Medicinal – Page 10

Research Topic: Medicinal

Psychedelic iatrogenic structural dissociation: an exploratory hypothesis on dissociative risks in psychedelic use

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This paper explores potential risks of psychedelic use in people who have experienced trauma, proposing that psychedelics might reactivate unprocessed traumatic memories and cause psychological instability. The authors suggest that while psychedelics show promise for treating depression and PTSD, people with trauma histories need careful screening and support before, during, and after use. They recommend body-focused therapies and strong social support to help safely integrate traumatic material that might surface during psychedelic experiences.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels

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Researchers tested a daily pill combining dried extracts from artichoke and bergamot plants to see if it could improve cholesterol levels and heart health in people with elevated cholesterol. After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, inflammation markers, and blood vessel function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, suggesting it could be a useful natural approach for managing cholesterol and related cardiovascular risk factors.

Acute Effects of Psilocybin After Escitalopram or Placebo Pretreatment in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects

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This study examined whether taking the antidepressant escitalopram before using psilocybin affects the drug’s effects. Twenty-three healthy participants took either escitalopram or placebo for two weeks, then received a dose of psilocybin. Surprisingly, escitalopram did not reduce the positive mood effects of psilocybin and actually reduced some negative side effects like anxiety and bad feelings. The combination appeared safe with no increased cardiovascular risks.

Naturalistic psychedelic therapy: The role of relaxation and subjective drug effects in antidepressant response

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Researchers studied how LSD and psilocybin work in real-world therapy settings in Switzerland. They found that these compounds effectively reduced depression symptoms in patients who hadn’t responded to other treatments. Surprisingly, the feeling of relaxation during the session was more important for improvement than having intense mystical experiences. The therapy was generally safe, with side effects that resolved quickly.

Molecular docking as a tool for the discovery of molecular targets of nutraceuticals in diseases management

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This review explains how scientists use computer simulations to understand how natural food compounds (called nutraceuticals) interact with disease-causing molecules in the body. By using molecular docking software, researchers can predict which compounds might fight diseases like cancer and heart disease before conducting expensive laboratory tests. The review shows that many common foods like turmeric, grapes, and green tea contain compounds that could potentially treat various diseases by targeting specific proteins and pathways involved in disease development.

Betulinic Acid Delays Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection by Activating the Phytosulfokine Signalling Pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana

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Researchers discovered that betulinic acid, a natural compound found in birch and eucalyptus trees, can slow down turnip mosaic virus infection in plants. The compound works by activating a plant hormone called phytosulfokine through special receptors on plant cells, which strengthens the plant’s natural defence against the virus. This finding suggests betulinic acid could become an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting vegetable crops from viral diseases.

Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging and phenomenology

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This comprehensive study analyzed three classic psychedelic drugs—LSD, psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), and DMT—across three levels: how people experience them, how they affect brain activity, and how they interact with brain receptors. Researchers found that LSD produces more intense visual experiences than psilocybin, and all three drugs significantly alter brain connectivity patterns. The study highlights the importance of standardizing research methods to better understand how these compounds might help treat depression and addiction.

A putative ABC transporter gene, CcT1, is involved in beauvericin synthesis, conidiation, and oxidative stress resistance in Cordyceps chanhua

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Cordyceps chanhua is a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine that produces a compound called beauvericin, which has health benefits but can be toxic in high amounts. Researchers discovered a gene called CcT1 that controls how much beauvericin the fungus makes. By removing this gene, they could reduce beauvericin production by 64%, making the fungus safer to use as medicine while maintaining other beneficial properties.

Proteomic study of medicinal mushroom extracts reveals antitumor mechanisms in an advanced colon cancer animal model via ribosomal biogenesis, translation, and metabolic pathways

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Scientists studied how special medicinal mushroom extracts can fight advanced colon cancer in mice. They found that a blend called Agarikon Plus, especially when combined with a common chemotherapy drug, significantly improved survival rates and slowed tumor growth. By analyzing all the proteins in tumor tissues, they discovered the mushroom extracts work by disrupting the cancer cells’ ability to make proteins they need to survive and grow. This research suggests mushroom-based treatments could become important new weapons in the fight against advanced colorectal cancer.

Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Potential of Sargassum Species: A Narrative Review

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Sargassum is a type of ocean seaweed that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains compounds that may help fight inflammation, oxidative stress, viruses, and bacteria. Scientists have discovered that different Sargassum species produce nearly 200 different bioactive compounds with potential health benefits ranging from reducing arthritis symptoms to supporting immune function. While Sargassum can accumulate harmful heavy metals like arsenic from seawater, researchers have developed effective cleaning methods to remove these contaminants while preserving the beneficial compounds. This makes Sargassum a promising sustainable source of natural medicines and health supplements.