Endorphin agonists for psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Endorphins and endorphin agonists play a crucial role in the neural modulation of mood, anxiety, pain and addiction.Historical, experimental and clinical data strongly support the potential benefits of opiates for severe depression, addictive disorders, pain and psychosis. Recent studies have also elucidated a crucial mechanism of treating depression-enhancing prefrontal cortex influence and dampening limbic and sub cortical influencessimilar to the neurobiological actions of endorphin agonists.Despite much publicity of an alleged causal association between prescription pain medications and an epidemic of overdose deaths, no scientific evidence exists to support a causal link between prescription opiates and the overdose deaths.Despite concerns of addiction and misuse potential further research to study endorphin agonists for diverse psychiatric disorders seems warranted.Correspondence to: Alen J Salerian, Salerian Center for neuroscience and pain, 8409 Carlynn Dr.,

DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Opium, a Friend or Foe

“…In the Odyssey, Homer refers to a curative substance, which was administered to Helena as a remedy against grief and grudge. Similarly, the classical medical writings of Dioscurides (1st century) and Galen (129–199) have referred to the narcotic analgesic properties of opium . And it was Paracelcus (1493–1541) a Swiss German alchemist who observed that certain analgesic opium alkaloids are far more soluble in alcohol than in water which led to tinctura laudanum, allowing for easy medicinal delivery , and thus paving the way for opium’s regimented use in medicine.…”

“…Similarly, the classical medical writings of Dioscurides (1st century) and Galen (129−199) have referred to the narcotic analgesic properties of opium. 1 And it was Paracelcus (1493−1541) a Swiss German alchemist who observed that certain analgesic opium alkaloids are far more soluble in alcohol than in water which led to tinctura laudanum, allowing for easy medicinal delivery 2,3 and thus paving the way for opium's regimented use in medicine. In the following century, Thomas Sydenham (1624−1689) recommended opium against hysteria and mania.…”