Psychedelics found in toad venom could treat anxiety, depression
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, roughly 9.5 percent of American adults ages 18 and over will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year. Moreover, women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression.
Now, a new study has explored the therapeutic potential of psychedelics sourced from the poison of Colorado River Toad in treating depression and anxiety.
Scientists found that the interaction of the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT with the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A produced effects similar to those of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications in socially stressed animals.
New medications for neuropsychiatric disorders
Additionally, they discovered that a 5-HT1A-selective analog of 5-MeO-DMT lacked hallucinogenic effects but retained therapeutic activity.
This finding could aid the development of new medications for neuropsychiatric disorders by uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
Psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT, derived from the Colorado River toad, helped the experts decipher the structural workings, paving the way for testing a modified version for its antidepressant and antianxiety effects in mice.
“We became intrigued by numerous reports of powerful, unique, and life-changing experiences associated with its ritualistic or experimental clinical use, which made us wonder about its therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms,” study author David Lankri, a neuropharmacologist at the Chemistry Department of Columbia University, told Gizmodo.
Psychedelics experimented on mouse
In experiments with mice, a modified version of 5-MeO-DMT showed the potential to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Importantly, this modified compound appeared to offer therapeutic benefits without the hallucinogenic effects associated with the natural form.
This research suggests that a compound targeting specific receptors without causing hallucinations could offer a safer and more effective treatment for depression and anxiety than traditional psychedelics.
In summary, the interaction of a compound found in Colorado River toad venom with a serotonin receptor produced effects similar to those of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications in animal models.
Mapping molecular underpinnings of toad venom
According to the study, a combination of cryo-EM structures of 5-HT1A was analyzed in addition to studies about systematic medicinal chemistry, receptor mutagenesis, and mouse behavior. This helped map the molecular underpinnings of 5-MeO-DMT pharmacology.
By analyzing how variations of 5-MeO-DMT interacted with different serotonin receptors, the researchers identified key features that determine the compound’s strength, effects, and selectivity.
This analysis provides insights into how these compounds work and could lead to the development of more effective and specific treatments.
“Our studies uncover molecular aspects of 5-HT1A-targeted psychedelics and therapeutics, which may facilitate the future development of new medications for neuropsychiatric disorders,” stated the authors in the study.
This research was conducted by a team of researchers from Mount Sinai and Columbia University, led by neuropharmacologist David Lankri.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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Psychedelics found in toad venom could treat anxiety, depression