treatment of anxiety disorders.
authors: Weston NM, Gibbs D, Bird CIV, Daniel A, Jelen LA, Knight G, Goldsmith D, Young AH, Rucker JJ
journal: Depression and anxiety
publication_date: 2020-11-30
doi: 10.1002/da.23065
pubmed_id: 32627308
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32627308/
keywords: LSD, anxiety, psilocybin, psychedelics
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Review Article,Case Report
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32627308"}
abstract:
In this paper, we systematically review literature from 1940 to 2000 relating to the combined use of psychological therapies and psychedelic drugs in the treatment of ICD-10 anxiety disorders.
The databases Ovid MEDLINE(R), PsycINFO, and Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) were searched for case reports and trials involving humans in the treatment of ICD-10 anxiety and related disorders. Twenty-four studies are described; four describe anxiety symptoms in diverse patient groups, 14 studies describe historic diagnoses that usefully correspond with ICD-10 anxiety disorders, six studies pooled results or failed to detail results specific to contemporary ICD-10 anxiety disorders. Two of the 24 studies reported are individual case reports while two of them were inadequate in terms of the reporting of outcome measures. Thus 20 studies were ultimately included in the summary analysis.
Three of the 20 studies reviewed described improvements in anxiety by standardized measures (p
The majority of studies indicate that a combination of psychedelic drug administration and psychological therapy was most beneficial. We found no study suggesting that the pharmacological action of psychedelic drugs in isolation is sufficient.


authors: Shi Y, Wang R, Yuan S, Qiang H, Shen M, Shen B, Drummer OH, Yu Z, Zhao Y, Xiang P.
publication_date: 2020-10-15
doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122392
pubmed_id: 33126071
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122392
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
UHPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneously detecting 16 tryptamines and their metabolites in human hair and applications to real forensics cases.

abstract:
Tryptamines are hallucinogenic substances many of which have appeared recently as novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Herein, we describe the establishment of a rapid UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative method for the targeted screening of 16 tryptamines of abuse in hair. Twenty milligram pieces of hair were pulverized below 4 °C in 0.5 mL of deionized water containing 0.1% formic acid and an internal standard (2 ng/mL psilocin-d10 and psilocybin-d4). After subsequent centrifugation, 5 μL of the supernatant was injected into a LC-MS/MS system fitted with a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The column was gradient eluted at 0.3 mL/min with mobile phases composed of 20 mmol/L ammonium acetate, 5% acetonitrile, and 0.1% formic acid in water (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B). Limits of detection ranged between 0.1 and 20 pg/mg, with limits of quantitation ranging from 3 to 50 pg/mg. The calibration curves for all analytes were linear (r > 0.992). Accuracies varied between 91% and 114%, with intraday precision RSDs

keywords:
Hair, Humans, Tryptamines, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Linear Models, Reproducibility of Results, Forensic Medicine, Adult, Middle Aged, Male, Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Young Adult, Limit of Detection

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33126071","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2020-05-22
doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0718-8
pubmed_id: 32446245
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0718-8
keywords: Humans, Glutamic Acid, Hallucinogens, Ego, Solubility, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Clinical Trial,Animal Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin.

authors:
Mason NL, Kuypers KPC, Müller F, Reckweg J, Tse DHY, Toennes SW, Hutten NRPW, Jansen JFA, Stiers P, Feilding A, Ramaekers JG.

abstract:
There is growing interest in the therapeutic utility of psychedelic substances, like psilocybin, for disorders characterized by distortions of the self-experience, like depression. Accumulating preclinical evidence emphasizes the role of the glutamate system in the acute action of the drug on brain and behavior; however this has never been tested in humans. Following a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, we utilized an ultra-high field multimodal brain imaging approach and demonstrated that psilocybin (0.17 mg/kg) induced region-dependent alterations in glutamate, which predicted distortions in the subjective experience of one's self (ego dissolution). Whereas higher levels of medial prefrontal cortical glutamate were associated with negatively experienced ego dissolution, lower levels in hippocampal glutamate were associated with positively experienced ego dissolution. Such findings provide further insights into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of the psychedelic, as well as the baseline, state. Importantly, they may also provide a neurochemical basis for therapeutic effects as witnessed in ongoing clinical trials.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32446245","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Systematic Error for Extraction of Controlled Substances from Plant/Fungal Materials.
authors: Nagy J, Veress T.
publication_date: 2020-09-30
doi: 10.1093/chromsci/bmaa067
pubmed_id: 32945334
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/chromsci/bmaa067
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
The aim of this work was to investigate the applicability of a mathematical model developed for the description of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of cannabinoids from marijuana and hashish for liquid extraction of other substances. The mentioned model is applicable for dynamic SFE whose implementation is analogous to liquid-solid extraction in quasi-counter current mode. According to this model, quasi-counter current liquid-solid extractions were designed by calculation of component transport constants for extractions of psilocin from hallucinogenic mushroom, mescaline from hallucinogenic cactus, harmine from tropical lyan and salvinorin A from hallucinogenic sage. The mentioned model was found to be suitable for the determination of extraction time needed to reach a predefined extraction recovery for quasi-counter current liquid-solid extractions, as well, which allows the elimination of systematic error caused by the non-extracted part. The calculated component transport constants predict the expectable velocity of the extraction, i.e., the higher the component transport constant is, the higher the extraction velocity is. For mushrooms, it could be stated that preliminary treatment of mushrooms with liquid nitrogen significantly increases the extractability of psilocin.

keywords:
Agaricales, Plants, Cannabis, Cannabinoids, Alkaloids, Hallucinogens, Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid, Models, Chemical, Controlled Substances, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32945334","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Polypharmacology or "Pharmacological Promiscuity" In Psychedelic Research: What Are We Missing?
authors: Ona GS, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC, Bouso JC
journal: ACS chemical neuroscience
publication_date: 2020-10-20
doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00614
pubmed_id: 33021777
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33021777/
keywords: Psychedelics, ayahuasca, polypharmacology, psilocybe, psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"33021777"}
abstract:
Research with psychedelic drugs has mainly focused on isolated compounds. However, this approach is challenged by the "polypharmacology" paradigm. In this Viewpoint, we suggest that we may be missing something if we do not use the whole product in the case of ayahuasca or mushrooms. After describing how research on psychedelic drugs can be effectively combined with the polypharmacology paradigm, ethical issues are also briefly discussed.


authors: Varley TF, Carhart-Harris R, Roseman L, Menon DK, Stamatakis EA.
publication_date: 2020-06-29
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117049
pubmed_id: 32619708
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117049
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Default Mode Network,Consciousness,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Serotonergic psychedelics LSD & psilocybin increase the fractal dimension of cortical brain activity in spatial and temporal domains.

abstract:
Psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and LSD, represent unique tools for researchers investigating the neural origins of consciousness. Currently, the most compelling theories of how psychedelics exert their effects is by increasing the complexity of brain activity and moving the system towards a critical point between order and disorder, creating more dynamic and complex patterns of neural activity. While the concept of criticality is of central importance to this theory, few of the published studies on psychedelics investigate it directly, testing instead related measures such as algorithmic complexity or Shannon entropy. We propose using the fractal dimension of functional activity in the brain as a measure of complexity since findings from physics suggest that as a system organizes towards criticality, it tends to take on a fractal structure. We tested two different measures of fractal dimension, one spatial and one temporal, using fMRI data from volunteers under the influence of both LSD and psilocybin. The first was the fractal dimension of cortical functional connectivity networks and the second was the fractal dimension of BOLD time-series. In addition to the fractal measures, we used a well-established, non-fractal measure of signal complexity and show that they behave similarly. We were able to show that both psychedelic drugs significantly increased the fractal dimension of functional connectivity networks, and that LSD significantly increased the fractal dimension of BOLD signals, with psilocybin showing a non-significant trend in the same direction. With both LSD and psilocybin, we were able to localize changes in the fractal dimension of BOLD signals to brain areas assigned to the dorsal-attenion network. These results show that psychedelic drugs increase the fractal dimension of activity in the brain and we see this as an indicator that the changes in consciousness triggered by psychedelics are associated with evolution towards a critical zone.

keywords:
Cerebral Cortex, Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Consciousness, Psilocybin, Default Mode Network

raw_json:
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title: Psilocybin-assisted group therapy: A new hope for demoralization.
authors: Hendricks PS.
publication_date: 2020-10-01
doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100557
pubmed_id: 33073220
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100557
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
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publication_date: 2020-09-23
doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100538
pubmed_id: 33150319
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100538
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Veterans,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralized older long-term AIDS survivor men: An open-label safety and feasibility pilot study.

authors:
Anderson BT, Danforth A, Daroff PR, Stauffer C, Ekman E, Agin-Liebes G, Trope A, Boden MT, Dilley PJ, Mitchell J, Woolley J.

abstract:
BackgroundPsilocybin therapy has shown promise as a rapid-acting treatment for depression, anxiety, and demoralization in patients with serious medical illness (e.g., cancer) when paired with individual psychotherapy. This study assessed the safety and feasibility of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralization in older long-term AIDS survivor (OLTAS) men, a population with a high degree of demoralization and traumatic loss.MethodsSelf-identified gay men OLTAS with moderate-to-severe demoralization (Demoralization Scale-II ≥8) were recruited from the community of a major US city for a single-site open-label study of psilocybin-assisted group therapy comprising 8-10 group therapy visits and one psilocybin administration visit (0·3-0·36 mg/kg po). Primary outcomes were rate and severity of adverse events, and participant recruitment and retention. The primary clinical outcome was change in mean demoralization from baseline to end-of-treatment and to 3-month follow-up assessed with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02950467).FindingsFrom 17 July 2017 to 16 January 2019, 18 participants (mean age 59·2 years (SD4·4)) were enrolled, administered group therapy and psilocybin, and included in intent-to-treat analyses. We detected zero serious adverse reactions and two unexpected adverse reactions to psilocybin; seven participants experienced self-limited, severe expected adverse reactions. We detected a clinically meaningful change in demoralization from baseline to 3-month follow-up (mean difference -5·78 [SD6·01], ηp 2 = 0·47, 90% CI0·21-0·60).InterpretationWe demonstrated the feasibility, relative safety, and potential efficacy of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralization in OLTAS. Groups may be an effective and efficient means of delivering psychotherapy pre- and post-psilocybin to patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs.FundingCarey Turnbull, Heffter Research Institute, NIMH R25 MH060482, NIH UL1 TR001872, River Styx Foundation, Saisei Foundation, Sarlo Foundation, Stupski Foundation, Usona Institute, US Department of Veterans Affairs (Advanced Neurosciences Fellowship and IK2CX001495).

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title: Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework.
authors: Netzband N, Ruffell S, Linton S, Tsang WF, Wolff T.
publication_date: 2020-07-22
doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05601-0
pubmed_id: 32700023
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05601-0
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Personality Change,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originates from the Amazon basin, where it is used primarily for ceremonial purposes. Ayahuasca tourists are now entering certain communities seeking alternative physical or psychological healing, as well as spiritual growth.RationaleRecent evidence has shown that the similar acting psychedelic compound, psilocybin, facilitated long-term increases in trait openness following a single administration.ObjectivesThis paper assesses the impact of ayahuasca on personality in a traditional framework catering for ayahuasca tourists.MethodWithin a mixed design, we examined the effect of ayahuasca on participants' personality (measured by the NEO Personality Inventory 3 questionnaire) across time (pre- to post-ayahuasca administration, and 6-month follow-up), relative to a comparison group (who did not ingest ayahuasca).ResultsThe results demonstrated significant increases in agreeableness pre- and post-ayahuasca administration and significant reductions in neuroticism in 24 participants, relative to the comparison group. Both of these changes were sustained at 6-month follow-up, and trait level increases were also observed in openness at this stage. Additionally, greater perceived mystical experience (measured using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire 30) was associated with increased reductions in neuroticism.ConclusionsThese findings, which indicate a positive mediating effect of ayahuasca on personality, support the growing literature suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for serotonergic psychedelics.

keywords:
Humans, Banisteriopsis, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Hallucinogens, Plant Extracts, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Follow-Up Studies, Personality, Mysticism, Adult, Peru, Female, Male, Medical Tourism, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin, Neuroticism

raw_json:
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title: Hallucinogenic mushroom misuse reported to Texas poison centers.
authors: Forrester MB.
publication_date: 2020-07-05
doi: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1785817
pubmed_id: 32627708
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2020.1785817
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Adolescents
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundHallucinogenic mushrooms are fungi that contain the substance psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin can induce hallucinations, euphoria, and alterations in the perception of space and time. Ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms may result in adverse effects.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe hallucinogenic mushroom misuse reported to poison centers.MethodsCases were exposures to hallucinogenic mushrooms reported to Texas poison centers during 2000-2018 where the exposure reason was Intentional - Misuse or Intentional - Abuse (combined into the term "misuse" in the study). The distribution of the cases was determined for various factors related to patient demographics, exposure circumstances, management, and outcome.ResultsTexas poison centers managed 486 hallucinogenic mushroom misuse exposures. Eighty-five percent of the patients were male; the mean age was 20.9 years (range 12-57 years). The exposure route was ingestion alone in 91% of the cases. Seventy-two percent of the exposures occurred at the patient's own residence. Seventy-one percent of the patients were already at or en route to a healthcare facility when the poison center was contacted, 22% were referred to a healthcare facility by the poison center, and 7% of the patients were managed on-site. The most frequent clinical effects were neurological (72%), cardiovascular (25%), and gastrointestinal (23%).ConclusionsThe majority of hallucinogenic mushroom misuse exposures involved adolescents or young adults and were male. Most of the exposures tended to be managed at a healthcare facility. The most common clinical effects tended to be neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal in nature.

keywords:
Humans, Mushroom Poisoning, Retrospective Studies, Sex Factors, Adult, Poison Control Centers, Texas, Female, Male, Young Adult, Illicit Drugs

raw_json:
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authors: Cozzi NV, Daley PF.
publication_date: 2020-07-13
doi: 10.1002/dta.2889
pubmed_id: 32608093
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2889
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Synthesis and characterization of high-purity N,N-dimethyltryptamine hemifumarate for human clinical trials.

abstract:
Since 2006, there has been a resurgent interest in the pharmacology and therapeutics of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin, the 4-phosphoryl ester of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), has been studied most often, but DMT itself is also appealing because of its brief but profound psychological effects and its presence as an endogenous substance in mammalian brain. Although there have been a few studies of ayahuasca, a DMT-containing water infusion, only one human study with pure DMT has been reported since the early 2000s. Newly planned clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of DMT in humans with major depressive disorders require high-purity water-soluble DMT for intravenous administration. Accordingly, we synthesized and characterized DMT hemifumarate for these upcoming studies. The synthetic approach of Speeter and Anthony was slightly modified to gain some efficiency in time. In particular, this is the first known report to use aluminum hydride, generated in situ from lithium aluminum hydride, to reduce the intermediate 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoacetamide to DMT. A quench protocol was developed to produce a good yield of exceptionally pure free base DMT upon workup, which was then converted to the hemifumarate salt. Analysis of the final product included differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, residual solvent analysis by GC headspace sampling, X-ray powder diffraction analysis, and residual lithium analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The DMT hemifumarate was minimally 99.9% pure, with no significant impurities or residual solvents, thus meeting regulatory standards for administration to humans.

keywords:
Humans, Aluminum, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Hallucinogens, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Clinical Trials as Topic, Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32608093","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Efficacy of psychedelic treatments on depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis.
authors: Romeo B, Karila L, Martelli C, Benyamina A
journal: Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
publication_date: 2020-09-30
doi: 10.1177/0269881120919957
pubmed_id: 32448048
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32448048/
keywords: Psychedelics, ayahuasca, depressive symptoms, meta-analysis, psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Meta-Analysis
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32448048"}
abstract:
Psychedelic drugs have shown an efficacy in some psychiatric disorders and have an original mechanism of action with a 5-HT agonism.
The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess by a quantitative analysis the putative efficacy of psychedelic drugs on depressive symptoms and to investigate the kinetic of this efficacy.
We searched the MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases through April 2019, without limits on year of publication. Means and standard deviations were extracted to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD). Scores of depressive symptoms were compared with baseline scores at days 7, 14, and 21; weeks 4-5 and 6-8; and months 3 and 6.
Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. A significant decrease of depressive symptoms was found from day 1 ( = 5 studies; SMD = -1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.33 to -0.48, = 0.003) to 6 months ( = 4 studies; SMD = -1.07, 95% CI: -1.44 to -0.7,
This meta-analysis shows that psychedelic treatments were safe and could contribute to a rapid improvement of depressive symptoms.


title: Psilocybin: from ancient magic to modern medicine.
authors: Nichols DE.
publication_date: 2020-05-11
doi: 10.1038/s41429-020-0311-8
pubmed_id: 32398764
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41429-020-0311-8
keywords: Humans, Agaricales, Hallucinogens, History, 15th Century, History, 20th Century, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is an indole-based secondary metabolite produced by numerous species of mushrooms. South American Aztec Indians referred to them as teonanacatl, meaning "god's flesh," and they were used in religious and healing rituals. Spanish missionaries in the 1500s attempted to destroy all records and evidence of the use of these mushrooms. Nevertheless, a 16th century Spanish Franciscan friar and historian mentioned teonanacatl in his extensive writings, intriguing 20th century ethnopharmacologists and leading to a decades-long search for the identity of teonanacatl. Their search ultimately led to a 1957 photo-essay in a popular magazine, describing for the Western world the use of these mushrooms. Specimens were ultimately obtained, and their active principle identified and chemically synthesized. In the past 10-15 years several FDA-approved clinical studies have indicated potential medical value for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in treating depression, anxiety, and certain addictions. At present, assuming that the early clinical studies can be validated by larger studies, psilocybin is poised to make a significant impact on treatments available to psychiatric medicine.

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title: Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis.
authors: Johnstad PG.
publication_date: 2020-09-21
doi: 10.1186/s42238-020-00032-2
pubmed_id: 33526128
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-020-00032-2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Personality Change,Spirituality,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundWhile cannabis has a long history of spiritual use, its normalization in Western societies during the last decades has led to more recreational use. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of spiritual cannabis use as compared to recreational use and to the use of psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin.MethodsThe study employed a mixed methods research design that involved both qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. Participants in interviews (N = 29) were recruited at various online fora for individual interviews via private messaging, and were queried in depth about their use of entheogens such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT in spiritual contexts. The Cannabis and Psychedelics User Survey (CPUS) was constructed on the basis of the reports from these interviews, and recruited 319 participants (median age 33; 81% male) from seven different online communities. The online survey consisted of three main sections, with the first asking about demographics, personality, current and past affiliation to spiritual or religious traditions, and non-psychedelic drug use, and the second and third sections containing questions about motivations for, experience with, and consequences of cannabis and psychedelics use. The main statistical analyses used were multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis, which identified the effect from having a spiritual motivation for cannabis use on various aspects of the cannabis experience while controlling for a range of demographic, personality, and drug use variables.ResultsRespondents differentiated clearly between the use of psychedelics and cannabis. Their use of the psychedelic drug they chose for the survey was restricted to a median of 1-10 use occasions per year, and 69% of participants endorsed having a spiritual motivation for use. Cannabis, on the other hand, was used a median of 51-100 times per year, and 25% of participants endorsed having a spiritual motivation for use. This minority of spiritual cannabis users differed significantly from non-spiritual users in how they approached cannabis use and in the type of experiences their use gave rise to. In multivariate logistic regression models, spiritual motivation was a significant predictor (p

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title: Structure of a Hallucinogen-Activated Gq-Coupled 5-HT2A Serotonin Receptor.
publication_date: 2020-08-31
doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.024
pubmed_id: 32946782
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.024
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Receptor Pharmacology,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Kim K, Che T, Panova O, DiBerto JF, Lyu J, Krumm BE, Wacker D, Robertson MJ, Seven AB, Nichols DE, Shoichet BK, Skiniotis G, Roth BL.

abstract:
Hallucinogens like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and substituted N-benzyl phenylalkylamines are widely used recreationally with psilocybin being considered as a therapeutic for many neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. How psychedelics mediate their actions-both therapeutic and hallucinogenic-are not understood, although activation of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor (HTR2A) is key. To gain molecular insights into psychedelic actions, we determined the active-state structure of HTR2A bound to 25-CN-NBOH-a prototypical hallucinogen-in complex with an engineered Gαq heterotrimer by cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). We also obtained the X-ray crystal structures of HTR2A complexed with the arrestin-biased ligand LSD or the inverse agonist methiothepin. Comparisons of these structures reveal determinants responsible for HTR2A-Gαq protein interactions as well as the conformational rearrangements involved in active-state transitions. Given the potential therapeutic actions of hallucinogens, these findings could accelerate the discovery of more selective drugs for the treatment of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Spodoptera, Serotonin, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Methiothepin, GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Recombinant Proteins, Hallucinogens, Ligands, Cryoelectron Microscopy, Crystallography, X-Ray, Gene Expression, Mutation, Models, Chemical, HEK293 Cells, Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical

raw_json:
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authors: Vitkauskas M, Mathuru AS.
publication_date: 2020-09-06
doi: 10.3390/ijms21186525
pubmed_id: 32906643
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186525
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Brain Imaging,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Total Recall: Lateral Habenula and Psychedelics in the Study of Depression and Comorbid Brain Disorders.

abstract:
Depression impacts the lives and daily activities of millions globally. Research into the neurobiology of lateral habenula circuitry and the use of psychedelics for treating depressive states has emerged in the last decade as new directions to devise interventional strategies and therapies. Several clinical trials using deep brain stimulation of the habenula, or using ketamine, and psychedelics that target the serotonergic system such as psilocybin are also underway. The promising early results in these fields require cautious optimism as further evidence from experiments conducted in animal systems in ecologically relevant settings, and a larger number of human studies with improved spatiotemporal neuroimaging, accumulates. Designing optimal methods of intervention will also be aided by an improvement in our understanding of the common genetic and molecular factors underlying disorders comorbid with depression, as well as the characterization of psychedelic-induced changes at a molecular level. Advances in the use of cerebral organoids offers a new approach for rapid progress towards these goals. Here, we review developments in these fast-moving areas of research and discuss potential future directions.

keywords:
Habenula, Humans, Brain Diseases, Hallucinogens, Depression, Depressive Disorder, Comorbidity, Serotonergic Neurons, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Vargas AS, Luís Â, Barroso M, Gallardo E, Pereira L.
publication_date: 2020-09-04
doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8090331
pubmed_id: 32899469
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8090331
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin as a New Approach to Treat Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Life-Threatening Diseases-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

abstract:
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine known for its psychedelic properties. Recent research indicates that psilocybin may constitute a valid approach to treat depression and anxiety associated to life-threatening diseases. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials to assess the therapeutic effects and safety of psilocybin on those medical conditions. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure the effects in depression and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure the effects in anxiety. For BDI, 11 effect sizes were considered (92 patients) and the intervention group was significantly favored (WMD = -4.589; 95% CI = -4.207 to -0.971; p-value = 0.002). For STAI-Trait, 11 effect sizes were considered (92 patients), being the intervention group significantly favored when compared to the control group (WMD = -5.906; 95% CI = -7.852 to -3.960; p-value ˂ 0.001). For STAI-State, 9 effect sizes were considered (41 patients) and the intervention group was significantly favored (WMD = -6.032; 95% CI = -8.900 to -3.164; p-value ˂ 0.001). The obtained results are promising and emphasize the importance of psilocybin translational research in the management of symptoms of depression and anxiety, since the compound may be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in conditions that are either resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy or for which pharmacologic treatment is not yet approved. Moreover, it may be also relevant for first-line treatment, given its safety.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Clinical Trial,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety

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title: Psilocybin Can Diminish Depression.
authors: Jones TK, Lippmann S.
publication_date: 2020-09-02
doi: 10.4088/pcc.19br02580
pubmed_id: 32898345
source_url: https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.19br02580
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Anxiety, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
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authors: Breeksema JJ, Niemeijer AR, Krediet E, Vermetten E, Schoevers RA.
publication_date: 2020-08-31
doi: 10.1007/s40263-020-00748-y
pubmed_id: 32803732
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-020-00748-y
keywords: Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Patient Outcome Assessment
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Psychedelic Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Patient Experiences in Qualitative Studies.

abstract:
IntroductionInterest in the use of psychedelic substances for the treatment of mental disorders is increasing. Processes that may affect therapeutic change are not yet fully understood. Qualitative research methods are increasingly used to examine patient accounts; however, currently, no systematic review exists that synthesizes these findings in relation to the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders.ObjectiveTo provide an overview of salient themes in patient experiences of psychedelic treatments for mental disorders, presenting both common and diverging elements in patients' accounts, and elucidating how these affect the treatment process.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases for English-language qualitative literature without time limitations. Inclusion criteria were qualitative research design; peer-reviewed studies; based on verbalized patient utterances; and a level of abstraction or analysis of the results. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze and synthesize results across studies. A critical appraisal of study quality and methodological rigor was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).ResultsFifteen research articles, comprising 178 patient experiences, were included. Studies exhibited a broad heterogeneity in terms of substance, mental disorder, treatment context, and qualitative methodology. Substances included psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ibogaine, ayahuasca, ketamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Disorders included anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. While the included compounds were heterogeneous in pharmacology and treatment contexts, patients reported largely comparable experiences across disorders, which included phenomenological analogous effects, perspectives on the intervention, therapeutic processes and treatment outcomes. Comparable therapeutic processes included insights, altered self-perception, increased connectedness, transcendental experiences, and an expanded emotional spectrum, which patients reported contributed to clinically and personally relevant responses.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates how qualitative research of psychedelic treatments can contribute to distinguishing specific features of specific substances, and carry otherwise undiscovered implications for the treatment of specific psychiatric disorders.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Eating Disorders,Pharmacology,Emotional Processing,Systematic Review,Review Article

raw_json:
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authors: Roberts CA, Osborne-Miller I, Cole J, Gage SH, Christiansen P.
publication_date: 2020-07-16
doi: 10.1177/0269881120936508
pubmed_id: 32674668
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881120936508
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Chronic Pain,Observational Study,Adolescents,Toxicity
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Perceived harm, motivations for use and subjective experiences of recreational psychedelic 'magic' mushroom use.

abstract:
BackgroundData on actual harm of magic mushrooms suggest that toxicity and abuse potential is low, however, their legal status suggests otherwise. We aimed to gauge perception of harm of magic mushrooms in both users and mushroom-naïve participants. We also aimed to observe differences in expectations of effects between users and mushroom-naïve participants, and whether motivations for use predicted their expected effects.MethodIn total, 73 polydrug users with experience of using magic mushrooms and 78 mushroom-naïve participants completed an online survey. We asked participants to rank a list of 10 substances from most dangerous to least dangerous and questioned them about expectation of effect using a modified magic mushroom expectation questionnaire. Users were asked about their motivations for using magic mushrooms.ResultsBoth groups perceive mushrooms to be safer than heroin, cocaine, prescription painkillers, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ecstasy, tobacco and alcohol. However, the mushroom-naïve group ranked mushrooms as significantly more dangerous than the user group. Non-users reported greater expectancy for negative intoxication. Users reported greater expected entactogenic, prosocial, aesthetic and mood effects, and perceptual alterations. Finally, expectant effects of mushroom use were associated with different motivations for use, for example using for personal psychotherapy was associated with expectation of increased entactogenic effects and decreased negative effects.ConclusionOur data suggest a general perception of harm that is in line with data on actual harm, but at odds with current legal classifications. Future clinical investigations may require management of negative intoxication expectation of participants with no prior experience of psilocybin.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Health Surveys, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Motivation, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Male, Psilocybe, Young Adult, Psilocybin, Recreational Drug Use

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32674668","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences.
authors: James E, Robertshaw TL, Hoskins M, Sessa B.
publication_date: 2020-06-22
doi: 10.1002/hup.2742
pubmed_id: 32573835
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2742
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psychotherapy, Research Design, Mysticism, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
ObjectiveResearch into psychedelic therapy models has shown promise for the treatment of specific psychiatric conditions. Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin have been correlated with therapeutic benefits and long-term improvements in positive mental outlook and attitudes. This article aims to provide an overview of the topic, highlight strengths and weaknesses in current research, generate novel perspectives and discussion, and consider future avenues for research.DesignThis narrative review was designed to summarise and assess the state of research on psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences and applications for the treatment of specific psychiatric conditions.ResultsContemporary methods on the quantification of mystical-type experiences and their acute subjective effects are discussed. Recent studies provide some understanding of the pharmacological actions of psychedelics although the neurological similarities and differences between spontaneous and psychedelic mystical-type experiences are not well described. Applicability to modern clinical settings is assessed. Potential novel therapeutic applications include use in positive psychology interventions in healthy individuals.ConclusionsSince 2006 significant advancements in understanding the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy have been made; however, more work is required to understand the neuromechanistic processes and applicability in modern clinical settings. Despite promising results in recent studies, funding issues for clinical trials, legal concerns and socio-cultural resistance provide a counterpoint to experimental evidence.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32573835","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-10-27
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1769878
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/nhbjk_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,End-of-Life Distress,Clinical Trial,Meta-Analysis
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"nhbjk_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
After a two-decade hiatus in which research on psychedelics was essentially halted, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health conditions have begun to be published. We identified nine randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy published since 1994. Studies examined psilocybin, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), ayahuasca (which contains a combination of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmala monoamine oxidase inhibitor alkaloids), and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). We compared the standardized mean difference between the experimental and placebo control group at the primary endpoint. Results indicated a significant mean between-groups effect size of 1.21 (Hedges g), which is larger than the typical effect size found in trials of psychopharmacological or psychotherapy interventions. For the three studies that maintained a placebo control through a follow-up assessment, effects were generally maintained at follow-up. Overall, analyses support the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy across four mental health conditions-post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety/depression associated with a life-threatening illness, unipolar depression, and social anxiety among autistic adults. While study quality was high, we identify several areas for improvement regarding the conduct and reporting of trials. Larger trials with more diverse samples are needed to examine possible moderators and mediators of effects, and to establish whether effects are maintained over time.

keywords:
mdma assisted psychotherapy, meta-analysis, psychedelic assisted therapy, psychedelic science, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences


title: Mystical Experiences in Retrospective Reports of First Times Using a Psychedelic in Finland.
authors: Kangaslampi S, Hausen A, Rauteenmaa T
journal: Journal of psychoactive drugs
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1767321
pubmed_id: 32511073
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32511073/
keywords: LSD, Psychedelics, mystical experience, psilocybin, well-being
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Creativity,Spirituality,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32511073"}
abstract:
Despite their acutely inebriating and sometimes unpleasant effects, some people report positive changes in life satisfaction, well-being, or mental health after taking psychedelic drugs. One explanation may be the ability of psychedelics to trigger mystical-type experiences. We examined the validity, reliability, and factor structure of a novel Finnish translation of the Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) among 288 people retrospectively reporting on their first time using a psychedelic. We found evidence for internal consistency reliability and preliminary evidence for criterion and discriminant validity of the Finnish MEQ30. A four-factor structure with factors for mystical qualities, positive mood, transcendence, and ineffability had the best, fair to reasonable fit to the data. MEQ30 scores and having a full mystical experience were highly associated with describing the experience as mystical, spiritual, or religious, and as personally significant, and somewhat associated with the experience being sad or difficult. Mystical experiences were especially associated with positive changes in relationships with nature and oneself and in creativity. Mystical experiences were more common with larger doses. Increasing research suggests mystical-type experiences to relate to positive changes after taking psychedelics. The Finnish MEQ30 is able to tap into relevant information about this aspect of people's psychedelic experiences.


title: Compassionate use of psychedelics.
authors: Greif A, Šurkala M.
publication_date: 2020-08-31
doi: 10.1007/s11019-020-09958-z
pubmed_id: 32468195
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-020-09958-z
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
In the present paper, we discuss the ethics of compassionate psychedelic psychotherapy and argue that it can be morally permissible. When talking about psychedelics, we mean specifically two substances: psilocybin and MDMA. When administered under supportive conditions and in conjunction with psychotherapy, therapies assisted by these substances show promising results. However, given the publicly controversial nature of psychedelics, compassionate psychedelic psychotherapy calls for ethical justification. We thus review the safety and efficacy of psilocybin- and MDMA-assisted therapies and claim that it can be rational for some patients to try psychedelic therapy. We think it can be rational despite the uncertainty of outcomes associated with compassionate use as an unproven treatment regime, as the expected value of psychedelic psychotherapy can be assessed and can outweigh the expected value of routine care, palliative care, or no care at all. Furthermore, we respond to the objection that psychedelic psychotherapy is morally impermissible because it is epistemically harmful. We argue that given the current level of understanding of psychedelics, this objection is unsubstantiated for a number of reasons, but mainly because there is no experimental evidence to suggest that epistemic harm actually takes place.

keywords:
Humans, Chronic Disease, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Hallucinogens, Terminal Care, Mental Disorders, Psychotherapy, Compassionate Use Trials, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32468195","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Barrett FS, Krimmel SR, Griffiths RR, Seminowicz DA, Mathur BN.
publication_date: 2020-05-22
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116980
pubmed_id: 32454209
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116980
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin acutely alters the functional connectivity of the claustrum with brain networks that support perception, memory, and attention.

abstract:
Psychedelic drugs, including the serotonin 2a (5-HT2A) receptor partial agonist psilocybin, are receiving renewed attention for their possible efficacy in treating a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Psilocybin induces widespread dysregulation of cortical activity, but circuit-level mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. The claustrum is a subcortical nucleus that highly expresses 5-HT2A receptors and provides glutamatergic inputs to arguably all areas of the cerebral cortex. We therefore tested the hypothesis that psilocybin modulates claustrum function in humans. Fifteen healthy participants (10M, 5F) completed this within-subjects study in which whole-brain resting-state blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal was measured 100 ​min after blinded oral administration of placebo and 10 mg/70 ​kg psilocybin. Left and right claustrum signal was isolated using small region confound correction. Psilocybin significantly decreased both the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations as well as the variance of BOLD signal in the left and right claustrum. Psilocybin also significantly decreased functional connectivity of the right claustrum with auditory and default mode networks (DMN), increased right claustrum connectivity with the fronto-parietal task control network (FPTC), and decreased left claustrum connectivity with the FPTC. DMN integrity was associated with right-claustrum connectivity with the DMN, while FPTC integrity and modularity were associated with right claustrum and left claustrum connectivity with the FPTC, respectively. Subjective effects of psilocybin predicted changes in the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations and the variance of BOLD signal in the left and right claustrum. Observed effects were specific to claustrum, compared to flanking regions of interest (the left and right insula and putamen). This study used a pharmacological intervention to provide the first empirical evidence in any species for a significant role of 5-HT2A receptor signaling in claustrum functioning, and supports a possible role of the claustrum in the subjective and therapeutic effects of psilocybin.

keywords:
Neural Pathways, Humans, Hallucinogens, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Memory, Perception, Attention, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Psilocybin, Claustrum

topic_tags:
Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Default Mode Network,Aging,Healthy Volunteers

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32454209","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Nkadimeng SM, Nabatanzi A, Steinmann CML, Eloff JN.
publication_date: 2020-08-30
doi: 10.3390/plants9091127
pubmed_id: 32878164
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091127
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Toxicity,Inflammation
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Phytochemical, Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Psilocybe Natalensis Magic Mushroom.

abstract:
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, have been used since ancient and recent times for depression and to improve quality of life. However, their anti-inflammatory properties are not known. The study aims at investing cytotoxicity; antioxidant; and, for the first time, anti-inflammatory effects of Psilocybe natalensis, a psilocybin-containing mushroom that grows in South Africa, on lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and treated with different concentrations of Psilocybe natalensis mushroom extracted with boiling hot water, cold water and ethanol over 24 h. Quercetin and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were used as positive controls. Effects of extracts on the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and cytokine activities were investigated. Phytochemical analysis, and the antioxidant and cytotoxicity of extracts, were determined. Results showed that the three extracts inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and interleukin 1β cytokine production significantly in a dose-dependent manner close to that of the positive controls. A study proposed that ethanol and water extracts of Psilocybe natalensis mushroom were safe at concentrations used, and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in the mushroom extracts.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32878164","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The therapeutic potential of microdosing psychedelics in depression.
authors: Kuypers KPC.
publication_date: 2020-08-26
doi: 10.1177/2045125320950567
pubmed_id: 32922736
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125320950567
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Microdosing,Review Article,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Microdosing psychedelics is the repeated use of small doses of, for example, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, typically for a few weeks. Despite the popular and scientific attention in recent years, and claims by users that it has therapeutic value in affective disorders like depression, little scientific knowledge is available to back this. The purpose of this review was to investigate whether there are scientific grounds to state that this practice could be helpful in the treatment of affective disorders, and safe to use repeatedly. To that end, the literature (PubMed, MedLine) was searched, looking for (controlled) experimental studies with low doses of LSD and/or psilocybin, in healthy volunteers and patient samples. After a selection process and the addition of relevant articles, 14 experimental studies entered this review. Findings show that both LSD (10-20 mcg) and psilocybin (

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32922736","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics as a Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease Dementia.
authors: Vann Jones SA, O'Kelly A.
publication_date: 2020-08-20
doi: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00034
pubmed_id: 32973482
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00034
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neurogenesis,Review Article,Inflammation
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Currently, there are no disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) or any other dementia subtype. The renaissance in psychedelic research in recent years, in particular studies involving psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), coupled with anecdotal reports of cognitive benefits from micro-dosing, suggests that they may have a therapeutic role in a range of psychiatric and neurological conditions due to their potential to stimulate neurogenesis, provoke neuroplastic changes and reduce neuroinflammation. This inevitably makes them interesting candidates for therapeutics in dementia. This mini-review will look at the basic science and current clinical evidence for the role of psychedelics in treating dementia, especially early AD, with a particular focus on micro-dosing of the classical psychedelics LSD and psilocybin.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32973482","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: What Psilocybin Taught Me, One Year Later.
authors: Back AL.
publication_date: 2020-07-31
doi: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0018
pubmed_id: 32790566
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2020.0018
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32790566","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Management of overdoses of salvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushrooms: a literature review.
authors: Reinert JP, Colunga K, Etuk A, Richardson V, Dunn RL.
publication_date: 2020-07-24
doi: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1794811
pubmed_id: 32648791
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2020.1794811
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Aging,Review Article,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
IntroductionDespite the relative reduction in opioid and other illicit substance overdoses in the past few years, clinicians must remain vigilant in keeping up to date on emerging trends with regard to potential substances of abuse. As overdoses of traditional drugs of abuse decrease in light of legislative and de-prescribing initiatives, it stands to reason that alternative agents, including natural products, have increased. Toxicities associated with these agents have been contributing to emergency department visits across the globe.Areas coveredThis evaluation covers salvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushrooms, and was accomplished through a comprehensive review of PubMed, SCOPUS, ProQuest Central, ProQuest Dissertations, and CINAHL. Thirty-one pieces of literature are included in this evaluation. The objective of this review is to provide clinicians with the information necessary to provide bedside care for overdoses of salvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushrooms.Expert opinionSalvia, kratom, and psilocybin mushrooms may not be an initial consideration when healthcare practitioners are triaging an overdose scenario; however, data from around the world demonstrate an increased use of these agents. While not typically fatal, clinicians must be prepared to assess these as a potential etiology of overdoses and provide appropriate supportive care.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Salvia, Mitragyna, Mushroom Poisoning, Substance-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Drug Overdose, Psilocybin, Illicit Drugs

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32648791","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Carbonaro TM, Johnson MW, Griffiths RR.
publication_date: 2020-06-04
doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05533-9
pubmed_id: 32500212
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05533-9
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mystical Experience,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Subjective features of the psilocybin experience that may account for its self-administration by humans: a double-blind comparison of psilocybin and dextromethorphan.

abstract:
RationaleAlthough both psilocybin and dextromethorphan (DXM) produce psychedelic-like subjective effects, rates of non-medical use of psilocybin are consistently greater than DXM.ObjectiveNew data are presented from a study of psilocybin and DXM relevant to understanding the features of psilocybin subjective effects that may account for its higher rates of non-medical use.MethodsSingle, acute oral doses of psilocybin (10, 20, 30 mg/70 kg), DXM (400 mg/70 kg), and placebo were administered under double-blind conditions to 20 healthy participants with histories of hallucinogen use.ResultsHigh doses of both drugs produced similar time courses and increases in participant ratings of peak overall drug effect strength. Nine subjective effect domains are proposed to be related to the reinforcing effects of psilocybin: liking, visual effects, positive mood, insight, positive social effects, increased awareness of beauty (both visual and music), awe/amazement, meaningfulness, and mystical experience. For most ratings, (1) psilocybin and DXM both produced effects significantly greater than placebo; (2) psilocybin showed dose-related increases; 3, DXM was never significantly higher than psilocybin; (4) the two highest psilocybin doses were significantly greater than DXM. These differences were consistent with two measures of desire to take the drug condition again.ConclusionsThis analysis provides new information about domains of psilocybin subjective effects proposed to be related to its reinforcing effects (alternatively described as the "motivation" to use). Observed differences on these domains between psilocybin and DXM are consistent with the relative rates of non-medical use of psilocybin and DXM.

keywords:
Humans, Dextromethorphan, Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists, Hallucinogens, Self Administration, Retrospective Studies, Follow-Up Studies, Double-Blind Method, Affect, Motivation, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Music, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Psilocybin, Reinforcement, Psychology

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32500212","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Experience of Music Used With Psychedelic Therapy: A Rapid Review and Implications.
authors: O'Callaghan C, Hubik DJ, Dwyer J, Williams M, Ross M.
publication_date: 2020-06-30
doi: 10.1093/jmt/thaa006
pubmed_id: 32227084
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thaa006
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Emotional Processing,Review Article,Adolescents
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music emerged following discontinuation of psychedelic therapy research in the early 1970s, but psychedelic therapy research has since revived. Music remains a vital component. This study examined participants' experiences of music in psychedelic therapy research. A rapid review of qualitative and quantitative journal articles in four major databases was conducted in February to April, 2019, using the terms hallucinogens, psychedelic, "lysergic acid diethylamide," psilocybin, ayahuasca, music, and/or "music therapy." Of 406 articles retrieved, 10 were included (n = 180; 18-69 years old). Participants had varied backgrounds. Music was widely considered integral for meaningful emotional and imagery experiences and self-exploration during psychedelic therapy. Music transformed through its elicitation of anthropomorphic, transportive, synesthetic, and material sensations. Music could convey love, carry listeners to other realms, be something to "hold," inspire, and elicit a deep sense of embodied transformation. Therapeutic influence was especially evident in music's dichotomous elicitations: Music could simultaneously anchor and propel. Participant openness to music and provision of participant-centered music were associated with optimal immediate and longer-term outcomes. Many studies reported scarce details about the music used and incidental findings of music experienced. Further understanding of participants' idiosyncratic and shared responses to music during drug therapy phases will inform optimal development of flexible music protocols which enhance psychedelic therapy. Music therapists could be involved in the psychedelic therapy research renaissance through assisting with research to optimize music-based protocols used. If psychedelics become approved medicines, music therapists may be involved in offering psychedelic therapy as part of therapeutic teams.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Music Therapy, Emotions, Auditory Perception, Psychotherapy, Music, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Psilocybin, Imagery, Psychotherapy

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32227084","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin Induces Time-Dependent Changes in Global Functional Connectivity.
publication_date: 2020-01-12
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.12.027
pubmed_id: 32111343
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.12.027
keywords: Brain, Humans, Hallucinogens, Brain Mapping, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Biomarkers,Aging
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Preller KH, Duerler P, Burt JB, Ji JL, Adkinson B, Stämpfli P, Seifritz E, Repovš G, Krystal JH, Murray JD, Anticevic A, Vollenweider FX.

abstract:
BackgroundThe use of psilocybin in scientific and experimental clinical contexts has triggered renewed interest in the mechanism of action of psychedelics. However, its time-dependent systems-level neurobiology remains sparsely investigated in humans.MethodsWe conducted a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study comprising 23 healthy human participants who received placebo and 0.2 mg/kg of psilocybin orally on 2 different test days. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 3 time points between administration and peak effects: 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 70 minutes after administration. Resting-state functional connectivity was quantified via a data-driven global brain connectivity method and compared with cortical gene expression maps.ResultsPsilocybin reduced associative, but concurrently increased sensory, brain-wide connectivity. This pattern emerged over time from administration to peak effects. Furthermore, we showed that baseline connectivity is associated with the extent of psilocybin-induced changes in functional connectivity. Lastly, psilocybin-induced changes correlated in a time-dependent manner with spatial gene expression patterns of the 5-HT2A (5-hydroxytryptamine 2A) and 5-HT1A (5-hydroxytryptamine 1A) receptors.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the integration of functional connectivity in sensory regions and the disintegration in associative regions may underlie the psychedelic state and pinpoint the critical role of the serotonin 2A and 1A receptor systems. Furthermore, baseline connectivity may represent a predictive marker of the magnitude of changes induced by psilocybin and may therefore contribute to a personalized medicine approach within the potential framework of psychedelic treatment.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32111343","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Research and the Need for Transparency: Polishing Alice's Looking Glass.
authors: Petranker R, Anderson T, Farb N
journal: Frontiers in psychology
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01681
pubmed_id: 32754101
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32754101/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32754101"}
abstract:
Psychedelics have a checkered past, alternately venerated as sacred medicines and vilified as narcotics with no medicinal or research value. After decades of international prohibition, a growing dissatisfaction with conventional mental health care and the pioneering work of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Science (MAPS) and others has sparked a new wave of psychedelic research. Positive media coverage and new entrepreneurial interest in this potentially lucrative market, along with their attendant conflicts of interest, have accelerated the hype. Given psychedelics' complex history, it is especially important to proceed with care, holding ourselves to a higher scientific rigor and standard of transparency. Universities and researchers face conflicting interests and perverse incentives, but we can avoid missteps by expecting rigorous and transparent methods in the growing science of psychedelics. This paper provides a pragmatic research checklist and discusses the importance of using the modern research and transparency standards of Open Science using preregistration, open materials and data, reporting constraints on generality, and encouraging replication. We discuss specific steps researchers should take to avoid another replication crisis like those devastating psychology, medicine, and other fields. We end with a discussion of researcher intention and the value of actively deciding to abide by higher scientific standards. We can build a rigorous, transparent, replicable psychedelic science by using Open Science to understand psychedelics' potential as they re-enter science and society.

keywords:
LSD, Open Science, checklist, psilocybin, psychedelics, replicability, research practices and methods, transparency


title: Scalable Hybrid Synthetic/Biocatalytic Route to Psilocybin.
authors: Fricke J, Kargbo R, Regestein L, Lenz C, Peschel G, Rosenbaum MA, Sherwood A, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2020-06-07
doi: 10.1002/chem.202000134
pubmed_id: 32101345
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202000134
keywords: Humans, Agaricales, Tryptamines, Biocatalysis, Psilocybe, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
Psilocybin, the principal indole alkaloid of Psilocybe mushrooms, is currently undergoing clinical trials as a medication against treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder. The psilocybin supply for pharmaceutical purposes is met by synthetic chemistry. We replaced the problematic phosphorylation step during synthesis with the mushroom kinase PsiK. This enzyme was biochemically characterized and used to produce one gram of psilocybin from psilocin within 20 minutes. We also describe a pilot-scale protocol for recombinant PsiK that yielded 150 mg enzyme in active and soluble form. Our work consolidates the simplicity of tryptamine chemistry with the specificity and selectivity of enzymatic catalysis and helps provide access to an important drug at potentially reasonable cost.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32101345","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin and LSD have no long-lasting effects in an animal model of alcohol relapse.
authors: Meinhardt MW, Güngör C, Skorodumov I, Mertens LJ, Spanagel R.
publication_date: 2020-05-04
doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0694-z
pubmed_id: 32369828
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0694-z
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Microdosing,Clinical Trial,Animal Study,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
For most psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD), approved pharmacological treatments are limited in their effectiveness, and new drugs that can easily be translated into the clinic are needed. Currently, great hope lies in the potential of psychedelics to effectively treat AUD. The primary hypothesis is that a single session of psychedelic-guided psychotherapy can restore normal brain function in AUD individuals and thereby reduce the risk of relapse in the long run. Here we applied three different treatment schedules with psilocybin/LSD in order to investigate relapse-like drinking in the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) model. In contrast to the primary hypothesis, psychedelics had no long-lasting effects on the ADE in male and female rats, neither when administered in a high dosage regime that is comparable to the one used in clinical studies, nor in a chronic microdosing scheme. Only sub-chronic treatment with psilocybin produced a short-lasting anti-relapse effect. However, it is not a translatable treatment option to give psychedelics sub-chronically for relapse prevention. In conclusion, our results in the ADE model do not support the hypothesis that microdosing or high doses of psychedelic reduce relapse behavior. This conclusion has to be confirmed by applying other animal models of AUD. It could also well be that animal models of AUD might be unable to fully capture the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs and that only future large-scale clinical trials will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of psychedelics as a new treatment option for AUD.

keywords:
Animals, Rats, Disease Models, Animal, Recurrence, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Female, Male, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32369828","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Milne N, Thomsen P, Mølgaard Knudsen N, Rubaszka P, Kristensen M, Borodina I.
publication_date: 2020-03-25
doi: 10.1016/j.ymben.2019.12.007
pubmed_id: 32224264
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2019.12.007
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the de novo production of psilocybin and related tryptamine derivatives.

abstract:
Psilocybin is a tryptamine-derived psychoactive alkaloid found mainly in the fungal genus Psilocybe, among others, and is the active ingredient in so-called "magic mushrooms". Although its notoriety originates from its psychotropic properties and popular use as a recreational drug, clinical trials have recently recognized psilocybin as a promising candidate for the treatment of various psychological and neurological afflictions. In this work, we demonstrate the de novo biosynthetic production of psilocybin and related tryptamine derivatives in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by expression of a heterologous biosynthesis pathway sourced from Psilocybe cubensis. Additionally, we achieve improved product titers by supplementing the pathway with a novel cytochrome P450 reductase from P. cubensis. Further rational engineering resulted in a final production strain producing 627 ± 140 mg/L of psilocybin and 580 ± 276 mg/L of the dephosphorylated degradation product psilocin in triplicate controlled fed-batch fermentations in minimal synthetic media. Pathway intermediates baeocystin, nor norbaeocystin as well the dephosphorylated baeocystin degradation product norpsilocin were also detected in strains engineered for psilocybin production. We also demonstrate the biosynthetic production of natural tryptamine derivative aeruginascin as well as the production of a new-to-nature tryptamine derivative N-acetyl-4-hydroxytryptamine. These results lay the foundation for the biotechnological production of psilocybin in a controlled environment for pharmaceutical applications, and provide a starting point for the biosynthetic production of other tryptamine derivatives of therapeutic relevance.

keywords:
Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Tryptamines, NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase, Tryptophan, Fermentation, Psilocybe, Metabolic Engineering, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32224264","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD.
authors: Krediet E, Bostoen T, Breeksema J, van Schagen A, Passie T, Vermetten E.
publication_date: 2020-05-31
doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa018
pubmed_id: 32170326
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyaa018
keywords: Brain, Humans, Hallucinogens, Treatment Outcome, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Mechanism of Action,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
There are few medications with demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment guidelines have unequivocally designated psychotherapy as a first line treatment for PTSD. Yet, even after psychotherapy, PTSD often remains a chronic illness, with high rates of psychiatric and medical comorbidity. Meanwhile, the search for and development of drugs with new mechanisms of action has stalled. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore not just novel compounds but novel approaches for the treatment of PTSD. A promising new approach involves the use of psychedelic drugs. Within the past few years, 2 psychedelics have received breakthrough designations for psychiatric indications from the US Food and Drug Administration, and several psychedelics are currently being investigated for the treatment of PTSD. This review discusses 4 types of compounds: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, classical psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide), and cannabinoids. We describe the therapeutic rationale, the setting in which they are being administered, and their current state of evidence in the treatment of PTSD. Each compound provides unique qualities for the treatment of PTSD, from their use to rapidly target symptoms to their use as adjuncts to facilitate psychotherapeutic treatments. Several questions are formulated that outline an agenda for future research.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32170326","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Greenway KT, Garel N, Jerome L, Feduccia AA
journal: Expert review of clinical pharmacology
publication_date: 2020-05-31
doi: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1772054
pubmed_id: 32478631
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32478631/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32478631"}
title:
Integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology: psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and other combined treatments.

abstract:
Combinations of psychotherapy with antidepressants are gold-standard psychiatric treatments. They operate through complex and interactional mechanisms, not unlike the reemergent paradigm of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, which promising research suggests may also be highly effective in even challenging populations.
We review the therapeutic mechanisms behind both conventional and psychedelic paradigms, including the evolution of this knowledge and the associated explanatory frameworks. We explore how psychedelics have provided insights about psychiatric illnesses and treatments over the past decades. We discuss limitations to early explanatory models while highlighting and comparing the psychological and biological mechanisms underlying many psychiatric treatments.
A narrative review was conducted based on a search in Medline/Pubmed up to January 1, 2020, and iterative retrieval of references from recent reviews and clinical trials.
The contextual model of the common factors of psychotherapy provides a powerful perspective on psychotherapy, antidepressants, and psychedelics, as well as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ketamine. It aligns well with key tenets of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Conventional antidepressants and especially psychedelics may improve the efficacy of psychotherapy via neurochemical changes and increased environmental sensitivity. Combined treatments hold significant promise for advancing the knowledge and treatment of many forms of psychopathology.

keywords:
Psychedelics, antidepressants, ketamine, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, lsd, mdma, mdma-assisted psychotherapy, psilocybin, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, psychiatry, psychotherapy


authors: Bambauer TP, Wagmann L, Maurer HH, Weber AA, Meyer MR.
publication_date: 2020-02-13
doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120847
pubmed_id: 32200933
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120847
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Biomarkers,Toxicity,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Development and application of a strategy for analyzing eight biomarkers in human urine to verify toxic mushroom or ricinus communis ingestions by means of hydrophilic interaction LC coupled to HRMS/MS.

abstract:
The analytical proof of a toxic mushroom and/or plant ingestion at an early stage of a suspected intoxication can be crucial for fast therapeutic decision making. Therefore, comprehensive analytical procedures need to be available. This study aimed to develop a strategy for the qualitative analysis of α- and β-amanitin, psilocin, bufotenine, muscarine, muscimol, ibotenic acid, and ricinine in human urine by means of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-high resolution MS/MS (HILIC-HRMS/MS). Urine samples were prepared by hydrophilic-phase liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane and subsequent solid-phase extraction and precipitation, performed in parallel. Separation and identification of the biomarkers were achieved by HILIC using acetonitrile and methanol as main eluents and Orbitrap-based mass spectrometry, respectively. The method was validated as recommended for qualitative procedures and tests for selectivity, carryover, and extraction recoveries were included to also estimate the robustness and reproducibility of the sample preparation. Limits of identification were 1 ng/mL for α- and β-amanitin, 5 ng/mL for psilocin, bufotenine, muscarine, and ricinine, and 1500 ng/mL and 2000 ng/mL for ibotenic acid and muscimol, respectively. Using γ-amanitin, l-tryptophan-d5, and psilocin-d10 as internal standards, compensation for variations of matrix effects was shown to be acceptable for most of the toxins. In eight urine samples obtained from intoxicated individuals, α- and β-amanitin, psilocin, psilocin-O-glucuronide, muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine could be identified. Moreover, psilocin-O-glucuronide and bufotenine-O-glucuronide were found to be suitable additional targets. The analytical strategy developed was thus well suited for analyzing several biomarkers of toxic mushrooms and plants in human urine to support therapeutic decision making in a clinical toxicology setting. To our knowledge, the presented method is by far the most comprehensive approach for identification of the included biomarkers in a human matrix.

keywords:
Humans, Ricinus, Mushroom Poisoning, Mycotoxins, Chromatography, Liquid, Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions, Biomarkers

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32200933","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review.
authors: Aday JS, Mitzkovitz CM, Bloesch EK, Davoli CC, Davis AK.
publication_date: 2020-03-15
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.017
pubmed_id: 32194129
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.017
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Emotions, Anxiety, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Research into the basic effects and therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs has grown considerably in recent years. Yet, pressing questions remain regarding the substances' lasting effects. Although individual studies have begun monitoring sustained changes, no study to-date has synthesized this information. Therefore, this systematic review aims to fill this important gap in the literature by synthesizing results from 34 contemporary experimental studies which included classic psychedelics, human subjects, and follow-up latencies of at least two weeks. The bulk of this work was published in the last five years, with psilocybin being the most frequently administered drug. Enduring changes in personality/attitudes, depression, spirituality, anxiety, wellbeing, substance misuse, meditative practices, and mindfulness were documented. Mystical experiences, connectedness, emotional breakthrough, and increased neural entropy were related to these long-term changes in psychological functioning. Finally, with proper screening, preparation, supervision, and integration, limited aversive side effects were noted by study participants. Future researchers should focus on including larger and more diverse samples, lengthier longitudinal designs, stronger control conditions, and standardized dosages.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Emotional Processing,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Systematic Review,Review Article,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32194129","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Microdosing psychedelics: Demographics, practices, and psychiatric comorbidities.
authors: Rosenbaum D, Weissman C, Anderson T, Petranker R, Dinh-Williams LA, Hui K, Hapke E.
publication_date: 2020-02-27
doi: 10.1177/0269881120908004
pubmed_id: 32108529
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881120908004
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Addiction,Microdosing,Randomized Controlled Trial,Observational Study,Adolescents,Safety
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
RationaleMicrodosing psychedelics - the practice of consuming small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of substances such as LSD or psilocybin - is gaining attention in popular media but remains poorly characterized. Contemporary studies of psychedelic microdosing have yet to report the basic psychiatric descriptors of psychedelic microdosers.ObjectivesTo examine the practices and demographics of a population of psychedelic microdosers - including their psychiatric diagnoses, prescription medications, and recreational substance use patterns - to develop a foundation on which to conduct future clinical research.MethodsParticipants (n = 909; Mage = 26.9, SD = 8.6; male = 83.2%; White/European = 79.1%) recruited primarily from the online forum Reddit completed an anonymous online survey. Respondents who reported using LSD, psilocybin, or both for microdosing were grouped and compared with non-microdosing respondents using exploratory odds ratio testing on demographic variables, rates of psychiatric diagnoses, and past-year recreational substance use.ResultsOf microdosers, most reported using LSD (59.3%; Mdose = 13 mcg, or 11.3% of one tab) or psilocybin (25.9%; Mdose = 0.3 g of dried psilocybin mushrooms) on a one-day-on, two-days-off schedule. Compared with non-microdosers, microdosers were significantly less likely to report a history of substance use disorders (SUDs; OR = 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05-0.56)) or anxiety disorders (OR = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41-0.91)). Microdosers were also more likely to report recent recreational substance use compared with non-microdosers (OR = 5.2 (95% CI: 2.7-10.8)).ConclusionsWell-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this practice in clinical populations and to test claims about potential benefits.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Cross-Sectional Studies, Mental Disorders, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32108529","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Ethics and ego dissolution: the case of psilocybin.
authors: Smith WR, Sisti D.
publication_date: 2020-05-26
doi: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106070
pubmed_id: 32461241
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2020-106070
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Personality Change,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Despite the fact that psychedelics were proscribed from medical research half a century ago, recent, early-phase trials on psychedelics have suggested that they bring novel benefits to patients in the treatment of several mental and substance use disorders. When beneficial, the psychedelic experience is characterized by features unlike those of other psychiatric and medical treatments. These include senses of losing self-importance, ineffable knowledge, feelings of unity and connection with others and encountering 'deep' reality or God. In addition to symptom relief, psychedelic experiences often lead to significant changes in a patient's personality and worldview. Focusing on the case of psilocybin, we argue that the peculiar features of psychedelics pose certain novel risks, which warrant an enhanced informed consent process-one that is more comprehensive than what may be typical for other psychiatric medications. We highlight key issues that should be focused on during the consent process and suggest discussion prompts for enhanced consent in psychedelic psychiatry. Finally, we respond to potential objections before concluding with a discussion of ethical considerations that will arise as psychedelics proceed from highly controlled research environments into mainstream clinical psychiatry.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32461241","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Abbott KL, Gill KS, Flannery PC, Boothe DM, Dhanasekaran M, Pondugula SR.
publication_date: 2020-05-11
doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00241
pubmed_id: 32395981
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00241
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Regulations Cripple Potentially Life-Saving Research of Illicit Substances.

abstract:
Modern day research, in an attempt to determine the potential therapeutic and adverse effects of illicit substances, is a growing field, but one that faces many regulatory challenges. Due to the potential abuse of illicit substances such as Cannabis, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, regulations have been conceived with the intent of preventing harm and addiction. However, these regulations have also become a major barrier for the scientific community as they suffocate attempts of the scientists to acquire illicit substances for research purposes. Therefore, it is imperative to modify the current regulations of drug scheduling, leading to a reclassification of illicit substances that would allow for extensive testing in research settings. This reclassification effort could advance the potentially life-saving research of illicit substances.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32395981","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic treatment of functional neurological disorder: a systematic review.
authors: Butler M, Seynaeve M, Nicholson TR, Pick S, Kanaan RA, Lees A, Young AH, Rucker J.
publication_date: 2020-05-10
doi: 10.1177/2045125320912125
pubmed_id: 32435447
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125320912125
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Systematic Review,Review Article,Healthcare Workers,Adverse Events
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Functional neurological disorder (FND), formerly known as conversion disorder, causes a high burden of disability and distress, and is amongst the most commonly encountered conditions in neurology clinics and neuropsychiatric services, yet the therapeutic evidence base is somewhat limited. There has been recent interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and in recent studies psychedelics have shown promise in treating a range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Modification of neural circuits associated with self-representation is thought to underlie some of this effect, and as some contemporary theories of FND focus on aberrant somatic self-representation, psychedelics may therefore represent an unexplored treatment option for FND. We systematically reviewed studies involving the use of psychedelics in FND. Nine studies published between 1954 and 1967, with a total of 26 patients, were identified. Due to restriction of licencing of psychedelic drugs since this period, no modern studies were identified. In most cases, patients received a course of psychotherapy with variable adjunctive administration of psychedelics (in a combination known as 'psycholytic therapy'), with protocols varying between studies. Of those treated, 69% (n = 18) were found to have made at least some recovery on heterogeneous and subjective clinician-rated criteria. Adverse events were mostly mild and transient; however, at least one patient terminated the study due to distressing effects. All included studies were of low quality, often lacking control groups and valid outcome measures. Although no conclusions on efficacy may be drawn from these data, further research may help to determine whether psychedelics offer a feasible, safe and effective treatment for FND.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32435447","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine Salvage Impacts Psilocybin Formation in "Magic" Mushrooms.
authors: Demmler R, Fricke J, Dörner S, Gressler M, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2020-01-09
doi: 10.1002/cbic.201900649
pubmed_id: 31802575
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.201900649
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,In Vitro Study
study_type: In Vitro Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psychotropic Psilocybe mushrooms biosynthesize their principal natural product psilocybin in five steps, among them a phosphotransfer and two methyltransfer reactions, which consume one equivalent of 5'-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and two equivalents of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). This short but co-substrate-intensive pathway requires nucleoside cofactor salvage to maintain high psilocybin production rates. We characterized the adenosine kinase (AdoK) and S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase (SahH) of Psilocybe cubensis. Both enzymes are directly or indirectly involved in regenerating SAM. qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed an induced expression of the genes in the fungal primordia and carpophores. A one-pot in vitro reaction with the N-methyltransferase PsiM of the psilocybin pathway demonstrates a concerted action with SahH to facilitate biosynthesis by removal of accumulating SAH.

keywords:
Adenosylhomocysteinase, Adenosine Kinase, S-Adenosylmethionine, Adenosine, Gene Expression Profiling, Psilocybe, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31802575","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Tripping on nothing: placebo psychedelics and contextual factors.
authors: Olson JA, Suissa-Rocheleau L, Lifshitz M, Raz A, Veissière SPL.
publication_date: 2020-03-06
doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05464-5
pubmed_id: 32144438
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05464-5
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Consciousness,Emotional Processing,Creativity,Adolescents,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
RationaleIs it possible to have a psychedelic experience from a placebo alone? Most psychedelic studies find few effects in the placebo control group, yet these effects may have been obscured by the study design, setting, or analysis decisions.ObjectiveWe examined individual variation in placebo effects in a naturalistic environment resembling a typical psychedelic party.MethodsThirty-three students completed a single-arm study ostensibly examining how a psychedelic drug affects creativity. The 4-h study took place in a group setting with music, paintings, coloured lights, and visual projections. Participants consumed a placebo that we described as a drug resembling psilocybin, which is found in psychedelic mushrooms. To boost expectations, confederates subtly acted out the stated effects of the drug and participants were led to believe that there was no placebo control group. The participants later completed the 5-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale, which measures changes in conscious experience.ResultsThere was considerable individual variation in the placebo effects; many participants reported no changes while others showed effects with magnitudes typically associated with moderate or high doses of psilocybin. In addition, the majority (61%) of participants verbally reported some effect of the drug. Several stated that they saw the paintings on the walls "move" or "reshape" themselves, others felt "heavy… as if gravity [had] a stronger hold", and one had a "come down" before another "wave" hit her.ConclusionUnderstanding how context and expectations promote psychedelic-like effects, even without the drug, will help researchers to isolate drug effects and clinicians to maximise their therapeutic potential.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Emotions, Consciousness, Placebo Effect, Social Environment, Recreation, Music, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Creativity

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32144438","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Lea T, Amada N, Jungaberle H, Schecke H, Scherbaum N, Klein M
journal: Psychopharmacology
publication_date: 2020-04-30
doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05477-0
pubmed_id: 32043165
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32043165/
keywords: Alcohol, Drugs, LSD, Mental health, Microdose, Psilocybin, Self-treatment
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Microdosing,Clinical Trial,Observational Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32043165"}
title:
Perceived outcomes of psychedelic microdosing as self-managed therapies for mental and substance use disorders.

abstract:
The regular consumption of very small doses of psychedelic drugs (known as microdosing) has been a source of growing media and community attention in recent years. However, there is currently limited clinical and social research evidence on the potential role of microdosing as therapies for mental and substance use disorders.
This paper examined subjective experiences of microdosing psychedelics to improve mental health or to cease or reduce substance use, and examined sociodemographic and other covariates of perceived improvements in mental health that individuals attributed to microdosing.
An international online survey was conducted in 2018 and examined people's experiences of using psychedelics for self-reported therapeutic or enhancement purposes. This paper focuses on 1102 respondents who reported current or past experience of psychedelic microdosing.
Twenty-one percent of respondents reported primarily microdosing as a therapy for depression, 7% for anxiety, 9% for other mental disorders and 2% for substance use cessation or reduction. Forty-four percent of respondents perceived that their mental health was "much better" as a consequence of microdosing. In a multivariate analysis, perceived improvements in mental health from microdosing were associated with a range of variables including gender, education, microdosing duration and motivations, and recent use of larger psychedelic doses.
Given the promising findings of clinical trials of standard psychedelic doses as mental health therapies, clinical microdosing research is needed to determine its potential role in psychiatric treatment, and ongoing social research to better understand the use of microdosing as self-managed mental health and substance use therapies.


authors: Halberstadt AL, Chatha M, Klein AK, Wallach J, Brandt SD
journal: Neuropharmacology
publication_date: 2020-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107933
pubmed_id: 31917152
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31917152/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31917152"}
title:
Correlation between the potency of hallucinogens in the mouse head-twitch response assay and their behavioral and subjective effects in other species.

abstract:
Serotonergic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induce head twitches in rodents via 5-HT receptor activation. The goal of the present investigation was to determine whether a correlation exists between the potency of hallucinogens in the mouse head-twitch response (HTR) paradigm and their reported potencies in other species, specifically rats and humans. Dose-response experiments were conducted with phenylalkylamine and tryptamine hallucinogens in C57BL/6J mice, enlarging the available pool of HTR potency data to 41 total compounds. For agents where human data are available (n = 36), a strong positive correlation (r = 0.9448) was found between HTR potencies in mice and reported hallucinogenic potencies in humans. HTR potencies were also found to be correlated with published drug discrimination ED values for substitution in rats trained with either LSD (r = 0.9484, n = 16) or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (r = 0.9564, n = 21). All three of these behavioral effects (HTR in mice, hallucinogen discriminative stimulus effects in rats, and psychedelic effects in humans) have been linked to 5-HT receptor activation. We present evidence that hallucinogens induce these three effects with remarkably consistent potencies. In addition to having high construct validity, the HTR assay also appears to show significant predictive validity, confirming its translational relevance for predicting subjective potency of hallucinogens in humans. These findings support the use of the HTR paradigm as a preclinical model of hallucinogen psychopharmacology and in structure-activity relationship studies of hallucinogens. Future investigations with a larger number of test agents will evaluate whether the HTR assay can be used to predict the hallucinogenic potency of 5-HT agonists in humans. "This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.

keywords:
Behavioral model, DMT, DOM, Head shake, Mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, NBOMe, Psilocybin, Psychedelic


title: Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems.
publication_date: 2020-04-12
doi: 10.1073/pnas.1921475117
pubmed_id: 32284420
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1921475117
keywords: Brain, Neurons, Neurotransmitter Agents, Models, Biological, Computer Simulation
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
authors:
Kringelbach ML, Cruzat J, Cabral J, Knudsen GM, Carhart-Harris R, Whybrow PC, Logothetis NK, Deco G.

abstract:
Remarkable progress has come from whole-brain models linking anatomy and function. Paradoxically, it is not clear how a neuronal dynamical system running in the fixed human anatomical connectome can give rise to the rich changes in the functional repertoire associated with human brain function, which is impossible to explain through long-term plasticity. Neuromodulation evolved to allow for such flexibility by dynamically updating the effectivity of the fixed anatomical connectivity. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework modeling the dynamical mutual coupling between the neuronal and neurotransmitter systems. We demonstrate that this framework is crucial to advance our understanding of whole-brain dynamics by bidirectional coupling of the two systems through combining multimodal neuroimaging data (diffusion magnetic resonance imaging [dMRI], functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI], and positron electron tomography [PET]) to explain the functional effects of specific serotoninergic receptor (5-HT2AR) stimulation with psilocybin in healthy humans. This advance provides an understanding of why psilocybin is showing considerable promise as a therapeutic intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and addiction. Overall, these insights demonstrate that the whole-brain mutual coupling between the neuronal and the neurotransmission systems is essential for understanding the remarkable flexibility of human brain function despite having to rely on fixed anatomical connectivity.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32284420","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Chi T, Gold JA.
publication_date: 2020-01-30
doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116715
pubmed_id: 32044687
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2020.116715
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses.

abstract:
Though there was initial interest in the use of psychedelic drugs for psychiatric treatment, bad outcomes and subsequent passage of the Substance Act of 1970, which placed psychedelic drugs in the Schedule I category, significantly limited potential progress. More recently, however, there has been renewal in interest and promise of psychedelic research. The purpose of this review is to highlight contemporary human studies on the use of select psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and ayahuasca, in the treatment of various psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life anxiety, and substance use disorders. The safety and efficacy as reported from human and animal studies will also be discussed. Accumulated research to date has suggested the potential for psychedelics to emerge as breakthrough therapies for psychiatric conditions refractory to conventional treatments. However, given the unique history and high potential for misuse with popular distribution, special care and considerations must be undertaken to safeguard their use as viable medical treatments rather than drugs of abuse.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Anxiety, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32044687","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin Therapeutic Research: The Present and Future Paradigm.
authors: Kargbo RB.
publication_date: 2020-03-01
doi: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00048
pubmed_id: 32292538
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00048
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psilocybin, an active component in "magic mushroom", may have the potential to meet the therapeutic needs for a number of indications without the addictiveness and overdose risk of other mind-altering drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, alcohol, methamphetamine, and so forth. The need for new therapies is urgent because addiction, overdose, and suicide deaths have risen throughout the United States and around the world. Anecdotal and contemporary pharmacological reports have provided some indication about the therapeutic use of psilocybin for the treatment of mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder and addiction disorders. In this Viewpoint, I summarize the current state of psilocybin therapeutic research and attempt to provide some insight into future directions on which the scientific community may wish to focus.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32292538","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Psychiatry's Brave New World.
authors: Nutt D, Erritzoe D, Carhart-Harris R.
publication_date: 2020-03-31
doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.03.020
pubmed_id: 32243793
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.03.020
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
After a legally mandated, decades-long global arrest of research on psychedelic drugs, investigation of psychedelics in the context of psychiatric disorders is yielding exciting results. Outcomes of neuroscience and clinical research into 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonists, such as psilocybin, show promise for addressing a range of serious disorders, including depression and addiction.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psychiatry, Neuropharmacology, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32243793","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2020-03-03
doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.02.001
pubmed_id: 32146028
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.02.001
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Personality Change
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
A single psilocybin dose is associated with long-term increased mindfulness, preceded by a proportional change in neocortical 5-HT2A receptor binding.

authors:
Madsen MK, Fisher PM, Stenbæk DS, Kristiansen S, Burmester D, Lehel S, Páleníček T, Kuchař M, Svarer C, Ozenne B, Knudsen GM.

abstract:
A single dose of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist psilocybin can have long-lasting beneficial effects on mood, personality, and potentially on mindfulness, but underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we for the first time conduct a study that assesses psilocybin effects on cerebral 5-HT2AR binding with [11C]Cimbi-36 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and on personality and mindfulness. Ten healthy and psychedelic-naïve volunteers underwent PET neuroimaging of 5-HT2AR at baseline (BL) and one week (1W) after a single oral dose of psilocybin (0.2-0.3 mg/kg). Personality (NEO PI-R) and mindfulness (MAAS) questionnaires were completed at BL and at three-months follow-up (3M). Paired t-tests revealed statistically significant increases in personality Openness (puncorrected = 0.04, mean change [95%CI]: 4.2[0.4;∞]), which was hypothesized a priori to increase, and mindfulness (pFWER = 0.02, mean change [95%CI]: 0.5 [0.2;0.7]). Although 5-HT2AR binding at 1W versus BL was similar across individuals (puncorrected = 0.8, mean change [95%CI]: 0.007 [-0.04;0.06]), a post hoc linear regression analysis showed that change in mindfulness and 5-HT2AR correlated negatively (β [95%CI] = -5.0 [-9.0; -0.9], pFWER= 0.046). In conclusion, we confirm that psilocybin intake is associated with long-term increases in Openness and - as a novel finding - mindfulness, which may be a key element of psilocybin therapy. Cerebral 5-HT2AR binding did not change across individuals but the negative association between changes in 5-HT2AR binding and mindfulness suggests that individual change in 5-HT2AR levels after psilocybin is variable and represents a potential mechanism influencing long-term effects of psilocybin on mindfulness.

keywords:
Neocortex, Humans, Benzylamines, Phenethylamines, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Hallucinogens, Positron-Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Personality, Neuropsychological Tests, Personality Tests, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Mindfulness, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32146028","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Decreased directed functional connectivity in the psychedelic state.
authors: Barnett L, Muthukumaraswamy SD, Carhart-Harris RL, Seth AK.
publication_date: 2019-12-16
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116462
pubmed_id: 31857204
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116462
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Neuroimaging studies of the psychedelic state offer a unique window onto the neural basis of conscious perception and selfhood. Despite well understood pharmacological mechanisms of action, the large-scale changes in neural dynamics induced by psychedelic compounds remain poorly understood. Using source-localised, steady-state MEG recordings, we describe changes in functional connectivity following the controlled administration of LSD, psilocybin and low-dose ketamine, as well as, for comparison, the (non-psychedelic) anticonvulsant drug tiagabine. We compare both undirected and directed measures of functional connectivity between placebo and drug conditions. We observe a general decrease in directed functional connectivity for all three psychedelics, as measured by Granger causality, throughout the brain. These data support the view that the psychedelic state involves a breakdown in patterns of functional organisation or information flow in the brain. In the case of LSD, the decrease in directed functional connectivity is coupled with an increase in undirected functional connectivity, which we measure using correlation and coherence. This surprising opposite movement of directed and undirected measures is of more general interest for functional connectivity analyses, which we interpret using analytical modelling. Overall, our results uncover the neural dynamics of information flow in the psychedelic state, and highlight the importance of comparing multiple measures of functional connectivity when analysing time-resolved neuroimaging data.

keywords:
Cerebral Cortex, Nerve Net, Humans, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Anticonvulsants, Hallucinogens, Magnetoencephalography, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Connectome, Psilocybin, Tiagabine

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31857204","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Microdosing: A Subreddit Analysis.
authors: Lea T, Amada N, Jungaberle H
journal: Journal of psychoactive drugs
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1683260
pubmed_id: 31648596
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31648596/
keywords: LSD, Microdosing, cognitive performance, mental health, psilocybin, treatment
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Creativity,Safety,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31648596"}
abstract:
Self-administration of very low doses of psychedelic drugs to improve mental health and wellbeing and enhance cognitive function, known as microdosing, has received recent media attention, but little research has been conducted. We conducted a content analysis of discussions about microdosing from the online forum Reddit. We examined motivations, dosing practices, and perceived benefits and limitations of microdosing. Motivations included self-management of mental health issues, improvement of psychosocial wellbeing, and cognitive enhancement. Self-reported benefits included cognitive and creative enhancement, reduced depression and anxiety, enhanced self-insight and mindfulness, improved mood and attitude toward life, improved habits and health behaviors, and improved social interactions and interpersonal connections. Perceived limitations included issues related to dosing, adverse physical effects, taking illegal substances, limited or no mental health or cognitive improvement, increased anxiety, unpleasant "off" days, only short-term benefits, and concerns about dependence and drug-related risks. Standard doses of psychedelic drugs provided in therapeutic settings have potential as novel treatments for some mental health conditions, but clinical research is needed to understand if this is also the case for microdosing. In the meantime, harm reduction resources should be developed and made available to provide the best available information on the safer use of self-administered psychedelics.


authors: Heuschkel K, Kuypers KPC.
publication_date: 2020-03-30
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00224
pubmed_id: 32296353
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00224
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Biomarkers,Review Article,Immune Function
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Depression, Mindfulness, and Psilocybin: Possible Complementary Effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Psilocybin in the Treatment of Depression. A Review.

abstract:
Depression is a major public health problem that affects approximately 4.4% of the global population. Since conventional pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies are only partially effective, as demonstrated by the number of patients failing to achieve remission, alternative treatments are needed. Mindfulness meditation (MM) and psilocybin represent two promising novel treatments that might even have complementary therapeutic effects when combined. Since the current literature is limited to theoretical and empirical underpinnings of either treatment alone, the present review aimed to identify possible complementary effects that may be relevant to the treatment of depression. To that end, the individual effects of MM and psilocybin, and their underlying working mechanisms, were compared on a non-exhaustive selection of six prominent psychological and biological processes that are well known to show impairments in patients suffering from major depression disorder, that is mood, executive functioning, social skills, neuroplasticity, core neural networks, and neuroendocrine and neuroimmunological levels. Based on predefined search strings used in two online databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) 1129 articles were identified. After screening title and abstract for relevance related to the question, 82 articles were retained and 11 were added after reference list search, resulting in 93 articles included in the review. Findings show that MM and psilocybin exert similar effects on mood, social skills, and neuroplasticity; different effects were found on executive functioning, neural core networks, and neuroendocrine and neuroimmune system markers. Potential mechanisms of MM's effects are enhanced affective self-regulation through mental strategies, optimization of stress reactivity, and structural and functional adjustments of prefrontal and limbic areas; psilocybin's effects might be established via attenuation of cognitive associations through deep personal insights, cognitive disinhibition, and global neural network disintegration. It is suggested that, when used in combination, MM and psilocybin could exert complementary effects by potentiating or prolonging mutual positive effects, for example, MM potentially facilitating psilocybin-induced peak experiences. Future placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trials focusing on psilocybin-assisted mindfulness-based therapy will provide knowledge about whether the proposed combination of therapies maximizes their efficacy in the treatment of depression or depressive symptomatology.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32296353","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hibicke M, Landry AN, Kramer HM, Talman ZK, Nichols CD.
publication_date: 2020-03-04
doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00493
pubmed_id: 32133835
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00493
keywords: Animals, Rodentia, Rats, Ketamine, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Depression
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Animal Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Psychedelics, but Not Ketamine, Produce Persistent Antidepressant-like Effects in a Rodent Experimental System for the Study of Depression.

abstract:
Psilocybin shows efficacy to alleviate depression in human clinical trials for six or more months after only one or two treatments. Another hallucinogenic drug, esketamine, has recently been U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved as a rapid-acting antidepressant. The mechanistic basis for the antidepressant effects of psilocybin and ketamine appear to be conserved. The efficacy of these two medications has not, however, been directly compared either clinically or preclinically. Further, whether or not a profound subjective existential experience is necessary for psilocybin to have antidepressant effects is unknown. To address these questions, we tested psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and ketamine in a rat model for depression. As in humans, a single administration of psilocybin or LSD produced persistent antidepressant-like effects in our model. In contrast, ketamine produced only a transient antidepressant-like effect. Our results indicate that classic psychedelics may have therapeutic efficacy that is more persistent than that of ketamine, and also suggest that a subjective existential experience may not be necessary for therapeutic effects.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32133835","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Natural Psychoplastogens As Antidepressant Agents.
authors: Benko J, Vranková S.
publication_date: 2020-03-04
doi: 10.3390/molecules25051172
pubmed_id: 32150976
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25051172
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Animal Study,Adverse Events
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Increasing prevalence and burden of major depressive disorder presents an unavoidable problem for psychiatry. Existing antidepressants exert their effect only after several weeks of continuous treatment. In addition, their serious side effects and ineffectiveness in one-third of patients call for urgent action. Recent advances have given rise to the concept of psychoplastogens. These compounds are capable of fast structural and functional rearrangement of neural networks by targeting mechanisms previously implicated in the development of depression. Furthermore, evidence shows that they exert a potent acute and long-term positive effects, reaching beyond the treatment of psychiatric diseases. Several of them are naturally occurring compounds, such as psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. Their pharmacology and effects in animal and human studies were discussed in this article.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Antidepressive Agents, Biological Products, Treatment Outcome, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Depression, Structure-Activity Relationship, Clinical Studies as Topic

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32150976","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Mathai DS, Meyer MJ, Storch EA, Kosten TR.
publication_date: 2019-12-13
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.12.023
pubmed_id: 32056741
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.12.023
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Systematic Review,Review Article,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
The relationship between subjective effects induced by a single dose of ketamine and treatment response in patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review.

abstract:
ObjectiveThe relationship between ketamine's hallucinogenic- and dissociative-type effects and antidepressant mechanism of action is poorly understood. This paper reviewed the correlation between subjective effects defined by various psychometric scales and observed clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).MethodsBased on PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed the dissociative and psychotomimetic mental state induced with ketamine during MDD treatment. Our selected studies correlated depression rating with validated scales collected at regular intervals throughout the study period such as the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the 5-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (5D-ASC). We excluded studies with bipolar depression or with repeated dosing and no single-dose phase. We included 8 of 556 screened reports.ResultsTwo of five CADSS studies found significant negative correlations between increases in CADSS scores and depression scores. One of six BPRS studies demonstrated correlations between BPRS scores and depression scores. The 5D-ASC's one study found no correlation with the MADRS.ConclusionsKetamine's dissociative and psychotomimetic effects were correlated with depression changes in 37.5% of studies, but most studies did not examine this relationship and future studies should consider this association since it appears important for MDMA and psilocybin therapies.

keywords:
Humans, Ketamine, Antidepressive Agents, Dissociative Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32056741","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: How do we advance the field?
authors: Meikle SE, Liknaitzky P, Rossell SL, Ross M, Strauss N, Thomas N, Murray G, Williams M, Castle DJ.
publication_date: 2019-11-21
doi: 10.1177/0004867419888575
pubmed_id: 31752499
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867419888575
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Randomized Controlled Trial,Adverse Events
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
In the quest for new treatment options for depression, attention is being paid to the potential role of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin is of particular interest given its mechanism of action, its benefits in early trials and its relatively low side effects burden. This viewpoint outlines a number of key issues that remain to be elucidated about its potential use in the clinical environment, including clarification of the profile of people most likely to benefit and those who might experience adverse effects, longer-term outcomes and the role of psychotherapeutic input alongside the drug itself. There are also opportunities to understand better, the neurobiology underpinning its effects.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Depressive Disorder, Psychotherapy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31752499","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Sherwood AM, Halberstadt AL, Klein AK, McCorvy JD, Kaylo KW, Kargbo RB, Meisenheimer P.
publication_date: 2020-02-19
doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01061
pubmed_id: 32077284
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01061
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study,In Vitro Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Tryptamines Found in Hallucinogenic Mushrooms: Norbaeocystin, Baeocystin, Norpsilocin, and Aeruginascin.

abstract:
A general synthetic method was developed to access known tryptamine natural products present in psilocybin-producing mushrooms. In vitro and in vivo experiments were then conducted to inform speculations on the psychoactive properties, or lack thereof, of the natural products. In animal models, psychedelic activity by baeocystin alone was not evident using the mouse head twitch response assay, despite its putative dephosphorylated metabolite, norpsilocin, possessing potent agonist activity at the 5-HT2A receptor.

keywords:
Animals, Mice, Agaricales, Tryptamines, Organophosphorus Compounds, Alkaloids, Indoles, Hallucinogens, Molecular Structure, Organophosphates, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32077284","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance.
authors: Wolff M, Evens R, Mertens LJ, Koslowski M, Betzler F, Gründer G, Jungaberle H
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00005
pubmed_id: 32153433
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32153433/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"32153433"}
abstract:
The efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental disorders has been attributed to the lasting change from experiential avoidance to acceptance that these treatments appear to facilitate. This article presents a conceptual model that specifies potential psychological mechanisms underlying such change, and that shows substantial parallels between psychedelic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy: We propose that in the carefully controlled context of psychedelic therapy as applied in contemporary clinical research, psychedelic-induced belief relaxation can increase motivation for acceptance operant conditioning, thus engendering episodes of relatively avoidance-free exposure to greatly intensified private events. Under these unique learning conditions, relaxed avoidance-related beliefs can be exposed to corrective information and become revised accordingly, which may explain long-term increases in acceptance and corresponding reductions in psychopathology. Open research questions and implications for clinical practice are discussed.

keywords:
acceptance, avoidance, ayahuasca, cognitive behavioral therapy, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, psychedelic therapy


title: Self-reported negative outcomes of psilocybin users: A quantitative textual analysis.
authors: Bienemann B, Ruschel NS, Campos ML, Negreiros MA, Mograbi DC.
publication_date: 2020-02-20
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229067
pubmed_id: 32084160
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229067
keywords: Humans, Agaricales, Hallucinogens, Software, Female, Male, Self Report, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety,Toxicity
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psilocybin, a substance mainly found in mushrooms of the genus psilocybe, has been historically used for ritualistic, recreational and, more recently, medicinal purposes. The scientific literature suggests low toxicity, low risk of addiction, overdose, or other causes of injury commonly caused by substances of abuse, with growing interest in the use of this substance for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression. However, the presence of negative outcomes linked to psilocybin use is not clear yet. The objective of this study is to investigate the negative effects of psilocybin consumption, according to the users' own perception through self-reports extracted from an online platform. 346 reports were analyzed with the assistance of the IRAMUTEQ textual analysis software, adopting the procedures of Descending Hierarchical Classification, Correspondence Factor Analysis and Specificities Analysis. The text segments were grouped in 4 main clusters, describing thinking distortions, emergencies, perceptual alterations and the administration of the substance. Bad trips were more frequent in female users, being associated with thinking distortions. The use of multiple doses of psilocybin in the same session or its combination with other substances was linked to the occurrence of long-term negative outcomes, while the use of mushrooms in single high doses was linked to medical emergencies. These results can be useful for a better understanding of the effects of psilocybin use, guiding harm-reduction initiatives.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32084160","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Rostral Anterior Cingulate Thickness Predicts the Emotional Psilocybin Experience.
authors: Lewis CR, Preller KH, Braden BB, Riecken C, Vollenweider FX.
publication_date: 2020-02-17
doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8020034
pubmed_id: 32085521
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8020034
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Aging,Emotional Processing,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound of mushrooms in the psilocybe species. Psilocybin directly affects a number of serotonin receptors, with highest affinity for the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT-2Ar). Generally, the effects of psilocybin, and its active metabolite psilocin, are well established and include a range of cognitive, emotional, and perceptual perturbations. Despite the generality of these effects, there is a high degree of inter-individual variability in subjective psilocybin experiences that are not well understood. Others have shown brain morphology metrics derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict individual drug response. Due to high expression of serotonin 2A receptors (5HT-2Ar) in the cingulate cortex, and its prior associations with psilocybin, we investigate if cortical thickness of this structure predicts the psilocybin experience in healthy adults. We hypothesized that greater cingulate thickness would predict higher subjective ratings in sub-scales of the Five-Dimensional Altered State of Consciousness (5D-ASC) with high emotionality in healthy participants (n = 55) who received oral psilocybin (either low dose: 0.160 mg/kg or high dose: 0.215 mg/kg). After controlling for sex, age, and using false discovery rate (FDR) correction, we found the rostral anterior cingulate predicted all four emotional sub-scales, whereas the caudal and posterior cingulate did not. How classic psychedelic compounds induce such large inter-individual variability in subjective states has been a long-standing question in serotonergic research. These results extend the traditional set and setting hypothesis of the psychedelic experience to include brain structure metrics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32085521","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Sexton JD, Nichols CD, Hendricks PS.
publication_date: 2020-02-10
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00896
pubmed_id: 32116806
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00896
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Population Survey Data Informing the Therapeutic Potential of Classic and Novel Phenethylamine, Tryptamine, and Lysergamide Psychedelics.

abstract:
IntroductionThe majority of contemporary psychedelic research has focused on ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin, though there are hundreds of novel psychedelic compounds that may have clinical utility. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of classic and novel phenethylamine, tryptamine, and lysergamide psychedelics via a large, nationally representative population-based survey.MethodsWe tested the unique associations of lifetime classic and novel phenethylamine, tryptamine, and lysergamide psychedelics with past month psychological distress and past year suicidality among respondents pooled from years 2008-2017 of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (weighted N = 260,964,827).ResultsLifetime classic tryptamine use was associated with a decreased odds of past month psychological distress [aOR = 0.76; (0.69-0.83)] and past year suicidal thinking [aOR = 0.79; (0.72-0.87)]. Lifetime novel phenethylamine use, on the other hand, was associated with an increased odds of past year suicidal thinking [aOR = 1.44; (1.06-1.95)] and past year suicidal planning [aOR = 1.60; (1.06-2.41)]. No other significant associations were found.Discussion and conclusionsThese findings, which may be driven by differences in pharmacodynamics, suggest that classic tryptamines may hold the greatest therapeutic potential of the psychedelics, whereas novel phenethylamines may pose risk for harm. The present findings thus support continued research on the clinical application of classic tryptamines. Though the current results caution against the clinical utility of novel phenethylamines, further study of these and other novel psychedelic substances is nonetheless warranted to better understand their potential application.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32116806","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Emotions and brain function are altered up to one month after a single high dose of psilocybin.
authors: Barrett FS, Doss MK, Sepeda ND, Pekar JJ, Griffiths RR.
publication_date: 2020-02-09
doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-59282-y
pubmed_id: 32042038
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59282-y
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Addiction,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Aging,Emotional Processing,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic compound that may have efficacy for the treatment of mood and substance use disorders. Acute psilocybin effects include reduced negative mood, increased positive mood, and reduced amygdala response to negative affective stimuli. However, no study has investigated the long-term, enduring impact of psilocybin on negative affect and associated brain function. Twelve healthy volunteers (7F/5M) completed an open-label pilot study including assessments 1-day before, 1-week after, and 1-month after receiving a 25 mg/70 kg dose of psilocybin to test the hypothesis that psilocybin administration leads to enduring changes in affect and neural correlates of affect. One-week post-psilocybin, negative affect and amygdala response to facial affect stimuli were reduced, whereas positive affect and dorsal lateral prefrontal and medial orbitofrontal cortex responses to emotionally-conflicting stimuli were increased. One-month post-psilocybin, negative affective and amygdala response to facial affect stimuli returned to baseline levels while positive affect remained elevated, and trait anxiety was reduced. Finally, the number of significant resting-state functional connections across the brain increased from baseline to 1-week and 1-month post-psilocybin. These preliminary findings suggest that psilocybin may increase emotional and brain plasticity, and the reported findings support the hypothesis that negative affect may be a therapeutic target for psilocybin.

keywords:
Amygdala, Cerebral Cortex, Nerve Net, Humans, Hallucinogens, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Brain Mapping, Follow-Up Studies, Pilot Projects, Emotions, Neuronal Plasticity, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Healthy Volunteers, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32042038","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Forstmann M, Yudkin DA, Prosser AMB, Heller SM, Crockett MJ.
publication_date: 2020-01-20
doi: 10.1073/pnas.1918477117
pubmed_id: 31964815
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1918477117
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Personality Change,Adolescents
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Transformative experience and social connectedness mediate the mood-enhancing effects of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings.

abstract:
Past research suggests that use of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin may have positive effects on mood and feelings of social connectedness. These psychological effects are thought to be highly sensitive to context, but robust and direct evidence for them in a naturalistic setting is scarce. In a series of field studies involving over 1,200 participants across six multiday mass gatherings in the United States and the United Kingdom, we investigated the effects of psychedelic substance use on transformative experience, social connectedness, and positive mood. This approach allowed us to test preregistered hypotheses with high ecological validity and statistical precision. Controlling for a host of demographic variables and the use of other psychoactive substances, we found that psychedelic substance use was significantly associated with positive mood-an effect sequentially mediated by self-reported transformative experience and increased social connectedness. These effects were particularly pronounced for those who had taken psychedelic substances within the last 24 h (compared to the last week). Overall, this research provides robust evidence for positive affective and social consequences of psychedelic substance use in naturalistic settings.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Affect, Personality, Interpersonal Relations, Time Factors, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Self Report, United Kingdom

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31964815","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Mertens LJ, Wall MB, Roseman L, Demetriou L, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL.
publication_date: 2020-01-15
doi: 10.1177/0269881119895520
pubmed_id: 31941394
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119895520
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin: Changes in amygdala and prefrontal functional connectivity during emotional processing after psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.

abstract:
BackgroundPsilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for depression but its therapeutic mechanisms are not properly understood. In contrast to the presumed actions of antidepressants, we recently found increased amygdala responsiveness to fearful faces one day after open-label treatment with psilocybin (25 mg) in 19 patients with treatment-resistant depression, which correlated with treatment efficacy.AimsAiming to further unravel the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin, the present study extends this basic activation analysis. We hypothesised changed amygdala functional connectivity, more precisely decreased amygdala-ventromedial prefrontal cortex functional connectivity, during face processing after treatment with psilocybin.MethodsPsychophysiological interaction analyses were conducted on functional magnetic resonance imaging data from a classic face/emotion perception task, with the bilateral amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex time-series as physiological regressors. Average parameter estimates (beta weights) of significant clusters were correlated with clinical outcomes at one week.ResultsResults showed decreased ventromedial prefrontal cortex-right amygdala functional connectivity during face processing post- (versus pre-) treatment; this decrease was associated with levels of rumination at one week. This effect was driven by connectivity changes in response to fearful and neutral (but not happy) faces. Independent whole-brain analyses also revealed a post-treatment increase in functional connectivity between the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex to occipital-parietal cortices during face processing.ConclusionThese results are consistent with the idea that psilocybin therapy revives emotional responsiveness on a neural and psychological level, which may be a key treatment mechanism for psychedelic therapy. Future larger placebo-controlled studies are needed to examine the replicability of the current findings.

keywords:
Amygdala, Prefrontal Cortex, Neural Pathways, Humans, Hallucinogens, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Facial Expression, Treatment Outcome, Brain Mapping, Photic Stimulation, Emotions, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Emotional Processing,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Drug Interactions

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31941394","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The experimental effects of psilocybin on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis.
authors: Goldberg SB, Pace BT, Nicholas CR, Raison CL, Hutson PR.
publication_date: 2020-01-01
doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112749
pubmed_id: 31931272
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112749
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Randomized Controlled Trial,Meta-Analysis,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
The current meta-analysis examined the effects of psilocybin in combination with behavioral interventions on anxiety and depression in samples with elevated symptoms. Across four studies (one uncontrolled; three randomized, placebo-controlled; N = 117), within-group pre-post and pre-follow-up effects on anxiety and depression were large (Hedges' gs=1.16 to 1.47) and statistically significant. Across three placebo-controlled studies, pre-post placebo-controlled effects were also large (gs = 0.82 to 0.83) and statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Limitations include the small number of studies and risk for bias within studies. Results tentatively support future research on psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety and depression.

keywords:
Humans, Treatment Outcome, Depression, Anxiety, Female, Male, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31931272","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2020-01-08
doi: 10.1177/0269881119897615
pubmed_id: 31916890
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119897615
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for psychiatric and existential distress in patients with life-threatening cancer.

authors:
Agin-Liebes GI, Malone T, Yalch MM, Mennenga SE, Ponté KL, Guss J, Bossis AP, Grigsby J, Fischer S, Ross S.

abstract:
BackgroundA recently published randomized controlled trial compared single-dose psilocybin with single-dose niacin in conjunction with psychotherapy in participants with cancer-related psychiatric distress. Results suggested that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy facilitated improvements in psychiatric and existential distress, quality of life, and spiritual well-being up to seven weeks prior to the crossover. At the 6.5-month follow-up, after the crossover, 60-80% of participants continued to meet criteria for clinically significant antidepressant or anxiolytic responses.MethodsThe present study is a long-term within-subjects follow-up analysis of self-reported symptomatology involving a subset of participants that completed the parent trial. All 16 participants who were still alive were contacted, and 15 participants agreed to participate at an average of 3.2 and 4.5 years following psilocybin administration.ResultsReductions in anxiety, depression, hopelessness, demoralization, and death anxiety were sustained at the first and second follow-ups. Within-group effect sizes were large. At the second (4.5 year) follow-up approximately 60-80% of participants met criteria for clinically significant antidepressant or anxiolytic responses. Participants overwhelmingly (71-100%) attributed positive life changes to the psilocybin-assisted therapy experience and rated it among the most personally meaningful and spiritually significant experiences of their lives.ConclusionThese findings suggest that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy holds promise in promoting long-term relief from cancer-related psychiatric distress. Limited conclusions, however, can be drawn regarding the efficacy of this therapy due to the crossover design of the parent study. Nonetheless, the present study adds to the emerging literature base suggesting that psilocybin-facilitated therapy may enhance the psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients with life-threatening cancer.

keywords:
Humans, Neoplasms, Hallucinogens, Treatment Outcome, Combined Modality Therapy, Follow-Up Studies, Existentialism, Psychotherapy, Time Factors, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Self Report, Psilocybin, Psychological Distress

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Spirituality,Randomized Controlled Trial,Cancer Patients

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31916890","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Garcia-Romeu A, Davis AK, Erowid E, Erowid F, Griffiths RR, Johnson MW.
publication_date: 2020-01-21
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00955
pubmed_id: 32038317
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00955
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey.

abstract:
BackgroundObservational data and preliminary studies suggest serotonin 2A agonist psychedelics may hold potential in treating a variety of substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorder (OUD).AimsThe study aim was to describe and analyze self-reported cases in which naturalistic psychedelic use was followed by cessation or reduction in other substance use.MethodsAn anonymous online survey of individuals reporting cessation or reduction in cannabis, opioid, or stimulant use following psychedelic use in non-clinical settings.ResultsFour hundred forty-four respondents, mostly in the USA (67%) completed the survey. Participants reported 4.5 years of problematic substance use on average before the psychedelic experience to which they attributed a reduction in drug consumption, with 79% meeting retrospective criteria for severe SUD. Most reported taking a moderate or high dose of LSD (43%) or psilocybin-containing mushrooms (29%), followed by significant reduction in drug consumption. Before the psychedelic experience 96% met SUD criteria, whereas only 27% met SUD criteria afterward. Participants rated their psychedelic experience as highly meaningful and insightful, with 28% endorsing psychedelic-associated changes in life priorities or values as facilitating reduced substance misuse. Greater psychedelic dose, insight, mystical-type effects, and personal meaning of experiences were associated with greater reduction in drug consumption.ConclusionsWhile these cross-sectional and self-report methods cannot determine whether psychedelics caused changes in drug use, results suggest the potential that psychedelics cause reductions in problematic substance use, and support additional clinical research on psychedelic-assisted treatment for SUD.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32038317","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies.
authors: Voineskos D, Daskalakis ZJ, Blumberger DM.
publication_date: 2020-01-20
doi: 10.2147/ndt.s198774
pubmed_id: 32021216
source_url: https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s198774
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subset of Major Depressive Disorder which does not respond to traditional and first-line therapeutic options. There are several definitions and staging models of TRD and a consensus for each has not yet been established. However, in common for each model is the inadequate response to at least 2 trials of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of existing literature regarding the challenges and management of TRD has been compiled. A PubMed search was performed to assemble meta-analyses, trials and reviews on the topic of TRD. First, we address the confounds in the definitions and staging models of TRD, and subsequently the difficulties inherent in assessing the illness. Pharmacological augmentation strategies including lithium, triiodothyronine and second-generation antipsychotics are reviewed, as is switching of antidepressant class. Somatic therapies, including several modalities of brain stimulation (electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy and deep brain stimulation) are detailed, psychotherapeutic strategies and subsequently novel therapeutics including ketamine, psilocybin, anti-inflammatories and new directions are reviewed in this manuscript. Our review of the evidence suggests that further large-scale work is necessary to understand the appropriate treatment pathways for TRD and to prescribe effective therapeutic options for patients suffering from TRD.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32021216","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Injury-Triggered Blueing Reactions of Psilocybe "Magic" Mushrooms.
authors: Lenz C, Wick J, Braga D, García-Altares M, Lackner G, Hertweck C, Gressler M, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2019-12-03
doi: 10.1002/anie.201910175
pubmed_id: 31725937
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201910175
keywords: Agaricales, Hallucinogens, Biological Products, Psilocybe
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Upon injury, psychotropic psilocybin-producing mushrooms instantly develop an intense blue color, the chemical basis and mode of formation of which has remained elusive. We report two enzymes from Psilocybe cubensis that carry out a two-step cascade to prepare psilocybin for oxidative oligomerization that leads to blue products. The phosphatase PsiP removes the 4-O-phosphate group to yield psilocin, while PsiL oxidizes its 4-hydroxy group. The PsiL reaction was monitored by in situ 13 C NMR spectroscopy, which indicated that oxidative coupling of psilocyl residues occurs primarily via C-5. MS and IR spectroscopy indicated the formation of a heterogeneous mixture of preferentially psilocyl 3- to 13-mers and suggest multiple oligomerization routes, depending on oxidative power and substrate concentration. The results also imply that phosphate ester of psilocybin serves a reversible protective function.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31725937","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Addictions].
publication_date: 2019-12-31
pubmed_id: 31961074
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31961074
keywords: Humans, Opioid-Related Disorders, Analgesics, Opioid, Behavior, Addictive, Pain Management
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Chronic Pain,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
authors:
Vogel M, Strasser H, Thorens G, Zullino D, Humair JP, Simon O, Broers B, Haettel C, Devaud C, Gothuey I, Favrod-Counej T, Daeppen JB.

abstract:
This article describes a new form of administration of inhaled prescribed heroin currently under investigation. It underlines the particularity of opioid agonist prescription in jail and presents new perspectives in using psilocybin in addiction medicine treatment. A brief literature review about vaping confirms its interest in quitting cigarette, with a cost of addiction to vaping and recent worrisome reports of chemical pneumonia. Finally, the withdrawal of WHO guidelines on opiates use in pain management, in the context of a suspicion of conflict of interest, underlines the sensible balance between over- and under- prescription of opiates in analgesic treatment.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31961074","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Blei F, Dörner S, Fricke J, Baldeweg F, Trottmann F, Komor A, Meyer F, Hertweck C, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2019-12-12
doi: 10.1002/chem.201904363
pubmed_id: 31729089
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201904363
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Metabolomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Simultaneous Production of Psilocybin and a Cocktail of β-Carboline Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in "Magic" Mushrooms.

abstract:
The psychotropic effects of Psilocybe "magic" mushrooms are caused by the l-tryptophan-derived alkaloid psilocybin. Despite their significance, the secondary metabolome of these fungi is poorly understood in general. Our analysis of four Psilocybe species identified harmane, harmine, and a range of other l-tryptophan-derived β-carbolines as their natural products, which was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Stable-isotope labeling with 13 C11 -l-tryptophan verified the β-carbolines as biosynthetic products of these fungi. In addition, MALDI-MS imaging showed that β-carbolines accumulate toward the hyphal apices. As potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidases, β-carbolines are neuroactive compounds and interfere with psilocybin degradation. Therefore, our findings represent an unprecedented scenario of natural product pathways that diverge from the same building block and produce dissimilar compounds, yet contribute directly or indirectly to the same pharmacological effects.

keywords:
Agaricales, Alkaloids, Carbolines, Monoamine Oxidase, Tryptophan, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31729089","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Microdosing with psychedelics: what do we know?]
authors: Kuypers KPC.
publication_date: 2019-12-31
pubmed_id: 32816295
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/32816295
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Retrospective Studies, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundThe repeated use of small doses of psychedelics such as psilocybin and lsd over a period of time (microdosing, md) has gained popularity and scientific attention in recent years. Retrospective reports from users suggest clinical potential. AIM: To answer the question whether md with psychedelics could theoretically provide symptom relief for people with psychiatric disorders. METHOD: Investigate what the current evidence is about the effects of md with psychedelics on the behavioral level, psychological functioning and mental well-being. A search for relevant articles in PubMed and Medline databases (on January 10, 2020), which resulted in a total of 28 hits. After de-duplication, removal of irrelevant and addition of relevant articles, 23 articles were included. RESULTS: Most of the knowledge we have so far comes from uncontrolled online questionnaire studies in which users report retrospectively or keep diaries of the effects they experience during md. According to users, it leads to positive effects on mood, concentration, focus and productivity. Negative effects, including physical discomfort and increased fear, also seem to occur. The limited number of experimental studies in healthy people revealed that md has subtle effects on cognitive processes and brain connectivity. CONCLUSION: The findings of experimental studies in combination with the reports from users give cause for further investigation into the clinical potential of low-dose psychedelics in combating certain symptoms. More placebo-controlled studies are needed to provide clarity for who (age, diagnosis) md can be effective and for which (cognitive, emotional) processes.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32816295","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Psychedelics for existential distress in terminally ill patients].
authors: Schimmel N, Breeksema JJ, Veraart JKE, van den Brink W, Schoevers RA.
publication_date: 2019-12-31
pubmed_id: 32816294
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/32816294
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Anxiety Disorders, Quality of Life, Terminally Ill, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Wellbeing,Spirituality,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundExistential distress in patients with a terminal illness is often associated with (symptoms of) anxiety and depression. Psychotherapeutic interventions seem effective but effects are short-lived. There are no proven effective pharmacological interventions. AIM: To present an overview of literature on psychedelic treatment of existential distress in patients with terminal illness. METHOD: Literature research in PubMed/Medline databases, supplemented with cross-references. RESULTS: 14 clinical studies have been conducted: 6 with classic psychedelics between 1960 and 1980, and 8 with classic psychedelics and ketamine after 2000. Results of early pre-post studies are promising but have serious methodological limitations. Recent clinical research with LSD, psilocybin and ketamine are also promising although limited in terms of research design and generalizability. Overall, studies show a positive effect on existential and spiritual well-being, quality of life, acceptance and (symptoms of) anxiety and depression. Mystical experiences are correlated with positive outcomes. Few adverse effects are reported. CONCLUSION: Treatment of existential distress using classical psychedelics or ketamine in patients with terminal illness seems auspicious. Larger clinical studies in a more diverse patient population with fewer methodological limitations are needed to draw conclusions about efficacy and generalizability.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32816294","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD].
authors: Vermetten E, Krediet E, Bostoen T, Breeksema JJ, Schoevers RA, van den Brink W.
publication_date: 2019-12-31
pubmed_id: 32816292
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/32816292
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Mechanism of Action,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often a chronic condition, despite the availability of various evidence-based treatment options. Psychedelics offer new treatment opportunities. AIM: An overview of the current evidence, therapeutic context, and possible mechanisms of action of different types of psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD. METHOD: A scoping review of the available literature. RESULTS: MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has shown to produce lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms in multiple RCTs. Based on a small number of studies, ketamine administration appears to lead to temporary symptom relief. Current studies are investigating whether the use of ketamine in combination with psychotherapy can lead to lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms. Classical psychedelics (such as psilocybin and LSD) induce psychoactive effects (on behavior or experience) that could contribute to the psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD but have not yet been investigated in controlled studies. Reported positive effects extend beyond PTSD symptoms only. CONCLUSION: Psychedelics may have potential to serve as a catalyst for the psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD. Most evidence exists for MDMA-supported psychotherapy; relatively little research is available on ketamine and classical psychedelics. Future research needs to show whether the use of psychedelics can be integrated into available treatment options for PTSD.

keywords:
Humans, Ketamine, Hallucinogens, Combined Modality Therapy, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Psychotherapy

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"32816292","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A qualitative descriptive analysis of effects of psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines.
authors: Palamar JJ, Acosta P.
publication_date: 2020-01-06
doi: 10.1002/hup.2719
pubmed_id: 31909513
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2719
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Adolescents
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
ObjectiveThe number of novel psychedelic phenethylamines and tryptamines has continued to increase, but little academic research has focused on the effects of these substances. We sought to determine and compare the subjective effects of various substances.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with 39 adults (75.4% male and 87.2% White) who reported experience using psychedelic phenethylamines and/or tryptamines. Participants described the effects of compounds they have used. We examined the subjective drug effects in a qualitative descriptive manner.ResultsParticipants reported on the use of 36 compounds. The majority (64.1%) reported the use of 2C series drugs, with 2C-B use being most prevalent; 38.5% reported the use of NBOMe, and 25.6% reported the use of DOx. With regard to tryptamines, 46.2% reported use, and 4-AcO-DMT was the most prevalent drug used in this class. 2C-B was often described as being more favorable than other 2C series compounds with the effects described as being comparable with MDMA and LSD. NBOMe effects were generally described in an unfavorable manner, and the effects of DOx were often described as lasting too long (12-36 hr). The effects of 4-AcO-DMT were often described as mimicking psilocybin.ConclusionKnowing the effects of various compounds can inform education, prevention, and harm reduction efforts regarding the use of these drugs.

keywords:
Humans, Tryptamines, Phenethylamines, Hallucinogens, Qualitative Research, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Male, Drug Users, Young Adult, Self Report

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31909513","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Neuropharmacological modulation of the aberrant bodily self through psychedelics.
authors: Ho JT, Preller KH, Lenggenhager B
journal: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.006
pubmed_id: 31816361
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31816361/
keywords: Bodily self, Bodily self-awareness, Predictive coding, Psilocybin, Psychedelics
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31816361"}
abstract:
As a continual source of sensory input and fundamental component of self-referential processing, the body holds an integral modulatory role in cognition. In a healthy state, predictive coding of multisensory integration promotes the construction of a coherent self. However, several psychiatric disorders comprise aberrant perceptions of the bodily self that are purported to involve discrepancies in the integration and updating of multisensory systems. Changes in functional connectivity of somatomotor and high-level association networks in these disorders could be successfully remediated through 5-HT receptor agonism via psychedelics. Reported alterations of bodily self-awareness during psychedelic experiences allude to a potentially central role of the bodily self. In this article, we bridge the domains of (aberrant) bodily self-awareness and psychedelics by discussing the predictive coding mechanisms underlying the bodily self and psychedelics. Furthermore, we propose that psychedelically-induced desynchronization of predictive coding might involve modulation of somatomotor, sensorimotor, and high-level association networks that could remediate aberrant perceptions of the bodily self.


authors: Dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC.
publication_date: 2019-12-02
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.001
pubmed_id: 31809772
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.001
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Therapeutic use of serotoninergic hallucinogens: A review of the evidence and of the biological and psychological mechanisms.

abstract:
Serotoninergic hallucinogens include drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and psilocybin. Recent trials with single/few doses of these compounds show that they induce rapid and sustained antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects. These effects are also observed in religious groups using the DMT-containing brew ayahuasca. The agonist action of these substances on 5-HT2A receptors expressed in frontal and limbic areas increase glutamatergic transmission and neuroplasticity. These neurochemical effects are associated with acute alterations on self-perception and increases in introspection and positive mood, and with subacute and long-term decreases in psychiatric symptoms, increases in some personality traits such as openness, improvements in emotional processing, and increases in empathy. These are preliminary but promising results that should be further explored in controlled trials with larger sample sizes, especially considering that these compounds could be beneficial in the treatment of treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders.

keywords:
Limbic System, Prefrontal Cortex, Humans, Hallucinogens, Exploratory Behavior, Neuronal Plasticity, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Social Cognition

topic_tags:
Depression,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Personality Change,Emotional Processing,Review Article

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31809772","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Moreton SG, Szalla L, Menzies RE, Arena AF
journal: Psychopharmacology
publication_date: 2019-12-31
doi: 10.1007/s00213-019-05391-0
pubmed_id: 31784805
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31784805/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31784805"}
title:
Embedding existential psychology within psychedelic science: reduced death anxiety as a mediator of the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.

abstract:
Psychedelic therapies can engender enduring improvements in psychological well-being. However, relatively little is known about the psychological mechanisms through which the salutary effects of psychedelics emerge. Through integrating extant research on psychedelics with contemporary existential psychology, we present a novel hypothesis that reduced death anxiety may be a key mechanism underpinning the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. In developing this hypothesis, we also provide a complementary review of mechanisms through which psychedelics may reduce death anxiety. We conclude that an awareness of the role of death anxiety in psychopathology has the potential to guide future research into psychedelic therapies.

keywords:
DMT, Death anxiety, Fear of death, LSD, Psilocybin, Psychedelic therapy, Psychedelics, Transdiagnostic


title: Microdosing psychedelics: Motivations, subjective effects and harm reduction.
authors: Lea T, Amada N, Jungaberle H, Schecke H, Klein M.
publication_date: 2019-11-24
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.008
pubmed_id: 31778967
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.008
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundIn recent years there has been growing media attention on microdosing psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin). This refers to people routinely taking small doses of psychedelic substances to improve mental health and wellbeing, or to enhance cognitive performance. Research evidence is currently limited. This paper examines microdosing motivations, dosing practices, perceived short-term benefits, unwanted effects, and harm reduction practices.MethodsAn international online survey was conducted in 2018 examining people's experiences of using psychedelics. Eligible participants were aged 16 years or older, had used psychedelics and could comprehend written English. This paper focuses on 525 participants who were microdosing psychedelics at the time of the survey.ResultsParticipants were primarily motivated to microdose to improve mental health (40%), for personal development (31%) and cognitive enhancement (18%). Most were microdosing with psilocybin (55%) or LSD/1P-LSD (48%). Principal components analysis generated three factors examining perceived short-term benefits of microdosing: improved mood and anxiety, enhanced connection to others and environment, and cognitive enhancement; and three factors examining negative and potentially unwanted effects: stronger-than-expected psychedelic effects, anxiety-related effects, and physical adverse effects. Most participants (78%) reported at least one harm reduction practice they routinely performed while microdosing.ConclusionOur findings suggest that people microdosing are commonly doing so as a self-managed therapy for mental health, either as an alternative or adjunct to conventional treatments. This is despite psychedelics remaining prohibited substances in most jurisdictions. Recent findings from clinical trials with standard psychedelic doses for depression and anxiety suggest that a neurobiological effect beyond placebo is not unreasonable. Randomised controlled trials are needed, complemented by mixed methods social science research and the development of novel resources on microdosing harm reduction.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Depression, Harm Reduction, Anxiety, Motivation, Mental Health, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Observational Study

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31778967","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Germann CB.
publication_date: 2019-09-23
doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109406
pubmed_id: 31634774
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109406
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
The Psilocybin-Telomere Hypothesis: An empirically falsifiable prediction concerning the beneficial neuropsychopharmacological effects of psilocybin on genetic aging.

abstract:
We introduce a novel hypothesis which states that the therapeutic utilisation of psilocybin has beneficial effects on genetic aging. Ex hypothesi, we predict a priori that controlled psilocybin interventions exert quantifiable positive impact on leucocyte telomere length (telomeres are a robust predictor of mortality and multifarious aging-related diseases). Our hypothesising follows the Popperian logic of scientific discovery, viz., bold (and refutable) conjectures form the very foundation of scientific progress. The 'psilocybin-telomere hypothesis' is formalised as a logically valid deductive (syllogistic) argument and we provide substantial evidence to support the underlying premises. Impetus for our theorising derives from a plurality of converging empirical sources indicating that psilocybin has persistent beneficial effects on various aspects of mental health (e.g., in the context of depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction, etc.). Additional support is based on a large corpus of studies that establish reliable correlations between mental health and telomere attrition (improved mental health is generally correlated with longer telomeres). Another pertinent component of our argument is based on recent studies which demonstrate that "meditative states of consciousness" provide beneficial effects on genetic aging. Similarly, psilocybin can induce states of consciousness that are neurophysiologically and phenomenologically significantly congruent with meditative states. Furthermore, prior research has demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin can occasion life-changing transformative experiences (≈ 70% of healthy volunteers rate their experience with psilocybin amongst the five personally most meaningful lifetime events, viz., ranked next to giving birth to a child or losing a loved one). We postulate that these profound psychological events leave quantifiable marks at the molecular genetic/epigenetic level. Given the ubiquitous availability and cost effectiveness of telomere length assays, we suggest that quantitative telomere analysis should be regularly included in future psilocybin studies as an adjunctive biological marker (i.e., to facilitate scientific consilience via methodological triangulation). In order to substantiate the 'psilocybin-telomere hypothesis' potential neuropsychopharmacological, endocrinological, and genetic mechanisms of action are discussed (e.g., HPA-axis reactivity, hippocampal neurogenesis, neurotropic growth factors such as BDNF, 5-HT2A receptor agonism, neuroplasticity/synaptoplasticity, brain-wide alterations in neuronal functional connectivity density, involvement of the SLC6A4 serotonin transporter gene, inter alia). The proposed research agenda is thus intrinsically highly interdisciplinary, and it has deep ramifications from a philosophy of science perspective as it connects the epistemic level (qualitative experiential phenomenology) with the ontic level (quantitative molecular genetics) of analysis. In the long term, multidisciplinary and innovative investigations of the 'psilocybin-telomere hypothesis' could contribute to the improvement of senotherapeutic psychological interventions and the identification of novel geroprotective and neuroprotective/restorative pharmaceutical targets to decelerate genetic aging and improve well-being and quality of life during the aging process.

keywords:
Endocrine System, Animals, Humans, Disease Models, Animal, Aging, Premature, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurotransmitter Agents, Psychotropic Drugs, Depression, Stress, Psychological, Anxiety, Personality, Consciousness, DNA Methylation, Oxidative Stress, Aging, Models, Genetic, Models, Psychological, Research Design, Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins, Telomere Shortening, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,OCD,Neuroplasticity,Neurogenesis,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Biomarkers,Aging,Telomeres,Epigenetics,Oxidative Stress,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Healthy Volunteers

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31634774","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: In vivo production of psilocybin in E. coli.
authors: Adams AM, Kaplan NA, Wei Z, Brinton JD, Monnier CS, Enacopol AL, Ramelot TA, Jones JA.
publication_date: 2019-09-20
doi: 10.1016/j.ymben.2019.09.009
pubmed_id: 31550507
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2019.09.009
keywords: Escherichia coli, Metabolic Engineering, Batch Cell Culture Techniques, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,In Vitro Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Psilocybin, the prodrug of the psychoactive molecule psilocin, has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The development of a psilocybin production platform in a highly engineerable microbe could lead to rapid advances towards the bioproduction of psilocybin for use in ongoing clinical trials. Here, we present the development of a modular biosynthetic production platform in the model microbe, Escherichia coli. Efforts to optimize and improve pathway performance using multiple genetic optimization techniques were evaluated, resulting in a 32-fold improvement in psilocybin titer. Further enhancements to this genetically superior strain were achieved through fermentation optimization, ultimately resulting in a fed-batch fermentation study, with a production titer of 1.16 g/L of psilocybin. This is the highest psilocybin titer achieved to date from a recombinant organism and a significant step towards demonstrating the feasibility of industrial production of biologically-derived psilocybin.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31550507","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Andersson M, Kjellgren A.
publication_date: 2019-11-27
doi: 10.1186/s12954-019-0333-3
pubmed_id: 31779667
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-019-0333-3
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Microdosing,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Safety,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Twenty percent better with 20 micrograms? A qualitative study of psychedelic microdosing self-rapports and discussions on YouTube.

abstract:
BackgroundPsychedelic microdosing is the trending practice of using tiny repeated doses of psychedelic substances to facilitate a range of supposed benefits. With only a few published studies to date, the subject is still under-researched, and more knowledge is warranted. Social media and internet discussion forums have played a vital role in the growing visibility of the microdosing phenomenon, and the present study utilized YouTube contents to improve comprehension of the microdosing practice as well as the social interactions and discussions around microdosing.MethodsMicrodosing self-disclosure in YouTube videos and their following comments were qualitatively analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. Various software was utilized to enable gathering and sorting relevant data.ResultsMicrodosing of psychedelic substances, primarily LSD and psilocybin, was used for therapeutic and enhancement purposes, and predominantly beneficial effects were reported. Many different applications and outcomes were discussed, and therapeutic effects for depression appeared especially noteworthy. Intentions for use were recognized as an influencing factor for the progression and outcomes of microdosing. The function of social interactions was mainly to discuss views on the microdosing phenomenon, strategies for optimal results, minimize risks, and share emotional support.ConclusionsPotentially, microdosing could provide some of the same benefits (for certain conditions) as full-dose interventions with less risk of adverse reactions related to the sometimes intense experiences of higher doses. Microdosing may well also mean additional benefits, as well as risks, through the repeated exposure over extended periods.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Self Administration, Affect, Interpersonal Relations, Awareness, Arousal, Culture, Video Recording, Adult, Female, Male, Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic, Social Media, Consumer Behavior, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31779667","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Enzymatic Route toward 6-Methylated Baeocystin and Psilocybin.
authors: Fricke J, Sherwood A, Kargbo R, Orry A, Blei F, Naschberger A, Rupp B, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2019-10-16
doi: 10.1002/cbic.201900358
pubmed_id: 31150155
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.201900358
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Epigenetics,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psilocybin and its direct precursor baeocystin are indole alkaloids of psychotropic Psilocybe mushrooms. The pharmaceutical interest in psilocybin as a treatment option against depression and anxiety is currently being investigated in advanced clinical trials. Here, we report a biocatalytic route to synthesize 6-methylated psilocybin and baeocystin from 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-l-tryptophan, which was decarboxylated and phosphorylated by the Psilocybe cubensis biosynthesis enzymes PsiD and PsiK. N-Methylation was catalyzed by PsiM. We further present an in silico structural model of PsiM that revealed a well-conserved SAM-binding core along with peripheral nonconserved elements that likely govern substrate preferences.

keywords:
Salmonella enterica, Alkaloids, Indoles, Tryptophan Synthase, Methyltransferases, S-Adenosylmethionine, Bacterial Proteins, Fungal Proteins, Molecular Structure, Protein Binding, Methylation, Psilocybe, Organophosphates, Molecular Docking Simulation, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31150155","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Classical psychedelics for the treatment of depression and anxiety: A systematic review.
authors: Muttoni S, Ardissino M, John C.
publication_date: 2019-07-29
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.07.076
pubmed_id: 31382100
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.07.076
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Headache / Migraine,Clinical Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundDepression and anxiety are prevalent psychiatric disorders that carry significant morbidity. Pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are used to manage these conditions, but their efficacy is limited. Recent interest into the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy using ayahuasca, psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may be a promising alternative for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments. This review aims to determine the efficacy and tolerability of psychedelics in the management of resistant depression.MethodsClinical trials investigating psychedelics in patients with depression and/or anxiety were searched via MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO. Efficacy was assessed by measuring symptom improvement from baseline, and tolerability was evaluated by noting the incidence and type of adverse effects reported. Risk of bias was assessed.ResultsSeven studies, with 130 patients, were analysed in this review. Three were conducted in patients with depression, two in patients with anxiety and two in patients with both. In a supportive setting, ayahuasca, psilocybin, and LSD consistently produced immediate and significant anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects that were endured for several months. Psychedelics were well-tolerated. The most common adverse effects were transient anxiety, short-lived headaches, nausea and mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure.LimitationsAt present, the number of studies on this subject is very limited; and the number of participating patients within these is also limited as the treatment under investigations is a relatively novel concept.ConclusionsThough further evidence is required, psychedelics appear to be effective in significantly reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and are well-tolerated.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Adult, Female, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31382100","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Replication and extension of a model predicting response to psilocybin.
authors: Russ SL, Carhart-Harris RL, Maruyama G, Elliott MS.
publication_date: 2019-06-14
doi: 10.1007/s00213-019-05279-z
pubmed_id: 31203401
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05279-z
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Wellbeing,Mystical Experience,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
BackgroundRecent research demonstrated the potential of psychedelic drugs as treatment for depression and death-related anxiety and as an enhancement for well-being. While generally positive, responses to psychedelic drugs can vary according to traits, setting, and mental state (set) before and during ingestion. Most earlier models explain minimal response variation, primarily related to dosage and trust, but a recent study found that states of surrender and preoccupation at the time of ingestion explained substantial variance in mystical and adverse psilocybin experiences.ObjectivesThe current study sought to replicate the previous model, extend the model with additional predictors, and examine the role of mystical experience on positive change.MethodA hierarchical regression model was created with crowdsourced retrospective data from 183 individuals who had self-administered psilocybin in the past year. Scales explored mental states before, during, and after psilocybin ingestion, relying on open-ended memory prompts at each juncture to trigger recollections. Controlled drug administration was not employed.ResultsThis study replicated the previous model, finding a state of surrender before ingestion a key predictor of optimal experience and preoccupation a key predictor of adverse experience. Additional predictors added to the explanatory power for optimal and adverse experience. The model supported the importance of mystical experiences to long-term change.ConclusionMental states of surrender or preoccupation at the time of ingestion explain variance in mystical or adverse psilocybin experiences, and mystical experiences relate to long-term positive change. The capacity to recognize this optimal preparatory mental state may benefit therapeutic use of psilocybin in clinical settings.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Retrospective Studies, Thinking, Models, Psychological, Forecasting, Mysticism, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31203401","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Dos Santos RG, Bouso JC, Hallak JEC.
publication_date: 2019-10-27
doi: 10.1186/s12888-019-2288-z
pubmed_id: 31660905
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2288-z
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Spirituality,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Cancer Patients
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Serotonergic hallucinogens/psychedelics could be promising treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders in end-stage cancer.

abstract:
In a recent issue of the BMC Psychiatry, the evidence of effectiveness of treatments for psychiatric conditions in end-stage cancer patients was reviewed (Johnson, 2018). The review was comprehensive, and included traditional and non-traditional/alternative treatments, including herbal medicines and spirituality. However, evidence showing that classic or serotonergic hallucinogens/psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) could be effective treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders in end-stage cancer was not included. In this commentary, we expand the information available on the original article by briefly reviewing data from recent placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over clinical trials showing evidence that administration of single (or few) doses of LSD and psilocybin was associated with rapid and sustained reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with end-stage cancer and other life-threatening diseases (e.g., Bechterew's disease, Parkinson's disease, Celiac disease). Since these substances seem to produce rapid and sustained therapeutic effects with single (or few) doses and well tolerated, large-scale, prospective, multi-site studies of end-stage cancer and classical/serotonergic hallucinogens/psychedelics should be performed to improve our understanding of the therapeutic potentials of these drugs and their use on clinical practice.

keywords:
Humans, Neoplasms, Hallucinogens, Prospective Studies, Double-Blind Method, Anxiety Disorders, Needs Assessment

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31660905","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Smigielski L, Kometer M, Scheidegger M, Krähenmann R, Huber T, Vollenweider FX.
publication_date: 2019-10-23
doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-50612-3
pubmed_id: 31649304
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50612-3
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Emotional Processing,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat.

abstract:
Meditation and psychedelics have played key roles in humankind's search for self-transcendence and personal change. However, neither their possible synergistic effects, nor related state and trait predictors have been experimentally studied. To elucidate these issues, we administered double-blind the model psychedelic drug psilocybin (315 μg/kg PO) or placebo to meditators (n = 39) during a 5-day mindfulness group retreat. Psilocybin increased meditation depth and incidence of positively experienced self-dissolution along the perception-hallucination continuum, without concomitant anxiety. Openness, optimism, and emotional reappraisal were predictors of the acute response. Compared with placebo, psilocybin enhanced post-intervention mindfulness and produced larger positive changes in psychosocial functioning at a 4-month follow-up, which were corroborated by external ratings, and associated with magnitude of acute self-dissolution experience. Meditation seems to enhance psilocybin's positive effects while counteracting possible dysphoric responses. These findings highlight the interactions between non-pharmacological and pharmacological factors, and the role of emotion/attention regulation in shaping the experiential quality of psychedelic states, as well as the experience of selflessness as a modulator of behavior and attitudes. A better comprehension of mechanisms underlying most beneficial psychedelic experiences may guide therapeutic interventions across numerous mental conditions in the form of psychedelic-assisted applications.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Meditation, Social Behavior, Emotions, Attention, Buddhism, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Mindfulness, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31649304","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
publication_date: 2019-06-23
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.06.053
pubmed_id: 31247301
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.06.053
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
authors:
Pallavicini C, Vilas MG, Villarreal M, Zamberlan F, Muthukumaraswamy S, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris R, Tagliazucchi E.

abstract:
Classic serotonergic psychedelics are remarkable for their capacity to induce reversible alterations in consciousness of the self and the surroundings, mediated by agonism at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. The subjective effects elicited by dissociative drugs acting as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (e.g. ketamine and phencyclidine) overlap in certain domains with those of serotonergic psychedelics, suggesting some potential similarities in the brain activity patterns induced by both classes of drugs, despite different pharmacological mechanisms of action. We investigated source-localized magnetoencephalography recordings to determine the frequency-specific changes in oscillatory activity and long-range functional coupling that are common to two serotonergic compounds (lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD] and psilocybin) and the NMDA-antagonist ketamine. Administration of the three drugs resulted in widespread and broadband spectral power reductions. We established their similarity by using different pairs of compounds to train and subsequently evaluate multivariate machine learning classifiers. After applying the same methodology to functional connectivity values, we observed a pattern of occipital, parietal and frontal decreases in the low alpha and theta bands that were specific to LSD and psilocybin, as well as decreases in the low beta band common to the three drugs. Our results represent a first effort in the direction of quantifying the similarity of large-scale brain activity patterns induced by drugs of different mechanism of action, confirming the link between changes in theta and alpha oscillations and 5-HT2A agonism, while also revealing the decoupling of activity in the beta band as an effect shared between NMDA antagonists and 5-HT2A agonists. We discuss how these frequency-specific convergences and divergences in the power and functional connectivity of brain oscillations might relate to the overlapping subjective effects of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociative compounds.

keywords:
Nerve Net, Humans, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate, Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists, Hallucinogens, Magnetoencephalography, Adult, Brain Waves, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Connectome, Machine Learning, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31247301","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The ethics of psychedelic research in disorders of consciousness.
authors: Peterson A, Tagliazucchi E, Weijer C
journal: Neuroscience of consciousness
publication_date: 2018-12-31
doi: 10.1093/nc/niz013
pubmed_id: 31616570
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31616570/
keywords: disorders of consciousness, methodology, pharmacology, psilocybin, psychedelics, research ethics
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31616570"}
abstract:
This article provides an ethical analysis of psychedelic research involving disorders of consciousness patients. We apply two internationally accepted approaches for analyzing the ethics of human research, the Value-Validity Framework and Component Analysis, to a research program recently proposed by Scott and Carhart-Harris. We focus on Scott and Carhart-Harris's proposal, but the ethical frameworks outlined are applicable to other novel research protocols in the science of consciousness.


title: Psychoactive plant- and mushroom-associated alkaloids from two behavior modifying cicada pathogens.
publication_date: 2019-06-23
doi: 10.1016/j.funeco.2019.06.002
pubmed_id: 31768192
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2019.06.002
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Transcriptomics,Metabolomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
authors:
Boyce GR, Gluck-Thaler E, Slot JC, Stajich JE, Davis WJ, James TY, Cooley JR, Panaccione DG, Eilenberg J, De Fine Licht HH, Macias AM, Berger MC, Wickert KL, Stauder CM, Spahr EJ, Maust MD, Metheny AM, Simon C, Kritsky G, Hodge KT, Humber RA, Gullion T, Short DPG, Kijimoto T, Mozgai D, Arguedas N, Kasson MT.

abstract:
Entomopathogenic fungi routinely kill their hosts before releasing infectious spores, but a few species keep insects alive while sporulating, which enhances dispersal. Transcriptomics- and metabolomics-based studies of entomopathogens with post-mortem dissemination from their parasitized hosts have unraveled infection processes and host responses. However, the mechanisms underlying active spore transmission by Entomophthoralean fungi in living insects remain elusive. Here we report the discovery, through metabolomics, of the plant-associated amphetamine, cathinone, in four Massospora cicadina-infected periodical cicada populations, and the mushroom-associated tryptamine, psilocybin, in annual cicadas infected with Massospora platypediae or Massospora levispora, which likely represent a single fungal species. The absence of some fungal enzymes necessary for cathinone and psilocybin biosynthesis along with the inability to detect intermediate metabolites or gene orthologs are consistent with possibly novel biosynthesis pathways in Massospora. The neurogenic activities of these compounds suggest the extended phenotype of Massospora that modifies cicada behavior to maximize dissemination is chemically-induced.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31768192","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Dynamical exploration of the repertoire of brain networks at rest is modulated by psilocybin.
publication_date: 2019-05-24
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.060
pubmed_id: 31132450
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.060
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Lord LD, Expert P, Atasoy S, Roseman L, Rapuano K, Lambiotte R, Nutt DJ, Deco G, Carhart-Harris RL, Kringelbach ML, Cabral J.

abstract:
Growing evidence from the dynamical analysis of functional neuroimaging data suggests that brain function can be understood as the exploration of a repertoire of metastable connectivity patterns ('functional brain networks'), which potentially underlie different mental processes. The present study characterizes how the brain's dynamical exploration of resting-state networks is rapidly modulated by intravenous infusion of psilocybin, a tryptamine psychedelic found in "magic mushrooms". We employed a data-driven approach to characterize recurrent functional connectivity patterns by focusing on the leading eigenvector of BOLD phase coherence at single-TR resolution. Recurrent BOLD phase-locking patterns (PL states) were assessed and statistically compared pre- and post-infusion of psilocybin in terms of their probability of occurrence and transition profiles. Results were validated using a placebo session. Recurrent BOLD PL states revealed high spatial overlap with canonical resting-state networks. Notably, a PL state forming a frontoparietal subsystem was strongly destabilized after psilocybin injection, with a concomitant increase in the probability of occurrence of another PL state characterized by global BOLD phase coherence. These findings provide evidence of network-specific neuromodulation by psilocybin and represent one of the first attempts at bridging molecular pharmacodynamics and whole-brain network dynamics.

keywords:
Cerebral Cortex, Prefrontal Cortex, Parietal Lobe, Nerve Net, Humans, Hallucinogens, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Adult, Young Adult, Connectome, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31132450","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Vorster A, Gerber AM, van der Merwe LJ, van Zyl S
journal: Health SA = SA Gesondheid
publication_date: 2018-12-31
doi: 10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1041
pubmed_id: 31934400
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31934400/
keywords: Academic performance, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Medical students, Smoking habits
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31934400"}
title:
Second and third year medical students' self-reported alcohol and substance use, smoking habits and academic performance at a South African medical school.

abstract:
Health professional students frequently use alcohol and narcotics. The potential impact on academic performance and professional behaviour is concerning.
This study aimed to determine self-reported use of alcohol, illicit substances (e.g. cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], magic mushroom, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, methamphetamine and heroin), prescription medication and smoking habits, correlating academic performance.
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State.
An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. Information was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire, capturing demographics, self-reported academic performance, drinking and smoking habits, and substance use. Coded responses were analysed using the Remark Office OMR 8 Software System. Descriptive statistics were calculated for categorical variables.
Completed questionnaires comprised 171 students. A total of 78.4% of second year and 82.8% of third year students reported using alcohol. Twenty-two per cent of second year and 24.1% of third year students reported cannabis use. In the second year group, three (2.7%) students reported using magic mushroom, two (1.8%) reported cocaine, two (1.8%) reported ecstasy and one (0.9%) reported using methamphetamine. Only third year students reported using LSD or 'crack'. Cigarette smoking was common - 31.5% and 35.1% in both groups, respectively. Smokeless tobacco devices were used by 8.5% of second year and 7.1% of third year students. Almost 40% of both groups reported that they had smoked a water pipe. Academic performance achieved was mostly 60% - 69% (38.9%) among second year students and 70% - 79% (46.6%) among third year students.
Self-reported use of alcohol and drugs and smoking among medical students is alarming. Additional student support, early identification and referral for management and/or rehabilitation should be a priority at tertiary institutions responsible for training future healthcare professionals.


authors: Hutten NRPW, Mason NL, Dolder PC, Kuypers KPC
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2018-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00672
pubmed_id: 31572246
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31572246/
keywords: LSD, efficacy, microdosing, psilocybin, psychedelics, self-medication, symptom alleviation
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Chronic Pain,Microdosing,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"31572246"}
title:
Self-Rated Effectiveness of Microdosing With Psychedelics for Mental and Physical Health Problems Among Microdosers.

abstract:
There is a growing interest in the use of psychedelic substances for health related purposes, including symptom relief for disorders like anxiety, depression, and pain. Although the focus of recent clinical trials has been on high doses of these substances, anecdotal evidence suggests that low (micro) doses are also effective, and may be more suitable for certain conditions. Nonetheless, empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of microdosing with psychedelics for symptomatic relief is lacking. The present study aimed to investigate, by means of an online questionnaire, the self-rated effectiveness (SRE) of microdosing with psychedelics (MDP) for mental and physiological disorders compared to the conventional prescribed treatment and to regular doses of psychedelics. An online questionnaire was launched on several websites and fora between March and July 2018. Respondents who had consented, were 18 years of age or older, had experience with microdosing and were diagnosed with at least one mental or physiological disorder by a medical doctor or therapist ( = 410; 7.2%) were included in the analyses. Odds ratio were calculated to compare the SRE of MDP with conventional treatment, and regular psychedelic doses for mental and physiological diagnoses for each of the three effectiveness questions ("Did it work," "Symptom disappear," "Quality of life improved"). Odds ratio showed that SRE of MDP was significantly higher compared to that of conventional treatments for both mental and physiological diagnoses; and that these effects were specific for ADHD/ADD and anxiety disorders. In contrast, SRE of MDP was lower compared to that of higher, regular psychedelic doses for mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, while for physiological disorders no difference was shown. This study demonstrates that SRE of MDP to alleviate symptoms of a range of mental or physiological diagnoses is higher compared to conventionally offered treatment options, and lower than regular ('full') psychedelic doses. Future RCTs in patient populations should objectively assess the effectivity claims of psychedelics, and whether these are dose related, disorder specific, and superior to conventional treatments.


title: Hallucinogens and Their Therapeutic Use: A Literature Review.
authors: Begola MJ, Schillerstrom JE.
publication_date: 2019-08-31
doi: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000409
pubmed_id: 31505518
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1097/pra.0000000000000409
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Risk Assessment, Mental Disorders
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
The exploration of possible therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic substances has undergone a revitalization in the past decade. This literature review investigated the published literature regarding the psychotherapeutic uses of hallucinogens in psychiatric disorders. The results showed that a variety of substances have been evaluated in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including ayahuasca, ibogaine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and psilocybin. The conditions treated ranged from depression to autism, with the largest volume of research dedicated to substance use disorders. The majority of studies that were reviewed demonstrated significant associations with improvement in the conditions investigated. However, it was difficult to draw definitive conclusions as most studies suffered from small sample sizes, inconsistent measures, and poor study design. To properly assess the risks and potential benefits of hallucinogens in psychiatric treatment, there is a need for well designed, standardized studies that demonstrate the impact of hallucinogenic substances on psychiatric conditions.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31505518","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Kuypers KP, Ng L, Erritzoe D, Knudsen GM, Nichols CD, Nichols DE, Pani L, Soula A, Nutt D.
publication_date: 2019-07-13
doi: 10.1177/0269881119857204
pubmed_id: 31303095
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119857204
keywords: Animals, Humans, Hallucinogens, Memory, Attention, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Microdosing psychedelics: More questions than answers? An overview and suggestions for future research.

abstract:
BackgroundIn the past few years, the issue of 'microdosing' psychedelics has been openly discussed in the public arena where claims have been made about their positive effect on mood state and cognitive processes such as concentration. However, there are very few scientific studies that have specifically addressed this issue, and there is no agreed scientific consensus on what microdosing is.AimThis critique paper is designed to address questions that need to be answered by future scientific studies and to offer guidelines for these studies.ApproachOwing to its proximity for a possible approval in clinical use and short-lasting pharmacokinetics, our focus is predominantly on psilocybin. Psilocybin is allegedly, next to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), one of the two most frequently used psychedelics to microdose. Where relevant and available, data for other psychedelic drugs are also mentioned.ConclusionIt is concluded that while most anecdotal reports focus on the positive experiences with microdosing, future research should also focus on potential risks of (multiple) administrations of a psychedelic in low doses. To that end, (pre)clinical studies including biological (e.g. heart rate, receptor turnover and occupancy) as well as cognitive (e.g. memory, attention) parameters have to be conducted and will shed light on the potential negative consequences microdosing could have.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31303095","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use.
authors: Garcia-Romeu A, Davis AK, Erowid F, Erowid E, Griffiths RR, Johnson MW.
publication_date: 2019-05-13
doi: 10.1177/0269881119845793
pubmed_id: 31084460
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119845793
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Mystical Experience,Meta-Analysis,Observational Study
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundMeta-analysis of randomized studies using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) showed large, significant effects for LSD efficacy compared to control conditions. Clinical studies suggest potential anti-addiction effects of LSD and mechanistically-related classic psychedelics for alcohol and other substance use disorders.AimsTo supplement clinical studies, reports of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings can provide further data regarding potential effects of psychedelics on alcohol use.MethodsAn anonymous online survey of individuals with prior AUD reporting cessation or reduction in alcohol use following psychedelic use in non-clinical settings.Results343 respondents, mostly White (89%), males (78%), in the USA (60%) completed the survey. Participants reported seven years of problematic alcohol use on average before the psychedelic experience to which they attributed reduced alcohol consumption, with 72% meeting retrospective criteria for severe AUD. Most reported taking a moderate or high dose of LSD (38%) or psilocybin (36%), followed by significant reduction in alcohol consumption. After the psychedelic experience 83% no longer met AUD criteria. Participants rated their psychedelic experience as highly meaningful and insightful, with 28% endorsing psychedelic-associated changes in life priorities or values as facilitating reduced alcohol misuse. Greater psychedelic dose, insight, mystical-type effects, and personal meaning of experiences were associated with a greater reduction in alcohol consumption, controlling for prior alcohol consumption and related distress.ConclusionsAlthough results cannot demonstrate causality, they suggest that naturalistic psychedelic use may lead to cessation or reduction in problematic alcohol use, supporting further investigation of psychedelic-assisted treatment for AUD.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Ethanol, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psychotropic Drugs, Retrospective Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Alcohol Drinking, Mysticism, Adult, Female, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31084460","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic-assisted therapies: The past, and the need to move forward responsibly.
authors: Gardner J, Carter A, O'Brien K, Seear K.
publication_date: 2019-05-24
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.05.019
pubmed_id: 31136924
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.05.019
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Recent clinical studies illustrate that psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin may represent much-needed new treatment options for mood disorders and alcohol and other drug use disorders. More clinical studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies, but the cultural stigma that has surrounded psychedelics since the 1960s has hindered research. This problem is amplified in Australia. There has been a complete absence of research into psychedelic therapies, and Australian-based research advocates claim to have encountered a number of barriers. In this commentary, we provide a brief account of the historical stigma associated with psychedelics, and an overview of the contemporary context of research into psychedelic-assisted therapies, including the purported barriers to research in Australia. In light of the complex history of psychedelics, we identify a number of pressing questions relating to the social and legal context that need to be addressed so that clinical studies can proceed. Research is needed to address such questions so that the nature and extent of purported barriers to clinical studies with psychedelics can be properly elucidated, and strategies developed - with practitioners, patients, families and other stakeholders - to responsibly address these barriers. This is important because it will enable Australian researchers to contribute robust evidence about the possible efficacy and safety of psychedelic therapies, and to facilitate local expertise needed to implement psychedelic-assisted therapies, should they prove efficacious.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Combined Modality Therapy, Psychotherapy, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Australia, Social Stigma

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31136924","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin lacks antidepressant-like effect in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat.
authors: Jefsen O, Højgaard K, Christiansen SL, Elfving B, Nutt DJ, Wegener G, Müller HK.
publication_date: 2019-05-19
doi: 10.1017/neu.2019.15
pubmed_id: 31106729
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2019.15
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
ObjectivePsilocybin is a serotonin receptor agonist with a therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric illnesses. We investigated whether the administration of psilocybin had an antidepressant-like effect in a rat model of depression.MethodsUsing the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat model of depression, we assessed the antidepressant-like effect of psilocin and psilocybin, measured as a reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test (FST). We measured locomotor activity in an open field test (OFT) to control for stimulant properties of the drugs. We performed a set of experiments to test different doses, treatment paradigms, and timing of the tests in relation to the drug administration.ResultsPsilocin and psilocybin showed no effect on immobility, struggling, or swimming behaviour in the FST and no effect on locomotor activity in the OFT. FSL rats did show significantly more immobility than their control strain, the Flinders Resistant Line, as expected.ConclusionPsilocin and psilocybin showed no antidepressant-like effect in the FSL rats, despite a positive effect in humans. This suggests that other animal models of depression and other behavioural tests may be more appropriate for translational studies in the effects of psilocybin.

keywords:
Animals, Rats, Disease Models, Animal, Antidepressive Agents, Behavior, Animal, Depression, Motor Activity, Male, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31106729","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Narrative identity, rationality, and microdosing classic psychedelics.
authors: Webb M, Copes H, Hendricks PS.
publication_date: 2019-05-05
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.013
pubmed_id: 31071597
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.013
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Creativity
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundMicrodosing involves ingesting a small dose of a classic psychedelic (e.g., LSD and psilocybin) at regular intervals for prolonged periods. The practice is said to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and offer several creative and practical benefits to users. Using the narrative identity theoretical framework, our aim was to explore the experiences of those who microdosed classic psychedelics. Specifically, we sought to understand how and why they began microdosing and how they made sense of their actions in the context of their conventional lives.MethodsTo understand the experiences of those who microdose classic psychedelics, we rely on data collected from semi-structured interviews with 30 people who had microdosed.ResultsParticipants saw themselves as conventional citizens who microdosed for rational and instrumental purposes. They emphasized the rationality of microdosing by discussing (1) the practicality of their procurement and administration processes, (2) the connection between their microdosing practice and their general awareness in health and wellness, and (3) the benefits of the practice.ConclusionParticipants described their microdosing in the context of embracing traditional middle-class values. This created social distance between themselves and those who use drugs recreationally. While people who use drugs recreationally typically construct boundaries by distancing themselves from symbolic others (i.e., "crackheads," "meth heads," "junkies"), microdosers constructed boundaries by emphasizing connections to conventional citizens who embrace middle-class values. This connection to conventional citizens allows them to normalize their drug use and facilitates persistence.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Drug Administration Schedule, Narration, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Qualitative Research, Female, Male, Drug Users, Young Adult

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31071597","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Smigielski L, Scheidegger M, Kometer M, Vollenweider FX.
publication_date: 2019-04-05
doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.04.009
pubmed_id: 30965131
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.04.009
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Default Mode Network,Consciousness,Aging
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness training modulates self-consciousness and brain default mode network connectivity with lasting effects.

abstract:
Both psychedelics and meditation exert profound modulatory effects on consciousness, perception and cognition, but their combined, possibly synergistic effects on neurobiology are unknown. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 38 participants following a single administration of the psychedelic psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.) during a 5-day mindfulness retreat. Brain dynamics were quantified directly pre- and post-intervention by functional magnetic resonance imaging during the resting state and two meditation forms. The analysis of functional connectivity identified psilocybin-related and mental state-dependent alterations in self-referential processing regions of the default mode network (DMN). Notably, decoupling of medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, which is thought to mediate sense of self, was associated with the subjective ego dissolution effect during the psilocybin-assisted mindfulness session. The extent of ego dissolution and brain connectivity predicted positive changes in psycho-social functioning of participants 4 months later. Psilocybin, combined with meditation, facilitated neurodynamic modulations in self-referential networks, subserving the process of meditation by acting along the anterior-posterior DMN connection. The study highlights the link between altered self-experience and subsequent behavioral changes. Understanding how interventions facilitate transformative experiences may open novel therapeutic perspectives. Insights into the biology of discrete mental states foster our understanding of non-ordinary forms of human self-consciousness and their concomitant brain substrate.

keywords:
Brain, Neural Pathways, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Meditation, Brain Mapping, Double-Blind Method, Self Concept, Consciousness, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Mindfulness, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30965131","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook.
authors: Anderson T, Petranker R, Christopher A, Rosenbaum D, Weissman C, Dinh-Williams LA, Hui K, Hapke E.
publication_date: 2019-07-09
doi: 10.1186/s12954-019-0308-4
pubmed_id: 31288862
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-019-0308-4
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundMicrodosing psychedelics is the practice of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a psychedelic substance, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. According to media reports, microdosing has grown in popularity, yet the scientific literature contains minimal research on this practice. There has been limited reporting on adverse events associated with microdosing, and the experiences of microdosers in community samples have not been categorized.MethodsIn the present study, we develop a codebook of microdosing benefits and challenges (MDBC) based on the qualitative reports of a real-world sample of 278 microdosers.ResultsWe describe novel findings, both in terms of beneficial outcomes, such as improved mood (26.6%) and focus (14.8%), and in terms of challenging outcomes, such as physiological discomfort (18.0%) and increased anxiety (6.7%). We also show parallels between benefits and drawbacks and discuss the implications of these results. We probe for substance-dependent differences, finding that psilocybin-only users report the benefits of microdosing were more important than other users report.ConclusionsThese mixed-methods results help summarize and frame the experiences reported by an active microdosing community as high-potential avenues for future scientific research. The MDBC taxonomy reported here informs future research, leveraging participant reports to distil the highest-potential intervention targets so research funding can be efficiently allocated. Microdosing research complements the full-dose literature as clinical treatments are developed and neuropharmacological mechanisms are sought. This framework aims to inform researchers and clinicians as experimental microdosing research begins in earnest in the years to come.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Drug Therapy, Combination, Risk Assessment, Retrospective Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Affect, Anxiety, Arousal, Attention, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, Guideline Adherence, Female, Male, Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic, Grounded Theory, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Microdosing,Clinical Trial,Adolescents,Healthcare Workers,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31288862","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics.
authors: Carhart-Harris RL, Friston KJ.
publication_date: 2019-06-30
doi: 10.1124/pr.118.017160
pubmed_id: 31221820
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.118.017160
keywords: Brain, Animals, Humans, Hallucinogens, Models, Neurological, Culture
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
This paper formulates the action of psychedelics by integrating the free-energy principle and entropic brain hypothesis. We call this formulation relaxed beliefs under psychedelics (REBUS) and the anarchic brain, founded on the principle that-via their entropic effect on spontaneous cortical activity-psychedelics work to relax the precision of high-level priors or beliefs, thereby liberating bottom-up information flow, particularly via intrinsic sources such as the limbic system. We assemble evidence for this model and show how it can explain a broad range of phenomena associated with the psychedelic experience. With regard to their potential therapeutic use, we propose that psychedelics work to relax the precision weighting of pathologically overweighted priors underpinning various expressions of mental illness. We propose that this process entails an increased sensitization of high-level priors to bottom-up signaling (stemming from intrinsic sources), and that this heightened sensitivity enables the potential revision and deweighting of overweighted priors. We end by discussing further implications of the model, such as that psychedelics can bring about the revision of other heavily weighted high-level priors, not directly related to mental health, such as those underlying partisan and/or overly-confident political, religious, and/or philosophical perspectives. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelics are capturing interest, with efforts underway to bring psilocybin therapy to marketing authorisation and legal access within a decade, spearheaded by the findings of a series of phase 2 trials. In this climate, a compelling unified model of how psychedelics alter brain function to alter consciousness would have appeal. Towards this end, we have sought to integrate a leading model of global brain function, hierarchical predictive coding, with an often-cited model of the acute action of psychedelics, the entropic brain hypothesis. The resulting synthesis states that psychedelics work to relax high-level priors, sensitising them to liberated bottom-up information flow, which, with the right intention, care provision and context, can help guide and cultivate the revision of entrenched pathological priors.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31221820","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Motives and Side-Effects of Microdosing With Psychedelics Among Users.
authors: Hutten NRPW, Mason NL, Dolder PC, Kuypers KPC.
publication_date: 2019-06-30
doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz029
pubmed_id: 31152167
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyz029
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundMicrodosing with psychedelics has gained considerable media attention where it is portrayed as a performance enhancer, especially popular on the work floor. While reports are in general positive, scientific evidence about potential negative effects is lacking aside from the prevalence and motives for use. The present study addressed this gap by surveying psychedelic users about their experience with microdosing including their dosing schedule, motivation, and potential experienced negative effects.MethodsAn online questionnaire was launched on several websites and fora between March and July 2018. Respondents who had consented, were 18 years of age or older, and had experience with microdosing were included in the analyses.ResultsIn total, 1116 of the respondents were either currently microdosing (79.5%) or microdosed in the past (20.5%). Lysergic acid diethylamide (10 mcg) and psilocybin (0.5 g) were the most commonly used psychedelics with a microdosing frequency between 2 and 4 times per week. The majority of users, however, were oblivious about the consumed dose. Performance enhancement was the main motive to microdose (37%). The most reported negative effects were of psychological nature and occurred acutely while under the influence.ConclusionIn line with media reports and anecdotes, the majority of our respondents microdosed to enhance performance. Negative effects occurred mostly acutely after substance consumption. However, the main reason to have stopped microdosing was that it was not effective. Future experimental placebo-controlled studies are needed to test whether performance enhancement can be quantified and to assess potential negative effects after longer term microdosing.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Motivation, Adult, Female, Male, Performance-Enhancing Substances, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31152167","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Beyond LSD: A Broader Psychedelic Zeitgeist during the Early to Mid-20th Century.
authors: Aday JS, Bloesch EK, Davoli CC.
publication_date: 2019-03-05
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1581961
pubmed_id: 30836890
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1581961
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
During the 1950s and 1960s, there was a tremendous surge in research into the effects of psychedelic drugs. When discussing this period of research, the discovery of the psychoactive properties of LSD in 1943 is often presented as the main, and sometimes only, driving force of the boom in research. This "Great Person," or "Great Chemical," historiographical lens fails to acknowledge other factors that were fundamental in setting the stage for the research. In particular, other psychedelic drugs, such as mescaline, were already being probed for their uses in psychotherapy and as models for psychosis before the effects of LSD had been discovered. Psilocybin and other classical psychedelics had also been discovered by Western researchers around the same time as the synthesis of LSD. Additionally, many of the dominant zeitgeists (e.g., pharmacological, psychoanalytic, and humanistic) in psychology during this period were congruent with psychedelic research. This article argues that while the discovery of LSD may have been a catalyst for psychedelic research in the 1950s and '60s, there was a broader psychedelic zeitgeist that deserves acknowledgement for setting the stage.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psychotherapy, Research, History, 20th Century, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30836890","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Honyiglo E, Franchi A, Cartiser N, Bottinelli C, Advenier AS, Bévalot F, Fanton L.
publication_date: 2018-12-11
doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.13982
pubmed_id: 30548541
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13982
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Review Article,Case Report,Adolescents
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Unpredictable Behavior Under the Influence of "Magic Mushrooms": A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

abstract:
Fatalities implicating psychedelic mushrooms are not a common clinical situation in everyday forensic medicine. Despite classification as an illegal drug in many countries, psilocybin mushrooms have the reputation of being safe. We report the case of a young man who jumped from a second story balcony under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms. The psilocin assay was performed by gas chromatography coupled to an electron-impact ionization time-of-flight detector (GC-EI-TOF) after solid-phase extraction. Total psilocin was quantified in peripheral and cardiac blood as 60 and 67 ng/mL, respectively, and in urine (2230 ng/mL), bile (3102 ng/mL), and vitreous humor (57 ng/mL). This case report and review of literature highlights the danger of psilocybin mushrooms. Isolated use of psilocybin mushrooms by a regular consumer without psychiatric history, even under "safe" circumstances, can lead to a fatal outcome.

keywords:
Vitreous Body, Bile, Humans, Agaricales, Substance-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Chromatography, Gas, Suicide, Adolescent, Male, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30548541","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: What Psilocybin Taught Me About Dying.
authors: Back AL.
publication_date: 2018-11-08
doi: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0561
pubmed_id: 30412005
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2018.0561
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Attitude to Death, Fear, Physician-Patient Relations, Physicians, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30412005","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2019-01-02
doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.01.002
pubmed_id: 30611836
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.01.002
keywords: Humans, Antidepressive Agents, Anhedonia, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Pharmacological interventions targeting anhedonia in patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review.

authors:
Cao B, Zhu J, Zuckerman H, Rosenblat JD, Brietzke E, Pan Z, Subramanieapillai M, Park C, Lee Y, McIntyre RS.

abstract:
Anhedonia is defined as a diminished ability to experience interest or pleasure, and is a critical psychopathological dimension of major depressive disorder (MDD). The purpose of the current systematic review is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological treatments on measures of anhedonia in adults with MDD. Electronic databases Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to June 1, 2018 for longitudinal studies utilizing pharmacotherapy for the treatment of anhedonia in patients with MDD. A total of 17 eligible studies were identified (i.e., evaluated the effects of pharmacotherapy on a measure of anhedonia). Among the identified studies, the efficacy of 14 different pharmacotherapies on measures of anhedonia were evaluated, including melatonergic agents (i.e. agomelatine), monoaminergic agents (i.e. moclobemide, clomipramine, bupropion, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, amitifadine and levomilnacipran, escitalopram, and sertraline), glutamatergic agents (i.e., ketamine and riluzole), stimulants (i.e., methylphenidate), and psychedelics (i.e., psilocybin). Based on the available evidence, most antidepressants demonstrated beneficial effects on measures of anhedonia as well as the other depressive symptoms. Only escitalopram/riluzole combination treatment was ineffective in treating symptoms of anhedonia in MDD. Continued research is warranted to further support the efficacy of mechanistically-distinct antidepressants in treating symptoms of anhedonia in MDD. Future research should also aim to parse out the heterogeneous effects of different pharmacotherapies on anhedonic symptoms.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30611836","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Sakloth F, Leggett E, Moerke MJ, Townsend EA, Banks ML, Negus SS.
publication_date: 2019-01-09
doi: 10.1037/pha0000253
pubmed_id: 30628811
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000253
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Effects of acute and repeated treatment with serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist hallucinogens on intracranial self-stimulation in rats.

abstract:
The prototype 5-HT2A receptor agonist hallucinogens LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin are classified as Schedule 1 drugs of abuse by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Accumulating clinical evidence has also suggested that acute or repeated "microdosing" with these drugs may have utility for treatment of some mental health disorders, including drug abuse and depression. The goal of the present study was to evaluate LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin effects on intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), a procedure that has been used to evaluate abuse-related effects of other classes of abused drugs. Effects of repeated LSD were also examined to evaluate potential changes in its own effects on ICSS or changes in effects produced by the abused psychostimulant methamphetamine or the prodepressant kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist U69,593. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with microelectrodes targeting the medial forebrain bundle and trained to respond under a "frequency-rate" ICSS procedure, in which many drugs of abuse increase (or "facilitate") ICSS. In acute dose-effect and time-course studies, evidence for abuse-related ICSS facilitation was weak and inconsistent; the predominant effect of all 3 drugs was dose- and time-dependent ICSS depression. Repeated LSD treatment failed to alter either its own ICSS depressant effects or the abuse-related effects of methamphetamine; however, repeated LSD did attenuate ICSS depression by U69,593. These results extend those of previous preclinical studies to suggest weak expression of abuse-related effects by 5-HT2A agonist hallucinogens and provide supportive evidence for therapeutic effects of repeated LSD dosing to attenuate KOR-mediated depressant effects but not abuse potential of psychostimulants. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

keywords:
Medial Forebrain Bundle, Animals, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Receptors, Opioid, kappa, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Analgesics, Opioid, Hallucinogens, Self Stimulation, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Male, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30628811","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Denver votes to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms.
authors: Webster P.
publication_date: 2019-04-30
doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31082-7
pubmed_id: 31106737
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31082-7
keywords: Humans, Agaricales, Plant Extracts, Legislation, Drug, Drug Utilization, Colorado, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31106737","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Stenbaek DS, Kristiansen S, Burmester D, Madsen MK, Frokjaer VG, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM.
publication_date: 2019-01-10
doi: 10.1002/hbm.24511
pubmed_id: 30633430
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.24511
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Personality Change,Healthy Volunteers,Adolescents,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Trait Openness and serotonin 2A receptors in healthy volunteers: A positron emission tomography study.

abstract:
Recent research found lasting increases in personality trait Openness in healthy individuals and patients after administration of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A R) agonist psilocybin. However, no studies have investigated whether 5-HT2A R availability as imaged using positron emission tomography (PET) is associated with this trait. In 159 healthy individuals (53 females), the association between 5-HT2A R binding in neocortex imaged with [18 F]altanserin or [11 C]Cimbi-36 PET and personality trait Openness was investigated using linear regression models. In these models the influence of sex on the association was also investigated. Trait Openness was assessed with the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. No significant associations between neocortical 5-HT2A R binding and trait Openness were found for [18 F]altanserin (p = 0.5) or [11 C]Cimbi-36 (p = 0.8). Pooling the data in a combined model did not substantially change our results (p = 0.4). No significant interactions with sex were found (p > 0.35). Our results indicate that differences in 5-HT2A R availability are not related to variations in trait Openness in healthy individuals. Although stimulation of the 5-HT2A R with compounds such as psilocybin may contribute to long-term changes in trait Openness, there is no evidence in favor of an association between 5-HT2A R and trait Openness.

keywords:
Brain, Humans, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Positron-Emission Tomography, Personality, Personality Inventory, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Healthy Volunteers

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30633430","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Johnson MW, Hendricks PS, Barrett FS, Griffiths RR.
publication_date: 2018-12-03
doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.010
pubmed_id: 30521880
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.010
keywords: Brain, Animals, Humans, Hallucinogens, Mysticism, Epidemiological Monitoring
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function.

abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative review and offer novel insights regarding human research with classic psychedelics (classic hallucinogens), which are serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin. Classic psychedelics have been administered as sacraments since ancient times. They were of prominent interest within psychiatry and neuroscience in the 1950s to 1960s, and during this time contributed to the emergence of the field of molecular neuroscience. Promising results were reported for treatment of both end-of-life psychological distress and addiction, and classic psychedelics served as tools for studying the neurobiological bases of psychological disorders. Moreover, classic psychedelics were shown to occasion mystical experiences, which are subjective experiences reported throughout different cultures and religions involving a strong sense of unity, among other characteristics. However, the recreational use of classic psychedelics and their association with the counterculture prompted an end to human research with classic psychedelics in the early 1970s. We provide the most comprehensive review of epidemiological studies of classic psychedelics to date. Notable among these are a number of studies that have suggested the possibility that nonmedical naturalistic (non-laboratory) use of classic psychedelics is associated with positive mental health and prosocial outcomes, although it is clear that some individuals are harmed by classic psychedelics in non-supervised settings. We then review recent therapeutic studies suggesting efficacy in treating psychological distress associated with life-threatening diseases, treating depression, and treating nicotine and alcohol addictions. We also describe the construct of mystical experience, and provide a comprehensive review of modern studies investigating classic psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences and their consequences. These studies have shown classic psychedelics to fairly reliably occasion mystical experiences. Moreover, classic-psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences are associated with improved psychological outcomes in both healthy volunteer and patient populations. Finally, we review neuroimaging studies that suggest neurobiological mechanisms of classic psychedelics. These studies have also broadened our understanding of the brain, the serotonin system, and the neurobiological basis of consciousness. Overall, these various lines of research suggest that classic psychedelics might hold strong potential as therapeutics, and as tools for experimentally investigating mystical experiences and behavioral-brain function more generally.

topic_tags:
Depression,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Aging,Mystical Experience,Review Article,Healthy Volunteers

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30521880","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Rocha JM, Osório FL, Crippa JAS, Bouso JC, Rossi GN, Hallak JEC, Dos Santos RG.
publication_date: 2019-04-25
doi: 10.1177/2045125319845774
pubmed_id: 31065350
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125319845774
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Emotional Processing,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Serotonergic hallucinogens and recognition of facial emotion expressions: a systematic review of the literature.

abstract:
BackgroundRecognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a key aspect of social cognition. Anxiety and mood disorders are associated with deficits in REFE, and anxiolytics and antidepressants reverse these deficits. Recent studies have shown that serotonergic hallucinogens (i.e. ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], and mescaline) have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, but their effects on REFE are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans.MethodsStudies published in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases until 19 October 2018 which analyzed the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans were included.ResultsOf the 62 studies identified, 8 studies were included. Included studies involved the administration of a single or a few doses of LSD or psilocybin, and most trials were randomized and controlled with placebo. LSD and psilocybin reduced the recognition of negative emotions in most studies and modulated amygdala activity to these stimuli, which was correlated with antidepressive effects in patients. Both drugs were well tolerated.ConclusionsSerotonergic hallucinogens reduced the recognition of negative emotions by modulating amygdala activity. Despite the small sample sizes, results suggest that serotonergic hallucinogens show promising beneficial effects on deficits in REFE.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31065350","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Griffiths RR, Hurwitz ES, Davis AK, Johnson MW, Jesse R.
publication_date: 2019-04-22
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214377
pubmed_id: 31013281
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214377
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Emotional Processing,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT.

abstract:
Naturally occurring and psychedelic drug-occasioned experiences interpreted as personal encounters with God are well described but have not been systematically compared. In this study, five groups of individuals participated in an online survey with detailed questions characterizing the subjective phenomena, interpretation, and persisting changes attributed to their single most memorable God encounter experience (n = 809 Non-Drug, 1184 psilocybin, 1251 lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 435 ayahuasca, and 606 N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)). Analyses of differences in experiences were adjusted statistically for demographic differences between groups. The Non-Drug Group was most likely to choose "God" as the best descriptor of that which was encountered while the psychedelic groups were most likely to choose "Ultimate Reality." Although there were some other differences between non-drug and the combined psychedelic group, as well as between the four psychedelic groups, the similarities among these groups were most striking. Most participants reported vivid memories of the encounter experience, which frequently involved communication with something having the attributes of being conscious, benevolent, intelligent, sacred, eternal, and all-knowing. The encounter experience fulfilled a priori criteria for being a complete mystical experience in approximately half of the participants. More than two-thirds of those who identified as atheist before the experience no longer identified as atheist afterwards. These experiences were rated as among the most personally meaningful and spiritually significant lifetime experiences, with moderate to strong persisting positive changes in life satisfaction, purpose, and meaning attributed to these experiences. Among the four groups of psychedelic users, the psilocybin and LSD groups were most similar and the ayahuasca group tended to have the highest rates of endorsing positive features and enduring consequences of the experience. Future exploration of predisposing factors and phenomenological and neural correlates of such experiences may provide new insights into religious and spiritual beliefs that have been integral to shaping human culture since time immemorial.

keywords:
Humans, Banisteriopsis, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Emotions, Fear, Intelligence, Psychometrics, Religion, Internet, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31013281","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics as a treatment for disorders of consciousness.
authors: Scott G, Carhart-Harris RL.
publication_date: 2019-04-20
doi: 10.1093/nc/niz003
pubmed_id: 31024740
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/nc/niz003
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Based on its ability to increase brain complexity, a seemingly reliable index of conscious level, we propose testing the capacity of the classic psychedelic, psilocybin, to increase conscious awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness. We also confront the considerable ethical and practical challenges this proposal must address, if this hypothesis is to be directly assessed.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31024740","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue.
authors: Doblin RE, Christiansen M, Jerome L, Burge B.
publication_date: 2019-03-31
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1606472
pubmed_id: 31132970
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1606472
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Creativity,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Psychedelic plants and fungi have been used in indigenous medicinal traditions for millennia. Modern psychedelic research began when Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) in 1938. Five years later, became the first person to ingest LSD. Hofmann was unaware of the significance of his actions, and the effects they would set in motion. After a burgeoning period of scientific and cultural exploration in the1950s and '60s, psychedelic research was slowed to a near halt. Throughout the 1970s and '80s governmental interventions severely hampered global psychedelic research, despite evidence of the limited medical risks and therapeutic potential of psychedelics. After decades of persistent education and advocacy, rigorous research employing psychedelics as tools of discovery and healing are abundant today. Studies are taking place in research institutions and in private practice sites supported by non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as individual investigators. This research includes clinical trials with MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD, alcoholism, and social anxiety, and psilocybin clinical studies for depression and addiction, as well as the ability of psychedelics to catalyze spiritual or mystical experiences and inspire creativity, and into the neuroscientific understanding the effects of psychedelic substances on our nervous system.

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Biomedical Research, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31132970","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic-Assisted Group Therapy: A Systematic Review.
authors: Trope A, Anderson BT, Hooker AR, Glick G, Stauffer C, Woolley JD.
publication_date: 2019-04-04
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1593559
pubmed_id: 30950777
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1593559
keywords: Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy, Group, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Systematic Review,Review Article,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Contemporary research with classic psychedelic drugs (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin) is indebted to the twentieth-century researchers and clinicians who generated valuable clinical knowledge of these substances through experimentation. Several recent reviews that highlight the contributions of this early literature have focused on psychedelic-assisted individual psychotherapy modalities. None have attempted to systematically identify and compile experimental studies of psychedelic-assisted group therapy. In therapeutic settings, psychedelics were often used to enhance group therapy for a variety of populations and clinical indications. We report on the results of a systematic review of the published literature in English and Spanish on psychedelic-assisted group therapies. Publications are characterized by their clinical approach, experimental method, and clinical outcomes. Given the renewed interest in the clinical use of psychedelic medicines, this review aims to stimulate hypotheses to be tested in future research on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, group process, and interpersonal functioning.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30950777","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Might Microdosing Psychedelics Be Safe and Beneficial? An Initial Exploration.
authors: Fadiman J, Korb S
journal: Journal of psychoactive drugs
publication_date: 2018-12-31
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1593561
pubmed_id: 30925850
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30925850/
keywords: LSD, Psychedelics, microdosing, psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Headache / Migraine,Microdosing,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"30925850"}
abstract:
Albert Hoffman suggested that low doses of LSD might be an appropriate alternative to Ritalin. Following this possibility, a systematic exploration of the effects of "microdoses," comprising hundreds of lengthy descriptive reports, was undertaken. Based on these reports, using a psychedelic in the microdose range (10 micrograms) every three days was determined to be safe across a wide variety of individuals and conditions. Over 18 months, more than a thousand individuals from 59 countries did a daily evaluation of negative and positive emotional state using the PANAS checklist plus written reports for between one week and four months. Participant reports suggested that spaced but repeated microdoses were followed by improvements in negative moods, especially depression, and increases in positive moods. Increased energy, improved work effectiveness, and improved health habits were observed in clinical and non-clinical populations. Smaller samples described alleviation of symptoms in migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndromes, traumatic brain injury, shingles, and other conditions not previously associated with psychedelic use.


title: Sub-Acute Effects of Psilocybin on Empathy, Creative Thinking, and Subjective Well-Being.
authors: Mason NL, Mischler E, Uthaug MV, Kuypers KPC.
publication_date: 2019-02-25
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1580804
pubmed_id: 30905276
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1580804
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Creativity,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Creative thinking and empathy are crucial for everyday interactions and subjective well-being. This is emphasized by studies showing a reduction in these skills in populations where social interaction and subjective well-being are significantly compromised (e.g., depression). Anecdotal reports and recent studies suggest that a single administration of psilocybin can enhance such processes and could therefore be a potential treatment. However, it has yet to be assessed whether effects outlast acute intoxication. The present study aimed to assess the sub-acute effects of psilocybin on creative thinking, empathy, and well-being. Participants attending a psilocybin retreat completed tests of creative (convergent and divergent) thinking and empathy, and the satisfaction with life scale on three occasions: before ingesting psilocybin (N = 55), the morning after (N = 50), and seven days after (N = 22). Results indicated that psilocybin enhanced divergent thinking and emotional empathy the morning after use. Enhancements in convergent thinking, valence-specific emotional empathy, and well-being persisted seven days after use. Sub-acute changes in empathy correlated with changes in well-being. The study demonstrates that a single administration of psilocybin in a social setting may be associated with sub-acute enhancement of creative thinking, empathy, and subjective well-being. Future research should test whether these effects contribute to the therapeutic effects in clinical populations.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Personal Satisfaction, Empathy, Time Factors, Adult, Female, Male, Creativity, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30905276","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic medicine: The biology underlying the persisting psychedelic effects.
authors: Kuypers KPC
journal: Medical hypotheses
publication_date: 2019-03-31
doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.02.029
pubmed_id: 30902145
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30902145/
keywords: Gut-brain axis, Psilocybin, Psychedelic medicine, Sleep microbiome, Stress-related disorders
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Wellbeing,Microbiome,Immune Function
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"30902145"}
abstract:
Psychedelic substances have regained interest as therapeutic agents in the treatment of stress-related disorders. The effects seem to be of persisting nature even after a single dose. Also in lower than 'regular' recreational doses, so-called micro-doses, without the typical effects on consciousness, users report beneficial effects on cognitive processes and well-being. The exact neurobiological mechanism underlying these persisting effects is not clear. While previous research has mainly focused on the central nervous system including the immune system and the neuroendocrine system, I propose a central role for sleep and the microbiome in the effects of regular and low doses of psychedelics respectively. It will be explained why this is hypothesized and studies to test this idea proposed. It is concluded that while these studies are needed to understand the biology underlying psychedelic medicine, it is also important to approach it in a holistic way, including all the above mentioned biological processes psychedelics are known to affect, and explore the role of other substance-related factors like route of administration and form, and factors like diet and lifestyle which are part of the psychedelic experience.


title: Increased use of illicit drugs in a Dutch cluster headache population.
authors: de Coo IF, Naber WC, Wilbrink LA, Haan J, Ferrari MD, Fronczek R
journal: Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache
publication_date: 2019-03-31
doi: 10.1177/0333102418804160
pubmed_id: 30290701
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30290701/
keywords: Cluster headache, GHB, cannabis, heroin, psilocybin mushroom
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Headache / Migraine
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:40
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"30290701"}
abstract:
Many patients with cluster headache report use of illicit drugs. We systematically assessed the use of illicit drugs and their effects in a well-defined Dutch cluster headache population.
In this cross-sectional explorative study, 756 people with cluster headache received a questionnaire on lifetime use and perceived effects of illicit drugs. Results were compared with age and sex-matched official data from the Dutch general population.
Compared to the data from the general population, there were more illicit drug users in the cluster headache group (31.7% vs. 23.8%; p
In the Netherlands, people with cluster headache use illicit drugs more often than the general population. The question remains whether this is due to an actual alleviatory effect, placebo response, conviction, or common pathophysiological background between cluster headache and addictive behaviours such as drug use.


title: Acute renal injury cause by confirmed Psilocybe cubensis mushroom ingestion.
authors: Austin E, Myron HS, Summerbell RK, Mackenzie C.
publication_date: 2018-12-21
doi: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2018.12.007
pubmed_id: 30627509
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mmcr.2018.12.007
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Psilocybe mushrooms are consumed for their hallucinogenic properties. Fortunately, there are relatively few adverse effects associated with their consumption. This is the first reported case of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to confirmed ingestion of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom. A15-year-old male developed symptomatic AKI36 h post-ingestion of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. He was admitted to hospital with hypertension, nausea and abdominal pain and a creatinine of 450 mmol/L. A sample of the crop of mushrooms was confirmed by mass spectrometry to contain psilocin. On day 5 post-admission, he was discharged home. Outpatient follow-up confirmed complete resolution of his renal function.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30627509","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Rácz N, Nagy J, Jiang W, Veress T.
publication_date: 2019-02-28
doi: 10.1093/chromsci/bmy104
pubmed_id: 30535186
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/chromsci/bmy104
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Modeling Retention Behavior on Analysis of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography.

abstract:
The goal of this work was to investigate and compare the selectivity of three different hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) charge modulated amide columns, iHILIC®-Fusion, iHILIC®-Fusion(+) and iHILIC®-Fusion(P), for analysis of compounds in hallucinogen mushrooms. An extract of a truffle-like fungus containing psilocin, psilocybin and baeocystin was chosen as test material. Three different modeling methods were applied to describe the retention times of constituents in isocratic separation mode as a function of mobile phase composition, pH and temperature. Two models using DryLab® 2010 assumed quadratic and exponential relationship between the retention time and solvent fraction of aqueous component of the mobile phase, respectively. These models also illustrate the van't Hoff like equation to describe the temperature-dependence of the retention factor and the theory of Snyder et al. to estimate the retention factor as a function of pH of the aqueous mobile phase component. The third model using STATISTICA® multivariate data analysis in a predefined experimental space was able to predict the retention times. All HILIC columns in this comparison were proved to be suitable for separation of the two hallucinogenic alkaloids from each other and from the matrix components. Majority of compounds were separated with satisfactory resolutions required by the comparative analysis despite some of them were not fully baseline separated. It was found the best modeling was obtained by using the quadratic approach to predict chromatograms for predefined chromatographic conditions (volumetric ratio of acetonitrile to buffer, pH of the buffer and temperature), while the exponential model proved to be the worst for prediction. The modeling with multivariate data analysis fell between the other two methods.

keywords:
Agaricales, Alkaloids, Hallucinogens, Chromatography, Liquid, Models, Chemical, Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30535186","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Microdosing Psychedelics: Personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2018-11-01
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/gk4jd_v1
keywords: microdosing, preregistered, psychedelics, Psychiatry, Life Sciences
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"gk4jd_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Microdosing psychedelics - the regular consumption of small amounts of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin - is a growing trend in popular culture. Recent studies on full-dose psychedelic psychotherapy reveal promising benefits for mental well-being, especially for depression and end-of-life anxiety. While full-dose therapies include perception-distorting properties, microdosing may provide complementary clinical benefits using lower-risk, non-hallucinogenic doses. No experimental study has evaluated psychedelic microdosing, however; this pre-registered study is the first to investigate microdosing psychedelics and mental health. Recruited from online forums, current and former microdosers scored lower on measures of dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality and higher on wisdom, open-mindedness, and creativity when compared to non-microdosing controls. These findings provide promising initial evidence that warrants controlled experimental research to directly test safety and clinical efficacy. As microdoses are easier to administer than full-doses, this new paradigm has the exciting potential to shape future psychedelic research.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Emotional Processing,Creativity,Safety


title: Production Options for Psilocybin: Making of the Magic.
authors: Fricke J, Lenz C, Wick J, Blei F, Hoffmeister D.
publication_date: 2018-11-14
doi: 10.1002/chem.201802758
pubmed_id: 30011099
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201802758
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,In Vitro Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
The fungal genus Psilocybe and other genera comprise numerous mushroom species that biosynthesize psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine). It represents the prodrug to its dephosphorylated psychotropic analogue, psilocin. The colloquial term "magic mushrooms" for these fungi alludes to their hallucinogenic effects and to their use as recreational drugs. However, clinical trials have recognized psilocybin as a valuable candidate to be developed into a medication against depression and anxiety. We here highlight its recently elucidated biosynthesis, the concurrently developed concept of enzymatic in vitro and heterologous in vivo production, along with previous synthetic routes. The prospect of psilocybin as a promising therapeutic may entail an increased demand, which can be met by biotechnological production. Therefore, we also briefly touch on psilocybin's therapeutic relevance and pharmacology.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30011099","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Neurotrophic mechanisms of psychedelic therapy].
authors: Corne R, Mongeau R.
publication_date: 2019-12-11
doi: 10.1051/jbio/2019015
pubmed_id: 31829932
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1051/jbio/2019015
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Review Article,Toxicity
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Psychedelic drugs, often referred to as hallucinogens, are quite distinct from other classes of psychotropic drugs. Although the subjective and behavioral effects they induce are quite dramatic, they possess little addictive potential when compared to nicotine, alcohol or opiates. Since the discovery of ketamine antidepressant effects, there has been growing interest for these molecules. Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are gaining attention as potential treatments for depression and addiction, similarly to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ibogaine for addiction. Although they possess distinct pharmacological profiles, their kinetics of action are quite similar: the therapeutic effects are felt within the hours following administration, and last well beyond drug elimination by the organism. This strongly suggests the induction of neurogenic and plastic mechanisms, including the involvement of trophic factors. This review will explore the literature dealing with the effects of psychedelics on neurotrophins, as well as the plastic adaptations that they induce, in an attempt to understand their surprising therapeutic potential. We will show that although ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics have affinity for very different receptors (NMDA, 5-HT2A), they ultimately initiate similar plastic adaptations in the prefrontal cortex through the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We will see that although MDMA uses the same receptors as serotonergic psychedelics to alleviate PTSD symptoms, its effect on BDNF levels seem paradoxical and quite different. Finally, we show how ibogaine could exert its anti-addictive properties through a completely different neurotrophic factor than other psychedelic drugs, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). While the current literature concerning the psychiatric applications of psychedelic therapy is encouraging, it remains to be determined whether their benefits could be obtained without their psychotomimetic effects, or concerns over potential toxicity.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Serotonin, Ketamine, Ibogaine, Nerve Growth Factors, Serotonin Agents, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psychiatry

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31829932","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic drugs-a new era in psychiatry?.
authors: Nutt D.
publication_date: 2018-12-31
pubmed_id: 31636488
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31636488
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
This article covers the renaissance of classical psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD plus 3,4-methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA-ecstasy) in psychiatric research. These drugs were used quite extensively before they became prohibited. This ban had little impact on recreational use, but effectively stopped research and clinical treatments, which up to that point had looked very promising in several areas of psychiatry. In the past decade a number of groups have been working to re-evaluate the utility of these substances in medicine. So far highly promising preliminary data have been produced with psilocybin in anxiety, depression, smoking, alcoholism, and with MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism. These findings have led to the European Medicines Agency approving psilocybin for a phase 3 study in treatment-resistant depression and the Food and Drug Administration for PTSD with MDMA. Both trials should read out in 2020, and if the results are positive we are likely to see these medicines approved for clinical practice soon afterwards..

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psychiatry, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31636488","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Dorsen C, Palamar J, Shedlin MG.
publication_date: 2018-03-29
doi: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1455187
pubmed_id: 31534445
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2018.1455187
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Ceremonial "plant medicine" use and its relationship to recreational drug use: an exploratory study.

abstract:
BackgroundThe ceremonial use of psychoactive/hallucinogenic plant based drugs, such as ayahuasca, psilocybin and others, is a growing trend in the United States (US) and globally. To date, there has been little research documenting how many people are using psychoactive substances in this context, who the users are, what benefits/risks exist in the use of these drugs and the relationship between ceremonial drug use and recreational drug use.In this paper we describe a cohort of plant medicine facilitators in the US and explore how they differentiate plant medicine use from recreational drug use.MethodsUsing modified ethnography, individual interviews were conducted in 2016 with 15 participants who are currently facilitating plant medicine ceremonies in the US. Descriptive content analysis was performed to discover themes and to inform a larger mixed-method study.ResultsCeremonial drug use was seen by participants as a natural healing and treatment modality used in the context of community and ritual. Three main themes were identified relating to participants' differentiation between ceremonial plant medicine use and recreational drug use: 1) participants see a clear delineation between plant medicine use and recreational drug use; 2) plant medicine is seen as a potential treatment for addiction, but concerns exist regarding potential interference with recovery; and 3) plant medicine use may influence recreational use.ConclusionsMore research is needed on who is using plant medicine, motivators for use, perceived and real risks and benefits of plant medicine use and harm reduction techniques regarding safe ingestion.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"31534445","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Rapid-Acting Antidepressants.
authors: Witkin JM, Knutson DE, Rodriguez GJ, Shi S.
publication_date: 2017-12-31
doi: 10.2174/1381612824666180730104707
pubmed_id: 30058481
source_url: https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612824666180730104707
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundConventional antidepressants are thought to produce their impact on clinical symptoms by increasing the central availability of biogenic amine neurotransmitters (the monoamine hypothesis of depression). These drugs continue to be the primary medicines used in major depressive disorder. Although they have biological effects after acute dosing, full antidepressant response generally takes weeks of daily administration. Lack of rapid onset is a large limitation in antidepressant therapy (e.g., suicide, lack of medication compliance, difficulty switching medications).MethodsThe present review of the literature discusses the preclinical and clinical findings on compounds that can produce immediate symptom relief.ResultsThese compounds include ketamine, scopolamine, and mechanistically-related drugs. Newer additions to the list of potential rapid-acting agents include antagonists of metabotropic (mGlu) 2/3 receptors, negative allosteric modulators of α5-containing GABAA receptors, and psychedelic compounds. An additional benefit of these compounds is that they have demonstrated large effect sizes and, importantly, demonstrated efficacy in patient's refractory to other treatments. A drawback of some of these compounds, to date, is finding ways to expand the duration of clinical efficacy. In addition, for some compounds, the side-effect profile requires management. A primary mechanism by which rapid effects might be produced is through the amplification of excitatory neurotransmission through activation of AMPA receptors. The extracellular efflux of glutamate induced by these drugs has been documented and provides the hypothesized triggering mechanism for AMPA receptor amplification.ConclusionThe preclinical and clinical literature strongly suggests that rapid-acting antidepressants are the current focus of antidepressant drug discovery. Promising clinical findings exist for several compounds including ketamine and other NMDA receptor antagonists, scopolamine, and psilocybin. Two compounds are in late stage clinical development: GLYX-13 (Rapastinel) and eskekamine.

keywords:
Humans, Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Treatment Outcome, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30058481","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Solano J, Anabalón L, Figueroa S, Lizama C, Reyes LC, Gangitano D.
publication_date: 2018-08-20
doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.08.005
pubmed_id: 30654963
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2018.08.005
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Psychedelic fungus (Psilocybe sp.) authentication in a case of illegal drug traffic: sporological, molecular analysis and identification of the psychoactive substance.

abstract:
In nature, there are >200 species of fungi with hallucinogenic properties. These fungi are classified as Psilocybe, Gymnopilus, and Panaeolus which contain active principles with hallucinogenic properties such as ibotenic acid, psilocybin, psilocin, or baeocystin. In Chile, fungi seizures are mainly of mature specimens or spores. However, clandestine laboratories have been found that process fungus samples at the mycelium stage. In this transient stage of growth (mycelium), traditional taxonomic identification is not feasible, making it necessary to develop a new method of study. Currently, DNA analysis is the only reliable method that can be used as an identification tool for the purposes of supporting evidence, due to the high variability of DNA between species. One way to identify the species of a distinctive DNA fragment is to study PCR products analyzed by real time PCR and sequencing. One of the most popular sequencing methods of forensic interest at the generic and intra-generic levels in plants is internal transcribed spacer (ITS). With real time PCR it is possible to distinguish PCR products by differential analysis of their melting temperature (Tm) curves. This paper describes morphological, chemical, and genetic analysis of mycelia of psychedelic fungi collected from a clandestine laboratory. The fungus species were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mass spectrometry, HRM analysis, and ITS sequencing. The sporological studies showed a generally smooth surface and oval shape, with maximum length 10.1 μm and width 6.4 μm. The alkaloid Psilocyn was identified by mass spectrometry, while HRM analysis and ITS sequencing identified the species as Psilocybe cubensis. A genetic match was confirmed between the HRM curves obtained from the mycelia (evidence) and biological tissue extracted from the fruiting bodies. Mycelia recovered from the evidence and fruiting bodies (control) were genetically indistinguishable.

keywords:
Spores, Mycelium, DNA, Fungal, Hallucinogens, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Sequence Analysis, RNA, Chile, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Forensic Genetics, Psilocybe, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Drug Trafficking, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Pereira CL, da Silva DD.
publication_date: 2018-12-31
doi: 10.2174/1874467211666181010154139
pubmed_id: 30318013
source_url: https://doi.org/10.2174/1874467211666181010154139
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Peyote and Mescaline: Clinical and Forensic Repercussions.

abstract:
BackgroundMescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine), mainly found in the Peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii), is one of the oldest known hallucinogenic agents that influence human and animal behavior, but its psychoactive mechanisms remain poorly understood.ObjectivesThis article aims to fully review pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mescaline, focusing on the in vivo and in vitro metabolic profile of the drug and its implications for the variability of response.MethodsMescaline pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects were searched in books and in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) without a limiting period. Biological effects of other compounds found in peyote were also reviewed.ResultsAlthough its illicit administration is less common, in comparison with cocaine and Cannabis, it has been extensively described in adolescents and young adults, and licit consumption often occurs in religious and therapeutic rituals practiced by the Native American Church. Its pharmacodynamic mechanisms of action are primarily attributed to the interaction with the serotonergic 5-HT2A-C receptors, and therefore clinical effects are similar to those elicited by other psychoactive substances, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, which include euphoria, hallucinations, depersonalization and psychoses. Moreover, as a phenethylamine derivative, signs and symptoms are consistent with a sympathomimetic effect. Mescaline is mainly metabolized into trimethoxyphenylacetic acid by oxidative deamination but several minor metabolites with possible clinical and forensic repercussions have also been reported.ConclusionMost reports concerning mescaline were presented in a complete absence of exposure confirmation, since toxicological analysis is not widely available. Addiction and dependence are practically absent and it is clear that most intoxications appear to be mild and are unlikely to produce lifethreatening symptoms, which favors the contemporary interest in the therapeutic potential of the drugs of the class.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Cactaceae, Mescaline, Hallucinogens, Forensic Medicine, Tissue Distribution, Intestinal Absorption

topic_tags:
Addiction,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,In Vitro Study,Adolescents,Drug Interactions

raw_json:
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authors: Torrens-Spence MP, Liu CT, Pluskal T, Chung YK, Weng JK.
publication_date: 2018-12-09
doi: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00821
pubmed_id: 30484626
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.8b00821
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,Transcriptomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Monoamine Biosynthesis via a Noncanonical Calcium-Activatable Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase in Psilocybin Mushroom.

abstract:
Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylases (AAADs) are a phylogenetically diverse group of enzymes responsible for the decarboxylation of aromatic amino acid substrates into their corresponding aromatic arylalkylamines. AAADs have been extensively studied in mammals and plants as they catalyze the first step in the production of neurotransmitters and bioactive phytochemicals, respectively. Unlike mammals and plants, the hallucinogenic psilocybin mushroom Psilocybe cubensis reportedly employs an unrelated phosphatidylserine-decarboxylase-like enzyme to catalyze l-tryptophan decarboxylation, the first step in psilocybin biosynthesis. To explore the origin of this chemistry in psilocybin mushroom, we generated the first de novo transcriptomes of P. cubensis and investigated several putative l-tryptophan-decarboxylase-like enzymes. We report the biochemical characterization of a noncanonical AAAD from P. cubensis ( PcncAAAD) that exhibits substrate permissiveness toward l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine, and l-tryptophan, as well as chloro-tryptophan derivatives. The crystal structure of PcncAAAD revealed the presence of a unique C-terminal appendage domain featuring a novel double-β-barrel fold. This domain is required for PcncAAAD activity and regulates catalytic rate and thermal stability through calcium binding. PcncAAAD likely plays a role in psilocybin production in P. cubensis and offers a new tool for metabolic engineering of aromatic-amino-acid-derived natural products.

keywords:
Yeasts, Catharanthus, Papaver, Calcium, Aromatic-L-Amino-Acid Decarboxylases, Amino Acids, Aromatic, Fungal Proteins, Phylogeny, Catalytic Domain, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Protein Binding, Substrate Specificity, Kinetics, Psilocybe, Transcriptome, Molecular Docking Simulation, Psilocybin, Protein Domains

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30484626","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2018-12-05
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02459
pubmed_id: 30574112
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02459
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Spirituality,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study.

authors:
Barsuglia J, Davis AK, Palmer R, Lancelotta R, Windham-Herman AM, Peterson K, Polanco M, Grant R, Griffiths RR.

abstract:
5-MeO-DMT is a psychoactive substance found in high concentrations in the bufotoxin of the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius). Emerging evidence suggests that vaporized 5-MeO-DMT may occasion mystical experiences of comparable intensity to those occasioned by more widely studied psychedelics such as psilocybin, but no empirical study has tested this hypothesis. Data was obtained from 20 individuals (M age = 38.9, ± 10.7; male = 55%, Caucasian = 85%) who were administered 5-MeO-DMT as part of a psychospiritual retreat program in Mexico. All participants received 50 mg of inhaled vaporized toad bufotoxin which contains 5-MeO-DMT and completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) approximately 4-6 h after their session. Administration of 5-MeO-DMT occasioned strong mystical experiences (MEQ30 Overall M intensity = 4.17, ± 0.64, range 0-5) and the majority (n = 15, 75%) had "a complete mystical experience" (≥60% on all MEQ30 subscales). Compared to a prior laboratory-based psilocybin study, there were no differences in the intensity of mystical effects between 5-MeO-DMT and a high dose (30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin, but the intensity of mystical effects was significantly higher in the 5-MeO-DMT sample compared to moderate/high dose (20 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin (MEQ30 Total Score: p = 0.02, d = 0.81). Administration of vaporized 5-MeO-DMT reliably occasioned complete mystical experiences in 75% of individuals and was similar in intensity to high dose psilocybin administered in a laboratory setting. The short duration of action may be advantageous for clinical interventions and for studying mystical-type experiences.

raw_json:
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authors: Leonard JB, Anderson B, Klein-Schwartz W.
publication_date: 2018-09-04
doi: 10.1177/0269881118793086
pubmed_id: 30182795
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881118793086
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Adolescents,Safety,Toxicity
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Does getting high hurt? Characterization of cases of LSD and psilocybin-containing mushroom exposures to national poison centers between 2000 and 2016.

abstract:
BackgroundLysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are serotonergic hallucinogens that are used primarily for recreational abuse. Small studies evaluated the efficacy of LSD and psilocybin for several psychiatric conditions. There are limited safety or toxicity data for either of these substances, especially in large populations.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of single-substance exposures of LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms (PcMs) reported to United States poison centers from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016. The study describes the most frequent toxicities, management sites, and medical outcomes.ResultsA total of 5883 PcM and 3554 LSD exposures were included. Most patients were between 13 and 29 years of age (83.9% PcM, 88.9% LSD) and primarily male (77.9% PcM, 74.1% LSD). Most common clinical effects were hallucinations (45.8% PcM, 37.4% LSD), agitation (24.1% PcM, 42.4% LSD), and tachycardia (18.0% PcM, 38.6% LSD). Serious clinical effects were infrequent, but included hyperthermia, seizures, coma, increased serum creatinine, and cardiac arrest. Most patients were treated and released from the emergency department. More LSD patients were admitted to critical care and non-critical care units than PcM patients. Moderate effect was the most frequent outcome for both substances (61.0% PcM, 62.3% LSD).ConclusionThese data find that LSD and PcM use occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults, who experience mild to moderate adverse effects. Serious effects are infrequent but can occur. While most LSD and PcM users require only emergency department management, LSD use is more likely to require medical admission.

keywords:
Humans, Agaricales, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Retrospective Studies, Age Distribution, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, Child, Child, Preschool, Infant, Emergency Service, Hospital, Poison Control Centers, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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title: Psychedelic drugs in the treatment of anxiety, depression and addiction.
authors: Kvam TM, Stewart LH, Andreassen OA.
publication_date: 2018-11-11
doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.17.1110
pubmed_id: 30421744
source_url: https://doi.org/10.4045/tidsskr.17.1110
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,OCD,Biomarkers,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BakgrunnDet er økt interesse for psykedeliske stoffer til bruk i behandling av psykiske lidelser. Stoffene regnes som trygge når de gis innenfor en klinisk ramme. Eldre studier fra før 1970 har metodologiske svakheter, men i de senere år har det kommet lovende resultater fra bruk ved unipolar depresjon, depresjon ved livstruende sykdom, angst og avhengighet. Formålet med denne litteraturgjennomgangen er å gi en oversikt over nyere resultater og disse studienes begrensninger.KunnskapsgrunnlagVi søkte i databasen PubMed etter kliniske studier fra perioden 1990-2017 med søkeordene angst, depresjon, avhengighet og psykedeliske stoffer. Kvaliteten på studiene ble så vurdert ut ifra metode og styrkeberegning.ResultaterSøket ga 424 artikler, hvorav ni ble inkludert (fire om angst og depresjon ved livstruende sykdom, to om depresjon, to om avhengighetslidelse og én om tvangslidelse). To dobbeltblinde, randomiserte, kontrollerte fase II-studier med et moderat antall pasienter fant umiddelbar, markert og vedvarende effekt av én enkeltdose psilocybin mot angst og depresjon ved livstruende sykdom. De andre studiene hadde mer usikre resultater. Det var ingen alvorlige bivirkninger eller rapportering om avhengighet.FortolkningPsykedeliske stoffer i behandling av flere psykiske lidelser har vist lovende resultater, men studiene er små og har metodologiske utfordringer. Det er behov for systematiske kliniske studier for å skaffe solid dokumentasjon for effekt og etablere rutiner for overvåkning av mulige bivirkninger.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Jalal B.
publication_date: 2018-10-04
doi: 10.1007/s00213-018-5042-1
pubmed_id: 30288594
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-5042-1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
The neuropharmacology of sleep paralysis hallucinations: serotonin 2A activation and a novel therapeutic drug.

abstract:
Sleep paralysis is a state of involuntary immobility occurring at sleep onset or offset, often accompanied by uncanny "ghost-like" hallucinations and extreme fear reactions. I provide here a neuropharmacological account for these hallucinatory experiences by evoking the role of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Research has shown that 5-HT2AR activation can induce visual hallucinations, "mystical" subjective states, and out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and modulate fear circuits. Hallucinatory experiences triggered by serotonin-serotonergic ("pseudo") hallucinations, induced by hallucinogenic drugs-tend to be "dream-like" with the experiencer having insight ("meta-awareness") that he is hallucinating, unlike dopaminergic ("psychotic" and "life-like") hallucinations where such insight is lost. Indeed, hallucinatory experiences during sleep paralysis have the classic features of serotonergic hallucinations, and are strikingly similar to perceptual and subjective states induced by hallucinogenic drugs (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD] and psilocybin), i.e., they entail visual hallucinations, mystical experiences, OBEs, and extreme fear reactions. I propose a possible mechanism whereby serotonin could be functionally implicated in generating sleep paralysis hallucinations and fear reactions through 5-HT2AR activity. Moreover, I speculate on the role of 5-HT2C receptors vis-à-vis anxiety and panic during sleep paralysis, and the orbitofrontal cortex-rich with 5-HT2A receptors-in influencing visual pathways during sleep paralysis, and, in effect, hallucinations. Finally, I propose, for the first time, a drug to target sleep paralysis hallucinations and fear reactions, namely the selective 5-HT2AR inverse agonist, pimavanserin. This account implicates gene HTR2A on chromosome 13q as the underlying cause of sleep paralysis hallucinations and could be explored using positron emission tomography.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Hallucinations, Sleep Paralysis, Dopamine, Serotonin, Urea, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Piperidines, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Hallucinogens, Sleep, Neuropharmacology, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonists, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Puschner B, Wegenast C.
publication_date: 2018-07-31
doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.06.008
pubmed_id: 30077439
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.06.008
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Toxicity
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Mushroom Poisoning Cases in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatotoxic, Neurotoxic, Gastroenterotoxic, Nephrotoxic, and Muscarinic Mushrooms.

abstract:
Ingestion of poisonous mushrooms by small animals can lead to liver failure, neurotoxicity, or gastrointestinal irritation. Although amanita poisoning can be lethal, ingestion of other toxic mushrooms is generally self-limiting and not life threatening. Most cases are undiagnosed, as routine diagnostic tests only exist for amanitins and psilocin. Early detection of amanitin exposure can greatly aid in the therapeutic intervention by allowing veterinarians to make timely decisions regarding patient management. Treatment is generally supportive, but specific therapeutic measures exist for amanitin and psilocin exposures.

keywords:
Animals, Dogs, Cats, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Neurotoxicity Syndromes, Kidney Diseases, Mushroom Poisoning, Cat Diseases, Dog Diseases, Emetics, Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30077439","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Effects of psilocybin therapy on personality structure.
authors: Erritzoe D, Roseman L, Nour MM, MacLean K, Kaelen M, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL.
publication_date: 2018-06-18
doi: 10.1111/acps.12904
pubmed_id: 29923178
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.12904
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Personality Change,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
ObjectiveTo explore whether psilocybin with psychological support modulates personality parameters in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD).MethodTwenty patients with moderate or severe, unipolar, TRD received oral psilocybin (10 and 25 mg, one week apart) in a supportive setting. Personality was assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R), the subjective psilocybin experience with Altered State of Consciousness (ASC) scale, and depressive symptoms with QIDS-SR16.ResultsNeuroticism scores significantly decreased while Extraversion increased following psilocybin therapy. These changes were in the direction of the normative NEO-PI-R data and were both predicted, in an exploratory analysis, by the degree of insightfulness experienced during the psilocybin session. Openness scores also significantly increased following psilocybin, whereas Conscientiousness showed trend-level increases, and Agreeableness did not change.ConclusionOur observation of changes in personality measures after psilocybin therapy was mostly consistent with reports of personality change in relation to conventional antidepressant treatment, although the pronounced increases in Extraversion and Openness might constitute an effect more specific to psychedelic therapy. This needs further exploration in future controlled studies, as do the brain mechanisms of postpsychedelic personality change.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Follow-Up Studies, Personality, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Psilocybin, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Psychological

raw_json:
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authors: Johnson MW, Griffiths RR, Hendricks PS, Henningfield JE.
publication_date: 2018-06-04
doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.012
pubmed_id: 29753748
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.012
keywords: Animals, Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Drug and Narcotic Control, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Cancer Patients,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act.

abstract:
This review assesses the abuse potential of medically-administered psilocybin, following the structure of the 8 factors of the US Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Research suggests the potential safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating cancer-related psychiatric distress and substance use disorders, setting the occasion for this review. A more extensive assessment of abuse potential according to an 8-factor analysis would eventually be required to guide appropriate schedule placement. Psilocybin, like other 5-HT2A agonist classic psychedelics, has limited reinforcing effects, supporting marginal, transient non-human self-administration. Nonetheless, mushrooms with variable psilocybin content are used illicitly, with a few lifetime use occasions being normative among users. Potential harms include dangerous behavior in unprepared, unsupervised users, and exacerbation of mental illness in those with or predisposed to psychotic disorders. However, scope of use and associated harms are low compared to prototypical abused drugs, and the medical model addresses these concerns with dose control, patient screening, preparation and follow-up, and session supervision in a medical facility. CONCLUSIONS: (1) psilocybin has an abuse potential appropriate for CSA scheduling if approved as medicine; (2) psilocybin can provide therapeutic benefits that may support the development of an approvable New Drug Application (NDA) but further studies are required which this review describes; (3) adverse effects of medical psilocybin are manageable when administered according to risk management approaches; and (4) although further study is required, this review suggests that placement in Schedule IV may be appropriate if a psilocybin-containing medicine is approved. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.

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