therapeutic action: Pain relief

Preliminary safety and effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy in adults with fibromyalgia: an open-label pilot clinical trial

Researchers conducted a small pilot study examining whether psilocybin (the active compound in certain mushrooms) combined with therapy could help treat fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. Five participants received two doses of psilocybin along with supportive therapy sessions. The treatment was well-tolerated with only minor side effects, and participants reported significant improvements in pain, sleep quality, and overall functioning. These promising preliminary results suggest larger studies should be conducted to further test this innovative treatment approach.

Read More »

A systematic review to assess the use of psilocybin in the treatment of headaches

Researchers reviewed eight studies examining whether psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, could treat various types of headaches and migraines. Most studies found that psilocybin provided clinically significant relief, with participants experiencing improvements in how often they got headaches, how intense they were, and how long they lasted. However, some users experienced side effects like hallucinations or temporary increases in anxiety, and the compound remains illegal in most countries, limiting current research.

Read More »

Psychotomimetic compensation versus sensitization

This paper proposes a new way to understand why drugs that can cause psychosis-like effects (such as psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine) can also help treat depression and anxiety. The authors suggest that these drugs trigger compensatory responses in the brain that temporarily help us cope with stress, similar to how a runner’s high feels good during exercise. However, if someone uses these drugs repeatedly or experiences chronic stress, they may become sensitized and more vulnerable to developing actual psychotic symptoms over time.

Read More »

The safety and efficacy of Houtou Jianweiling tablet in patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis: a double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial

This study tested a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Houtou Jianweiling Tablet against omeprazole, a common stomach medication, for treating chronic stomach inflammation. The herbal tablet worked just as well as the conventional drug at relieving stomach pain, bloating, and reducing harmful bacteria, while being very safe with almost no side effects. This suggests that people with mild to moderate stomach inflammation could use this natural herbal alternative instead of, or alongside, conventional medications.

Read More »

“Plants of the Gods” and their hallucinogenic powers in neuropharmacology — A review of two books

This review examines two books about plants that have been used in religious and healing rituals across many cultures for their mind-altering properties. The author verifies that the hallucinogenic plants described in Carlos Castaneda’s popular books about a Yaqui sorcerer are accurately portrayed pharmacologically. The review explains how different sacred plants like peyote, certain mushrooms, and nightshade varieties affect the brain through various chemical pathways, while noting their dangers when misused.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Scoping Review: The Role of Psychedelics in the Management of Chronic Pain

This review examines how psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin might help treat chronic pain conditions such as cluster headaches and phantom limb pain. The researchers found nine studies suggesting these substances could reduce pain by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. While early results are promising, more rigorous clinical trials are needed before these drugs can become standard pain treatments. The authors note that strict legal restrictions on psychedelics currently limit research opportunities.

Read More »

Impact of different drying methods on the quality and flavor of two chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties: Chemical composition and volatile compounds

This study compared three ways to dry chili peppers and found that each method affects the peppers differently. Hot air drying at 75°C best preserved the spicy compounds and red color, making peppers more nutritious. Shade drying for 12 days created a richer, fruitier aroma with coconut-like flavors. The choice of drying method matters for getting the desired flavor and health benefits in dried chili peppers used for cooking and seasoning.

Read More »

Prospective Preference Assessment for the Psilocybin for Enhanced Analgesia in Chronic nEuropathic PAIN (PEACE-PAIN) Trial

Researchers surveyed chronic pain patients about their willingness to participate in a trial testing psilocybin (a compound from magic mushrooms) as a pain treatment. About 77% of patients were interested in participating. Interestingly, patients who had previously used psychedelics were much more willing to join the trial. Common reasons for wanting to participate included needing new pain treatments, while concerns about side effects and practical difficulties like attending multiple appointments discouraged others.

Read More »
Scroll to Top