Cited by 267Psychedelics and Drug StudiesTryptophan and brain disordersNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

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Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents

Flanagan, Thomas W., Nichols, Charles D.·2018·International Review of Psychiatry

DOI 10.1080/09540261.2018.1481827

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Abstract

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)2A receptor agonists have recently emerged as promising new treatment options for a variety of disorders. The recent success of these agonists, also known as psychedelics, like psilocybin for the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction, has ushered in a renaissance in the way these compounds are perceived in the medical community and populace at large. One emerging therapeutic area that holds significant promise is their use as anti-inflammatory agents. Activation of 5-HT2A receptors produces potent anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of human inflammatory disorders at sub-behavioural levels. This review discusses the role of the 5-HT2A receptor in the inflammatory response, as well as highlight studies using the 5-HT2A agonist (R)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine [(R)-DOI] to treat inflammation in cellular and animal models. It also examines potential mechanisms by which 5-HT2A agonists produce their therapeutic effects. Overall, psychedelics regulate inflammatory pathways via novel mechanisms, and may represent a new and exciting treatment strategy for several inflammatory disorders.

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Authors: Flanagan, T. W., & Nichols, C. D.
Affiliations: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans (US)
Corresponding author: Nichols, Charles D.
ORCID: Nichols, Charles D.
Venue: International Review of Psychiatry
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2018-07-04
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Pages: 363-375
ISSN: 0954-0261 (ISSN-L)
1369-1627
DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1481827
OpenAlex: W2886249511
Cited by: 267
References: 151
Citations by year: 2026: 37 · 2025: 46 · 2024: 39 · 2023: 54 · 2022: 38 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 5
FWCI: 15.30
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: International Review of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords: psychedelics, 5-HT2A receptor agonists, anti-inflammatory activity, serotonin, psilocybin, inflammatory diseases, inflammatory signaling, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction
MeSH terms: Amphetamines, Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Anxiety, Behavior, Animal, Depression, Hallucinogens, Humans, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Psilocybin, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A

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