Week 7 | Understanding Solar Mayan Consciousness
Guest Speaker - Dr. Monica Lozano
This past Friday, we explored research on the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca in a juvenile non-human primate model of depression. The studies involved juvenile marmosets, which were subjected to chronic social isolation to induce depressive-like symptoms.
Key Findings:
Acute Antidepressant Effects:
Rapid Recovery: Within 24 hours of ayahuasca administration, the marmosets showed a significant return to baseline levels of cortisol, a reduction in stereotypic behaviors like scratching, and an increase in feeding behavior. The authors indicated this related to a rapid reversal of depressive symptoms.
Sustained Improvement: These improvements were sustained for up to 14 days, suggesting a long-lasting effect that is more pronounced than traditional antidepressants like nortriptyline.
Prophylactic Potential:
Preventive Effects: The second study discussed, examined the prophylactic use of ayahuasca, administered four weeks before the induction of social isolation and continued during two month social isolation. The marmosets showed a "resilient response," maintaining more stable behavior and physiological markers even after social isolation began.
Implications for Adolescents: The researchers suggested that ayahuasca could have significant preventive effects, particularly in adolescents during challenging life events, where the risk of developing depression is high.
Mechanisms Explored:
DMT and β-Carbolines: The active components of ayahuasca, including DMT and β-carbolines, were discussed. DMT acts as a serotonergic agonist, while β-carbolines (harmine, tetrahydroharmine, harmlaine) serve as reversible MAO inhibitors, protecting DMT from degradation and enhancing its effects. This combination likely contributes to the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects observed.
Broader Implications:
Translatability: We discussed how these findings in non-human primates might translate to humans other animal species.
Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of using psychedelics in animal research, especially in juvenile subjects, were also explored.
This research opens the door to further exploration of psychedelics as both therapeutic and preventive treatments for depression, with promising implications for future mental health interventions. We also think these studies brought up many ethical implications which warrant further discussion on how psychedelics are administered to animals within psychedelic science.
Next Discussion: Solar Mayan Consciousness
On August 30th, we will be holding our seventh discussion group by hosting a guest lecturer - Dr. Monica Lozano. Dr. Lozano will be providing an introduction to Mayan concepts and how they may intersect with veterinary medicine.
Dr. Lozano is a Veterinary Zootechnician, graduating from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico in 2013. She holds a diploma in medicine, surgery, and zootechnics for dogs and cats from UNAM. Monica has specialized in complementary medicine, obtaining certifications including Master Reiki, Bach Flower Therapist, and Veterinary Acupuncture. Since 2020, she has been involved in cannabis medicine, working as a Research Coordinator at VetCBD and currently as part of the medical team at ICAN Vets.
In addition to her professional expertise, Monica has been deeply engaged in the study and practice of Solar Mayan Consciousness. She has been a formal member of the Solar Mayan Consciousness community since 2019 and has participated in various spiritual groups, enriching her understanding of this ancient tradition.
