PSYCHEDELIC ABSTRACTS ONLINE (Just Kidding) KEYWORDS: tree or plant or mushroom, religion POLLOCK, STEVEN H Liberty Caps: Recreational hallucinogenic mushrooms. Drug and Alcohol Dependence; 1975-76 Vol 1(6) 445-447 Discusses the recreational use of hallucinogenic mushrooms in various parts of the world and the need for research in fungal pharmacology. Clinical studies with psilocybin (which most of these mushrooms contain) in both Europe and the US strongly suggest that it is more efficacious than LSD or mescaline for psychotherapeutic purposes. The potential usefulness of psilocybin or a short-acting congener in the psychiatric management of patients with alcohol and other drug dependencies warrants investigation. LASSEN JF; RAVN HB; LASSEN SF Hallucinogene psilocybinholdige svampe. Dansk vildtvoksende rusgift. [Hallucinogenic psilocybine containing mushrooms. Toxins contained in Danish wild mushrooms] Ugeskr Laeger. 1990 Jan 29; 152(5): 314-7 A number of the wild Danish mushrooms contain the hallucinogenic agent psilocybin which resembles LSD in many ways. The commonest of these are the 'liberty cap' or 'magic mushrooms' (Psilocybe semilanceata). On the basis of experience from USA and western Europa, increase in employment of this mushrooms as a hallucinogenic intoxicant may be anticipated in Denmark. The history, epidemiology, botany and pharmacology of the mushroom are reviewed. Clinical pictures and treatment are described for: 1) Acute poisoning with psilocybin-containing fungi, 2) Late sequelae of consumption of psilocybin-containing fungi and 3) Poisoning with more poisonous fungi on account of incorrect identification. General practitioners, duty roster doctors, doctors in casualty departments and in acute psychiatric departments should be aware of these problems. Intoxication with psilocybin may be confused with panic anxiety or euphoria in persons with mydriasis and other sympathomimetic symptoms. The possibility of more serious mushroom poisoning on account of incorrect identification should be borne in mind. SPOERKE DG; HALL AH Plants and mushrooms of abuse. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1990 Aug; 8(3): 579-93 The plants described earlier are only a few of those that can be misused. Most have effects similar to those of more popular synthetic drugs but can cause unpleasant side effects and unpredictable results. Identification of the offending botanic agent can be problematic. These plants are still used because most are legal to possess, and they do produce desired hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Because the active ingredients are similar pharmacologically to agents such as LSD and amphetamine, required treatment is often similar. The challenge for the Emergency Department physician is to recognize the potential for abuse of these botanic agents, their probable side effects, and the need for appropriate, usually supportive, treatment. There are many more plants with abuse potential than can be discussed in detail in an article of this size. Table 1 lists a number of other agents that might be misused. Phenylamine hallucinogens occur in several species and include N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), N-monomethyltryptamine (MMT), 5-methoxy-N-N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), 5-methoxy-N-monomethyltryptamine (5-MeO-MMT), 5-hydroxy-N-N-dimethyltryptamine (bufotenine or 5-H-DMT), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine-N-oxide (DMT-N-oxide). FARNSWORTH, NORMAN R Psychotomimetic and related higher plants. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; 1972 Fal Vol. 5(1) 67-74 Presents an alphabetical list of 174 species of seed-bearing plants which have been reported to produce euphoria in man. FARNSWORTH, NORMAN R Psychotomimetic plants: II. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; 1974 Jan Vol 6(1) 83-84 Presents a list of 43 new species of psychotomimetic plants. Family, genus, species and literature references are indicated. This updates the author's initial listing of 174 such plants. THOMPSON, JOHN P; ANGLIN, M DOUGLAS; EMBODEN, WILLIAM; FISHER, DENNIS G Mushroom use by college students. Journal of Drug Education; 1985 Vol 15(2) 111-124 Investigated the extent of hallucinogenic mushroom use among 1,507 college students and compared mushroom users to nonusers. The major finding was that among the respondents who reported use of hallucinogenic drugs (17%), over 85% had used hallucinogenic (psilocybin) mushrooms and over 50% had used mushrooms but no other hallucinogens. The data suggest a high level of experimental use compared to other hallucinogens. ANGLIN, M DOUGLAS; THOMPSON, JOHN P; FISHER, DENNIS G Parental, personality, and peer correlates of psychoactive mushroom use. Journal of Drug Education; 1986 Vol 16(3) 265-285 53 college undergraduates reporting use of a hallucinogenic mushroom (psilocybe) were matched on demographic variables to 53 nonusers. Both groups were 60% male. Ss were given a detailed questionnaire and were administered 4 psychological tests. Hallucinogenic mushroom use by men was most associated with peers' mushroom use, whereas mushroom use by women was most associated with parental drug use, especially fathers' marihuana use. Personality measures were secondary in predicting mushroom use. It is concluded that given these distinctive patterns, researchers examining social and personality influences on drug use should analyze their data separately by sex. SCHWARTZ, RICHARD H; SMITH, DEBORAH E Hallucinogenic mushrooms. Clinical Pediatrics; 1988 Feb Vol 27(2) 70-73 Surveyed adolescent drug use patterns involving mushrooms containing psilocybin. Among 174 adolescents (aged 14-18 yrs) already identified as substance abusers, 45 (26%) reported having used hallucinogenic mushrooms, frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. An average intake of 2-4 mushrooms was obtained for about $8, and led to intoxication for 5-6 hrs. Mixing of intoxicants such as alcohol, marihuana, and psilocybin mushrooms was the rule. Serious adverse effects during mushroom intoxication were reported by 6 of the Ss. These adverse reactions might have been the result of drug synergy. It is suggested that pediatricians become aware of specific patterns of hallucinogenic drug use by adolescents and consider the possibility of such use when evaluating a delirious or psychotic adolescent. BLUM, KENNETH; FUTTERMAN, SANFORD L; PASCAROSA, PAUL Peyote, a potential ethnopharmacologic agent for alcoholism and other drug dependencies: Possible biochemical rationale. Clinical Toxicology; 1977 Vol 11(4) 459-472 Examines folk psychiatry among Native American Church members from an ethnopharmacologic viewpoint. Alcohol and opiate abuse among Indians and non-Indians are presented in 3 case histories proving to be asymptomatic under Indian guidance and through participation in the peyote ritual. The biochemical alkaloids common in the peyote cactus, rather than just the psychoactive substances (mescaline), are purported to be pharmacologically similar to the neuroamine-derived alkaloids found in the brain during alcohol intoxication. Evidence is reviewed that points out possible common features of alcohol and opiate dependence, leading to the speculation that a common mode of treatment may reside in plants rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. LAWSON, PAUL E; SCHOLES, JENNIFER Jurisprudence, Peyote and the Native American Church American Indian Culture and Research Journal; 1986, 10, 1, 13-27. Because it is worshipped as a deity, peyote has been & continues to be important to the religious beliefs & practices of numerous Indian tribes throughout North & Central America. The history of legitimate peyote use by American Indians must be understood as a struggle to maintain tribal religious traditions against various repressive state & federal governmental practices aimed at eradicating Indian culture. The historical repression of peyote use experienced by Indians in the United States is chronicled, along with the Indians' responses, including the creation of the Native American Church of North America. Recent court decisions that deal with Native Americans arrested for illegal peyote possession are summarized, & linked to larger issues of religious freedom. Though much of the white opposition to Indians' peyote use has declined over recent decades, & criminal prosecution has waned, the costs to individual Indians in terms of personal religious freedom & tribal self-determination have been great. ADLAF, EDWARD M; SMART, REGINALD G Drug Use and Religious Affiliation, Feelings and Behavior British Journal of Addiction; 1985, 80, 2, June, 163-171. Examined is the relationship between drug use & religious affiliation, intensity of religious feelings, & frequency of church attendance in a sample of Ontario adolescents (number of cases = 2,066). Six drug-use measures were employed: alcohol use, cannabis use, nonmedical & medical drug use, hallucinogen use, & polydrug use. The findings indicate that religious affiliation was insignificantly related to drug use. The only exception was for alcohol use, in which case nonaffiliated respondents used less frequently than did Protestants or Roman Catholics. Church attendance exhibited a stronger negative effect on drug use than did religiosity; however, the effect of the latter had greater impact among females than among males. Overall, the impact of both variables increased as the drug examined moved toward the upper end of the licit-illicit continuum. Many of the results varied according to students' gender & age. NELSEN, HART M; ROONEY, JAMES F Fire and Brimstone, Lager and Pot: Religious Involvement and Substance Use Sociological Analysis; 1982, 43, 3, fall, 247-255. Questionnaire data from nearly 5,000 high school seniors from 6 states in the northeastern region of the United States are analyzed using religious preference & attendance to predict substance use (hard liquor, beer, marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, heroin, LSD, & cocaine). It was hypothesized that: (1) denomination & attendance would be significantly related to alcohol use & that an interaction would occur between these 2 predictors, (2) church attendance would have special impact within proscriptive denominations, & (3) for harder drugs, church attendance would be inversely related with use. Analysis-of-variance & multiple-classification analysis were employed. Weekly use & having ever used the substance were tested for alcohol & marijuana, & having ever used the substance, for hard drugs. The data support the hypotheses. PHIFER, BETTY A review of the research and theological implications of the use of psychedelic drugs with terminal cancer patients. Journal of Drug Issues; 1977 Sum Vol 7(3) 287-292 Describes research on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapeutic treatment of 60 terminal cancer patients at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. The session, which uses LSD or a similar hallucinogen, is preceded by weeks of preparation while the therapist gains intimate knowledge of S's developmental history. Close rapport is established, and S is specifically and comprehensively prepared for the procedure. It is followed by intensive help to S in integrating the experience, including joint work with S and family together. Results indicate that no Ss were harmed, about one-third were not particularly helped, one-third were helped somewhat, and one-third were helped dramatically. The dramatic effects followed a psychedelic mystical experience characterized by a sense of unity, transcendence of time and space, deeply felt positive mood, sense of reverence, psychological insight, and ineffability (although elaborate attempts to communicate the experience are typical). Fear of death, anxiety, worry, and depression were reported as decreased, while serenity, peace, and calmness increased, along with depth and intensity of interpersonal closeness. Some of the controversial religio-ethical implications of this research are briefly examined. SIEGEL, RONALD K Religious behavior in animals and man: Drug-induced effects. Journal of Drug Issues; 1977 Sum Vol 7(3) 219-236 Compares hallucinogen-induced behavior in humans with analogous natural and drug-induced behavior in animals, as a suggested basis for experimental analysis of operant religious behavior in humans. Historical and prehistorical indications for human use of psychotropic plants are briefly reviewed, noting evidence for ubiquitous use and similar behavioral response, including the ecstatic states interpreted as mystical or religious, and differing only in culturally determined symbolic content. According to contemporary experimental observations, the predictability of a religious experience following ingestion of psychedelic drugs ranges from 32-90%, depending on expectation, preparation, and setting. Ethnological and ethological studies are surveyed for behavioral congruence between human and nonhuman species regarding religious-type responses, and are related to citations from folklore and mythology. The design for experimental induction of 'religious' behavior in a pigeon, using a standard operant conditioning Skinner box, is given, with analysis of S's behavior following various doses of LSD. Studies across species indicate religious behaviors are released and strengthened by psychedelic drugs, related to the induced states of CNS excitation and sympathetic nervous system arousal. KULICK AR; POPE HG JR; KECK PE JR Lycanthropy and self-identification. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1990 Feb; 178(2): 134-7 Lycanthropy, an unusual psychiatric syndrome involving the delusion of being an animal, usually occurs as a transient symptom of severe psychosis. A review of the historical and modern medical literature, as well as of contemporary anthropological reports, suggests multiple etiologies for lycanthropy, including seizure disorders and use of psychotomimetic drugs. A clinical illustration is presented in which the delusion of being an animal in human form has persisted for over 15 years and has been refractory to treatment. The authors speculate that disturbances of self-identity may combine with neurological abnormalities to produce some cases of this syndrome. HALL, RICHARD C; POPKIN, MICHAEL K; MCHENRY, LAUDIE E Angel's Trumpet psychosis: A central nervous system anticholinergic syndrome. American Journal of Psychiatry; 1977 Mar Vol 134(3) 312-314 Warns physicians that intoxication by Angel's Trumpet (Datura sauveolens) is becoming more frequent due to its use by adolescents and young adults as a legal, readily available hallucinogen. The case report is presented of 2 15-yr-old boys who were brought to a hospital by police after they were found wandering naked and delirious following ingestion of the plant. Ingestion of the flowers or a tea brewed from them results in an alkaloid-induced CNS anticholinergic syndrome characterized by symptoms such as fever, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, and persistent memory disturbances. Severe intoxication may cause flaccid paralysis, convulsions, and death. Treatment with iv physostigmine reverses the toxic effects of Angel's Trumpet. COHEN, SIDNEY The witches' brews. Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Newsletter; 1978 Feb Vol 7(2) 1-3 Since antiquity, 4 plants and related members of the nightshade family (components of the witches' brews of ancient times) have caused numerous instances of deliberate or accidental poisoning: belladonna, strammonium, henbane, and Angel's Trumpet. These plants contain related alkaloids--atropine, scopolamine, and hyocyamine--that are powerful inhibitors of acetylcholine. The pharmacology, physical effects, diagnosis of poisoning, mental symptoms, and treatments of choice (most importantly, the cholinergic drug physostigmine) are described. HARPER, CLIVE The witches' flying-ointment. Folklore; 1977 Jul Vol 88(1) 105-106 The components of the 'flying-ointment' allegedly used by the European witches were examined for possible psychotropic effects. Similarities between the reported effects of the ointment and the findings of modern investigations of the belladonna alkaloids are cited. It is concluded that the ointment would act as a powerful hallucinogen due to the presence of tetra-MA, TMA-2, aconitine, and belladonna alkaloids. [STAFF WRITER] Father Christmas flies on toadstools New Scientist, 25-Dec-1986/1-JAN-1987 Vol 112 pg 45 [No Abstract] Mushrooms, Hallucinogenic Drugs. JIMENEZ OLIVARES, ERNESTINA Pre-Columbian indigenous psychopharmacology. Neurologia, Neurocirugia, Psiquiatria; 1978 Vol 19(1) 40-52 Reviewed texts on Mexican medicine plants, especially texts obtained directly from 16th century Indian reports. The plants utilized for psychiatric purposes were separated from the 1,500 medicine plants found to be used by the prehispanic Indians, and about 150 plants were found that can be classified in modern medicine as antipsychotic, antidepressant, minor tranquilizer, hallucinogen, sedative, hypnotic, brain tonic, stimulant, and anticonvulsant. Experimental research on these medicines is recommended. SCHULTES, RICHARD E; SWAIN, TONY De plantis toxicariis e Mundo Novo tropicale commentationes XIII: Further notes on Virola as an orally administered hallucinogen. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; 1976 Oct-Dec Vol 8(4) 317-324 Describes a method of preparing a hallucinogenic resin from the cambial sap of trees of the genus Virola , as practiced by Indian tribes of the Colombia-Peru region. Pellets of the resin are ingested immediately or coated with an ash filtrate and stored. SUWANLERT, SANGUN A study of kratom eaters in Thailand. Bulletin on Narcotics; 1975 Vol 27(3) 21-27 Discusses addiction in kratom, derived from the leaves of a tree indigenous to Thailand which contain several alkaloids. After ingestion, a pleasant mood prevails along with a strong desire to do manual work. Withdrawal symptoms, occur, and psychiatric problems arise after prolonged use. Five short case histories are presented. CHUNKO, JOHN A LSD now: 1973. Journal of Drug Education; 1973 Win Vol. 3(4) 339-351 Conducted a questionnaire survey of 1,221 undergraduates and 1,279 7-12th graders concerning their reasons for and frequency of use of hallucinogenic drugs (e.g., LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin). Ss were from 16 widely separated and culturally distinct states and specific poll sites ranged from lightly urban to densely metropolitan settings. Results show that 5.4% of the Ss had used LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs (excluding marihuana and hashish), of whom more than half were current users. The highest frequency of use was among undergraduates, with 7.0% of all undergraduates polled having used these drugs. 75.5% of current users used the drugs 3-5 times/mo, and 93.4% of the current users generally enjoyed the experience. 97.3% of the current users felt that the experience had influenced their outlook on life, and 50.3% reported that use caused a predominantly religious or mystical experience. Implications for drug abuse prevention are discussed. EMBODEN, WILLIAM A 'Natural highs' in an historical and biological context. Journal of Drug Education; 1988 Vol 18(1) 33-47 Discusses historical and contemporary patterns of substance use and abuse and suggests that it is an error to regard psychoactive natural substances (e.g., psilocybin-containing mushrooms) as reasonably safe. The literature on drug-induced ecstasies among diverse peoples produces overconfidence in the safety of inducing altered states by means of natural chemicals. Given the current level of experimentation, the lack of a context for use, and the lack of knowledge of the toxicity of many plant sources, it is argued that the use of these substances presents serious problems. Evidence of recent changes in patterns of experimentation with natural drugs suggests that the naive user may experience an unwarranted level of confidence. Genera and species of plants that produce psychoactive effects are presented. WILKINSON, ROBERT E; HARDCASTLE, WILLIS S; MCCORMICK, CYNTHIA S Psychotomimetic ergot alkaloid contents of seed from Calyonyction muricatum, Jacquemontia tamnifolia, Quamoclit lobata, and Q. sloteri Botanical Gazette, March 1989 Vol 149 pg 107-109 [No Abstract] Morning Glories, Ergot, Seeds, Alkaloids. GREENHOUSE, STEVEN Deadly Error Halts Sales of Larousse New York Times, Aug 29 1990; sec C, p 10 col 5 French publisher Larousse has suspended sales of the 1991 edition of its famous dictionary because the book errs in saying that some highly poisonous wild mushrooms are harmless. Officials said it was the worst mistake the firm had ever made. [STAFF WRITER] Mushroom Rustlers Pose a New Problem for Oregon Forest Rangers Boston Globe, Oct 18 1990; p 108 col 1 Oregon's problem with 'mushroom rustlers,' or those who illegally pick the mushrooms in Oregon's Cascade Range because they sell for $40 a pound in Japan, is discussed. KUCZKA, SUSAN Mushroom Poisoning Victim Recovering Chicago Tribune, Sep 7 1990; sec 2C, p 6 col 3 Mushroom poisoning may have been the catalyst that caused Roberta Rigali of Wheaton IL to have to undergo an emergency liver transplant Sep 6, 1990. NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR DRUG ABUSE INFORMATION "Psilocybin" National Clearinghouse for Drug Abuse Information, Report Series; 1973 May Ser 16(1) 13 p Describes the history, chemistry, pharmacology, and effects of psilocybin which is an hallucinogen found in the mushroom family of Psilocybe mexicana. Articles are reviewed to show potential benefits and dangers of the drug. MCINTOSH, SANDRA Special Anti-Drug Squad Keeps Close Tabs on Deadheads, Arresting 70 Atlanta Constitution, Apr 4 1990; sec C, p 3 col 1 Seventy Deadheads have been arrested in Atlanta between Apr 1 and Apr 4, 1990. The devoted followers of the Grateful Dead have been taken into custody for possessing and attempting to distribute LSD, mushrooms and other hallucinogens. The Dead has been in Atlanta for a series of three concerts. FAILLACE, LOUIS A; GUYNN, ROBERT W Abuse of organic solvents. Psychosomatics; 1976 Vol 17(4) 188-189 Reports a case of toluene sniffing, along with ingestion of an unknown amount of mescaline and 'mushrooms,' by a 24-yr-old White male. He was treated with thorazine and apparently recovered by the 5th day. The dangers of solvent abuse, because of the accessibility of these substances, are discussed.