Psychedelic Compounds
Chemical profiles, mechanisms of action, and current clinical trial data across major classic and novel psychedelics.
Compound profile
2C-X
Phenethylamine
2C-X denotes a family of synthetic phenethylamine psychedelics defined by a 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine scaffold. 2C-B is the best-studied member, with emerging controlled human data benchmarking it against psilocybin and MDMA.
Compound profile
5-MeO-DMT
Tryptamine
A potent tryptamine psychedelic known for profound mystical experiences, currently under clinical investigation for TRD and anxiety.
Compound profile
Ayahuasca
classic psychedelic
Ayahuasca is a botanical decoction combining DMT with MAO-inhibiting harmala alkaloids, producing intense psychedelic effects lasting 3-6 hours. Clinical trials show rapid, large antidepressant effects from a single dose, with a favourable safety profile in controlled settings.
Compound profile
DMT
Tryptamine
A powerful, short-acting tryptamine psychedelic found in many botanical sources, known for rapid onset and intense subjective experiences.
Compound profile
Esketamine
dissociative
Esketamine (Spravato) is the S-enantiomer of ketamine, approved as an intranasal treatment for treatment-resistant depression and MDD with acute suicidal ideation. It is administered under clinical supervision with post-dose monitoring and has reached over $1.6 billion in annual sales.
Compound profile
Ibogaine
Indole Alkaloid
A unique indole alkaloid with complex pharmacology, investigated primarily for its capacity to interrupt substance use disorders and withdrawal.
Compound profile
Ketamine
Arylcyclohexylamine
A dissociative anesthetic with rapid-acting antidepressant properties, widely used in clinical settings for mood and pain disorders.
Compound profile
LSD
classic psychedelic
LSD is a classic psychedelic ergoline with high potency at microgram doses and an 8-12 hour duration of action, mediated primarily via 5-HT2A receptor agonism. Modern Phase IIb data in generalised anxiety disorder and FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MM-120 have reignited clinical development.
Compound profile
MDMA
empathogen
MDMA is a synthetic empathogen that enhances monoamine release, producing prosocial and anxiolytic effects without frank hallucinosis. Two Phase III trials demonstrated significant PTSD symptom reductions, though FDA review raised concerns about blinding, durability, and safety characterisation.
Compound profile
Mescaline
Phenethylamine
A naturally occurring phenethylamine psychedelic found in certain cacti, investigated for its role in religious practice and psychiatric research.
Compound profile
Placebo
Comparator / Control
Placebo is the most widely referenced comparator in psychedelic clinical research, appearing in over 500 trials. Understanding how placebos are designed, administered, and interpreted is essential to evaluating the evidence base for psychedelic-assisted therapies — and one of the field’s most contested methodological challenges.
Compound profile
Psilocybin
Classic Psychedelic
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine psychedelic that acts as a prodrug to psilocin, a potent 5-HT2A receptor agonist. It is the furthest advanced psychedelic in clinical development, with two positive Phase III trials in treatment-resistant depression and expanding regulated access in Australia, Germany, and US states.