[Neurotransmitter specificity and interactions based on clinical observations].

Psychedelic agents induce a window of heightened neuroplasticity that extends beyond acute intoxication, during which neural circuits are more amenable to change. This period may facilitate changes in cognition relevant to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. This systematic review synthesised clinical and preclinical evidence of subacute and long-term (≥1 day) effects of classic and non-classic psychedelics on cognition. MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched to identify human and animal studies investigating psychedelics and cognition (executive function, attention, decision-making). Sixty-seven (47 clinical, 20 preclinical) articles met inclusion criteria. Psilocybin demonstrated the most consistent evidence of subacute and longer-term cognitive improvement, particularly in cognitive flexibility and attention. Ketamine showed enhancement across cognitive domains, although findings were heterogeneous. LSD and DMT showed no consistent subacute changes, while MDMA was associated with transient cognitive impairments that resolved within days. Risk of bias assessments revealed selective outcome reporting, poor reporting of missing data and inadequate methodological detail, limiting the confidence of findings. Current evidence provides preliminary support for subacute changes in cognition following administration of select psychedelic agents. Cognitive improvements were more frequently seen in psychiatric populations than healthy subjects, which may reflect a remediation of existing cognitive deficit rather than enhancement above normal functioning. Adequately powered, controlled studies with standardised reporting of cognitive outcomes are required to determine the magnitude, durability and clinical relevance of psychedelic-associated cognitive change.

Hallucinogens↗

PubMed1979

Molecular connectivity analysis of hallucinogenic mescaline analogs.

The hallucinogenic (psychotomimetic) potency of 10 mescaline analogs was examined by molecular connectivity analysis. Potencies could be described by a two-term relating equation, which explained 94% of the variance in activity, on the basis of structural variation, 2,5-Dimethoxy substitution as well as the nature of the 4-position substituent played an important role in determining hallucinogenic potency. With the relating equation, reasonable potency predictions were made for six compounds not included in the initial investigation.

Hallucinogens↗

PubMed1979

Hallucinogenic plants of the Tarahumara.

Plants used by the Mexican Tarahumara Indians to alter their perception are discussed from an ethnobotanical viewpoint. Reports from earlier workers are reviewed. Recent field work has corroborated many of the early observations. In addition, five Tarahumara plants are reported for the first time as hallucinogenic. They include species of Coryphantha, Echinocereus, Mammillaria, and Scirpus. Other plants are suspected of producing hallucinations or are associated with hallucinogenic plants.

Hallucinogens↗