LSD is an agonist of 5-HT with high affinity for 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C and is small enough to pass the BBB being approximately 100 times more potent than psilocybin. Interestingly, LSD is also an agonist of the dopaminergic receptors with relatively high affinity for dopamine 2 receptors and an agonist of the trace amine associate receptor.

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) Neurobiology

Livne O, Shmulewitz D, Walsh C, Hasin DS. Adolescent and adult time trends in US hallucinogen use, 2002-19: any use, and use of ecstasy, LSD and PCP. Addiction. 2022 Dec;117(12):3099-3109. doi: 10.1111/add.15987. Epub 2022 Aug 17. PMID: 35978453; PMCID: PMC9994631.

References for LSD

- Psychedelic, hallucinagenic, man-made compound
- Impacts cognitive, emotional, and perceptual processes in the brain through binding to serotonin receptors
- Thought to improve cognition and may have a positive effect on mental health
- Currently illegal in the United States, however, LSD is increasing in its usage

Grinnell College

Michigan State University

Claviceps Purpurea (Rye Ergot Fungus is the common name) is a fungus that contains LSA (d-lysergic acid) or ergine. LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is synthetically derivatized from LSA. 

Rye Ergot Fungus — Claviceps Purpurea

- Ayahuasca
- LSD
- Psilocybin
- MDMA
- DMT
- Mescaline

Types of Psychedelics

Meade, Elaine, et al. "Mycotherapy: Potential of Fungal Bioactives for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders and Morbidities of Chronic Pain." Fungi and Fungal Metabolites for the Improvement of Human and Animal Life, Nutrition and Health, vol. II, 11 Mar. 2022, doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8030290.

Mycotherapy: Potential of Fungal Bioactives for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders and Morbidities of Chronic Pain

Therapeutic application of Claviceps Purpurea includes potential to treat Parkinson’s disease, cluster headaches and migraine, and chronc  pain once LSD is formed from it.

Claviceps Purpurea (Rye Ergot Fungus) Therapeutic Application

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) 

A brewed Amazonian drink with psychoactive properties made by boiling Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis bush leaves ( which contains harmala alkaloids, which render the hallucinogenic component DMT orally active).  It was originally used by indigenous shamans for religious rituals and healing. Now it is being used for recreation, being incorporated into folk medicine, and treatment for addiction, anxiety, and depression. 

Ayahuasca

Psilocybin is a 5HT-2A (serotonin 2A) receptor agonist that is a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound. It is derived from over 200 species of fungi, many from the genus Psilocybe. A purified bioactive compound derived from medicinal mushrooms.

Psilocybin

- Come from the Peyote cactus
- Naturally occurring hallucinogen
- Currently illegal

Mescaline

DMT, N,N-dimethyltryptamine is an endogenous hallucinogen that was synthesized in 1931 by Canadian chemist Richard Manske.

DMT 

MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a mild stimulant with perception-altering effects, commonly known as 'ecstasy' or 'Molly'. It is typically ingested in pill form and produces effects such as increased energy, feelings of pleasure, and emotional warmth. While it has stimulant properties, its classification is debated due to its hallucinogenic effects and chemical similarity to amphetamines.

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