Disease: Migraine

Fungi: Pioneers of chemical creativity – Techniques and strategies to uncover fungal chemistry

This review explores how fungi produce remarkable chemical compounds that have been transformed into important medicines for over a century. Starting with penicillin in the 1940s, scientists have discovered dozens of fungal-derived drugs used to treat infections, prevent organ rejection, lower cholesterol, and fight cancer. Modern technology now allows researchers to discover and analyze these compounds much faster and with smaller samples than ever before.

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Implementing psychedelic-assisted therapy: History and characteristics of the Swiss limited medical use program

Switzerland operates a unique program allowing controlled use of psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) and MDMA to help patients with serious mental health conditions that haven’t responded to standard treatments. Since 2014, about 100 doctors have treated 700+ patients with these substances as part of therapy sessions. The program requires careful patient screening, informed consent, and outcome reporting, with patients typically receiving 2-4 treatments over 12 months. Most patients showed significant improvement in their conditions, though some experienced side effects like nausea or headaches.

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Direct comparison of the acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects

This study directly compared two popular psychedelic drugs, LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), in 28 healthy volunteers. Researchers found that these substances produce very similar mental effects when given at equivalent doses, with the main difference being that LSD lasts longer. The study establishes that about 20 milligrams of psilocybin is roughly equivalent to 100 micrograms of LSD. These findings could help guide dosing for future psychiatric treatments using these psychedelics.

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Molecular insights into the modulation of the 5HT 2A receptor by serotonin, psilocin, and the G protein subunit Gqα

This study uses computer simulations to understand how psilocin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) and serotonin interact with a brain receptor called 5HT 2A R. The research shows that both molecules prefer to bind to a deeper part of the receptor rather than a shallower area, and that a protein called Gqα is essential for keeping the receptor in its active state. These findings could help scientists develop better medicines for depression and anxiety.

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Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies

Chronic pain affects millions of people and is often resistant to current treatments. This paper suggests that chronic pain emerges from interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors working together as a complex system. The authors propose that psychedelic-assisted therapies could help by breaking rigid thought and behavior patterns that maintain pain, allowing the brain and mind to reorganize in healthier ways, similar to how mindfulness meditation works but potentially more dramatically.

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