Psychedelics on the cutting edge of Neuroscience.
Psychedelics are a class of substances that produce profound changes in perception, mood, cognition, and behavior by activating serotonin receptors in the brain, especially the 5-HT2A subtype. Psychedelics have been used for centuries by various cultures for religious, spiritual, and therapeutic purposes. However, their scientific study was largely halted in the 1970s due to legal and social restrictions.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the potential of psychedelics for treating various mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and end-of-life distress. These disorders are often characterized by rigid and maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are resistant to conventional treatments. Psychedelics may offer a novel way of breaking these patterns by inducing neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change its structure and function in response to experience.
Neuroplasticity is essential for learning, memory, adaptation, and recovery from brain injury or disease. It involves various processes at different levels of organization, such as gene expression, protein synthesis, synaptic formation and pruning, dendritic branching and spine density, neuronal survival and growth, and network connectivity and activity. Psychedelics have been shown to affect many of these processes in animal and human studies, suggesting that they may enhance neuroplasticity in the brain.
For example, psychedelics increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes neuronal survival, growth, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. BDNF is often reduced in patients with depression and other mood disorders. Psychedelics also increase the levels of other growth factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which support neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) in the brain.
Furthermore, psychedelics induce structural changes in neurons and synapses that may reflect enhanced plasticity. In animal studies, psychedelics increase the complexity and density of dendrites (the branches that receive inputs from other neurons) and spines (the protrusions that form synapses) in various brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the hippocampus, and the amygdala. These regions are involved in higher cognitive functions, such as executive control, memory, emotion regulation, and social behavior. In human studies, psychedelics increase the functional connectivity (the correlation of activity) between different brain regions, especially those that are normally segregated or weakly connected. This may result in increased integration and flexibility of brain networks.
The effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity may explain some of their therapeutic benefits. By enhancing neuroplasticity, psychedelics may facilitate the formation of new associations and perspectives that can override old and dysfunctional ones. Psychedelics may also enable a more adaptive response to stress and trauma by increasing resilience and coping skills. Moreover, psychedelics may enhance the efficacy of psychotherapy by increasing openness, insight, empathy, and motivation for change.
However, there are still many gaps in our understanding of how psychedelics affect neuroplasticity and how this relates to their clinical outcomes. For instance, we do not know how different psychedelics compare in their effects on neuroplasticity or how these effects vary depending on the dose, frequency, set & setting, and individual factors. We also do not know how long-lasting these effects are or whether they require repeated administration or maintenance sessions. Furthermore, we do not know how to optimize the combination of psychedelics with psychotherapy or other interventions to maximize their therapeutic potential.
Therefore, more research is needed to unravel the biological underpinnings of psychedelics and their implications for neuroscience and psychiatry. Psychedelics offer a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms of neuroplasticity in vivo and to explore how they can be harnessed for healing and well-being.
Natural Psychedelics include;
Mescaline is derived from the peyote or San Pedro cacti, native to parts of southwestern US and Mexico. The cacti, scientifically referred to as Lophophora williamsii and Echinopsis pachanoi respectively, produce small button-like growths when cut. These buttons can be chewed, brewed into a tea, or extracted into a powder. Mescaline induces visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and emotional and spiritual insights1. Mescalin is synthesized into a product called 2CB or Nexus.
DMT. Dimethyltryptamine is a powerful psychedelic molecule that is found in many plants and animals, as well as in the human brain. DMT can be extracted from plants such as Mimosa hostilis or Acacia confusa, or synthesized in a laboratory. DMT can be smoked, injected, or snorted, producing a short but intense experience that lasts from 5 to 15 minutes. Spiritual Ceremonies in which DMT is consumed in a Tea can last a few hours. DMT can cause vivid and immersive visions, out-of-body experiences, contact with entities, and transcendence of reality. Ayahuasca is a psychedelic beverage brewed from several different entheogenic plants. The most common ingredients are the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaves, which contain MAO inhibitors and DMT respectively. Ayahuasca is traditionally used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin for healing, divination, and ritual purposes. Ayahuasca can produce intense visions, emotional catharsis, introspection, and mystical experiences. The primary component of Ayahuasca is the ‘Spirit Molecule’ DMT.
LSD, or Lysergic acid diethylamide, is a potent psychedelic drug that is synthesized as a solid compound, typically in the form of a powder or a crystalline material. It is then dissolved in a liquid solvent, such as ethanol or distilled water, to create a solution. The liquid serves as a carrier for the LSD, allowing for accurate dosage and administration onto small pieces of blotter paper called tabs. LSD is typically either swallowed or held under the tongue. The effects of LSD typically include intensified thoughts, emotions, and sensory perception. At sufficiently high dosages, LSD manifests primarily mental, visual, and auditory hallucinations. Dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, and increased body temperature are typical . Effects typically begin within half an hour and can last for up to 20 hours (although on average the trip lasts 8–12 hours). LSD is used mainly as a recreational drug or for spiritual reasons . It is both the prototypical psychedelic and one of the “classical” psychedelics, being the psychedelic with the greatest scientific and cultural significance . Ipomoea purpurea, commonly known as Morning Glory, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America but has been widely cultivated and naturalized throughout the world. The plant is a pretty annual vine noted for its luminous heart-shaped foliage and attractive rich purple-blue trumpet-shaped flowers. The seeds are used to extract LSD.
Psilocybin is the main psychoactive compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms. These mushrooms grow in various regions around the world and can be eaten fresh, dried, or brewed into a tea. Psilocybin affects serotonin receptors in the brain, causing changes in perception, cognition, mood, and consciousness. Psilocybin can induce euphoria, creativity, empathy, and spiritual awareness. Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psychedelic mushroom that contains the compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can alter one’s perception, mood, and cognition. Psilocybe cubensis is also known as golden halos, cubes, or gold caps. It belongs to the fungus family Hymenogastraceae and was previously classified as Stropharia cubensis. Psilocybe cubensis is widely distributed and easy to cultivate, making it the most common psilocybin mushroom in the world. Psilocybe cubensis has a history of use by various cultures for religious, spiritual, and therapeutic purposes. It can induce euphoria, creativity, empathy, and mystical experiences.
These are just some of the natural psychedelics that exist in nature. There are many more that have been used by various cultures and individuals for different purposes. However, natural psychedelics are not without risks and should be used with caution and respect. They may have adverse effects on physical and mental health, especially if taken in high doses, mixed with other substances, or used in inappropriate settings. Therefore, it is important to do your research before experimenting with any psychedelic substance.
Some of the leading Researchers in the field of psychedelics in neuroscience are:
Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is the founder and director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, which is one of the largest and most influential research centers in the world dedicated to studying the effects of psychedelics on the brain, mind, and behavior. He has conducted groundbreaking studies on psilocybin, DMT, salvinorin A, and other psychedelics, exploring their potential for treating various mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and end-of-life distress. He has also investigated the mystical and spiritual experiences induced by psychedelics and their implications for human well-being1.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D., is a professor of neuroscience and psychopharmacology at Imperial College London. He is the head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, which is the first of its kind in Europe. He has pioneered the use of neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and EEG, to study the neural correlates of psychedelic states. He has also conducted clinical trials on psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA, examining their effects on depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He has proposed a theory of how psychedelics work in the brain, based on the concept of entropy and the balance between order and disorder.
David Nutt, D.M., is a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London. He is a former chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in the UK and a leading advocate for drug policy reform. He has contributed to the scientific understanding of the pharmacology and neurobiology of various psychoactive substances, including alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, opioids, and psychedelics. He has also been involved in several clinical trials on psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine, exploring their therapeutic potential for depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain.
Franz Vollenweider, M.D., is a professor of psychiatry and director of the Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging Unit at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich. He is a pioneer in the field of human psychopharmacology and neuroimaging. He has conducted extensive research on the acute and long-term effects of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, and ayahuasca, on cognition, emotion, perception, and personality. He has also investigated the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychedelic-induced altered states of consciousness and their relevance for psychiatric disorders.
Alicia Danforth, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and researcher at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She is one of the few female researchers in the field of psychedelics and one of the leading experts on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. She has conducted clinical trials on MDMA for social anxiety in autistic adults and for post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans. She has also studied the effects of psilocybin on anxiety and depression in cancer patients. She is interested in the psychological and interpersonal aspects of psychedelic therapy and how they can enhance healing and growth.
References:
Psychedelics: A neuroscientist’s guide to how they change your brain
Frontiers | Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review …
Psychedelic Neuroscience Demystified | Psychedelics Today
Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics
The Emerging Revival of Psychedelics in Neuroscience
Psychedelics and neural plasticity - BMC Neuroscience
Neuroplasticity - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
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[Psychedelics and the role of serotonin in neuroplasticity | Nature …]
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[The role of the prefrontal cortex in social cognition - NCBI - NIH]
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[Increased spontaneous MEG signal diversity for psychoactive doses …]
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