Natural high: endogenous psychedelics in the gut and brain
Researchers have found endogenous psychedelic production in the human brain and gut, the latter of which occurs with the help of symbiotic gut microbes.
The similarities between exogenous and endogenous psychedelics and the reasons humans synthesize psychoactive compounds are taking scientists on a mind-bending trip across millions of years of evolution. In doing so, they are discovering connections that span interkingdom and interspecies boundaries. Psychedelic(s) may augment… these key pathways along the microbiota-gut-brain axis to influence behavior. In fact, much like the endogenous opioid system against pain, the human body may be wired with an endogenous psychedelic system against depression. Here too, gut microbes play a key role in producing tryptamine from dietary sources of tryptophan, which is not all that surprising given that humans are a rich composite of diverse microbial communities that interact with human physiology at a fundamental level.
Original Article (The Scientist):
Natural high: endogenous psychedelics in the gut and brain
Artwork Fair Use: Chao Yin-Xia, Gulam Muhammad Yaaseen, Chia Nicholas Shyh Jenn, Feng Lei, Rotzschke Olaf, Tan Eng-King
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