Psychedelics – Page 3

Moral enhancement and cheapened achievement: Psychedelics, virtual reality and AI

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This paper examines whether using drugs or technology to become a more moral person cheapens the value of that achievement, similar to debates about ‘cheating’ through cognitive enhancers. The authors argue that realistic applications of psychedelics, virtual reality, and AI—when used to facilitate rather than replace moral learning—can actually preserve what makes moral improvement valuable: our own effort, reflection, and engagement with moral reasons.

Psilocybin Does Not Induce Conditioned Place Preference, But Modifies Behavioral Patterns in Sprague-Dawley Rats

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Researchers tested whether psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, could be addictive by examining reward-seeking behavior in rats. The study found that psilocybin did not create rewarding effects that would typically lead to addiction, and only temporarily changed specific behaviors like head-twitching and grooming while the drug was active. These findings suggest that psilocybin has a low addiction potential and may be safe for therapeutic use in treating mental health conditions.

Microdosing Psychedelics to Restore Synaptic Density in Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia involves excessive loss of connections between brain cells in areas responsible for emotion and thinking, leading to negative symptoms and cognitive problems. Research shows that small doses of psychedelics like psilocybin can promote the growth of new brain connections and reduce inflammation. The authors suggest that microdosing psychedelics alongside standard treatments might help restore these lost connections and improve symptoms that don’t respond well to current medications.

Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes

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This study surveyed over 250 million representative American adults about their use of psychedelic mushrooms. Researchers found that about 1.7% of US adults used psychedelic mushrooms in the past year, primarily for general mental health and well-being. Interestingly, those who used them reported higher levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting people with mental health challenges may be self-treating with mushrooms. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines as more Americans explore psychedelics for health purposes.

Are Side Effects Necessary for Antidepressive Treatment: The Psilocybin Experience

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Researchers are studying psilocybin (a compound from certain mushrooms) as a potential treatment for depression. However, there is debate about whether the hallucinogenic side effects are necessary for its therapeutic benefits. This paper argues that new research suggests the antidepressant effects work through specific brain pathways (serotonin, opioid, and glutamate systems) that don’t require hallucinations. The author suggests developing safer, non-hallucinogenic antidepressants that maintain the same therapeutic benefits.

A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe

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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.

Psilocybin induces long-lasting effects via 5-HT2A receptors in mouse models of chronic pain

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Researchers found that psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, significantly reduced chronic pain in mice through activation of specific serotonin receptors. The effects lasted for up to two weeks after a single dose, suggesting lasting changes in how the nervous system processes pain. This study suggests psilocybin could be a promising new treatment for chronic pain conditions like neuropathy and inflammation.

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

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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.

Psychedelics action and schizophrenia

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This review examines how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD affect the brain, particularly through serotonin receptors. While these compounds can produce psychosis-like symptoms similar to schizophrenia, they also promote brain plasticity and growth of neural connections. The article discusses whether psychedelics could potentially treat negative symptoms and cognitive problems in schizophrenia patients, despite their mind-altering properties, possibly through lower doses or non-hallucinogenic alternatives.

Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers

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This large international study of over 8,700 people found that adults who microdose psychedelics report taking small doses for health and wellness reasons. Among people with anxiety or depression, microdosers showed lower symptom levels than non-microdosers. Most microdosers used psilocybin and combined it with other substances like Lion’s Mane mushrooms or niacin, practices they refer to as stacking.

Research Keyword: Psychedelics