Gas chromatographic analysis of dimethyltryptamine and β‐carboline alkaloids in ayahuasca, an amazonian psychoactive plant beverage
Phytochemical Analysis – January 12, 2009
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A novel gas chromatographic method successfully quantifies key alkaloids in ayahuasca, including the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines like harmine and harmaline. This method achieved a lower limit of quantification of 0.02 mg/mL across a concentration range of 0.02–4.0 mg/mL, with linear calibration curves (r² > 0.99) and high precision (RSD < 10%). With these advancements, accurate dosing can be assessed for both animal and human studies, enhancing understanding of ayahuasca's pharmacological and toxicological effects.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Ayahuasca is obtained by infusing the pounded stems of Banisteriopsis caapi in combination with the leaves of Psychotria viridis . P . viridis is rich in the psychedelic indole N , N ‐dimethyltryptamine, whereas B . caapi contains substantial amounts of β ‐carboline alkaloids, mainly harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, which are monoamine‐oxidase inhibitors. Because of differences in composition in ayahuasca preparations, a method to measure their main active constituents is needed. Objective To develop a gas chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of dimethyltryptamine and the main β ‐carbolines found in ayahuasca preparations. Methodology The alkaloids were extracted by means of solid phase extraction (C 18 ) and detected by gas chromatography with nitrogen/phosphorous detector. Results The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.02 mg/mL for all analytes. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 0.02–4.0 mg/mL ( r 2 > 0.99). The method was also precise (RSD < 10%). Conclusion A simple gas chromatographic method to determine the main alkaloids found in ayahuasca was developed and validated. The method can be useful to estimate administered doses in animals and humans for further pharmacological and toxicological investigations of ayahuasca. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.