Ayahuasca Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) Protocol with Pre- and Post-procedure Alkaloids Quantification
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 17, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A reproducible five-day protocol for freeze-drying ayahuasca yields approximately 295 grams of extract from two liters of the traditional brew, maintaining similar alkaloid concentrations. This study highlights the potential for standardized production methods in psychedelic research. The freeze-dried ayahuasca, with a dry matter content of 14.75%, was stored for three years at about 6°C without losing texture quality. Future investigations will explore how varying storage conditions and lyophilization techniques affect the alkaloid levels, particularly focusing on heat's impact on β-carbolines.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from the decoction of different Amazonian plants, traditionally used in several cultures, religions, and rituals. Scientific studies with ayahuasca are rapidly increasing due to its subjective effects and therapeutic potential. Although ayahuasca is traditionally used in its liquid presentation, lyophilized (freeze-dried) ayahuasca is often used in scientific experimentation settings. However, there is no standard process or guideline to freeze-dry ayahuasca nor comparison of the chemical profile between the liquid and freeze-dried presentations. Therefore, we describe a reproducible five-day protocol for ayahuasca lyophilization with alkaloids quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry of both the liquid and the final freeze-dried ayahuasca. By the end of the protocol, approximately 295 g of freeze-dried extract with similar alkaloids concentration were obtained from two liters of ayahuasca (dry matter: 14.75 %). The final extract was stored for three years inside a vacuum desiccator (approximately 6°C) with its texture quality preserved. Further studies should address the impact of different storage conditions and the lyophilization on the alkaloids' quantity of the freeze-dried ayahuasca, especially the use of heat in regards to the β-carbolines.