SchizophreniaNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresSafety & Risk ManagementMedicinal Chemistry & Drug DevelopmentPsilocybin

Psilocybin - Summary of knowledge and new perspectives

This review (2014) provides a history of psilocybin and a summary of its pharmacology within humans and animals, its psychedelic effects as measured via neuroimaging and psychometric assessments, whilst highlighting its potential for both therapy and abuse.

Authors

  • Tomáš Páleníček
  • František Tylš
  • Jiří Horacek

Published

European Neuropsychopharmacology
meta Study

Abstract

Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid contained in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is nowadays given a lot of attention in the scientific community as a research tool for modeling psychosis as well as due to its potential therapeutic effects. However, it is also a very popular and frequently abused natural hallucinogen. This review summarizes all the past and recent knowledge on psilocybin. It briefly deals with its history, discusses the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and compares its action in humans and animals. It attempts to describe the mechanism of psychedelic effects and objectify its action using modern imaging and psychometric methods. Finally, it describes its therapeutic and abuse potential.

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Research Summary of 'Psilocybin - Summary of knowledge and new perspectives'

Introduction

Psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin, the principal psychoactive constituents of hallucinogenic mushrooms, have been investigated both as experimental tools for modelling psychosis and as candidate therapeutic agents. Historical use stretches back millennia in ritual contexts, and the compounds were introduced to Western science in the mid-20th century; however, widespread recreational use led to restrictions and a long hiatus in human research. Recent decades have seen a revival of experimental work because psilocybin combines relatively well characterised pharmacology with oral bioavailability and a tolerable safety profile in controlled settings. Tylš and colleagues set out to assemble a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of knowledge about psilocybin. The paper reviews chemical structure, metabolism and pharmacokinetics, receptor pharmacodynamics, animal and human behavioural effects, neurophysiological and neuroimaging findings, toxicity and safety issues, and emerging clinical applications. The stated aim is to bring together past and contemporary findings to clarify both the research utility and therapeutic potential of psilocybin.

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Study Details

References (34)

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