Use of mescaline may facilitate unintended improvements in several psychiatric conditions, study suggests

The use of mescaline, a psychedelic substance derived from the peyote cactus, appears to be associated with improvements in depression and anxiety, according to a new preliminary study published in the journal ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science. The research provides evidence that the clinically beneficial effects of mescaline are related to specific facets of the psychedelic experience.

A growing body of research suggests that use of classic psychedelics can have lasting positive effects. But, despite its centuries-long ceremonial use among Native American tribes, mescaline has received relatively little attention in comparison to other substances, such as psilocybin.

“Contemporary research involving classic psychedelics has shown promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions including major depression, existential distress associated with a serious illness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction,” the researchers said. “The psychiatric benefits of certain classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin) have been well studied in recent years, paving the way for more research into other classic psychedelics.”
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