Maria Klos
Maria Klos
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I am an illustrator of creatures from the natural world with an ardor for refocusing awareness on the interconnectedness of life. I believe that through knowledge, we can understand the value of preserving nature, which is why my illustrations convey scientific concepts. Although knowledge is helpful in interpreting the empirical reasons why conservation is so important, I believe that a shift in our consciousness is just as imperative. It is my overall philosophy that the way in which we view and perceive the natural world is equally as important as our understanding of it. As societies have progressed and industrialized, our values have shifted along with them. We have adopted a hierarchical view of the world, with humans being of the highest importance. The deeper goal behind my artwork is to shift the way people view the natural world, and to have them reconsider their own thoughts.
My thesis focuses on displaying a selection of organisms, which have the ability to rekindle this relationship between our species and the planet. These organisms exist alongside us, and have much to offer us medicinally, both physically and spiritually. These plants and animals have taken on a negative stigma in our society due to misunderstanding, abuse, and lack of respect towards them. It is my hope that if we can learn from indigenous people how to approach mother nature with love and respect, we can learn from her and be able to see how much she has to offer us. Nature's medicinal properties are often viewed as taboo, but I hope that after reading through the facts and results of clinical studies, members of my audience will reconsider their own biases not only towards these specific creatures, but to every living creature that we share this earth with.
Ancient Medicine and its Modern Day Renaissance
Ancient Medicine and its Modern Day Renaissance
“What the telescope was for astronomy, or the microscope for biology, psychedelics will be for understanding the mind.”
-Stanislov Grof, M.D., Ph.D.
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) is a fungus that grows on grasses, grains, rye, wheat, and barley. It contains the alkaloid ergotamine, which is the biosynthetic precursor used to synthesize Lysergic Acid (LSD). The semi-synthetic psychotropic compound (a chemical that alters brain function in such a way as to affect cognition, mood, behavior, consciousness, or perception) LSD demonstrates considerably stronger psychotropic effects than natural ergot, without the unpleasant physical side effects. In 1943 Albert Hoffman discovered the effects of LSD, and upon realization of the drug's medicinal potential, clinical trials were carried out by psychiatrists in the US, Canada, England, Germany, and Czechoslovakia during the 1950’s and 60’s.
LSD therapy produced positive results for treating psychiatric conditions such as: alcoholism, death-anxiety, depression, OCD, and cluster headaches. LSD therapy had an exponentially high success rate in patients diagnosed with alcoholism, so much so that Bill Wilson (founder of Alcoholics Anonymous) accepted its use in psychedelic therapy alongside his own methods, and encouraged further research. A 1966 study testing the use of LSD in treating pain and anxiety of patients diagnosed with terminal illness concluded significant improvements in patients' physical and emotional well being. LSD research came to a halt in the early 1970s due to President Nixon’s imposed Federal Controlled Substances act, classifying LSD as a Schedule 1 drug. LSD remains classified as such, and resultantly LSD remains difficult to obtain for researchers wishing to conduct clinical trials. Research utilizing LSD for treating anxiety in patients with terminal illness was resumed in 2008, where this study produced sustained benefits in patients in regards to reduced anxiety and increased quality of life, as well as establishing the safety of its use. LSD also played a vital role in the discovery of the serotonin neurotransmitter system, allowing neuroscientists to understand the role of serotonin in brain functioning, and paved the way for modern psychiatric medicines used today.
Psilocybin is one of the best known psychedelics, and the main psychotropic compound (a chemical that alters brain function in such a way as to affect cognition, mood, behavior, consciousness, or perception) found in many different kinds of mushrooms. Psilocybe is the most popular genus of psilocybin containing mushrooms, containing over 200 species. Upon ingestion of these mushrooms, the psilocybin is converted into psilocin (the pharmacologically active form). Both of these compounds are structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Psilocybin containing mushrooms have been used ceremonially by natives in the Americas for at least five centuries. Today, the traditional use of these psychoactive mushrooms is limited to a few neighboring tribes in Southern Mexico.
During the 1950’s and 60’s, research on psilocybin was overshadowed by its counterpart, LSD. Only a couple of general studies were conducted during that time before research was halted altogether in 1970, due to the nationwide ban classifying this drug as Schedule 1. However, the studies that were performed showed promising psychotherapeutic results, warranting further research. The revival of psychedelic research involves renewed research into psilocybin as medical treatment for OCD, depression and anxiety in end-stage cancer, long-term tobacco smoking, alcohol dependence, and major depressive disorder. All of the studies focusing on treatment for these conditions concluded positive results, encouraging further research into these areas. A few key studies include one published in 2016 which concluded the effectiveness of psilocybin paired with psychotherapy in treating patients with cancer related psychological distress. A 2014 study focused on incorporating psilocybin with traditional smoking cessation treatment resulted in abstinence in 80% of patients at a 6-month follow-up. There is a linked study currently under way at Johns Hopkins University in response to the positive results of incorporating psilocybin into traditional smoking cessation treatment methods. Similar results were gathered from a study published in 2015, focusing on psilocybin use in treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. At Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, there are many upcoming studies investigating the use of psilocybin as an aid in treatment for opioid addiction, alzheimers, PTSD, chronic lyme disease, anorexia nervosa, and alcohol use in subjects with major depression.
Incilius alvarius, commonly referred to as the Colorado River Toad, is a semi-aquatic amphibian that is native to the North American continent. Over a dozen monoamine alkaloids including 5-MeO-DMT are found in the toad’s cutaneous glands, which secrete a venom containing these psychotropic alkaloids (a chemical that alters brain function in such a way as to affect cognition, mood, behavior, consciousness, or perception). 5-MeO-DMT is a chemical compound occuring naturally in many plants and animals, including humans. It is one of the only two known endogenous psychedelics produced in the human body. 5-MeO-DMT has been analyzed in archeological artifacts dating back thousands of years. Traditionally, the substance was consumed in part of a plant-based snuff known as “Epena”. Epena has historically been consumed as a sacrament by the Yanomami tribes, of whom can be found along the border between Brazil and Venezuela. The tribe’s ceremonial use of “Epena” invites contact with hekura-small mountain spirits known for their healing powers, and are also able to empower shamans with various abilities.
Research involving 5-MeO-DMT is limited due to it being a lesser known psychedelic; in fact, most research conducted has been fairly recent. A 2018 study concluded significant improvements in person’s with PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and drug use disorders. Two more studies published in 2019 supported these findings specific to anxiety and depression, encouraging further study of the potential psychotherapeutic effects of 5-MeO-DMT. 5-MeO-DMT is only listed as a controlled substance in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United States. It falls under the Controlled Substances act in the US, categorizing it as a Schedule 1 drug. In turn, this classification makes it difficult to obtain for clinical studies, so focus of research remains on more widely recognized psychedelics.
DMT is the most commonly occurring psychotropic compound (a chemical that alters brain function in such a way as to affect cognition, mood, behavior, consciousness, or perception) produced naturally in various plants and animals, including humans. It is the main psychoactive ingredient found in Ayahuasca, a healing medicine and spiritual tool used among indigenoius tribes in the Amazon for possibly thousands of years. Ayahuasca is a brew composed of two key jungle plants: Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Psychotria viridis is a shrub whose leaves are abound with DMT, Ayahusca’s main psychoactive ingredient. Banisteriopsis caapi is a woody vine containing alkaloids which function as MAOIS, temporarily blocking the stomach’s ability to metabolize DMT and allowing it to enter the bloodstream. To experience the effects of Ayahuasca, the plants must be consumed in combination. Ayahuasca is referred to by shamans as “La Madre,” a maternal entity who shares her insights with human beings. Under the guidance of a Curandero (healer), the brew is used to purge oneself of evil spirits, connect with ancestors, and provide physical and mental healing.
Upon its classification as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, research on DMT was halted until the 1990’s. It was during this time that Dr. Rick Strassman revived research into DMT, publishing his results which revealed similarities between DMT trips and religious experiences. Since then, research has been slowly ongoing, fueled by positive results, yet hindered by the difficulty in obtaining this drug for research. The main focus of studies has been centered on understanding functionality of the brain, as well as treatment for diagnosed psychiatric conditions such as: anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction. Positive short term and long term effects of DMT have been published, illustrating the safety and efficacy of this treatment and paving the way for further clinical trials. A study published in 2013 reported long lasting positive effects after 12 people with substance addiction were treated using DMT over the course of four months. Six months following this treatment, the patients showed a decrease in problematic drug use along with improved measures of hopefulness, empowerment, and mindfulness. This is just one of many studies revealing DMT’s healing potential, providing results that warrant further research.
The peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and San Pedro (Trichocereus pachanoi) are two species of cacti containing the psychotropic compound, Mescaline. A psychotropic compound is a chemical that alters brain function in such a way as to affect cognition, mood, behavior, consciousness, or perception. The peyote cactus, native to the deserts of Mexico and southern Texas, has been treasured by native tribes as a sacred medicine and essential to their way of life. It’s common name, Peyote, is derived from the Nahuatl word peyotl, meaning “divine messenger.” The peyote ritual, a sacramental practice involving the consumption of the peyote cactus, has been in practice for more than several thousands of years, yet was suppressed when Spanish forces invaded in the 16th century. Use of peyote remains prohibited in the US, however members of the Native American Church are permitted to use peyote. Anthropologists claim that the indigenous Huichol people of Mexico practice peyote traditions that closely resemble the peyote rituals of past centuries. The San Pedro cactus grows up to 20 feet in height along the Andes mountains in South America. The ceremonial use of this cactus involves diagnosing and treating various illnesses, strengthening tribal bonds, and purifying the body and spirit. It has been used for at least 3,000 years and it is believed by the natives that this cactus delivers knowledge to the person consuming it. San Pedro rituals are still performed today, however they are highly christianized due to the influence of Spanish missionaries. There is not much research into Mescaline as it has been outshined by more popular psychedelics such as LSD and Psilocybin. It remains poorly understood in the scientific community, yet its psychotropic effects are comparable to those produced by LSD. There was a study published in 2009 focusing on what effect mescaline has on the central nervous system, identifying neural and signaling mechanisms responsible for its biological effects. Further studies will need to be conducted in order to understand the mechanisms of this drug, as well as its potential for treating illnesses. There are no projected studies to be conducted, and without prior research warranting further study, it makes Mescaline even more difficult to acquire for clinical studies. Mescaline remains a Schedule 1 drug in the US, reserved only for the rights of members of the Native American Church.
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