Chemistry of Psilocybin and Synaptic Transmitters Involved :: Chemical Drugs Drug papers

Chemistry of Psilocybin and Synaptic Transmitters Involved Psilocybin is a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that is ingested by eating the raw fungi. The mushroom can also be made into a tea and drunk. In some of the later studies done on psilocybin, the drug was synthetically produced and then either inhaled or injected by an IV. The drug enters the blood stream and can cross the blood brain barrier because of it relative metabolic similarity to serotonin (Fuller 1985). This means that since psilocybin is chemical resemblance to the neurotransmitter serotonin, psilocybin can trick the protein channels embedded in the membrane of the blood vessel and pass through as if it were serotonin and not a drug. Psilocybin (4phosphodimethyltryptamine or N, N dimethyltryptamine (DMT)) is a naturally occurring indoleamine hallucinogen and is metabolized to psilocin after ingestion (Umbricht, Koller, Vollenweider, Schmid, 2001). Psilocin is the active chemical in the plant and it is what causes hallucinations and other behavioral changes in the individual taking the substance. It is stated that psilocybin is used in research because it is short-acting, naturally occurring and draws less attention then other well-know hallucinogens (Strassman 1996). There are not many studies done with human subjects so the majority of data has been collected with animals (rats in particular). In many articles the effects, both neurological and behavioral are likened to the effects of the hallucinogen LSD. The hallucinogen psilocybin is considered to be a monoamine related substance that is mediated by the effects of activity by serotonergic systems in the central nervous system (Grilly 1998). When talking about the serotonergic systems that are affected by the drug Psilocybin the research is focusing on the central systems and not the periphery nerve networks. The drug is considered to be part of the indolealkylamine group and is classified in the chemical class of tryptamines. A number of indolealkylamines that are hallucinogenic can be divided into three basic groups, tryptamine derivatives, beta-carbolines, and lysergic acid derivatives (Glennon 1985, Nichols and Glennon 1984). Psilocybin is tryptamine derived. The indole nucleus of serotonin is commonly found in the chemical class of tryptamines (Abraham, Aldridge, Gogia 1996). Psilocybin in one of the best studied tryptamine derivatives and is related to other indolealkylamines that are derived from various plants (Nichols and Glennon 1996).

Toxic Water

Turn the tap on and drink a glass of water. Does it taste funny? Is it clear? The water you are drinking may be toxic without any such indicators. Water is all around us; it is essential for life. Over two thirds of earth’s surface is covered by water, ___________________but everyone only wants and need clean water. Each year, water pollution increases and continues to be responsible for harming our environment. According to Duhigg (2009) of the New York Times, more than 100 wells were polluted by agricultural runoff within a few month time period, affecting livestock such as pigs and cows (n. . ). Water pollution is a silent and deadly pollution – bacterium can be tasteless, colorless, and scentless. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2009) says that the United States has the safest water supplies in the world, but states that when water sources became contaminated, they can easily cause widespread sickness and disease from waterborne germs including Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Hepatitis A. , Giardia intestinalis, and other pathogens. Despite progress reducing water pollution from the largest sources, our country still faces serious pollution challenges. Violations are still too widespread, and enforcement too uneven. We need to do better controlling pollution. Water pollution can occur through natural process, but many times water pollution is mostly a result of human activities. Water is used every day in our homes and industries; the average of water use in the United States is approximately about 100 gallons per day per person. The water we use and drink is taken from lakes, rivers, and wells and from underground (groundwater); and after we have used and contaminated it, most of it returns to these locations (DES, n. d. , p. 1). Everyone must be aware of pollution in order to avoid it. Despite the efforts to decrease water pollution, the USA continues to faces a serious pollution challenges (US Environmental, 2009, n. p. ) Pollution is all around us; no one is safe, therefore the federal and state government and especially the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must reinforce the rules and to prohibit pollution and to protect public health. Through this paper I will be addressing the followings: 1. How do people know if water is safe? 2. Who is responsible for ensuring water is safe? 3. What are the effects of consuming toxic water? . How can people protect their families from toxic water? How do people know if water is safe? Is your drinking water safe? The CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reports that people getting sick from drinking tap water is unusual (Dean, 2009, n. p. ). The EPA states that â€Å"the Unite States enjoys one of the best supplies of drinking water in the worldâ₠¬  (2003, p. 1). Over the years many people did not worry about their quality of water, the EPA assures that tap water in the USA meets the federal and state standards ( 2003, p. 1). In the other hand, Who is responsible for ensuring water is safe? Congress Passed a law in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply and protecting sources of drinking water what is called the Safe drinking water Act (SDWA) (EPA, 2003, p. 2). The EPA is responsible for regulate What are the effects of consuming toxic water? According to Monroe County Department of Environmental Services (DES), â€Å"Some major types of water pollution include microbiological, chemical, oxygen depletion, nutrients, and suspended matter (n. d. p. 2). Microbiological: Disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses and protozoa can cause swimmer to get sick. People who eat contaminated fish and shellfish can become ill. Some serious diseases that are waterborne are polio and cholera (DES, n. d. p. 2). Chemical: There are many varieties of chemicals from industries, such as metal and solvent, and even chemicals which are formed from the breakdown of natural wastes (i. e. ammonia) poisoning fish and other aquatic life and polluting water. (DES, n. d. p. 2). DES states that â€Å"Pesticides used in agriculture and around the home are other types of toxic chemicals† (n. d. p. 2). Other material such as detergent foam and oils float that have water ody, many times offensive odors, these chemical are responsible for making rivers caught on fire. Do to the chemical wastes many times flammable, the Cuyahoga River, Ohio, caught fire (n. d. p. 2), so what are people drinking? Oxygen-depleting Substances: Nutrients: How can people protect their families from toxic water? Conclusion â€Å"To keep this used water from spoiling our water resou rces, pollutants must removed from the water before its discharged back into the environment† (DES, n. d. p. 4). To improve water quality state and federal water program must be enforced to address serious new threats (EPA, 2009, p. 6).

Essay on The Start of Islam - 744 Words

The Start of Islam Out of the many interesting religions of the Far East Islam has quite a uniqueness to it. The name, Islam stems from the word â€Å"salam,† that means peace. The word â€Å"Muslim,† which means a follower of Islam, refers to a person who submits him or her self to the will of God. Many religious experts believe that the prophet Muhammad founded Islam in the year 622 CE. Muhammad was believed to have lived from 570-632 CE. This particular religion started when the angel Jibreel read the first revelation to Muhammad. We know already that the followers of Islam are called Muslims. The Muslims believe in the â€Å"one true God,† which they call Allah. Muhammad was born in the year 570 CE. When he was growing up, he was†¦show more content†¦Because of this, in 622 he moved to Medina, which was north. During his time in Medina, Muhammad had much trouble trying to get his message across to the Jews. Muhammad, through many troubles, by discussion, persuasion, an d political discussion became a very powerful leader in Arabia. From then on Islam was very established throughout the area. After many years, Islam had expanded to India, China, and as far down as Spain by 750 CE. There are two very important books for Islam, like the Bible is for Christians. They are called the Qur’an, and the Hadith. The Qur’ra means the words of God, it is mostly spelled Koran in English. The Hadith is mostly collections of the proverbs or saying of Muhammad. They are supposed to be a very good guide for living the Islam life. From these books, Islam has many beliefs and practices. A Muslim has certain duties, five of them. These duties are called the Five Pillars of Islam. They are 1) to say the shahadah, a Muslim creed at least once during their lifetime. 2) They are to perform a prayer called the salt five times a day. It is done in the morning, at noon mid-afternoon, after sunset, and prior to sleeping. 3) To donate to charity regularly by the zakat. Muslims should make donations when ever the feel the need to. 4) During the month of Ramadan, the Muslims are to fast. Ramadan is supposedly the month out of their calendar that Muhammad was visited by Gabriel. 5) If at allShow MoreRelatedThe Art of Jihad Documentary1598 Words   |  7 Pagesseen. It is about three American artists discussing the stereotypes about Islam especially in USA, and how they try to reveal the actual meaning of Islam through their works. Non-Muslim people, especially non-Arabs, do not know the real meaning of Islam. These people always misjudge Muslims and think that Islam tells us not to be peaceful. This happens because of the corrupted media as it displays the wrong stereotypes of Islam. 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