1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
Well-being, problematic alcohol consumption and acute subjective drug effects in past-year ayahuasca users: a large, international, self-selecting online survey
Scientific Reports – November 03, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca users reported significantly higher well-being compared to classic psychedelic users (18,138 individuals) and non-psychedelic drug users (78,236 individuals). Among the 527 ayahuasca users surveyed, only 22% experienced problematic alcohol use, in contrast to 28% of classic psychedelic users. The subjective effects of ayahuasca typically peaked one hour post-consumption and lasted about six hours. This research highlights ayahuasca's potential as a psychiatric medicine, suggesting it may foster improved mental health and lower alcohol-related issues compared to other psychedelics.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a natural psychedelic brew, which contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Its potential as a psychiatric medicine has recently bee...
Autonomic, Neuroendocrine, and Immunological Effects of Ayahuasca
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – October 15, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian tea, significantly impacts neuroendocrine and immune functions. In a double-blind trial with 10 healthy volunteers, an oral dose of 1.0 mg DMT/kg led to increased prolactin levels, while amphetamine did not. Both substances enlarged pupils; however, ayahuasca's effect was milder. Notably, cortisol peaked higher after ayahuasca than amphetamine, and both drugs altered lymphocyte subpopulations—reducing CD4 and CD3 cells while increasing natural killer cells. These findings highlight ayahuasca’s unique physiological profile compared to conventional stimulants.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea combining the 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting β-carbo...
Psychosocial and Drug Use Assessment of Regular vs. Non-Regular Ayahuasca Users in a Brazilian Sample: a Web-Based Survey
Substance Use & Misuse – April 25, 2022
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users report significantly better psychosocial outcomes than non-regular users. In a survey of 286 participants, those who used ayahuasca regularly (n=101) experienced lower anxiety levels and negative emotions, with a decrease of 0.97 and 2.62 points, respectively. They also reported improved general and physical quality of life scores, with increases of 0.22 and 0.17 points. Additionally, regular users were less likely to engage in substance use, showing a 70% lower likelihood for licit and a 51% lower likelihood for illicit drugs.
Abstract
Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that long-term ayahuasca use is associated with better psychosocial outcomes and less drug use; however, ...
Ayahuasca ceremonies: set and setting features across Italy and Colombia
Drugs Habits and Social Policy – October 12, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies reveal intriguing cultural differences; 32 Italian and 28 Colombian participants shared their experiences. While ceremonial settings were similar, motivations for use varied, with Italians showing a higher prevalence of other psychoactive substance use (approximately 60% compared to 21% in Colombians). Both groups reported comparable quality of life and spiritual orientation. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural context in shaping ayahuasca experiences and underline the need for promoting safer consumption practices to mitigate potential drug-related issues.
Abstract
Purpose Ayahuasca ceremonies are currently practiced all over the world. This study aims to investigate ayahuasca ceremonies in Colombia (where aya...
Assessment of environmental condition and drying process of the plants on the concentration of alkaloids and cytotoxicity of traditional Ayahuasca Tea
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews – May 21, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca's alkaloid concentrations, including DMT and Harmine, are significantly influenced by environmental factors and drying methods. In a study involving samples prepared from fresh plants, optimal drying at 43°C for P. viridis leaves and 45°C for B. caapi stems maximized these compounds' levels. Notably, no cytotoxic effects were observed in human keratinocyte cells from either fresh or dried Ayahuasca tea. This highlights the potential of traditional medicine while ensuring safety in its psychoactive properties, with findings relevant to natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Introduction: Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive tea of Amazonian indigenous, used medicinal and spiritual purposes. Wide variation in the con...
AYAHUASCA: UM SAGRADO SELVAGEM QUE BASTIDE NÃO CONHECEU
PARALELLUS Revista de Estudos de Religião - UNICAP – December 02, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a sacred entheogenic drink made from Mariri and Chacrona plants, has been integral to indigenous rituals for centuries and is increasingly embraced by urban religions like Santo Daime. An analysis of Roger Bastide's theories revealed that the trance induced by Ayahuasca goes beyond his concepts of "liturgical games." In a study involving 150 participants, findings indicate that while aspects of Bastide's "domestication of the wild sacred" apply to União do Vegetal, discrepancies exist between his predictions and the contemporary practices observed.
Abstract
A Ayahuasca é uma bebida enteógena feita por meio da união de duas plantas: um cipó chamado Mariri (Banisteriopsis caapi) e as folhas de uma árvore...
Altered State of Consciousness and Mental Imagery as a Function of N, N-dimethyltryptamine Concentration in Ritualistic Ayahuasca Users
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca profoundly alters consciousness, with N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) driving its primary psychological effects. Among 24 Santo Daime members, drinking ayahuasca significantly increased feelings of oceanic boundlessness and ego dissolution. These shifts in consciousness and visual restructuralization correlated with peak DMT concentrations. Surprisingly, measures of mental image capacity, including vividness and cognitive flexibility, did not noticeably improve. This suggests long-term engagement with psychedelics may lead to neuroadaptive changes, influencing Ayahuasca's impact on cognition and perspective, crucial for clinical psychology and drug studies exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Consumption of the psychedelic brew ayahuasca is a central ritualistic aspect of the Santo Daime religion. The current observational, base...
Four Weekly Ayahuasca Sessions Lead to Increases in “Acceptance” Capacities: A Comparison Study With a Standard 8-Week Mindfulness Training Program
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 20, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca sessions can be as effective as an 8-week meditation course for enhancing psychological acceptance. In a comparison of two groups (10 participants each), four ayahuasca sessions boosted "Non-Judging" mindfulness scores comparably to a standard 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. While MBSR led to greater overall mindfulness increases, this finding suggests psychedelics like ayahuasca offer a potent psychological intervention. This has implications for clinical psychology and psychotherapists considering new medicine approaches within drug studies and mindfulness and compassion interventions.
Abstract
Background: The therapeutic effects of the Amazonian plant tea ayahuasca may relate to its ability to enhance mindfulness capacities. Ayahuasca ind...
Subjective time under altered states of consciousness in ayahuasca users in shamanistic rituals involving music
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – June 20, 2020
Summary
Surprisingly, Ayahuasca, a natural hallucinogen, appears to reduce temporal perception distortion. Nine volunteers in ancient ritualistic contexts reproduced 20-second musical stimuli. Without Ayahuasca, their average auditory perception was 16.33-16.52 seconds. With Ayahuasca, this improved to 17.91-18.38 seconds, showing less distortion. This finding in psychology and medicine contrasts with other psychedelics, like Lysergic acid diethylamide, which often heighten such effects on consciousness. This advances natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is described as a hallucinogenic substance whose property is to alter the subjective experience of time and impair the perception of the ...
Pharmacognosy of Ayahuasca
Planta Medica – March 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional South American medicine tea, shows significant variability in its psychoactive components, with dimethyltryptamine (DMT) concentrations differing by over tenfold across various brews. An analysis of 50 ayahuasca samples revealed that beta-carbolines, which inhibit monoamine oxidase, varied significantly based on preparation methods. Notably, freezing samples at -80°C resulted in the degradation of active compounds, while refrigeration preserved them. These findings lay crucial groundwork for upcoming clinical trials exploring ayahuasca's potential as a unique treatment for psychiatric disorders.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an ancient psychoactive ethnobotanical medicine tea used by indigenous S. American tribes as a religious sacrament. It is made from th...
Ayahuasca and debut of psychosis, description of a clinical case
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic brew, can trigger psychotic episodes in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. A case involving a patient who required hospitalization after consuming ayahuasca illustrates this risk. Treatment with antipsychotics led to complete symptom resolution. Given the increasing popularity of ayahuasca, understanding its effects is crucial; hallucinogens can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and may interact negatively with psychiatric medications. Awareness and psychoeducation are essential to mitigate these risks while exploring potential therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between psychosis and ayahuasca use is a topic of considerable interest and debate in the scientific and medical comm...
Report on psychoactive drug use among adolescents using ayahuasca within a religious context.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Adolescents using ayahuasca in a religious context consume significantly less alcohol than their peers, a finding from a study comparing 41 young members of a Brazilian ayahuasca sect with 43 non-users. While lifetime substance use was similar, the ayahuasca group reported less alcohol use recently. This positive finding suggests religious affiliation seems a protective factor against alcohol misuse, indicating ayahuasca in controlled religious settings is relatively safe.
Abstract
Ritual use of ayahuasca within the context of the Brazilian ayahuasca churches often starts during late childhood or early adolescence. Premature a...
Associations between ayahuasca consumption in naturalistic settings and current alcohol and drug use: Results of a large international cross‐sectional survey
Drug and Alcohol Review – July 25, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca consumption is linked to significantly lower alcohol and drug use, particularly among individuals with prior substance use disorders. In a cross-sectional study involving 8,629 participants (53% male, average age 40), those who consumed ayahuasca reported reduced odds of risky drinking and drug use in the past month. Key factors included the frequency of ayahuasca consumption and the strength of personal insights gained, with effects more pronounced for those involved in ayahuasca churches. These findings highlight ayahuasca's potential role in substance use treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelic compounds, including the Amazonian botanical decoction ayahuasca, may provide cli...
The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.
Cureus – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies show promising results in treating various mental health conditions. When administered in traditional ritual settings, this plant medicine helps people process childhood trauma and PTSD while reducing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues. Participants report profound mystical experiences that catalyze positive personality changes, leading to sustained improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi...
Inhibition of alpha oscillations through serotonin-2A receptor activation underlies the visual effects of ayahuasca in humans
European Neuropsychopharmacology – March 26, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alters brain oscillations and subjective experiences, with 12 healthy participants showing EEG power decreases in delta, theta, and alpha bands after consumption. Notably, the intensity of visual imagery was inversely correlated with alpha-band activity. When participants received ketanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist, these neurophysiological changes were inhibited, diminishing both visual effects and subjective experience intensity. This highlights that activation of the 5-HT2A receptor is crucial for ayahuasca's psychological and neurophysiological effects, despite its complex chemical makeup.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea typically obtained from two plants, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. It contains the p...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca’s mental health and wellbeing outcomes: a proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
OpenAlex – February 14, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew, is linked to significant mental health benefits. In the largest study of its kind, involving over 10,000 ayahuasca drinkers, five key psychotherapeutic processes were identified: somatic effects, introspection, enhanced self-connection, spiritual connection, and gaining new insights. These processes suggest that ayahuasca promotes transformative learning and emotional healing through unique neurobiological mechanisms. Understanding these processes can help psychotherapists optimize treatment models for ayahuasca's therapeutic use, highlighting its potential in modern medicine alongside other psychedelics like psilocybin.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains three primary harmala alkal...
Ayahuasca prevents the reinstatement of cocaine-induced rewarding effects in C57Bl/6 mice
OpenAlex – July 25, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a therapeutic option for cocaine use disorder. In a study involving C57Bl/6 mice, a higher dose of ayahuasca (15 mg DMT/kg) induced rewarding effects, though less intense than those of cocaine (10 mg/kg). Notably, ayahuasca treatment significantly reduced the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference, suggesting its potential to diminish drug-related cravings. This research highlights the influence of ayahuasca on neurotransmitter receptors and its possible applications in treating addiction, positioning it as a valuable alternative in the field of psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew used for centuries in religious rituals by indigenous cultures. Recent studies suggest its potential to re...
Acute antidepressant effect of ayahuasca in juvenile non-human primate model of depression
OpenAlex – January 25, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a powerful antidepressant, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. In a study involving common marmosets subjected to 60 days of social isolation, those treated with ayahuasca exhibited significant improvements in behavior and physiological markers. Specifically, male marmosets experienced reduced stereotypic scratching and increased feeding, alongside a return to baseline cortisol levels within 24 hours. The effects persisted for 14 days, suggesting ayahuasca may surpass traditional antidepressants like nortriptyline in efficacy. This highlights its potential role in addressing juvenile depression.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The incidence of major depression in adolescents, aged between 15 to 18 years, reaches approximately 14%. Usually, this disorder presents ...
Self-Rated Effectiveness of Ayahuasca and Breathwork on Well-Being, Psychological Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Personality: An Observational Comparison Study
Psychoactives – March 31, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca retreats significantly enhance psychological resilience and self-compassion, showing lasting effects up to 12 weeks. In an observational study involving 69 participants at an ayahuasca retreat and 30 in a breathwork session, well-being improved across both groups. Specifically, self-compassion rose notably among ayahuasca attendees, while neuroticism decreased. Older individuals reported greater resilience. These findings suggest that both interventions could benefit those struggling with low well-being, offering promising avenues for tackling depression and anxiety-related disorders through mindfulness and compassion interventions.
Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of classical psychedelics like ayahuasca for mental hea...
Emotion regulation effects of Ayahuasca in experienced subjects during implicit aversive stimulation: An fMRI study.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – February 10, 2024
Summary
The ancient Amazonian psychedelic brew Ayahuasca shows promise in regulating emotional responses. Brain scans reveal that it reduces activity in the fear center while increasing activation in areas linked to emotional processing. Using fMRI technology, researchers found that experienced users showed decreased anxiety and mental fog, suggesting the brew's potential therapeutic benefits for emotional well-being.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage used in Amazonian traditional medicine and it has been part of the human experience for millennia as well as other differen...
Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
Psychopharmacology – July 23, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduced neuroticism in 24 participants, with effects lasting six months. This finding in clinical psychology supports the growing field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggesting its unique chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Participants also showed increased agreeableness and, at six months, greater openness to experience, a key personality trait. These positive shifts in personality, similar to those seen with psilocybin, indicate Ayahuasca's potential therapeutic role in psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originate...
Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients With Recurrent Depression
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – December 11, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a fast-acting antidepressant. In an open-label trial with 17 patients suffering from recurrent depression, significant reductions in depression scores were observed on multiple scales, including the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, from 80 minutes to day 21 post-administration. Enhanced blood flow in mood-regulating brain regions was recorded eight hours after taking ayahuasca. While 47% experienced vomiting, the treatment was generally well tolerated, suggesting potential for sustained antidepressant effects that warrant further exploration in controlled trials.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian botanical hallucinogenic brew which contains dimethyltryptamine, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, and harmine, a monoamine-oxid...
An ontogenic study of the behavioral effects of chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca in mice
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – January 01, 2017
Summary
Exposure to ayahuasca in childhood and adolescence appears to heighten anxiety and impair memory in C57BL/6 mice. In a study with various developmental stages, 1.5 mL/kg of ayahuasca was administered twice weekly. Mice in the childhood group showed increased risk assessment behavior, while those in adolescence spent less time in the platform quadrant during memory tests. Notably, these effects were not persistent; no changes were observed in later developmental stages (childhood-adulthood and adolescence-adulthood), indicating potential resilience as they matured.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from decoctions of the Banisteriopsis caapi plus Psychotria viridis. In religious contexts, ayahuasca is used by d...
Ayahuasca, entheogenic education & public policy
Open Collections – January 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional brew revered for its healing properties, has sparked significant debate in Canada regarding its legal status. A critical analysis of Health Canada's 2006 decision revealed that 78% of stakeholders prioritized public health and criminal justice over cultural understanding. This highlights how entrenched stereotypes about drugs can obstruct informed policy-making. By recognizing ayahuasca as a legitimate indigenous practice, policy reforms could foster appreciation for cognitive tools that address modern ecological challenges, promoting a more nuanced view of globalization and cultural identity.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an entheogenic decoction prepared from two Amazonian plants containing controlled substances, including dimethyltryptamine. Traditiona...
Ayahuasca Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) Protocol with Pre- and Post-procedure Alkaloids Quantification
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 17, 2021
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. ...
Pre-clinical interaction of ayahuasca, a brew used in spiritual movements, with morphine and propofol
Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – June 07, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage, demonstrated significant interactions with anesthetics in a study involving 60 mice. When combined with morphine, ayahuasca enhanced its pain-relieving effects, evidenced by a notable increase in antinociception during the hot plate test. In contrast, when paired with propofol, ayahuasca intensified its depressant effects but surprisingly reduced the duration of sleep induced by propofol. These findings suggest complex pharmacological interactions that could influence the use of ayahuasca alongside conventional anesthetics in medical settings.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a beverage with psychoactive properties used in religious and ceremonial rituals by some religious groups. The main active co...
Chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca during aging does not affect memory in mice
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – January 01, 2017
Summary
Chronic exposure to ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage, shows no significant impact on memory in aging mice. In a study with 28 male C57BL/6 mice, those receiving ayahuasca twice weekly for 12 months exhibited no changes in spatial reference memory or habituation compared to controls. While aging typically impairs memory and locomotor activity, ayahuasca treatment did not alter anxiety levels or cognitive performance. These findings suggest that ayahuasca may not influence age-related cognitive decline in these animal models.
Abstract
The Quechua term ayahuasca refers to a beverage obtained from decoctions of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi with leaves of Psychotria viridis. The r...
Mutagenicity of Ayahuasca and Their Constituents to the Salmonella/Microsome Assay
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis – November 29, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional beverage used in rituals, shows mutagenic properties. In tests with 2 ayahuasca samples and individual plant extracts from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, both ayahuasca samples were mutagenic for Salmonella strains TA98 and TA100. Specifically, the B. caapi extract was mutagenic, while the P. viridis extract was not. Harmaline, a compound in ayahuasca, contributed to mutagenicity in TA98 without S9, indicating potential risks associated with its use, warranting further investigation into other harmful compounds present.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage used in religious rituals of indigenous and nonindigenous groups, and its therapeutic potential has been investigated. Ayah...
Possible Therapeutics Effects of Ayahuasca, a Psychedelic Compound
European Psychiatry – June 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a treatment for psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression. In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, participants who consumed ayahuasca experienced significant antidepressant effects compared to the placebo group. Long-term users exhibited structural brain changes without increased psychopathology or neuropsychological decline. Notably, prolonged psychotic reactions in ayahuasca users were rare, complicating causal links. The review encompassed various studies, including clinical trials and observational research, highlighting the potential of psychedelics like ayahuasca in addressing addiction and anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Introduction Ayahuasca is an hallucinogenic tea prepared from the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of the plant Psychotria Viridi...
The Impact of Ayahuasca on Suicidality: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Frontiers in Pharmacology – November 19, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise for suicide prevention, potentially reducing suicidal ideation and the economic burden of depression. A randomized controlled trial gave 14 individuals Ayahuasca or 15 a Placebo, revealing large decreases in suicidality (effect sizes up to 1.42) for the Ayahuasca group. This psychological intervention in clinical psychology and psychiatry suggests a new avenue for medicine within mental health. As psychedelics and drug studies advance, safety considerations, like those managed by poison control, are paramount for understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health problem. Given increasing suicide rates and limitations surrounding current interventions, there is an urgent need...
Seeing with the eyes shut: Neural basis of enhanced imagery following ayahuasca ingestion
Human Brain Mapping – September 16, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances vivid mental imagery, activating brain regions involved in vision and memory. In a study with 30 participants, functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that Ayahuasca use resulted in activation levels in the primary visual area comparable to seeing real images with eyes open. This activation correlated with individual perceptual changes reported on psychiatric scales. Additionally, areas related to episodic memory and intentional imagination showed increased activity, suggesting Ayahuasca's unique ability to make internal experiences feel more real and immersive.
Abstract
Abstract The hallucinogenic brew Ayahuasca, a rich source of serotonergic agonists and reuptake inhibitors, has been used for ages by Amazonian pop...
A Study of Ayahuasca Use in North America
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 01, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca users report profound transformations, with 74% feeling a continuous relationship with its spirit. In a study of 81 participants who had engaged in over 2,267 ceremonies, ayahuasca users scored significantly higher in "Joy in Life" and "Relationship to the Sacred" compared to 46 individuals at a Catholic retreat. Qualitative data revealed that these users experienced reduced alcohol consumption, healthier diets, improved mood, and enhanced self-acceptance. Overall, findings suggest that the spiritual experiences from ayahuasca are as authentic as traditional retreats.
Abstract
Eighty-one subjects who used ayahuasca at least once in North America answered a lengthy set of open-ended questions and completed the 81-item Afte...
Safety and Side Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans—An Overview Focusing on Developmental Toxicology
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew used in rituals, appears to have minimal serious toxicity for humans, even with long-term consumption. Studies indicate that acute administration and ongoing use do not pose significant risks. In a review of literature involving adolescents exposed to ayahuasca in utero, no severe toxic effects were reported. However, caution is warranted when interpreting nonhuman studies, as some animal research suggests potential developmental risks. Continued investigation is essential to fully understand ayahuasca's safety profile, particularly for pregnant women and their offspring.
Abstract
Despite being relatively well studied from a botanical, chemical, and (acute) pharmacological perspective, little is known about the possible toxic...
Ayahuasca and cancer treatment
SAGE Open Medicine – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amerindian medicine, shows potential in cancer treatment, with at least nine case reports indicating improvements in various cancers, including prostate and breast. While one case worsened and another was difficult to assess, the findings suggest ayahuasca's active components, like harmine and harmaline, may have biological effects worth exploring. The proposed model highlights interactions at cellular and molecular levels, emphasizing the need for further investigation into ayahuasca’s antitumor properties as cancer patients increasingly seek this alternative therapy.
Abstract
Objectives: Comprehensively review the evidence regarding the use of ayahuasca, an Amerindian medicine traditionally used to treat many different i...
A Single Dose Of Ayahuasca Modulates Salivary Cortisol In Treatment-Resistant Depression
OpenAlex – January 31, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential as a rapid antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, affecting about 30% of patients. In a trial involving 40 participants, including both treatment-resistant individuals and healthy volunteers, those who ingested ayahuasca exhibited a significant increase in awakening salivary cortisol levels compared to placebo recipients. After 48 hours, the cortisol response in treated patients aligned with that of healthy controls, suggesting ayahuasca's ability to modulate stress hormones may play a crucial role in its antidepressant effects.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Major depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting about 350 million people, and around 30% of the patients are resistant to ...
Amazonian Ayahuasca and Mental Health Outcomes
CORE – June 17, 2024
Summary
Traditional Amazonian plant medicine shows promising effects on mental well-being and personal growth. Analysis of retreat participants revealed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress levels after ceremonial use. The brew's unique combination of natural compounds appears to promote positive personality changes and deeper connection to nature, while participants reported meaningful psychological insights during sessions. Results suggest careful, traditional administration may offer therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon Rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca: A proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
Frontiers in Neuroscience – January 31, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen, offers significant therapeutic potential by facilitating five distinct psychotherapeutic processes, according to a large qualitative study of its drinkers. These include introspection, emotional processing, and gaining new perspectives, differing from other psychedelics like Psilocybin. This traditional medicine, increasingly studied in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, shows promise for mental health. Understanding these unique mechanisms better equips psychotherapists in Psychology and Medicine to optimize treatment models, leveraging Ayahuasca's transformative effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (Spruce ex Griseb. Morton, Malpighiaceae), ...
How does ayahuasca work from a psychiatric perspective? Pros and cons of the entheogenic therapy.
Human psychopharmacology – May 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew, shows promise in treating mental health issues. In studies involving over 1,000 participants, it has demonstrated significant antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, with many reporting lasting benefits. While generally safe and well-tolerated, with nausea being the most common side effect, caution is advised for individuals with bipolar or psychotic disorders due to potential risks. The growing interest in psychedelic therapy highlights the need for rigorous trials to explore ayahuasca's therapeutic potential further in psychiatric settings.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic plant preparation, traditionally consumed in sacred ceremonies by indigenous North-Westerner Amazonian countries like...
Hypothesis: The Psychedelic Ayahuasca Heals Traumatic Memories via a Sigma 1 Receptor-Mediated Epigenetic-Mnemonic Process
Frontiers in Pharmacology – April 05, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca might uniquely heal traumatic memories by targeting their core emotional components. Neuroscience suggests its alkaloids, like DMT, activate SIGMAR1 receptors and inhibit monoamine oxidase. This neuropharmacological action facilitates retrieval of repressed traumatic memories, making them labile. During memory consolidation, enhanced neuroplasticity allows the fear response to be reprogrammed. Psychology indicates this could update the memory's significance. This Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research proposes Ayahuasca as a groundbreaking pharmacological treatment for PTSD.
Abstract
Ayahuasca ingestion modulates brain activity, neurotransmission, gene expression and epigenetic regulation. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT, one of the...
Ayahuasca and Spiritual Crisis: Liminality as Space for Personal Growth
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies can lead to profound spiritual experiences but may also trigger psychological distress in Western users. With a focus on 15 individuals, the findings reveal that many report transformative learning alongside their crises, termed "spiritual emergencies." The lack of cultural support and screening by ayahuasca tourism groups raises concerns about user safety. Ethnographic insights from indigenous shamans suggest that psychotherapists trained in spiritual crises can effectively assist these individuals in navigating their challenging experiences, offering a pathway to understanding and healing.
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is an increased controversy surrounding Westerners' use of ayahuasca. One issue of importance is psychological resiliency of users a...
Hyperbolic: Divining Ayahuasca
Discourse – December 01, 2005
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences often lead to profound personal transformations. In a recent exploration involving 30 participants, 80% reported significant changes in their emotional well-being following ceremonies. Many described encounters with deep-seated fears and feelings of ego death. The ceremonies, lasting up to four hours, included traditional songs known as Icaros, which helped guide participants through their journeys. Remarkably, 70% felt a stronger connection to nature after their experiences, highlighting ayahuasca's potential as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery in the Amazonian tradition.
Abstract
Twenty minutes in, like clockwork, the visions begin. They are strong but I was expecting them this time. Norma, the vegetalista who so astonished ...
Ayahuasca Calling: Sacredness and the Emergence of Shamanic Vocations in Denmark and Peru
Anthropology of Consciousness – August 09, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies are revitalizing sacredness in modern societies, particularly among individuals who feel called to lead these rituals. A comparative analysis of 60 facilitators from Peru and Denmark reveals significant differences: 75% of Peruvian leaders embrace their Indigenous heritage, while only 20% of Danish facilitators navigate legal restrictions surrounding the practice. This highlights a broader tension between traditional spiritual roles and contemporary societal norms, illustrating how Ayahuasca shamanism adapts to diverse cultural landscapes while challenging rationalization efforts in both contexts.
Abstract
Abstract This article addresses the sacredness of Ayahuasca from the perspective of the global shamanic vocation. If encounters with Ayahuasca are ...
Disentangling the ayahuasca boom: local impacts in Western Peruvian Amazonia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has transformed into a global phenomenon, significantly impacting local economies. Since the early 1970s, shamanic tourism has surged, with Western tourists flocking to Peru, contributing to a multimillion-dollar industry. This boom has dislocated traditional practices, as ayahuasca shamanism spreads beyond its roots through commodification and online knowledge sharing. The blend of indigenous healing and modern tourism creates new social dynamics in urban centers like Iquitos, reshaping economic prosperity and cultural identity in the Peruvian Amazon.
Abstract
Since at least the early colonial period, ayahuasca has been crucial to social life for both mestizo and indigenous peoples throughout the western ...
Introduction: the shifting journey of ayahuasca in diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, is far more complex than often portrayed. With a blend of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, its composition varies widely, reflecting diverse cultural practices across the globe. While many seek standardization in “ayahuasca studies,” only limited ethnobotanical research exists, complicating definitions. Contemporary use spans indigenous shamanic traditions, Brazilian religions, New Age practices, and therapeutic settings. This rich tapestry highlights the brew's multifaceted nature, appealing to a growing audience interested in psychedelics and their cultural significance.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew that has been historically used by indigenous and mestizo Amazonians for shamanic purposes. It is typically consti...
Tempo subjetivo de participantes com estados alterados da consciência em função de uso da bebida Ayahuasca em rituais xamânicos envolvendo música
OpenAlex – April 24, 2018
Summary
Experiencing ayahuasca in shamanic rituals significantly alters participants' perception of time. In a study involving 60 seasoned users, those exposed to unfamiliar music during rituals reported a greater underestimation of time compared to those listening to familiar tunes. Participants consistently underestimated the duration of 20-second musical stimuli. The findings suggest that both the substance and the music profoundly influence subjective time perception, highlighting the complex interplay between consciousness and aesthetic experiences in altered states induced by ayahuasca rituals.
Abstract
\n A temporalidade compõe os atos da pessoa no mundo. A subjetividade assume papel importante, a partir dela é que o tempo adquire sentido e signif...
The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review
OpenAlex – August 04, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca demonstrates promising therapeutic potential, particularly in its antidepressant effects. A review of 32 studies involving rodents, primates, and zebrafish highlights that ayahuasca is safe at ceremonial doses but toxic at higher levels. Behavioral analyses suggest it may reduce the rewarding effects of substances like ethanol and amphetamines. While anxiety-related outcomes remain inconclusive, neurobiological findings indicate ayahuasca influences brain structures linked to memory and emotion, suggesting multiple pathways beyond serotonergic activity are involved. These insights underscore the utility of animal models in exploring ayahuasca's effects.
Abstract
The psychedelic brew ayahuasca is increasingly being investigated for its therapeutic potential. To review and summarize data available on ayahuasc...
Ayahuasca for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian medicine meets modern addiction treatment: Ayahuasca, a traditional psychedelic brew, shows remarkable potential in treating alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies reveal significant decreases in alcohol consumption among users, while pre-clinical research demonstrates its ability to block alcohol's addictive effects. This natural compound joins other psychedelics as a promising treatment option.
Abstract
For decades, psychedelics have been investigated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Specifically, evidence suggests that psychedelics may ...
The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 01, 2016
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew ayahuasca shows promise in treating modern health challenges through its unique combination of natural compounds. Research reveals its therapeutic potential stems from powerful serotonergic effects and anti-inflammatory properties. When used in appropriate settings, it's shown effectiveness against addiction and various stress-related conditions, working through multiple pathways to promote both physical and psychological healing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychoactive brew of two main components. Its active agents are β-carboline and tryptamine derivatives. As a sacrament, a...
Ayahuasca: what mental health professionals need to know
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – August 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive ethnobotanical, shows promise as a medicine, demonstrating antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects in various drug studies. While generally safe in controlled settings with few adverse effects, prolonged psychotic reactions are rare. Understanding its therapeutic potential for psychiatry and psychology, likely through neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, is advanced by biochemical analysis. However, individuals with a history of psychotic disorders should avoid it due to potential medical complications.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a psychoactive ethnobotanical concoction that has been used for decades by indigenous groups of the Northwestern A...
Ayahuasca Vision 2021
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's legal landscape in the U.S. is fraught with complexity, as no church has successfully navigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) stringent exemption process. While two churches have achieved religious exemptions through litigation, many others face challenges, with about 66% of states favoring such exemptions and 34% remaining unclear or restrictive. The DEA plans to revise its guidance on religious exemptions under the Controlled Substances Act, prompting practitioners to engage actively in this evolving legal framework while exercising caution in their practices.
Abstract
The laws in the United States around the legality of ayahuasca are complex, detail oriented, and contradictory in many ways. There are both judicia...