Changes in inflammatory biomarkers are related to the antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 10, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels in a trial involving 28 treatment-resistant depression patients and 45 healthy controls. Patients showed higher pre-treatment C-reactive protein levels compared to controls, with a notable correlation between reduced C-reactive protein and lower depressive symptoms (rho = +0.57) 48 hours post-ingestion. Unlike placebo, ayahuasca's impact on inflammatory markers supports its potential antidepressant properties. While interleukin 6 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor showed no significant effects, these findings deepen our understanding of ayahuasca's biological mechanisms in treating depression.
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazon brew and its potential antidepressant properties have recently been explored in scientific settings. We conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of ayahuasca with treatment-resistant depression patients ( n = 28) and healthy controls ( n = 45). Aims: We are evaluating the blood inflammatory biomarkers: C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, as a potential consequence of ayahuasca intake and their correlation with serum cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Blood samples were collected at pre-treatment and 48 hours after substance ingestion to assess the concentration of inflammatory biomarkers, together with administration of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Results: At pre-treatment, patients showed higher C-reactive protein levels than healthy controls and a significant negative correlation between C-reactive protein and serum cortisol levels was revealed ( rho = –0.40, n = 14). C-reactive protein in those patients was not correlated with Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores. We observed a significant reduction of C-reactive protein levels across time in both patients and controls treated with ayahuasca, but not with placebo. Patients treated with ayahuasca showed a significant correlation ( rho = + 0.57) between larger reductions of C-reactive protein and lower depressive symptoms at 48 hours after substance ingestion (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale). No significant result with respect to interleukin 6 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor was found. Furthermore, these biomarkers did not predict the antidepressant response or remission rates observed. Conclusions: These findings enhance the understanding of the biological mechanisms behind the observed antidepressant effects of ayahuasca and encourage further clinical trials in adults with depression.