Ayahuasca for the Treatment of Depression.
Fernanda Palhano-Fontes, Bruno Lobão Soares, Nicole Leite Galvão-Coelho, Emerson Arcoverde, Draulio B Araujo
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences January 1, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_277 via PubMed
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew containing DMT and MAOi, has shown significant and rapid antidepressant effects, with improvements observed as early as one day after treatment. Evidence from clinical trials supports its potential in treating treatment-resistant depression. This article reviews the history, pharmacology, and clinical findings related to ayahuasca's antidepressant properties.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Ayahuasca has demonstrated significant and rapid antidepressant effects starting as early as one day after the intervention. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca, the vine of the souls in Quechua, is a psychedelic brew with a few formulations that most often include the bark of a liana in the Malpighiaceae family (Banisteriopsis caapi), with leaves from a shrub in the coffee family Rubiaceae (Psychotria viridis). Mixed with water and boiled for hours or days, it produces a brownish-colored liquid with a strong and characteristic taste. Ayahuasca contains the psychedelic tryptamine N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOi), and in the past few years, it has been tested. In recent years its antidepressant properties have been put to the test. Evidence from open and randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials has shown encouraging results, indicating significant and rapid antidepressant effects, starting as early as 1 day after the ayahuasca intervention. In addition, we have explored the nature of these effects using multivariate measures. In this article, we will review the history, pharmacology, clinical trials, and clinical and behavioral markers associated with the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca.