Next-generation of mushroom-inspired treatments
Future psychedelic derivatives may help to keep in check allergy, headache, and addiction
Histamine sounds like a foe but, in most cases, is a friend. Just like psychedelics may sound dangerously addictive, in fact, are tested to be less addictive than nicotine and alcohol. What do histamine and psychedelic mushrooms have in common? There is an intriguing and promising connection.
Have you heard about antihistamines? Yes, the over-the-counter medications acting on different histamine receptors to combat allergy symptoms or acid reflux. But the importance of histamine modulation goes far beyond annoying seasonal allergies.
The proper level of histamine in the body and brain is essential. Histamine receptors in the nervous system are responsible for behavior, novelty-seeking, arousal, learning memory, and information consolidation. Histamine influences energy metabolism and endocrine control in the body. Histamine receptors act in the brain to regulate waking patterns, attention, motivation, appetite, and many neurophysiological functions. Histamine also acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter…