Psilocybin--summary of knowledge and new perspectives.
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.
Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Electronic address: tyls@pcp.lf3.cuni.cz.
Filip
F
Tylš
Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
Tomáš
T
Páleníček
Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
Jiří
J
Horáček
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011562:Psilocybin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D006213:Hallucinogens; D011562:Psilocybin
5-HT1 receptors; 5-HT2 receptors; Behavioral studies; Brain imaging; Hallucinogenic mushrooms; Hallucinogens; Neurobiology; Pharmacology; Psilocybin; Psychedelics; Psychological measures; Serotonin