Background 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (hereinafter referred to as 5-MeO-DMT) is a psychedelic substance found in the secretion from the parotoid glands of the Bufo alvarius toad. Inhalation of vapor from toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT has become popular in naturalistic settings as a treatment of mental health problems or as a means for spiritual exploration. However, knowledge of the effects of 5-MeO-DMT in humans is limited. Aims The first objective of this study was to assess sub-acute and long-term effects of inhaling vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT on affect and cognition. The second objective was to assess whether any changes were associated with the psychedelic experience. Methods Assessments at baseline, within 24 h and 4 weeks following intake, were made in 42 individuals who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations. Results Relative to baseline, ratings of satisfaction with life and convergent thinking significantly increased right after intake and were maintained at follow-up 4 weeks later. Ratings of mindfulness also increased over time and reached statistical significance at 4 weeks. Ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased after the session, and reached significance at 4 weeks. Participants that experienced high levels of ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness during the session displayed higher ratings of satisfaction with life and lower ratings of depression and stress. Conclusion A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT produces sub-acute and long-term changes in affect and cognition in volunteers. These results warrant exploratory research into therapeutic applications of 5-MeO-DMT. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00213-019-05236-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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The focus of this review is to describe the state-ofart in the development of innovative drug delivery systems for phthalocyanines as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a medical treatment combining photosensitizers (PSs) activated by visible light of a specific wavelength to selectively destroy targeted cells, tumor tissues and its surrounding vasculature. In the last decades, PDT has been under intense investigation, first as a promising alternative approach for improved cancer treatment, later against microbial infection and nowadays, mainly in aesthetic medicine, against age-related degeneration. The success of PDT is restricted because of difficulties with administration and skin permeation of PSs. As PDT importance raises, there is high interest for advanced formulations and delivery systems (DDS) for PS, especially formulations based on nanotechnology. Accordingly, this review deals with the innovations pertaining to DDS for PDT as disclosed in recent patents and literature.