LSD, psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms), mescaline, and ayahuasca are all examples of substances that belong to the category of psychedelics. These substances are not addictive and do not cause any harm to the user. However, they are known to cause significant shifts in the user’s state of mind, perception, and emotions. Although many people in our culture (think hippies) equate these substances with hedonistic or recreational usage, many other civilizations have maintained a high regard for them and used them for spiritual and therapeutic purposes for millennia.
According to findings from studies conducted on psychedelic drugs, these compounds have the potential to be useful in the treatment of a variety of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. But other than these potential advantages, what additional therapeutic and medical uses for psychedelics could benefit humankind?
Making organ transplants safer
Ischemia-reperfusion injury, more often known as IRI is a condition that happens when organ tissue is injured as a result of being deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time. Patients who have received organ transplants are more likely to be affected by the infection, which can manifest itself in a variety of organs, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Ischemia preconditioning and machine perfusion are two methods that doctors utilize to lessen the severity of the ischemic-reperfusion injury or to prevent it altogether. However, the effectiveness of these tactics is somewhat limited.
There is evidence that the hallucinogenic compound DMT, which has anti-inflammatory characteristics, may be useful in reducing the likelihood of an IRI occurring. It’s possible that the efficiency of this psychedelic and its application in organ transplant procedures could significantly increase survival rates.
Effective management of disease-resistant treatment
Treatments are successful in relieving symptoms of major depressive disorder in the vast majority of patients. On the other hand, antidepressant therapies are ineffective for approximately thirty per cent of these people.
Ketamine has been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal ideation as well as depressive symptoms, according to research. Ketamine is also known to considerably reduce depression symptoms.
Obesity and curbing eating disorders
According to statistics provided by the CDC, over 43 per cent of American adults are obese. Obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Obesity is a significant and all too frequent condition that has an adverse effect on the lives of millions of people all over the world.
According to research, psilocybin has the ability to suppress an individual’s appetite and cut down on their food desires, which may result in the individual eating less.
In addition to this, people suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may benefit from treatment with psilocybin. Research institutes all over the world are currently conducting clinical tests to determine whether or not the chemical is beneficial in treating eating problems.
Treating rare cancers
Psilocybin is being investigated as a potential treatment for a variety of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, kidney neoplasms, breast neoplasms, melanoma, and liver carcinoma, according to a patent application submitted by Pharmacother. Although there hasn’t been much research done on this topic, it does offer sufferers a glimmer of hope, especially considering that the cancers indicated above have little or no therapeutic options.
The treatment of eye conditions
According to the findings of recent studies, DMT may be useful in treating ocular conditions, including glaucoma. By causing damage to the optic nerve, glaucoma is recognized to be a leading cause of blindness and/or visual loss. The sickness affects more than 2.5 million people in the United States aged 40 and older.
Eye drops are now used as a treatment for the condition; however, these drops might cause undesirable side effects such as stinging and redness. Additionally, many therapies demand multiple applications each day, which makes it more difficult for individuals to comply with the treatment plan.
Companies like Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) have extensive product pipelines in various research stages, which increases the likelihood that numerous additional one-of-a-kind medical applications for psychedelic chemicals will be identified.
