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Ayahuasca Modifies Amphetamine Self Ingestion and Modifies Anxiety and Locomotor Activity in Adolescent Rats

May 9, 2017 / Ayahuasca, Papers, Psychology, Substance Use Disorder / By / , ,

Abstract

Several reports indicate that the hallucinogen beverage better known as Ayahuasca (AYA) may be utilized for the recuperation of drug abusers. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence for this idea, which led us to use laboratory animals to test it. Amphetamine (AMPH), a substance globally abused principally amongst adolescents, is known to have a high potential to lead to addiction, anxiety, and increases in locomotor activity. The objective of the present work was to experimentally evaluate whether AYA is capable of modifying the self ingestion and behavioral effects caused by AMPH. Adolescent rats were trained to ingest water or AMPH solution (0.6 mg/ml) during a 13 days period, in the absence or presence of AYA treatment (2 ml/kg, gavage). 24 h after the last day of treatment, the rats’ locomotor activity and anxiety behaviors were evaluated using an open field arena (OF) and an elevated plus maze (EPM) apparatus. We observed that the animals have a preference for drinking AMPH, and that AYA prevents this preference. In the EPM tasks, AYA treatment significantly decreased the rise in the percentage of closed arm entries caused by AMPH treatment. In the OF tasks, AYA normalized the hyper-locomotor effect of AMPH, as well as the higher latency to cross the central part of arena and the lower number of center crossings in the arena. Taken together, our findings together indicate that AYA is able to modify AMPH ingestion and its effects. In conclusion, this work presents scientific evidence that ayahuasca can be beneficial for drug abuse users. 

Godinho, A. F., Silva, M. C., & Kawashima, J. D. Ayahuasca Modifies Amphetamine Self Ingestion and Modifies Anxiety and Locomotor Activity in Adolescent Rats. Electronic J Biol, 13(2).
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Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A Review of a Novel Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders

May 8, 2017 / Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, Depressive Disorders, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / By / , ,

Abstract

Recent research suggests that functional connectivity changes may be involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Hyperconnectivity in the default mode network has been associated with psychopathology, but psychedelic serotonin agonists like psilocybin may profoundly disrupt these dysfunctional neural network circuits and provide a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders. We have reviewed the current literature to investigate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. There were seven clinical trials that investigated psilocybin-assisted therapy as a treatment for psychiatric disorders related to anxiety, depression, and substance use. All trials demonstrated reductions in psychiatric rating scale scores or increased response and remission rates. There were large effect sizes related to improved depression and anxiety symptoms. Psilocybin may also potentially reduce alcohol or tobacco use and increase abstinence rates in addiction, but the benefits of these two trials were less clear due to open-label study designs without statistical analysis. Psilocybin-assisted therapy efficacy and safety appear promising, but more robust clinical trials will be required to support FDA approval and identify the potential role in clinical psychiatry.
Thomas, K., Malcolm, B., & Lastra, D. (2017). Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A Review of a Novel Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1-10. 10.1080/02791072.2017.1320734
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Why Psychiatry Needs 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: A Child Psychiatrist’s Perspective

May 5, 2017 / Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, MDMA, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By /

Abstract

Since the late 1980s the psychoactive drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has had a well-known history as the recreationally used drug ecstasy. What is less well known by the public is that MDMA started its life as a therapeutic agent and that in recent years an increasing amount of clinical research has been undertaken to revisit the drug’s medical potential. MDMA has unique pharmacological properties that translate well to its proposed agent to assist trauma-focused psychotherapy. Psychological trauma—especially that which arises early in life from child abuse—underpins many chronic adult mental disorders, including addictions. Several studies of recent years have investigated the potential role of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, with ongoing plans to see MDMA therapy licensed and approved within the next 5 years. Issues of safety and controversy frequently surround this research, owing to MDMA’s often negative media-driven bias. However, accurate examination of the relative risks and benefits of clinical MDMA—in contrast to the recreational use of ecstasy—must be considered when assessing its potential benefits and the merits of future research. In this review, the author describes these potential benefits and explores the relatives risks of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the context of his experience as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, having seen the relative limitations of current pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies for treating complex post-traumatic stress disorder arising from child abuse.

Sessa, B. (2017). Why Psychiatry Needs 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: A Child Psychiatrist’s Perspective. Neurotherapeutics, 1-9. 10.1007/s13311-017-0531-1
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A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of the genus Peganum

May 5, 2017 / Ayahuasca, Biology & Ethnobotany, Papers, Psychiatry & Medicine / By / , ,

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The plants of the genus Peganum have a long history as a Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, jaundice, colic, lumbago, and many other human ailments. Additionally, the plants can be used as an amulet against evil-eye, dye and so on, which have become increasingly popular in Asia, Iran, Northwest India, and North Africa.

Aim of the review

The present paper reviewed the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analytical methods, biological activities, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and drug interaction of the genus Peganum in order to assess the ethnopharmacological use and to explore therapeutic potentials and future opportunities for research.

Materials and methods

Information on studies of the genus Peganum was gathered via the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Pudmed, Web of Science, CNKI and EMBASE) and libraries. Additionally, information was also obtained from some local books, PhD and MS’s dissertations.

Results

The genus Peganum has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. The main bioactive metabolites of the genus include alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils, etc. Scientific studies on extracts and formulations revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities, antitumor, anti-hypertension, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiparasidal, anti-leishmaniasis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.

Conclusions

Based on this review, there is some evidence for extracts’ pharmacological effects on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, cancer, diabetes, hypertension. Some indications from ethnomedicine have been confirmed by pharmacological effects, such as the cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase and DNA topoisomerase inhibitory activities, hypoglycemic and vasodilation effects of this genus. The available literature showed that most of the activities of the genus Peganum can be attributed to the active alkaloids. Data regarding many aspects of the genus such as mechanisms of actions, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited which call for additional studies particularly in humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.

Li, S., Cheng, X., & Wang, C. (2017). A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of the genus Peganum. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.049
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Anxiolytic-like effects of noribogaine in zebrafish

May 4, 2017 / Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, Iboga / Ibogaine, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , ,

Abstract

Noribogaine is the main psychoactive metabolite of the hallucinogenic drug ibogaine, and is a particularly interesting compound potentially useful to treat dependence and various psychiatric disorders. Here, we report the effects of noribogaine on anxiety and locomotion in zebrafish (Danio rerio), a new promising model organism in neurobehavioral and psychopharmacological research. Adult zebrafish were subjected to the 5min novel tank test (NTT) following an acute, 20-min drug immersion in 1, 5 and 10mg/L noribogaine. Overall, noribogaine produced robust anxiolytic-like behavior in zebrafish (increasing the time spent and transitions to the top half compartment and reducing freezing bouts) without overt effects on fish locomotion. Taken together, these results indicate that noribogaine modulates the components of the acute stress response related to emotionality and anxiety behaviors, implicating this drug as a potentially useful non-sedative anxiolytic agent.
Kalueff, A. V., Kaluyeva, A., & Mailet, E. L. (2017). Anxiolytic-like effects of noribogaine in zebrafish. Behavioural Brain Research, 330, 63-67. 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.008
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A single administration of the hallucinogen, 4-acetoxy-dimethyltryptamine, prevents the shift to a drug-dependent state and the expression of withdrawal aversions in rodents

May 4, 2017 / Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Neuroscience, Papers, Psychology, Substance Use Disorder / By / , , , , ,

Abstract

Despite several studies suggesting the therapeutic use of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors type 2A (5-HT2A) agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders, the neurobiological basis accounting for such effects are still unknown. It has been observed that chronic exposure to drugs of abuse produces molecular and cellular adaptations in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons, mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These BDNF-induced adaptations in the VTA are associated with the establishment of aversive withdrawal motivation that leads to a drug-dependent state. Growing evidence suggests that 5-HT2A receptor signaling can regulate the expression of BDNF in the brain. In this study, we observed that a single systemic or intra-VTA administration of a 5-HT2A agonist in rats and mice blocks both the aversive conditioned response to drug withdrawal and the mechanism responsible for switching from a drug-naive to a drug-dependent motivational system. Our results suggest that 5-HT2A agonists could be used as therapeutic agents to reverse a drug dependent state, as well as inhibiting the aversive effects produced by drug withdrawal.
Vargas‐Perez, H., Grieder, T. E., Ting‐A‐Kee, R., Maal‐Bared, G., Chwalek, M., & van der Kooy, D. (2017). A single administration of the hallucinogen, 4‐acetoxy‐dimethyltryptamine, prevents the shift to a drug‐dependent state and the expression of withdrawal aversions in rodents. European Journal of Neuroscience. 10.1111/ejn.13572
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A Longitudinal Study of Self-Reported Psychopathology in Beginning Ecstasy and Amphetamine Users: A Third Follow-Up Evaluation

May 4, 2017 / MDMA, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , , , ,

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is still unknown whether psychopathological symptoms found in ecstasy and amphetamine users were apparent before the first use or developed subsequent to its use.

OBJECTIVES: The present study presents the third follow-up evaluation of a longitudinal study to assess the nature of the relationship between ecstasy, amphetamine (AMPH) and psychopathology.

METHODS: In this sample, 69 beginning ecstasy and AMPH users were followed over a period of 4 years. To explore different psychopathological dimensions, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was applied. Use of ecstasy, AMPH, cannabis and was gathered by structured interviews and use of cigarettes by a questionnaire. First, linear mixed models for repeated measures (unstructured covariance matrix) on the nine primary symptoms of the SCL-90-R with a separate model for each symptom category were performed. Second, linear regression analyses with the nine primary symptom categories of the baseline assessment (T0) as predictors and with ecstasy and AMPH use as dependent variables were fitted.

RESULTS: No significant associations between ecstasy, AMPH, and psychopathology were evident. However, a significant two-way interaction between ecstasy and cigarette use at the baseline assessment, as well as a three-way interaction effect between ecstasy, cigarette use, and time on obsessive-compulsive symptoms, were found.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that nicotine may moderate the effect of ecstasy on obsessive-compulsive symptoms. However, no associations between ecstasy, AMPH, and psychopathology have been found. This is one of the few studies, which highlights the role of nicotine in the study of psychopathology in beginning ecstasy and AMPH users.

Wagner, D., Sauder, T., Koester, P., Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, E., & Daumann, J. (2017). A Longitudinal Study of Self-Reported Psychopathology in Beginning Ecstasy and Amphetamine Users: A Third Follow-Up Evaluation. Substance Use & Misuse, 1-8. 10.1080/10826084.2017.1290113
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Population scale data reveals the antidepressant effects of ketamine and other therapeutics approved for non-psychiatric indications.

May 3, 2017 / Depressive Disorders, Ketamine, Papers, Psychiatry & Medicine, Psychology, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

Current therapeutic approaches to depression fail for millions of patients due to lag in clinical response and non-adherence. Here we provide new support for the antidepressant effect of an anesthetic drug, ketamine, by Inverse-Frequency Analysis of eight million reports from the FDA Adverse Effect Reporting System. The results of the examination of population scale data revealed that patients who received ketamine had significantly lower frequency of reports of depression than patients who took any other combination of drugs for pain. The analysis also revealed that patients who took ketamine had significantly lower frequency of reports of pain and opioid induced side effects, implying ketamine’s potential to act as a beneficial adjunct agent in pain management pharmacotherapy. Further, the Inverse-Frequency Analysis methodology provides robust statistical support for the antidepressant action of other currently approved therapeutics including diclofenac and minocycline.
Cohen, I. V., Makunts, T., Atayee, R., & Abagyan, R. (2017). Population scale data reveals the antidepressant effects of ketamine and other therapeutics approved for non-psychiatric indications. Scientific Reports, 7. 10.1038/s41598-017-01590-x
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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors—Revisiting a Therapeutic Principle

May 1, 2017 / Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, Ayahuasca, Depressive Disorders, Neuroscience, Papers, Psychology / By / ,

Abstract

Over more than 60 years, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are available for therapy of central nervous diseases. Although they have shown to be efficacious specifically in the treatment of major depressive disorders and treatment-resistant depression, they became less a therapeutic choice for the physicians mostly due to severe side effects, such as liver failure and hypertensive crisis associated specifically with the first generation of inhibitors. Nevertheless, this class of drugs is still being used for treatment specifically as more selective and reversible inhibitors became available and will provide clinicians with additional treatment options. The current review revisits monoamine oxidase inhibitors and their potential in the treatment of human diseases, such as anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, and pain and introduces current ideas and developments.
Entzeroth, M., & Ratty, A. K. (2017). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors—Revisiting a Therapeutic Principle. Open Journal of Depression, 6(02), 31. 10.4236/ojd.2017.62004
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Growing Evidence for Heterogeneous Synaptic Localization of 5-HT2A Receptors

May 1, 2017 / Neuroscience, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

The serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor subtype continues to attract attention as a target for numerous psychoactive drugs including psychedelic hallucinogens, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and atypical antipsychotics. 5-HT2A receptors are a principal G protein-coupled receptor subtype mediating the excitatory effects of serotonin. Nonetheless, pre- vs postsynaptic localization of 5HT2A receptors, relative to glutamatergic synapses, has remained controversial. Here, we discuss recent findings highlighting the existence and roles of presynaptic 5-HT2A receptors in regulating glutamatergic transmission and cognition.

Bécamel, C., Berthoux, C., Barre, A., & Marin, P. (2017). Growing Evidence for Heterogeneous Synaptic Localization of 5-HT2A Receptors. 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00409
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