Research Keyword: pharmacokinetics

How to account for hallucinations in the interpretation of the antidepressant effects of psychedelics: a translational framework

Psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin show promise in treating depression with effects lasting months after single doses. However, scientists debate whether the hallucinations and mystical experiences these drugs produce are necessary for their healing effects. This review proposes a framework to test whether lower doses without hallucinations might still provide antidepressant benefits, similar to how anesthesia-administered ketamine works without the patient’s awareness.

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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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Network control energy reductions under DMT relate to serotonin receptors, signal diversity, and subjective experience

Researchers studied how DMT affects the brain’s ability to switch between different activity patterns. Using simultaneous brain imaging (fMRI) and electrical recordings (EEG), they found that DMT makes these transitions easier and less energy-intensive. The effects occurred primarily in brain regions with high levels of serotonin 2a receptors and were accompanied by increased complexity of brain signals and stronger subjective drug effects.

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Body mass index (BMI) does not predict responses to psilocybin

Researchers investigated whether a person’s body weight affects how they respond to psilocybin-assisted therapy. Analyzing 77 participants across three studies, they found that BMI did not predict how intensely people experienced the drug or how much their mental health improved afterward. This surprising finding suggests that everyone might benefit from the same fixed dose of psilocybin rather than doses adjusted to body weight, making therapy simpler and more cost-effective to deliver at scale.

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A Review of the Food and Drug Administration Pipeline and Proposed California Legislation on Medicinal Psychedelics

Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ketamine show promise in treating serious mental health conditions including PTSD and depression. The FDA carefully evaluates these drugs through multi-phase clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. While California has proposed making psychedelics more widely available through legislation, the FDA’s thorough approval process provides important protections by identifying potential risks and ensuring proper medical oversight.

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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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Evaluation of the Indazole Analogs of 5-MeO-DMT and Related Tryptamines as Serotonin Receptor 2 Agonists

Researchers synthesized new drug candidates based on psychedelic molecules like 5-MeO-DMT, replacing the indole core with indazole scaffolds to potentially improve drug properties. While the lead compound VU6067416 showed excellent potency for serotonin receptors and favorable pharmacokinetics, it also activated 5-HT2B receptors strongly, raising safety concerns about heart problems. The study highlights the challenge of developing selective serotonin drugs and emphasizes the need for rigorous safety testing of psychedelic-based therapeutics.

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The Role of Plant Extracts in Enhancing Nutrition and Health for Dogs and Cats: Safety, Benefits, and Applications

This review examines how plant-based supplements like tea extracts, curcumin, and quercetin can improve the health of pet dogs and cats. These natural compounds act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, supporting gut health, immune function, and overall wellness in companion animals. While generally safe when properly dosed, cats and dogs metabolize these compounds differently, requiring species-specific dosing strategies to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

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Dietary Phytochemicals in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management: A Comprehensive Review

This review examines how plant-based compounds called phytochemicals can help prevent and manage heart disease. These compounds, found in foods like berries, nuts, tea, garlic, and whole grains, work through multiple mechanisms including reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and improving blood vessel function. The review highlights that while pharmaceutical treatments exist, dietary approaches using phytochemical-rich foods offer a cost-effective and sustainable way to support heart health.

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