Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors

The available interventions for people who are at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. Recently, research on new mental health treatments has started to consider psychedelic compounds, particularly psilocybin, a molecule with a few thousand years of history of use in human societies. The possible effects of psilocybin on suicidal ideation and behaviors have not been specifically studied yet; however, the current knowledge on the suicidal process and the available data on es/ketamine suggest that psylocibin could be used to modulate the thoughts and behavioral patterns in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. Here, we summarize the available evidence on the possible mechanisms underlying psilocybin positive effects on suicide risk. Major pathways related to suicidal behaviors that might be modulated by psylocibin include serotonin receptors. Specifically, psylocibin directly stimulates the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), targeting the inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and leading to a rapid increase in brain plasticity and inflammation suppression and increases in cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and empathy. We also present preliminary epidemiological data and provide a rationale for studying psilocybin in individuals with suicidal ideation or who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. This review presents a framework to understand the basis for psilocybin use in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors and calls for clinical studies.

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SARS-CoV-2 Infection: New Molecular, Phylogenetic, and Pathogenetic Insights. Efficacy of Current Vaccines and the Potential Risk of Variants

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13091687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 1687 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

John Charles Rotondo ◽

Fernanda Martini ◽

Martina Maritati ◽

Chiara Mazziotta ◽

Giulia Di Mauro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Vector ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic ◽

History Of ◽

One Year ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact ◽

First Time

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly discovered coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has rapidly become a public health emergency of international concern. Although remarkable scientific achievements have been reached since the beginning of the pandemic, the knowledge behind this novel coronavirus, in terms of molecular and pathogenic characteristics and zoonotic potential, is still relatively limited. Today, there is a vaccine, or rather several vaccines, which, for the first time in the history of highly contagious infectious diseases that have plagued mankind, has been manufactured in just one year. Currently, four vaccines are licensed by regulatory agencies, and they use RNA or viral vector technologies. The positive effects of the vaccination campaign are being felt in many parts of the world, but the disappearance of this new infection is still far from being a reality, as it is also threatened by the presence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, hampering the immunization control efforts. Indeed, the current findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is adapting to transmission in humans more efficiently, while further divergence from the initial archetype should be considered. In this review, we aimed to provide a collection of the current knowledge regarding the molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenetic insights into SARS-CoV-2. The most recent findings obtained with respect to the impact of novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the development and implementation of vaccines are highlighted.

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Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Some Species of the Genus Galium L. Galium Verum and Mollugo

Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research ◽

10.1515/sjecr-2017-0057 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jovana Bradic ◽

Anica Petkovic ◽

Marina Tomovic

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Iridoid Glycosides ◽

Future Research ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Pharmacological Effects ◽

Potential Health ◽

The Past ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use

Abstract Galium verum L. and Galium mollugo L. are perennial herbaceous plants, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds, such as iridoid glycosides, phenolic compounds, anthraquinones and triterpenes, as well as small amounts of tannins, saponins, essential oils have been isolated from Galium species so far. Plants belonging to this genus have a long history of use in a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases and conditions. Th e main application of G. verum is as diuretic, choleretic and as the treatment for gout and epilepsy. On the other hand, G. mollugo has been used to treat hysteria, epilepsy, as vulnerary. Over the past decades, numerous papers have been published referring to the chemical constituents presented in G. verum and G. mollugo extracts. Additionally, chemical composition and pharmacological effects of G. verum have been investigated, however data related to the effects of G. mollugo is limited. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of G. verum and G. mollugo. Finally, we proposed directions for future research in this field, which can improve our understanding of the potential health benefits of Galium species.

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Nutritional Profile and Potential Health Benefits of Super Foods: A Review

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13169240 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (16) ◽

pp. 9240

Author(s):

Yash D. Jagdale ◽

Saurabh V. Mahale ◽

Beenish Zohra ◽

Gulzar Ahmad Nayik ◽

Aamir Hussain Dar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Special Kind ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Potential Health ◽

Nutritional Profile ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Health Consciousness ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Different Types ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use

The advancement within the food and nutrition sector has resulted in the development of a special category of food, particularly referred to as “superfoods”. Superfoods are special kind of foods capable of exhibiting different positive effects involving prevention of different ailments, provide impetus to the immune system, and essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ample quantities. Nowadays, these are gaining considerable attention due to the increased health consciousness of consumers. In contrast to their exceptional health or even medicinal benefits, which are based on their long history of use, the concept of superfoods is still little understood. The category of superfoods mainly comprises different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. This review sheds light on the nutritional composition as well as the possible intervention in the prevention of various chronic ailments of some significant superfoods. This manuscript could help consumers to use superfoods as part of their diet more often and very effectively.

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The history of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus research

Journal of Medical Science ◽

10.20883/medical.e46 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 83 (1) ◽

pp. 62-64

Author(s):

Aleksandra Bruś-Chojnicka ◽

Maciej Bura ◽

Michał Chojnicki ◽

Walentyna Śmieińska ◽

Mariola Pawlaczyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

The Us ◽

Global Spread ◽

History Of ◽

Virus Research ◽

The 1960S

The authors summarize the current knowledge of the beginnings of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Most of the studies have so far supported the theory that HIV infections had in their initial years been a typical zoonosis which had been present among African tribes for over 300 years. Most likely, infection was transferred from monkeys, particularly from chimpanzees, on multiple occasions. The most recent publications allow us to describe the transfer of the virus into humans, and new epidemiological data allow us to carry out analysis of the global spread of the virus. Studies of histopathological samples taken from patients in the 1960s have cast new light on the issue of virus presence in the US population, and the previous theories tracking the beginning of infections to the 1980s have had to be modified. Greater awareness of pandemic mechanisms should allow for more effective future counteraction of the spread of new pathogens.

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Phytoconstituents and Biological Activities of Garcinia Dulcis (Clusiaceae): A Review

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1701200337 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 1934578X1701200 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nanthaphong Khamthong ◽

Nongporn Hutadilok-Towatana

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Fruit Tree ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Tropical Fruit ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

History Of ◽

Phytochemical Constituents ◽

History Of Use ◽

Review Current

Garcinia dulcis (Roxb.) Kurz is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia where it has a long history of use as a traditional medicine for the treatment of ailments such as lymphatitis, parotitis, struma, scurvy, cough, and sore throat. Despite its medicinal values, this plant is not well known and rarely found nowadays. Research on the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of G. dulcis have demonstrated that various parts of the plant contain an abundance of bioactive compounds mainly xanthones and flavonoids, with significant pharmacological properties such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-hypertension, and anti-malarial. In the present review, current knowledge of the phytochemistry of G. dulcis and biological activities of its active constituents based on the available literature are summarized in order to explore application potentials and prospective research works on this plant.

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The association of non-suicidal self-injurious and suicidal behaviors with religiosity in hospitalized Jewish adolescents

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1359104520918354 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 801-815

Author(s):

Efrat Malkosh-Tshopp ◽

Roy Ratzon ◽

Alex Gizunterman ◽

Tomer Levy ◽

David H Ben-Dor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Centers ◽

Suicidal Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Mental Health Centers ◽

Jewish Adolescents

Religiosity may be a potent protective factor against self-injurious and suicidal behaviors. However, no previous study has addressed this relationship in adolescent psychiatric population. This study aimed to examine the association between religiosity and non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors, among hospitalized Jewish adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study of 60 hospitalized Jewish adolescents in two mental health centers. They were evaluated for religiosity, NSSI, and suicidal behaviors. The following religiosity measures were found to be protective against NSSI: a higher degree of adherence to religious practices (extrinsic measure) (beta = −0.083, p = .006), a higher level of belief in religious principles (intrinsic measure) (beta = −0.063, p = .008) and a self-reported higher religious affinity (χ2 = 7.64, p = .022). The severity of suicidal ideation inversely correlated with the extrinsic measure (standardized beta = −0.2, t = −2.5, p = .015) and with self-reported degree of religious affinity (analysis of variance, F = 3.5, p = .035). History of transition in religious affinity was associated with worse suicidal ideation (3.77 ± 1.8 vs. 2.26 ± 1.99, t = −3.25, p = .004) and with suicide attempts (OR = 3.89 (95% CI: 1.08 – 14.03), p = .004); however, these relationships were mediated by history of abuse. This study provides first evidence of a protective effect of some religiosity measures on NSSI and suicidal behaviors in hospitalized Jewish adolescents.

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Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Allium Ursinum

Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research ◽

10.2478/sjecr2018-0003 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Milos Krivokapic ◽

Jovana Bradic ◽

Anica Petkovic ◽

Marina Popovic

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Herbaceous Plant ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Respiratory Problems ◽

Perennial Herbaceous Plant ◽

Allium Ursinum ◽

Starting Point ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use

Abstract Allium ursinum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Alliaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds have been isolated from A. ursinum so far, among them sulfur and phenolic compounds as quantitatively the most distributed constituents, responsible for pharmaceutical effects of the plant. Small amounts of steroidal glucosides, lecitins, fatty acids and several amino acids, as well as the essential oil are also present in A. ursinum. Th is plant species is characterized by a long history of use in traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, as digestive stimulant, antimicrobial agent, as a remedy in respiratory problems, insomnia and fainting. Despite its widespread use for medicinal purposes since the ancient time, studies referring to its pharmacological activity are still lacking. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge related to the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Allium ursinum. Th is study may be a starting point for future researches in this field, which would fully clarify therapeutic potential of A. ursinum and make it a possible candidate for medicinal product.

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Association of Isotretinoin With Depression and Suicide: A Review of Current Literature

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1203475417719052 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 58-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

João Miguel Oliveira ◽

Gonçalo Sobreira ◽

Jorge Velosa ◽

Diogo Telles Correia ◽

Paulo Filipe

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Health Professional ◽

Current Literature ◽

Mental Health Professional ◽

Case Reports ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Early Referral ◽

History Of

Acne vulgaris, a condition that can affect people at any age, is the most common cause of referral to a dermatologist. Isotretinoin (ITT) is the most effective treatment available, but serious adverse effects, including a possible association with depression and suicide, limit its use. We review the current literature regarding the association of ITT with depression and suicide. Case reports and database studies show a clear association, and this association is biologically plausible. Although prospective studies have opposite results, limitations make them unsuitable to identify a subgroup of patients who may be at risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation with ITT. Overall, it seems some people might be at risk, particularly those with a personal or family history of mental disorder, but further studies are needed to identify those patients who would benefit from an early referral to a mental health professional when ITT is initiated. Currently, no conclusions can be drawn, and it seems appropriate to regularly screen all patients on ITT for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and promptly refer them to a mental health professional if any are found.

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Suicide Prevention Through Online Gatekeeping Using Search Advertising Techniques

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000322 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 267-273 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hajime Sueki ◽

Jiro Ito

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Prevention ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Service Use ◽

Web Search ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Consultation Service ◽

Search Advertising ◽

Internet Users ◽

History Of

Abstract. Background: Nurturing gatekeepers is an effective suicide prevention strategy. Internet-based methods to screen those at high risk of suicide have been developed in recent years but have not been used for online gatekeeping. Aims: A preliminary study was conducted to examine the feasibility and effects of online gatekeeping. Method: Advertisements to promote e-mail psychological consultation service use among Internet users were placed on web pages identified by searches using suicide-related keywords. We replied to all emails received between July and December 2013 and analyzed their contents. Results: A total of 139 consultation service users were analyzed. The mean age was 23.8 years (SD = 9.7), and female users accounted for 80% of the sample. Suicidal ideation was present in 74.1%, and 12.2% had a history of suicide attempts. After consultation, positive changes in mood were observed in 10.8%, 16.5% showed intentions to seek help from new supporters, and 10.1% of all 139 users actually took help-seeking actions. Conclusion: Online gatekeeping to prevent suicide by placing advertisements on web search pages to promote consultation service use among Internet users with suicidal ideation may be feasible.

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Investigating the Dynamics of Suicidal Ideation

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000464 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 65-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Nina Hallensleben ◽

Lena Spangenberg ◽

Thomas Forkmann ◽

Dajana Rath ◽

Ulrich Hegerl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Unipolar Depression ◽

Small Sample ◽

History Of ◽

Severity Of Depression ◽

Ecological Momentary ◽

Depressive Episodes ◽

Ema Method ◽

Shed Light

Abstract. Background: Although the fluctuating nature of suicidal ideation (SI) has been described previously, longitudinal studies investigating the dynamics of SI are scarce. Aim: To demonstrate the fluctuation of SI across 6 days and up to 60 measurement points using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Method: Twenty inpatients with unipolar depression and current and/or lifetime suicidal ideation rated their momentary SI 10 times per day over a 6-day period. Mean squared successive difference (MSSD) was calculated as a measure of variability. Correlations of MSSD with severity of depression, number of previous depressive episodes, and history of suicidal behavior were examined. Results: Individual trajectories of SI are shown to illustrate fluctuation. MSSD values ranged from 0.2 to 21.7. No significant correlations of MSSD with several clinical parameters were found, but there are hints of associations between fluctuation of SI and severity of depression and suicidality. Limitations: Main limitation of this study is the small sample size leading to low power and probably missing potential effects. Further research with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI. Conclusion: The results illustrate the dynamic nature and the diversity of trajectories of SI across 6 days in psychiatric inpatients with unipolar depression. Prediction of the fluctuation of SI might be of high clinical relevance. Further research using EMA and sophisticated analyses with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI.

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