Frontier mental health research: psychedelics & drug studies

Each month our editorial team sifts through hundreds of papers and curates notable findings—for practitioners and informed readers who want to stay current with the evidence. Subscribe to the monthly Research Digest for expert analysis and concise summaries of key papers.

3 papers

7-Hydroxymitragynine Is an Active Metabolite of Mitragynine and a Key Mediator of Its Analgesic Effects

Andrew C. Kruegel, Rajendra Uprety, Steven G. Grinnell, Cory Langreck, Elizabeth A. Pekarskaya, Valerie Le Rouzic, et al.
ACS Central Science Summary & key facts 2019 200 citations

Researchers found that the main kratom alkaloid, mitragynine, is turned by liver enzymes into a much more active compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH). In lab tests and in mice, 7‑OH acts more strongly at the mu-opioid receptor and reaches brain levels that can explain most or all of the pain relief…

Alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology Chemical synthesis and alkaloids Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Annonaceae

Chapter 1 Ibogaine: A review

This page describes ibogaine as a plant-derived psychedelic that some researchers are studying for addiction, depression, and PTSD. It says ibogaine can cause strong hallucinations that start within hours and may last up to 24 hours. The page reports some studies and a 2022 review that suggest ibogaine may reduce…

Alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology Chemical synthesis and alkaloids Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

What We Have Gained from Ibogaine: α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Inhibitors as Treatments for Substance Use Disorders

Carolyn J. Straub, Lisa E. Rusali, Kyle M. Kremiller, Andrew P. Riley
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Summary & key facts 2022 16 citations

Researchers reviewing ibogaine and its chemical relatives say these drugs point to a new way to treat substance use disorders by blocking a brain receptor called α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Animal studies found ibogaine and some derivatives reduced self-use of drugs like morphine, cocaine, alcohol, and nicotine. But ibogaine…

Chemical synthesis and alkaloids Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study
Summaries and links are for general information and education only. They are not a substitute for reading the original publication or for professional medical, legal, or other advice. Always refer to the linked source for the full study.