The role of ayahuasca in cell viability and oxidative stress in gastric adenocarcinoma cell line.
Natural product research – July 04, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Ayahuasca, the ancient Amazonian ceremonial brew, shows promising potential in fighting stomach cancer cells. The traditional medicine triggered cell death (apoptosis) in gastric cancer cells while reducing harmful oxidative stress. Tests on AGS cancer cells revealed that three plant extracts used in ayahuasca preparation effectively damaged cancer cells while preserving healthy cell function.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage native to the Amazon, originally derived from Banisteriopsis caapi stem scrapings and Psychotria viridis leaves, exhibits hallucinogenic properties due to N,N-dimethyltryptamine. When combined with β-carbolines, it enters the bloodstream and central nervous system, inhibiting monoamine oxidase-A. Over time, therapeutic effects have been associated to ayahuasca consumption. This study assessed the impact of extracts from three plant decoctions used in ayahuasca preparation on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). MTT reduction assays selected B. caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala samples as most effective. Lactate dehydrogenase activity evaluated membrane integrity loss, while oxidative stress induction was measured using dihydroethidium and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probes. Results revealed apoptosis induction in AGS cells, with all three samples significantly reducing oxidative stress.