Blossom Pulse Archive
What happened in psychedelic research in 2011
67 events from 2011, dated by when they happened rather than when we logged them. Papers as they published, trials starting and finishing, programme milestones, and the news coverage around them, grouped by week.
Browse by year
Week of 19 December 2011
The paper brings neglected European studies (1940s–70s) on mescalin, psilocybin and LSD to Anglophone attention and shows that differing labels (hallucinogens, psychotogenics, psychedelics) shaped researchers' aims and interpretations. It rejects simplistic notions of drugs as either dictating or liberating creativity, stresses the importance of set and setting, and argues that artists' intentional use of intoxicants more plausibly operates as a disinhibiting technique or "gaucherie" than as a reliable route to breakthroughs.
LSDPsilocybinCreativitySet & Setting
Week of 28 November 2011
The objective of this double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study is to determine whether a single sub-anesthetic rapid IV bolus dose of ketamine administered to acutely depressed patients with or without suicidality has a significant rapid antidepressant effect in the acutely depressed population.
KetamineRandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in 16 healthy volunteers comparing single oral MDMA 125 mg with and without methylphenidate 60 mg (administered 1 h pre-dose).
MDMA
Week of 7 November 2011
The paper advances Müller & Schumann’s framework that treats non-addictive psychoactive drugs as instrumental tools capable of promoting happiness, social capital and economic growth, arguing that current prohibitions are misplaced because most people underuse rather than overuse such substances. It calls for policy and research shifts to permit controlled, therapeutic and scientific use of these drugs, including their judicious use by behavioural scientists to generate hypotheses and foster empathic collaboration.
Tobacco/Nicotine Use Disorder (TUD)Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
Week of 17 October 2011
By 21 October 2011, five of 12 participants had completed follow-up at least 10 months after their final treatment sessions, with the last two-month visit held on 26 July 2011. Treatment-period results were being prepared for peer-reviewed publication, while further interviews and psychiatric measures were collected for reports to SwissMedic and the U.S. FDA.
LSDAnxiety Disorders
Week of 10 October 2011
SwissMedic confirmed receipt on 18 October. The report covered the study protocol, conduct, and raw and analysed data. Participants had an average 15.6-point reduction in CAPS scores, but the small pilot study did not produce statistically significant results, although CAPS and PDS measures showed trends towards significance.
MDMAPTSD
Week of 26 September 2011
Randomised, quadruple-blind, crossover study (n=20) comparing a single intranasal ketamine dose (up to 50 mg) versus intranasal saline in treatment-resistant depression.
KetamineThis placebo-controlled, double-blind study (n=16) investigated the effects of psilocybin (18.2mg/70kg) on sensorimotor gating, an automatic ability to filter unnecessary information, and controlled response inhibition, a deliberate ability to ignore conflicting information in healthy volunteers. Psilocybin disrupted both of these processes, and this effect was reversed by selectively blocking the serotonergic pathway with ketanserin (40mg) pretreatment.
PsilocybinSchizophreniaHealthy VolunteersThis re-analysis from two psilocybin trials with hallucinogen-naïve subjects (n=52) looked at personality changes in participants. It found significant increases in openness (but not neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), which remained higher than baseline for those who had a mystical experience up to a year.
PsilocybinHealthy VolunteersCreativityPersonality & Trait Factors
Week of 19 September 2011
MAPS said the Washington, DC law firm Covington & Burling LLP offered to represent it pro bono in the Craker case appeal. The legal action was estimated to have otherwise cost MAPS $175,000 in fees. The appeal concerns the DEA’s 15 August final order.
This meta-analysis (n=525) analyzed the effects of Amanita Muscaria (or fly agaric) with regards to inebriation, nausea, and vomiting, sampled across various sources of self-reported ingestion. The dried mushroom caused less nausea and vomiting than when it was consumed fresh, which supports the notion that the preparation methods described for Soma in the Rig Veda may have been a means of reducing the toxicity of Amanita Muscaria, in accordance with Wasson's theory over the identity of Soma.
Week of 12 September 2011
Using fMRI during a closed‑eyes imagery task, the study shows Ayahuasca markedly increases activation across occipital, temporal and frontal cortices—primary visual cortex activation reached levels comparable to seeing real images and BA30, BA37 and BA10 (memory, contextual association and prospective imagination) were potentiated. These neural effects correlated with individual measures of perceptual change, suggesting Ayahuasca amplifies internally generated imagery to a degree that confers a sense of reality to visionary experiences.
AyahuascaNeuroimaging & Brain Measures
Week of 5 September 2011
This study (2005) conducted phytochemical analysis on 32 Banisteriopsis caapi samples and 36 samples of Psychotria viridis (ayahuasca brews). All B. caapi samples had detectable amounts of harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, while some samples of P. viridis minimal detectable levels of DMT.
AyahuascaThis review (1998) looks at the history of LSD as a possible treatment for alcoholism (AUD). It highlights the research that had been done and how psychedelics were subsequently relabelled as drugs of abuse.
LSDAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD)SchizophreniaSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)
Week of 29 August 2011
In a randomised placebo‑controlled crossover study, MDMA (125 mg) significantly raised plasma copeptin—a stable surrogate for AVP—in women but not men, with a nonsignificant AVP rise and evidence of increased renal water retention. These effects were blocked by duloxetine, implicating MDMA‑induced serotonin and noradrenaline release in the sex‑specific AVP/copeptin response and offering a mechanism for the higher incidence of hyponatraemia in female ecstasy users.
MDMAHealthy VolunteersPalliative & End-of-Life DistressDepressive DisordersAnxiety Disorders
Week of 8 August 2011
This completed interventional, single-site Phase II study (n=20) evaluated intravenous ketamine given weekly for three weeks in patients with SSRI‑resistant depression.
Ketamine
Week of 1 August 2011
The clinical team submitted the amendment for review to the Institutional Review Board. The study examines MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for U.S. veterans with PTSD, with the submission status recorded on 3 August 2011.
MDMAPTSDVeteransRandomised, double‑blind, crossover study (n=13) administering MDMA (1.5 mg/kg) with and without citalopram (20 mg) in healthy volunteers to assess the role of serotonin in MDMA's emotional effects.
MDMAThis placebo-controlled animal study (n=135) investigated the possibility of synergistic interactions between the antidepressant imipramine (10-20mg/kg) with ketamine (5-10mg/kg). The results indicate that co-administration of imipramine with ketamine may induce a more pronounced antidepressant activity than treatment with each antidepressant alone.
KetamineMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)Depressive Disorders
Week of 18 July 2011
Representatives from Antaea Medical Services, Ltd. visited the study site to finalise documents and train staff. The study had clearance from the Israeli Ministry of Health and an independent Ethics Committee, while its protocol was submitted to the U.S. FDA under a U.S. Investigational New Drug application. Enrolment was expected to begin in autumn 2011.
MDMAPTSD
Week of 11 July 2011
The revised protocol was accepted by the FDA on 28 April 2011 and submitted to HHS for review by NIDA and PHS. HHS said the review report would be provided soon. The study examined marijuana for PTSD symptoms in US veterans.
PTSD
Week of 27 June 2011
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover Phase I study (n=16) testing pre-treatment with doxazosin versus placebo on physiological and subjective responses to a single oral MDMA 125 mg dose in healthy volunteers.
MDMAObservational case-control study (n=18) comparing recreational MDMA users and healthy controls using SPECT with [123I]IBZM to assess dopaminergic function before and after a motorbike-riding computer task.
This qualitative study (n=25) analysed online psychedelic experience reports to establish a basic understanding of what characterizes the recreational use of the psychedelic compound, 4-HO-MET. The authors found that the motivation for use seemed to be driven by a strong curiosity, and that the experiences described show great similarity with classic psychedelic substances
PsilocybinOlder Adults
Week of 13 June 2011
This double-blind, randomised study (n=18) investigated the effects of psilocybin at different dosages. It found that positive effects were most pronounced at 20/30mg per 70kg. At two and 14 months later, participants indicated positive changes and rated the experience as one of the top 5 life experiences.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDouble-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study (n=24) testing single-dose MDMA (75 mg), intranasal oxytocin (48 IU), MDMA+5-HT1A blocker (pindolol 20 mg), and placebo in healthy MDMA-experienced volunteers to investigate prosocial effects and mechanisms.
MDMA
Week of 6 June 2011
This positron emission tomography (PET) study (n=45) assessed the differential effects of MDMA and hallucinogen use on cerebral serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin 2A receptor binding. The authors found evidence that MDMA, but not hallucinogen, use is associated with changes in the cerebral presynaptic serotonergic transmitter system.
MDMANeuroimaging & Brain Measures
Week of 30 May 2011
The approval followed MAPS’ response to an April 28 request for additional information. The study was expected to begin in approximately one month, subject to finalising insurance documents, site contracts, training materials and remaining study documents with Antaea Medical Services, Ltd.
MDMAPTSD
Week of 23 May 2011
The MAPS study treated 12 people with anxiety associated with advanced-stage illness, completing the final session on 26 May 2011. Clinical investigator Peter Gasser said all participants reported benefits, although it was too early to assess statistical significance. Follow-up data due in July would complete the dataset.
LSDAnxiety DisordersSuicidalityApproved on 24 May 2011, the open-label study focused on up to three participants from MAPS’s Phase 2 MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial whose PTSD symptoms later returned. More than 80% of initial participants no longer met PTSD criteria at two months, while CAPS scores had declined further at an average 41-month follow-up.
MDMAPTSD
Week of 16 May 2011
This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=21) investigated whether memantine can mitigate memory impairment induced by MDMA in humans.
MDMA
Week of 9 May 2011
On 10 May 2011, Health Canada officials inspected the Vancouver pharmacy intended to store MDMA capsules for MAPS’ Canadian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The inspection assessed security and accountability, with results expected by the end of June before the import licence application and study initiation could proceed.
MDMAPTSDThis double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject study (n=17) found that MDMA-induced impairment of verbal memory (measured by the WLT) is mediated by the (serotonin) 5-HT2A receptor.
MDMA
Week of 2 May 2011
This study (2011) investigates the ability b-carboline compounds, such as harmine (found in ayahuasca brews), to inhibit the DYRK1A dependent phosphorylation of tau protein in cell culture assays and in vitro phosphorylation assays. Results demonstrate that these b-carbolines reduce the expression of three phosphorylated forms of tau protein, and inhibit the DYRK1A catalyzed direct phosphorylation of tau protein on serine 396.
AyahuascaNeurocognitive Disorders
Week of 25 April 2011
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in 16 healthy volunteers testing carvedilol (50 mg) pre-treatment on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral MDMA (125 mg).
MDMAThis open-label trial (n=27) investigates how MDMA (105mg/70kg) is metabolised by the body and how differences in genes and sex (male/female) influence this.
MDMAThe study hypothesis was that depressed subjects receiving ECT with ketamine as the anesthetic agent would demonstrate a faster rate of improvement, defined as lower depression ratings after the second ECT than depressed patients receiving ECT with the usual anesthetic agent.
KetamineThis double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=4) documents the subjective effects of salvinorin A (26mg up to 1.47g). Dose-related increases were observed in measures of mystical-type experience and subjective effects associated with classic serotonergic (5-HT2A) hallucinogens, with recurring themes such as revisiting childhood memories, cartoon-like imagery, and contact with entities.
AyahuascaSalvia DivinorumHealthy Volunteers
Week of 4 April 2011
This study will compare the effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and placebo on mood and psychological experience in people trained to practice MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in a therapy-like setting.
MDMA
Week of 28 March 2011
On 1 April 2011, Rick Doblin, Ben Sessa, Peter Oehen and Verena Widmer met Wellcome Trust officials in London to discuss support for a MAPS-sponsored study in England. Wellcome expressed greater interest in the neuroscience and physiological and neurophysiological changes associated with PTSD treatment than in therapy alone, but funding was not guaranteed.
MDMAPTSDThis double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=16) investigates whether pretreatment with memantine can prevent the memory impairment typically caused by MDMA in recreational users.
MDMAThis unregistered trial (n=90) was a three-arm, double-blind, active-controlled study of ketamine as an anaesthetic for treatment-resistant depression in inpatients, which found that higher doses improved remission rates and cognitive outcomes.
KetamineRandomized double-blind active placebo-controlled trial (LUMC Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden, Netherlands) of a single 30-minute IV infusion of S(+)-ketamine 0.5 mg/kg vs midazolam 5 mg (active placebo) in adult fibromyalgia patients (ACR 1990 criteria, baseline spontaneous pain VAS ≥5). Target enrollment: 24 (12 per arm). Primary outcomes: spontaneous fibromyalgia pain (VAS, acute phase at 45–180 min) and plasma S-ketamine/S-norketamine concentrations for PKPD modeling. Secondary outcomes: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and experimental heat pain (thermode VAS), both assessed weekly over 8 weeks of follow-up. Additional registry IDs: NL1296 (new NTR), NL23851.058.08 (CCMO), NL-OMON 22499. Supported by TREND Delft.
EsketamineThis review (2011) summarizes the literature on physical or psychological dependence, acute and chronic toxicity, the risk for public health, and criminal aspects related to the consumption of magic mushrooms. The authors conclude that the use of magic mushrooms is relatively safe as only few and relatively mild adverse effects have been reported.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)Public Health, Prevention & Behaviour ChangeOn 29 March 2011, Kamila Novak of Antaea Medical Services met the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration to discuss MAPS’ Jordanian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The JFDA confirmed that liability insurance requirements and the protocol were satisfactory, allowing the study to proceed once final documents were submitted, probably by the end of April.
MDMAPTSDThis review (2011) explores common themes and contradictions found between the biomedical, anthropological, and ayahuasca-users' perspectives on the consumption of ayahuasca by children and pregnant women. It raises central issues regarding the limits of freedom of religion and the state's right to interfere in family matters.
AyahuascaAdolescents
Week of 21 March 2011
Two of 16 participants had completed their MDMA-assisted psychotherapy sessions, the third began his first experimental session on 2 April, and the fourth enrolled on 4 April with treatment scheduled for 16 April. Both new participants lived near Charleston, South Carolina, reducing travel costs, while MAPS said it still needed to raise $200,000 to complete the study.
MDMAPTSDVeteransThis randomised controlled trial (n=50) investigates the effects of low-dose intramuscular ketamine on depression ratings in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and cancer in palliative care.
Ketamine
Week of 14 March 2011
Phase I/II, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=60; terminated) assessing single-dose IV ketamine (Part 1) and AZD6765 (Part 2) versus placebo on BOLD pharmacoMRI signal in subjects with Major Depressive Disorder.
Ketamine
Week of 28 February 2011
Randomised, parallel-group study (n=40) comparing ketamine versus standard anaesthetic (propofol) as the anaesthetic for ECT to assess depressive symptoms, number of ECT treatments required, and effects on memory.
KetamineRandomised, Phase I fMRI study (n=128) comparing a single infusion of AZD6765, ketamine, and placebo in adults with depression to assess BOLD fMRI responses.
KetaminePilot randomised, triple-blind Phase II study testing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in people with advanced-stage cancer and anxiety; Stage 1 randomised (full vs low MDMA doses) with optional Stage 2 open-label extension.
MDMAThis randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled study (n=17) investigated the role of 5-HT2A receptor in the hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin (8.75mg/70kg and 17.5mg/70kg). The authors found that 5-HT2A plays a central role in the psilocybin-induced modulation of visual processing.
PsilocybinSchizophreniaNeurocognitive DisordersNeuroimaging & Brain MeasuresHealthy VolunteersThis questionnaire-based study (n=2455) found that the risk of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) may increase with greater past exposure to specific hallucinogens, symptoms were rarely (4.2%) perceived as distressing/impairing.
LSDAdolescentsHeadache Disorders (Cluster & Migraine)SchizophreniaNeurological InjuryChronic Pain
Week of 14 February 2011
The study, led by Peter Gasser in Switzerland, gave 11 subjects either a full or low dose of LSD. Christina Blank was trained to conduct follow-up interviews for at least 10 months after treatment, assessing anxiety symptoms and health and comparing these findings with treatment-phase data.
LSDAnxiety DisordersThis paper establishes the hypothesis that the Selva Pascuala mural, a work of post-Paleolithic rock art in Spain, contains fungoid figures depicting neurotropic fungi, especially Psilocybe hispanica, a species that occurs in a neighboring region. The mural represents the first direct evidence for possible ritual use of Psilocybe in prehistoric Europe.
PsilocybinIn a tightly controlled field study comparing 52 long‑term ecstasy users with minimal exposure to other drugs to 59 matched non‑users, the authors found no marked residual neurocognitive deficits apart from poorer strategic self‑regulation. That isolated difference may reflect pre‑morbid impulsivity rather than ecstasy‑induced neurotoxicity, suggesting prior reports of cognitive harm may be overstated and should be interpreted cautiously.
MDMAOlder AdultsSubstance Use Disorders (SUD)Neurocognitive Disorders
Week of 31 January 2011
Placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-subject study (n=12) assessing acute and 24–48 h post-dose effects of a single 1.5 mg/kg oral MDMA dose on sleep, water homeostasis, and cognition in experienced users.
MDMAProspective case–control observational study (n=39) comparing hangover symptoms after New Year's Eve between MDMA users, other drug users, and alcohol-only users.
MDMARandomised, double-blind, crossover study (n=18) with four single-dose sessions (MDMA 75 mg; oxytocin 32 IU; MDMA 75 mg + Visken 20 mg; placebo) to investigate oxytocin and 5-HT1A modulation of MDMA-induced prosocial behaviour.
MDMA
Week of 17 January 2011
This paper (2011) reviews the evidence that indoleamine hallucinogens act not only on the 5-HT2 receptor group but on a variety of receptors to produce their behavioral effects.
Week of 10 January 2011
Randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial (n=14) of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD comparing full dose (125 mg + optional 62.5 mg booster) versus low active placebo (25 mg + optional 12.5 mg booster) across three 8-hour therapy sessions.
MDMA
Week of 3 January 2011
This is the first (modern) double-blind placebo-controlled study (n=12) of psilocybin (14mg/70kg) for the treatment of (end-of-life) anxiety (and depression) related to cancer. Treatment led to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms up to three months after treatment and improvements in depressive symptoms reached significance after six months.
PsilocybinAnxiety DisordersDepressive DisordersPalliative & End-of-Life DistressHealthy VolunteersSafety & Risk Management
Week of 27 December 2010
Double-blind, randomised, six-condition crossover study (n=18) testing MDMA 75 mg with ketanserin 50 mg, pindolol 20 mg, and placebo to probe 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A contributions to MDMA-induced memory impairment and impulsivity in experienced MDMA users.
MDMARandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in 16 healthy volunteers testing carvedilol (50 mg) pre-treatment on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral MDMA (125 mg).
MDMARetrospective case-control study (n=35) evaluating concurrent TMS with ketamine infusion in patients with chronic emotional and/or somatic pain.
KetamineDouble-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way crossover study (n=20) testing single-dose oral MDMA (100 mg), alcohol (0.5 g/kg), and their combination on simulated driving and driving-related cognitive performance in experienced MDMA users.
MDMA
Showing 67 of 67 in 2011