The Bloom #167 Free Edition hyper-psychoplastogens

What is the effect of psychedelics inside our brains?

A comprehensive review argues that psychedelics lead to hyper-plasticity (re-opening developmental windows) and meta-plasticity (sensitivity to stimuli). However, a meta-analysis argues that BNDF - in humans - only minimally changed in human studies (vs animal studies). Still, the first review (see below) points to many other mechanisms that may underly the long-term psychological effects of psychedelics.

A lot of the psychedelic clinical research is done with participants who have never done psychedelics, or only a handful of times. A very different observational study looks at participants who've done over 500 ayahuasca ceremonies (on average) and finds enhancement in memory (whilst not impacting false memories).

These studies, and 16 more can be found in the November psychedelic research recap.

Floris - Founder of Blossom

ps Next week (Dec 11th), we're diving into psychedelics and design. Check out the virtual conference here.

pps Later today, a study on psilocybin therapy for clinicians with symptoms of depression from frontline care during the COVID-19 pandemic will be published and can be found in the papers database

Latest Psychedelic Research

1 Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics: a comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models​

This pre-print review (2024) examines the effects of classic psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin, DMT) and non-classic psychedelics (e.g., ketamine, MDMA) on neuroplasticity. Drawing on preclinical and clinical studies, it discusses molecular, structural, and functional changes induced by these agents, highlighting their potential to re-open developmental windows (hyper-plasticity) and increase nervous system sensitivity to stimuli (meta-plasticity). Translating findings to humans remains challenging, but emerging tools like PET radioligands and multimodal approaches offer promise for future research.

2 Effects of psychoplastogens on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis​

This meta-analysis (s=29) examines the effects of psychedelics (including ketamine and MDMA) and two other 'psychoplastogens' on peripheral BDNF levels in humans. It finds no significant changes in BDNF levels post-administration (SMD=0.024, p=0.64), regardless of drug, dose, participant age, or psychiatric condition. Studies with better-controlled designs report smaller effect sizes, and later timepoints show minimal increases in BDNF. The authors conclude that peripheral BDNF is likely not a reliable marker of rapid neuroplasticity and recommend neuroimaging or stimulation-based methods for future research.

3 Ayahuasca enhances the formation of hippocampal-dependent episodic memory without impacting false memory susceptibility in experienced ayahuasca users: An observational study​

This observational study (n=24) examines the acute effects of ayahuasca on memory in experienced Santo Daime members (>500 lifetime uses). Findings show ayahuasca enhances memory accuracy and recollection while not impacting familiarity or false memory, suggesting β-carboline activity may drive selective improvements in hippocampal-dependent processes.

More Research

• ​Efficacy of esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release over the short and long term: sensitivity analyses of ESCAPE-TRD, a randomised phase IIIb clinical trial​

New on Blossom

1 Psychedelic Research Recap November 2024​

In November, psychedelic research spans from clinical applications to fundamental neuroscience. Studies provide new insights into how psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine can affect mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, OCD, and fibromyalgia. Researchers are also examining the safety profiles of substances like mescaline and 3-MMC.

Several studies examine the mechanisms behind psychedelics’ therapeutic effects, focusing on neuroplasticity and neuronal pathways. From exploring how psychedelics (don’t) influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels to understanding their impact on specific pyramidal cells in the cortex, these findings shed light on how these substances may promote lasting psychological benefits.

The research this month places special emphasis on user experiences during psychedelic sessions and how they relate to therapeutic outcomes. Studies investigate major life changes following psychedelic use, strategies for navigating challenging experiences, and the effects of psychedelics on memory and self-related thought processes.

We also see important findings regarding safety and adverse effects, including reevaluations of the incidence of psychedelic-induced psychosis and new insights into MDMA-induced hyponatremia. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD suggests promising economic viability for these treatments.

2 Psychedelics and Creativity​

Written in collaboration with Dilara Oexemann.

• Psychedelics may increase creative thinking by disrupting the Default Mode Network (DMN), enhancing cognitive flexibility and openness to new ideas.
• Flexible, divergent thinking, fostered by psychedelics, can help treat mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, according to research on these substances’ potential therapeutic effects.
• More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of psychedelics on creativity, with implications for both therapeutic and recreational uses.

3 Psychedelic Research Links 2024​

All the other papers that have come out this year that don't have a separate entry in the database.

Spotlight

1 Psychedelics Design Conference (Event)

My good friend Alex—a brilliant designer—and your humble psychedelic research enthusiast have put together an exiting event: the Psychedelics Design Online Conference on December 11, 2024. This unique gathering will explore the intersection of art, science, design, and engineering, shedding light on the transformative potential of psychedelics.

We aim to connect like-minded individuals, share groundbreaking insights, and build a collaborative community that benefits society and the planet.

Join us to engage with renowned speakers and immerse yourself in innovative discussions that promise to inspire and provoke thought. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement at the forefront of psychedelic exploration and design.

Use code BLOSSOM15 for a 15% discount.

Molenvaart 76, Anna Paulowna, NH 1761AL
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