Not sure if this has been brought up already (if so sorry), new nature article (Nov 9th 2017),

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-14700-6

Study looks at the benefits of Ayahuasca and compares it to other pshychedelics using survey data. As I understand, it the article seems to suggest that Ayahuasca could be more beneficial in curving alcohol abuse and more research is needed.

Another vastly unsurprising study on psychedelics.

It is however, published in Nature. Which is something to remark, as it is one of the largest and most prestigious journals (only publishing research they deem top quality).

Really? Nature suggests that us psychedelics users are a bunch of drunks...


On a positive note, alcohol is finally admitted to be a "psychoactive drug":


And Albert Hofmann's final thoughts were not admissible:


I say this report is a mixed bag.

Pitubo, that is a good point. However, reading on the University website press release the tone is a little different,

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/...ews/title_620939_en.html

Maybe there was a suggestion from editors to tone down the positive observations? This is pure speculation on my part and not worth much though.

The most concerning item they bring up (mental health) did not show up for native users which they point out. To me this means that folks with problems may seek this help outside their country, biassing the sample where there is no true cause and effect, instead showing that some patients look for a natural remedy beyond Western medicine? (always seek professional health first). Again, this is only more speculation on my part.

In my particular case I essentially dropped alcohol after fining our natural medicines. Have not had a toxic ethanol hangover in years: only pleasant mind refreshing afterglows.

That's exactly what I thought about the alcohol use - self selection bias. And alcohol is a 'gateway drug' after all, meaning non-drinkers would be less likely to engage in any form of (commonly perceived?) drug use.

Great article, thanks Loveall

Nature, July 2017:

The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of the Amazonian hallucinogen Ayahuasca, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro

Jose A. Morales-García, Mario de la Fuente Revenga, Sandra Alonso-Gil, María Isabel Rodríguez-Franco, Amanda Feilding, Ana Perez-Castillo & Jordi Riba

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05407-9

From the article as well (besides growing brain cells):