Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics

By Feride Cosar

What if relief from mental stress came in hours and not weeks, and what if this relief was long lasting? Scientists are looking at the effects of psychedelics, like Ariadne, as therapeutics to unveil the answers. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants which work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This happens through the drug binding to and inhibiting the serotonin transport protein, leading to higher serotonin levels in the brain for a longer period of time. While shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, they can take upwards of 3 weeks to kick in (Harmer, 2017). For patients that may need immediate help, like those suffering from severe PTSD or suicidal thoughts, psychedelics provide an untraditional outlet of relief.

One potential psychedelic is Ariadne, commercially known as Dimoxamine. This, along with other drugs, was synthesized by the famous Alexander Shulgin, known for his synthesis of various psychedelic and therapeutic compounds used in the psychotherapy field in the 1970s (Juliani, 2023). Alexander Shulgin synthesized Ariadne in 1968 and, fascinatingly, named it after the daughter of King Minos (Son of Zeus), Ariadne, who helped hero Theseus escape the labyrinth with a thread and kill his own half-brother the Minotaur (Valadas, 2021).

Maybe synonymous with Ariadne’s guidance towards Theseus, Ariadne the compound was shown to increase mood and motivation, suspend psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia, enhance cognition of senior patients, and halt the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (Cunningham, 2023). These studies were conducted by the Pharmaceutical Company Bristol Meyers in the 1970s and showed significant results until trials in Phase III were halted due to economic and seemingly unclear reasons. Under the name Dimoxamine for Ariadne, the Shulgin’s also reported that they didn’t personally experience a psychedelic effect but it did positively impact underlying depression and dementia. 

Ariadne is a class of phenylalkylamines which tie to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. Previous Studies done at Columbia University in the Dalibor Sames Laboratory indicate that Ariadne impacts signaling pathways that go through the 5-HT2A receptor (Cunningham, 2023). The compound acts to enhance the activity of the receptor. Their research demonstrated that knockout mice mimicking Parkinson's syndrome showed a reduced twitch response in presence of Ariadne. This can both exemplify and solidify the association of Ariadne with reduced symptoms of Parkinson' s disease.  

Overall, the future of psychedelics seems promising and can lead to more cost-effective and straightforward psychiatric solutions. What we know about the present reality surrounding psychochemical compounds may change drastically and grasp a wider understanding and audience within the scientific and non-scientific community. Yet, we have to understand how to best optimize this window where the brain can rewire itself. Integration therapy is a popular technique where a therapist works with the psychedelic user to build healthier thinking patterns while the brain is in this mouldable state. To conclude, there are many varieties of psychedelic molecules waiting to be explored, researched, and could potentially lead to long-lasting cognitive flexibility.

References

​Cunningham, M. (2023). Pharmacological Mechanism of the Non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A Agonist Ariadne and Analogs. Pharmacological Mechanism of the Non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A Agonist Ariadne and Analogs. Retrieved October 25, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36521179/

Harmer, C. (2017). How do antidepressants work? New perspectives for refining future treatment approaches. PubMed Central. Retrieved October 25, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5410405/

Juliani, A. (2023, June 14). On The Promise and Paradox of Non-Psychedelic Psychedelics. Arthur Juliani, PhD. Retrieved October 25, 2025, from https://awjuliani.medium.com/on-the-promise-and-paradox-of-non-psychedelic-psychedelics-6d5cb088ec7d

Valadas, G. (2021, January 20). Ariadne a lost chemical love story | by Goncalo Valadas | Medium. Goncalo Valadas. Retrieved October 25, 2025, from https://goncalovaladas.medium.com/ariadne-a-lost-chemical-love-story-3e3588ae6b3e