0000000000018504
AUTHOR
Katarzyna Stebelska
showing 3 related works from this author
Fungal Hallucinogens Psilocin, Ibotenic Acid, and Muscimol
2013
Psychoactive drugs of fungal origin, psilocin, ibotenic acid, and muscimol among them have been proposed for recreational use and popularized since the 1960s, XX century. Despite their well-documented neurotoxicity, they reached reputation of being safe and nonaddictive. Scientific efforts to find any medical application for these hallucinogens in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and even for religious rituals support are highly controversial. Even if they show any healing potential, their usage in psychotherapy is in some cases inadequate and may additionally harm seriously suffering patients. Hallucinogens are thought to reduce cognitive functions. However, in case of indolealkylamines, such as…
Assays for Detection of Fungal Hallucinogens Such as Psilocybin and Psilocin
2016
Abstract Methods applicable to the detection of hallucinogenic indole compounds, namely psilocybin, psilocin, and related molecules, that have been developed so far for purposes of mycological research, toxicological studies, or forensic investigations are described in this chapter. The most current literature as well as some interesting older publications are cited, providing a historical overview of the subject. Methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis are presented. Additionally, preliminary purification steps and sample treatment before the exact quantitative determination are proposed. The methods described utilized various analytical techniques for the measurement of psilocybi…
Psilocybin as an Inducer of Ego Death and Similar Experiences of Religious Provenance
2016
Abstract The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the impact of hallucinogenic psilocybin on religious-type emotionality related to ego disintegration. Psilocybin as a typical hallucinogen evokes alternations of visual perception (enhances a development of pseudo-hallucinations, phantom visual perception, or hypnagogic experiences). These visual phenomena may be inspiring and are claimed to enhance aesthetic appreciation. Additionally the hallucinogen induces transient impairment of cognitive functions and psychological regression comparable to the signs of ego blurring and dissociative phenomena. The psilocybin effects, initially euphoric, may become emotionally perceived a…