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Medical application of psilocybin
Medical application of psilocybin
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The term “magic mushroom”, coined in the middle of the 20th century, branches over the whole genus of Psilocybe plants. These plants are known to host a potent hallucinogen, by the name of psilocybin. It is believed that these “magic mushrooms” have been around longer than modern humans and have been used by many ancient civilizations. Statues depicting religious use of Psilocybe plants have been found as far back as 1,000 B.C. (Tomov 917). After a publication in Life magazine in 1957, detailing the findings of a plant named the “Psilocybin Mushroom”, it became a major drug craze in the US and England. It was widely used, and still is today, anywhere from recreationally to spiritual enlightenment. It has spurred many great thinkers and works …show more content…
These can be audio, visual, or sensory sensations that seem entirely real, but exist only in the mind of the user. The effects can vary depending on dose size, user mental stability and wellbeing, and surroundings. These can be either profoundly wonderful and enlightening during a good “trip”, or terrifying and nightmarish, during a bad …show more content…
Psychedelic drugs produce their effects by activating serotonin receptors, which is a chemical in the brain with its own set of uses and abilities. Similarly, anti-depressive medications also act upon serotonin receptors in the brain, switching them on or off. It is believed that many psychological disorders stem from an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine. Common treatments for depression include SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which increases serotonin in the brain to combat the deficit from the disorder. Psilocyn is a receptor agonist for the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor. This is important, because there are no SSRI’s that have direct 5-HT2A receptor agonists. Making Psilocyn a new class of anti-depressant medication which effects have not been explored clinically (Carhart-Harris 619). During a recent, controlled and professional, 2016 feasibility study on psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, they found
During a visit to Mexico, Gordon Wasson, a mycologist, discovered the use of psilocybin mushroom in spiritual ceremonies by Indian tribes. Upon experiencing the spiritual and hallucinatory effects of the mushroom, Wasson returned to the area accompanied by an experienced mycologist, Roger Heim, who managed to cultivate the mushroom once in France and send samples of it to the scientist who had discovered lysergic acid, Albert Hoffman. From the mushrooms, Hoffman successfully isolated two compounds which he further named psilocybin and psilocin. Analogs of these compounds were further synthesized and were employed mainly for psychotherapeutic uses. Many tests on psilocybin were made at Harvard University in the early 1960’s. However, along with LSD, psilocybin became a scheduled substance in 1970, making it illegal. During this time, psilocybin mushrooms became a part of the psychedelic and hippy movement and were used for recreational and spiritual purposes. Research on psilocybin ended in the late 1980’s because of strict rules imposed by the government but recently scientist have started researching on this chemical once more.
Boyer, B., Boyer, R., & Basehart, H. 1973. Hallucinogens and Shamanism M. Hamer, Ed.. England: Oxford University Press.
Treating depressive and bipolar disorders with antidepressants remains a popular option in clinical practice. Most clinicians choose the drug or class of drugs, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRI's, that is most effective and best tolerated with fewer severe side effects. These drugs are beneficial because they specifically target serotonin-based areas of the brain without affecting other neurotransmitter systems. SSRI's largely replaced tricyclic antidepressants which work by blocking the absorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby increasing the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain. Tricyclic antidepressants present severe side effects and thus are usually only used when other treatments have failed. If SSRI's or tricyclics are not effective Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be prescribed. MAOI's, enhance tyramine to increase norepinephrine and serotonin. While taking MAOI's you must abstain from foods and alcohol that contain tyramine such as, yogurt, aged cheese, and substances such as cold medications. This is because a potential toxic reaction could occur. Additionally, other antidepressants may be utilized such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) an NDRI-
Given the spiritual nature of this mushroom, it also served as a mystical element that was meant to accompany the Shaman in the afterlife. For this purpose, the sporophores of this mushroom were carved as jewelry and it was either painted, or coated in a protective substance, and then it was placed at the Shaman’s head at his grave site, as it was considered to play a key role as his “grave guardians”. Additionally to protecting the Shaman’s burial site, this mushroom was also meant to warn people that the site was occupied by spirits and thus they shouldn’t approach
Approximately 5% of the United States' population experiences a depressive episode that requires psychopharmacological treatment; in any one year, 10-12 million Americans are affected by depression, with the condition twice as common in females than in males. It has been estimated that 15% of patients hospitalized for depression will commit suicide. These figures are incredible, so finding the root of the problem when it comes to depression is extremely important. "Alterations in serotonin metabolism may be an important factor in the etiology and treatment of depression." (7).
Hofmann, A. (1970, January 1). The Discovery of LSD. The Discovery of LSD. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://www.psychedelic-library.org/hofmann.htm
Hallucinogens or psychedelics are mind-altering drugs, which affect the mind’s perceptions, causing bizarre, unpredictable behavior, and severe, sensory disturbances that may place users at risk of serious injuries or death. Hallucinogens powerfully affect the brain, distorting the way our five senses work and changes our impressions of time and space. People who use these drugs a lot may have a hard time concentrating, communicating, or telling the difference between reality and illusion. Hallucinogens cause people to experience - you guessed it - hallucinations, imagined experiences that seem real. The word "hallucinate" comes from Latin words meaning, "to wander in the mind."
“Of all the Buddhist groups in America, those focusing on meditation have been most attractive to young people from the drug scene, and it is these groups that have taken the strongest stand against drug use. The psychological literature as well as the literature on Zen abounds in descriptions of the altered states of consciousness experienced under the influence of LSD-25 and other hallucinogenic drugs. Descriptions of these drug-induced states often compare them with the experience of satori or enlightenment which may result from Buddhist meditation. Frequently the opinion is expressed that, under certain circumstances, the LSD experience is a satori experience. ”
“… There is a feeling of strange intoxication and shifting consciousness with minor perceptual changes. There may also be strong physical effects, including respiratory pressure, muscle tension (especially face and neck muscles), and queasiness or possible nausea… After this the state of altered consciousness begins to manifest itself…..among the possible occurences are feelings of inner tranquility, oneness with life, heightened awareness, and rapid thought flow…these effects will deepen and become more visual. Colors may become more intense. Halos and auras may appear about things. Objects
A largely debated topic in today's society is whether or not psychedelic drugs should be legalized for medicinal purposes and if they should, how this legalization would affect the communities in which they’re being prominently medicinally used. Although many scientists have argued that psychedelics pose a mental health risk, closer examination shows that communities would have a significantly lower depression rate if certain psychedelics were legalized. Now to fully understand how psychedelics could be beneficial or the opposite thereof, you’ll need to understand how they work and what they are. What a psychedelic drug is, the immediate effects, both mentally and physically, and how communities might benefit and function with the sudden use of these drugs.
The first major study conducted on the matter in the United states found that St John’s wort had negligible benefits on patients with major depression with no statistically significant benefits more then those produced by a placebo (Shelton). However other studies have “proved”, not only that St. John’s Wort is more successful in treatment of patients with depression, but that It is actually similarly or more effective than some tri-cyclic prescription antidepressants (Linde). The apparent contradictions in research findings are confusing and provide little help to a patient or doctor in deciding whether to use St John’s Wort as a treatment for depression.
... in the action of hallucinogens has provided a focal point for new studies. Is there a prototypic classical hallucinogen? Until we have the answers to such questions, we continue to seek out the complex relationship between humans and psychoactives.
Nichols, D. E., & Chemel, B. R. (2011). LSD and the serotonin system's effects on human
Pre-Columbian Mexicans used many substances, from tobacco to mind-expanding (hallucinogenic) plants, in their medicinal collections. The most fascinating of these substances are sacred mushrooms, used in religious ceremonies to induce altered states of mind, not just drunkenness.
By using antidepressants, depression can be reduced in some situations. They can help those who have bipolar depression, and in most cases suffer from depression. However, the last study showed that taking some antidepressants such as SSRIs can cause suicide rates to go up. Though the studies did show that antidepressants can be a good treatment for depression in some cases, it is not always likely. Therefore, it is uncertain to know whether or not antidepressants are an effective method to treat