Psychedelic Research Papers

Banisteriopsis caapi, a Forgotten Potential Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease?
This review (2015) examines Banisteriopsis caapi and its active alkaloid harmine as a potential therapy for Parkinson’s disease based on its unique pharmacological profile, which includes selective MAO type A inhibition, serotonin affinity, NMDA receptor antagonism, and possible antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, and may also cause direct striatal dopamine release.
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice
October 2015
Cited by 13
Psilocybin therapy for mood dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: an open-label pilot trial
This open-label pilot study (n=12) found that psilocybin therapy (10mg followed by 25mg dose with psychotherapy) for Parkinson's disease patients with depression and/or anxiety appeared safe with no serious adverse events, whilst showing promising improvements in motor symptoms, cognitive function, depression and anxiety that persisted at three-month follow-up.
Neuropsychopharmacology
April 2025
Cited by 0
Banisteriopsis caapi, a unique combination of MAO inhibitory and antioxidative constituents for the activities relevant to neurodegenerative disorders and Parkinson’s disease
This study (2010) shows evidence of the potential efficacy of ayahuasca in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Several extracts are examined and scored according to the different (expected) effects.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
February 2010
Cited by 136
Composition, Standardization and Chemical Profiling of Banisteriopsis caapi, a Plant for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders Relevant to Parkinson’s Disease
This chemical profiling study investigated the different formulations of ayahuasca and proposes that the identified compounds can serve as reliable markets for the potency/composition of ayahuasca brews.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
February 2010
Cited by 65
The effect of Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) on the motor deficits in the MPTP-treated common marmoset model of Parkinson’s disease
This animal study (n=8) investigated the efficacy of Banisteriopsis caapi (0.1 - 0.3 mg/kg harmine) alone and in combination with L‐DOPA (4 - 7 mg/kg) to treat parkinsonian dyskinesia in a marmoset disease model. B. caapi alone has a mild antiparkinsonian effect but does not enhance the L‐DOPA response or reduce dyskinesia.
Phytotherapy Research
January 2018
Cited by 8
Cross-Species Evidence for Psilocin-Induced Visual Distortions: Apparent Motion Is Perceived by Both Humans and Rats
This cross-species experimental study (n=21 humans; n=10 rats) finds that psilocin (18.2mg/70kg for humans; 0.3mg/kg for rats) impairs the ability to distinguish between static and moving images in both humans and rats. In humans, the impairment aligns with psilocin plasma levels and self-reported hallucination intensity. In rats, the effect is specific to motion perception, providing the first evidence of psilocin-induced visual distortions across species.
Biological Psychiatry
May 2025
Cited by 0
From Psychiatry to Neurology: Psychedelics as Prospective Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Disorders
This review (2021) finds that psychedelics may act as modulators of the immune system by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers. The early evidence points towards psychedelics also being effective in treating or preventing brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's Disease).
Journal of Neurochemistry
September 2021
Cited by 0
DMT micro-phenomenology
This phenomenological study (n=23) investigates DMT-induced immersive experiences and encounters with autonomous presences during fMRI scanning. Using micro-phenomenological interviews, it identifies structural features and temporal dynamics of DMT experiences, highlighting layered sensory, spatial, self-related, and social effects that extend beyond ego dissolution or mystical experiences.
Preprints
December 2024
Cited by 0

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