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Related Concept Videos

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics01:27

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

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Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
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CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

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Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
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Altered States of Awareness01:06

Altered States of Awareness

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Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
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An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs01:28

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Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
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CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids01:24

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CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
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Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

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Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
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Related Experiment Video

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Mescaline: The forgotten psychedelic.

Ioanna A Vamvakopoulou1, Kelly A D Narine2, Ian Campbell2

  • 1Neural Therapeutics Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Campus, 160 Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom.

Neuropharmacology
|October 17, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mescaline, a natural hallucinogen from cacti, acts on serotonin receptors, showing potential for mental well-being and alcoholism treatment. Research is reviving its therapeutic possibilities.

Keywords:
Clinical researchMescalinePreclinical researchPsychedelics

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Ethnobotany

Background:

  • Mescaline, a naturally occurring alkaloid from cacti like peyote, is one of the oldest known hallucinogens.
  • Historical use dates back over 5700 years, but research has been limited since the prohibition of psychoactive substances.
  • This review focuses on mescaline's pharmacology and behavioral effects, drawing from preclinical and clinical studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pharmacology and behavioral effects of mescaline.
  • To synthesize findings from preclinical and clinical research on mescaline.
  • To explore mescaline's potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical research on mescaline's receptor binding and behavioral outcomes.
  • Analysis of clinical studies examining mescaline's effects in humans.
  • Comparison of mescaline's mechanisms with other classical psychedelics.

Main Results:

  • Mescaline acts as a serotonin 5HT2A/2C receptor agonist, with 5HT2A agonism mediating its primary hallucinogenic effects.
  • It also interacts with noradrenaline and dopamine receptors, producing anxiolytic-like effects, increased prosocial behavior, and locomotion in animals.
  • In humans, mescaline can induce euphoria, hallucinations, and improvements in well-being, with potential psychotomimetic effects in specific settings.

Conclusions:

  • Mescaline shares pharmacological mechanisms with other classical psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD.
  • It is considered safe, with mild and treatable intoxications.
  • Mescaline shows promise for clinical use in improving mental well-being and treating alcoholism.