Research Keyword: clinical trials

Rediscovering Psilocybin as an Antidepressive Treatment Strategy

Scientists have renewed their investigation into psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, as a potential treatment for depression. Studies show promising results with patients experiencing significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sometimes sustained for months after a single treatment session. When administered in controlled therapeutic environments with professional support, psilocybin appears relatively safe, though it can cause temporary side effects like headaches and anxiety. This research represents an important shift in how we might treat severe depression, especially in patients who haven’t responded to conventional antidepressants.

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Expanded access to psychedelic treatments: comparing American and Canadian policies

This article compares how the United States and Canada allow patients with serious health conditions like PTSD and depression to access experimental psychedelic treatments outside of clinical trials. Canada’s program has allowed over 200 patients to access psilocybin and MDMA treatments since 2022, while the US has only approved 50 patients for MDMA. The authors argue that Canada’s approach is more ethical and accessible, and suggest the US should streamline its process to help more patients who have failed conventional treatments.

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Psychedelics and the Serotonin Hypothesis of Eating Disorders

This review explores how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms) might help treat eating disorders by promoting flexible thinking and breaking rigid eating patterns. The authors summarize evidence from animal studies and early clinical trials showing that psychedelics work differently than traditional antidepressants by triggering brain changes that help people adopt new, healthier behaviors. While results are promising, more research is needed to determine the best doses, patient populations, and long-term safety.

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Ethical Considerations Regarding Psychedelics for Clinical Pain Research

This paper examines the ethical considerations necessary when conducting research on psychedelics like psilocybin for treating chronic pain. With chronic pain affecting millions of Americans and traditional treatments like opioids causing significant problems, researchers are exploring psychedelics as alternatives. The authors provide guidance on obtaining proper informed consent, protecting vulnerable patients, managing regulatory requirements, and ensuring research benefits participants while following four key ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, justice, and avoiding harm.

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Benefits and risks of hair, skin, and nail supplements in older adults

This article reviews popular supplements that older adults, especially women, take to improve their hair, skin, and nails. While some supplements like nicotinamide show promise for sun-damaged skin, most lack strong evidence of benefit in healthy people. Important risks include biotin interfering with heart and thyroid tests, too much zinc causing copper deficiency, and excess vitamins A and E building up to toxic levels. Doctors should talk to older patients about these supplements and help them make informed decisions based on scientific evidence rather than marketing claims.

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Sea buckthorn bioactive metabolites and their pharmacological potential in digestive diseases

Sea buckthorn is an ancient medicinal plant containing hundreds of bioactive compounds that show promise in treating digestive diseases like stomach ulcers, colitis, and liver problems. This comprehensive review of 85 scientific studies found that sea buckthorn’s active ingredients work through multiple mechanisms including reducing inflammation, fighting harmful bacteria, protecting the intestinal lining, and balancing gut bacteria. The research suggests sea buckthorn could become a valuable natural supplement for digestive health, though more clinical trials are needed to confirm optimal doses and long-term effectiveness in humans.

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The Emerging Role of Oyster Mushrooms as a Functional Food for Complementary Cancer Therapy

Oyster mushrooms contain special compounds that may help fight cancer and boost the immune system. These mushrooms have antioxidants and other natural chemicals that can slow cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cells to die. When combined with standard cancer treatments, oyster mushroom supplements might improve quality of life and reduce side effects. More research is needed, but oyster mushrooms show promise as an affordable, natural addition to cancer treatment plans.

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Psilocybin therapy and anorexia nervosa: a narrative review of safety considerations for researchers and clinicians

This review examines the safety of psilocybin therapy for treating anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with limited treatment options. The authors analyze how psilocybin’s common side effects (like increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness) interact with medical complications already present in people with anorexia. Based on early clinical trials, they conclude that psilocybin can be safely used in this population with proper medical screening and monitoring protocols tailored to their specific vulnerabilities.

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A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe

Scientists have discovered that magic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin that show promise in treating depression and other psychiatric conditions. However, extracting enough of these compounds from mushrooms is difficult, so chemists have developed multiple ways to synthesize them in laboratories. This review examines different chemical and biological methods for producing these therapeutic compounds, from traditional synthesis techniques to modern approaches using special catalysts and enzymes, making these medicines more accessible for clinical research.

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Bibliometric analysis of traditional Chinese medicine for viral infections through immune modulation (2015–2025)

This research analyzed over 3,300 scientific papers published between 2015-2025 to understand how traditional Chinese medicine helps fight viral infections by boosting the immune system. The study found that research on this topic has grown significantly, especially during disease outbreaks like COVID-19, with China leading in research publications. Key findings show that traditional Chinese herbal compounds work through multiple mechanisms including directly fighting viruses, reducing excessive inflammation, and enhancing vaccine effectiveness. The research points toward promising future applications of traditional Chinese medicine when combined with modern medical approaches.

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