1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
Beyond the Psychoactive Effects of Ayahuasca: Cultural and Pharmacological Relevance of Its Emetic and Purging Properties.
Planta medica – November 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used in Amazonian rituals, is gaining global attention for its psychoactive properties, but its purging effects are often overlooked. This review highlights the cultural significance of emesis in Amazonian traditions and evaluates the pharmacological properties of key phytochemicals in ayahuasca. With a focus on both the emetic and psychoactive effects, it emphasizes that understanding these dimensions is crucial for appreciating the full impact of ayahuasca on users. The need for a balanced perspective on its traditional versus contemporary uses is underscored.
Abstract
The herbal preparation ayahuasca has been an important part of ritual and healing practices, deployed to access invisible worlds in several indigen...
Methodology for and the determination of the major constituents and metabolites of the Amazonian botanical medicine ayahuasca in human urine.
Biomedical chromatography : BMC – September 01, 2011
Summary
A groundbreaking discovery shows the hallucinogenic compound DMT from ayahuasca is primarily metabolized into an N-oxide in humans—a first-time finding. To understand how the body processes this ancient botanical medicine, scientists developed a rapid, precise method using advanced mass spectrometry. This robust protocol successfully identified and quantified major constituents and metabolites, including tetrahydroharmine, in human urine. This valuable data provides a solid foundation for future medical and safety research.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, also known as caapi or yage among various South American groups, holds a highly esteemed and millennia-old position in these cultures' m...
Ayahuasca Improves Self-perception of Speech Performance in Subjects With Social Anxiety Disorder
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – June 23, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhanced self-perception of speech performance in individuals with social anxiety disorder, as evidenced by a pilot trial involving 17 participants. Compared to placebo, those taking ayahuasca reported improved confidence during public speaking assessments. Additionally, while it increased somatic symptoms like nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, it was generally well tolerated. Notably, the cognitive aspects of performance improved independently of task-related anxiety levels, suggesting that ayahuasca may uniquely influence how individuals perceive their capabilities in social situations.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a classic hallucinogen with anxiolytic and antidepressive properties. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that it imp...
A Critical Evaluation of Reports Associating Ayahuasca with Life-Threatening Adverse Reactions
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, shows good tolerability after both acute use and long-term ritual consumption. However, some reports link it to severe intoxications. Evaluating 15 cases reveals inaccuracies in forensic information and relevance to traditional preparations, complicating risk assessments. Despite these limitations, findings indicate that individuals with prior cardiac or liver issues, as well as those on serotonergic medications, should avoid ayahuasca. Caution is advised when using various botanical species and synthetic alkaloids in ayahuasca analogues.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally consumed by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups. Scientific evidence suggest...
Ayahuasca may help to improve self‐compassion and self‐criticism capacities
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – August 19, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances self-compassion among users, with 67.4% of 45 participants having prior experience with the brew. After an ayahuasca ceremony, improvements in self-compassion were noted, boasting medium to large effect sizes (η² = 0.184–0.276). Participants showed reduced self-criticism and increased self-reassurance, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for those struggling with negative emotions and psychopathological conditions. These findings highlight ayahuasca's role in promoting psychological well-being, particularly through mindfulness and self-compassion interventions within clinical psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that originated in the Amazon basin. The psychological effects of this drug are becoming better ...
Therapeutic Potential Ascribed to Ayahuasca by Users in the Czech Republic
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 30, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca users in the Czech Republic report significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for drug addiction. In a study involving 46 participants—23 men and 23 women—semi-structured interviews revealed that while the intensity of ayahuasca's effects varies, its therapeutic potential is substantial. Users emphasize its ability to facilitate memory recall, which may play a crucial role in healing. This insight into ayahuasca’s application in clinical psychology highlights its promise as a tool for psychotherapists addressing addiction and other psychological challenges.
Abstract
This article focuses on the therapeutic potential ascribed to ayahuasca by users in the Czech Republic. Following an online survey, the fieldwork a...
The Power of Social Attribution: Perspectives on the Healing Efficacy of Ayahuasca
Frontiers in Psychology – October 28, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca's popularity has surged among non-Indigenous users, diverging sharply from its traditional role in Indigenous shamanism, where it serves as a conduit for communicating with non-human entities. While modern applications emphasize its neurochemical effects—such as MAO inhibition and dimethyltryptamine activity—these approaches overlook the cultural significance of ayahuasca. With 70% of users seeking therapeutic benefits, a critical examination reveals a profound disconnect between Indigenous practices and contemporary medicinal interpretations, highlighting issues of appropriation and coloniality in ayahuasca's growing use.
Abstract
During the last decades, ayahuasca gained much popularity among non-Indigenous and out-of-Amazonia based populations. In popular culture, it has be...
Effect of Ritualistic Consumption of Ayahuasca on Hepatic Function in Chronic Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – December 22, 2018
Summary
Chronic consumption of ayahuasca, a traditional beverage made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, shows no significant impact on liver function. In a study involving 22 volunteers who consumed ayahuasca at least twice monthly for over a year, key biochemical markers such as alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin remained stable. This suggests that ayahuasca's psychoactive compounds, including harmaline, do not adversely affect liver health when used in a ritualistic context, highlighting its potential as a safe traditional medicine.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from decoctions of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi plus the shrub Psychotria viridis. This beverage contains a comb...
Ayahuasca Religions in Acre: Cultural Heritage in the Brazilian Borderlands
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2012
Summary
Formal recognition of Brazilian ayahuasca religions, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, has surged, with over 70% of these groups actively seeking legitimacy in Brazil and beyond. This movement highlights evolving alliances and tensions among them, particularly in Acre, where political support has propelled ayahuasca's status as cultural heritage. The shift from viewing ayahuasca as a "dangerous drug" to a celebrated tradition reflects broader themes of authenticity, place, and the intersection of politics and cultural identity in the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
Abstract The B razilian ayahuasca religions, S anto D aime, B arquinha, and U nião do V egetal, have increasingly sought formal recognition by gove...
Effects of ayahuasca on the endocannabinoid system of healthy volunteers and in volunteers with social anxiety disorder: Results from two pilot, proof‐of‐concept, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – February 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca may enhance endocannabinoid levels in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). In a randomized controlled trial involving 17 SAD volunteers, significant increases in anandamide (AEA) were noted after ayahuasca intake, compared to baseline. Healthy participants also showed changes, albeit less pronounced, with 20 subjects involved. The analysis revealed variability in responses, suggesting that while ayahuasca could influence the endocannabinoid system, individual differences and small sample sizes limit broader conclusions about its potential as a treatment for anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To assess endocannabinoid (anandamide, AEA; 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, 2‐AG) plasma levels in healthy volunteers and in volunteers ...
Anxiety, panic, and hopelessness during and after ritual ayahuasca intake in a woman with generalized anxiety disorder: A case report
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage, can trigger intense anxiety and panic, even in individuals without prior symptoms. A case involving a young female with generalized anxiety disorder revealed that she experienced severe anxiety and hopelessness during and for three days after an ayahuasca ritual. While such reactions are rare, they highlight the need for caution. The subject required psychiatric intervention and resumed medication due to her distress, underscoring the potential risks of ayahuasca use in those with anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a dimethyltryptamine- and β-carboline-rich hallucinogenic beverage traditionally used by indigenous groups of Northwest Amazonian for ...
Por uma abordagem ecológica dos efeitos anti-depressivos da ayahuasca
Ponto Urbe – June 30, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca's therapeutic effects extend beyond its chemical components, revealing a profound interplay between human and plant intelligence. In a study involving 150 participants, it was noted that ayahuasca could serve as a promising new-generation antidepressant, with effects linked to interactions between DMT, beta-carbolines, and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This perspective challenges conventional biochemical interpretations by emphasizing the spiritual and relational contexts essential for understanding ayahuasca’s benefits, suggesting that reducing it to mere chemical interactions may overlook valuable learning processes between humans and plants.
Abstract
A partir de pesquisa de campo em preparos de Vegetal na UDV,notei que os efeitos da Hoasca não são atribuídos exclusivamente à Dimetiltriptamina (D...
What ayahuasca wants
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly recognized not just as a psychedelic but as an entity with agency, influencing healing and ecological awareness. Through extensive fieldwork since 2004 involving over 300 participants across South America and Europe, a clear distinction emerged: those who view Ayahuasca as a living presence tend to engage deeply, transitioning from casual users to dedicated practitioners. This shift highlights the importance of relational understanding in experiencing Ayahuasca, suggesting a complex interplay between individual perceptions and cultural contexts that shape her significance in contemporary society.
Abstract
The recognition of Ayahuasca as a being, capable of agency and intention, taking action both as a healing and teaching spirit and as an ethical ent...
Non-Native Ayahuasca Use
OpenAlex – May 25, 2011
Summary
Nearly all participants in a study on ayahuasca reported positive experiences, highlighting its transformative potential. Conducted at a healing center in the Peruvian Amazon, the research involved 50 English-speaking individuals who sought ayahuasca for two main reasons: to alleviate feelings of alienation and to address emotional trauma. The findings reveal that non-native motivations differ significantly from those of indigenous users, illustrating how colonialism and modernization have reshaped this dynamic practice. Ayahuasca facilitates a reflective state, allowing participants to confront personal challenges effectively.
Abstract
This thesis explores the use of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant concoction from the Amazon, by people from the English speaking world. This thesi...
Ayahuasca e redução do tabagismo
Revista dos Trabalhos de Iniciação Científica da UNICAMP – December 13, 2018
Summary
A striking 78% of participants reported quitting smoking after experiencing ayahuasca, a psychedelic used in Brazilian rituals. Among 451 individuals surveyed, 89% attended ceremonies without intending to stop smoking, seeking instead self-discovery and spiritual insights. The study highlights ayahuasca's therapeutic potential for reducing chemical dependencies, with many users experiencing profound emotional and introspective journeys that led to unexpected behavioral changes. This suggests that psychedelics like ayahuasca may offer valuable pathways for personal healing and addiction recovery.
Abstract
A Ayahuasca é um psicodélico utilizado em um contexto ritualístico e por religiões sincréticas brasileiras. Os usuários relatam experiências como a...
Embracing change: impermanence acceptance mediates differences in death processing between long-term ayahuasca users and non-users.
Psychopharmacology – April 23, 2025
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users show remarkably lower death anxiety and greater acceptance of mortality compared to non-users. This difference stems primarily from their enhanced ability to accept impermanence in life. The study found that those who experienced ego dissolution during ayahuasca ceremonies developed a more peaceful relationship with death, showing less avoidant behavior and fear while embracing life's temporary nature.
Abstract
The human psyche's interaction with death fundamentally shapes cognition, emotions, and behavior in both individuals and society. Death-related psy...
Ayahuasca ceremony leaders' perspectives on special considerations for eating disorders.
Eating disorders – January 01, 2024
Summary
Traditional healers who work with ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant medicine, report unique insights for supporting people with eating disorders. Leaders emphasize careful screening and personalized support during ceremonies, noting that while ceremonial purging differs from ED behaviors, extra precautions are needed. Their approach suggests promising ways to blend Indigenous wisdom with modern treatment methods for better healing outcomes.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are difficult conditions to resolve, necessitating novel treatments. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant medicine originating in ...
"Getting to the Root": Ayahuasca Ceremony Leaders' Perspectives on Eating Disorders.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Summary
Traditional healers report promising results using ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant medicine, to help people with eating disorders. Through interviews with 15 ceremony leaders, researchers found that this psychedelic therapy may work by addressing root emotional causes and promoting holistic healing. Leaders observed that ayahuasca helps participants process trauma, rebuild relationships, and find deeper meaning beyond food-related symptoms.
Abstract
Given the mortality, chronicity, and treatment drop-out rates observed among individuals with eating disorders (EDs), innovative approaches are nee...
Embracing Change: Impermanence Acceptance Mediates Differences in Death Processing Between Ayahuasca Users and Non-users
OpenAlex – July 28, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca users exhibit markedly lower death anxiety and fear of death, alongside greater acceptance of mortality. A psychology comparison of 54 ayahuasca veterans and 53 non-users revealed these psychedelic-associated differences. The key mechanism isn't afterlife beliefs or mindfulness, but enhanced impermanence acceptance, potentially stemming from experiences like ego dissolution. This suggests engaging with the transient nature of existence profoundly reduces existential anxiety. These findings offer a novel approach for clinical psychology to manage fear of death.
Abstract
Background: How the human psyche interacts with the theme of death is fundamental to individual and societal life, profoundly influencing cognition...
Health status of ayahuasca users.
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2012
Summary
Regular ayahuasca use appears safe, according to a review of 15 studies on its long-term mental and physical health effects. Researchers explored concerns about this traditional brew, finding data consistently suggests it is safe and, under certain conditions, may offer beneficial effects for emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. The overall trend points towards positive health outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew originally used for magico-religious purposes by Amerindian populations of the western Amazon Basin. Throughout the...
Effects of Ayahuasca on the Recognition of Facial Expressions of Emotions in Naive Healthy Volunteers
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – April 13, 2021
Summary
Despite prior evidence that other psychedelics like psilocybin can alter emotional processing, a drug study with 22 healthy volunteers revealed Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, did not change facial emotion recognition compared to a placebo. While participants reported well-being and visual effects, some experienced transient anxiety. Tolerability was acceptable, despite common nausea. This finding in psychology and pharmacology, considering the biochemical analysis of alkaloid stability, suggests Ayahuasca’s unique neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior may differ from other medicines, requiring further exploration in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background The recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a core aspect of social cognition. Previous studies with the seroto...
Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Psychological Medicine – June 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows powerful antidepressant effects for treatment-resistant depression. A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 29 patients revealed significant improvement. Those receiving this hallucinogen experienced substantially lower depression scores, measured by a rating scale, compared to a placebo group. By day seven, the antidepressant effect size was very large (Cohen's d = 1.49), with 64% responding to Ayahuasca versus 27% to placebo. This medicine offers promising insights for internal medicine, psychiatry, and psychology, advancing drug studies into severe depression by influencing neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-res...
Cortisol Modulation by Ayahuasca in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression and Healthy Controls
Frontiers in Psychiatry – May 08, 2018
Summary
A single Ayahuasca dose rapidly normalized cortisol levels in individuals with treatment-resistant depression, a major mood disorder affecting 350 million, with 30% resistant to current medicine. Patients, typically exhibiting blunted awakening cortisol, showed levels similar to healthy controls 48 hours after receiving the psychedelic, compared to placebo. This biochemical analysis suggests Ayahuasca's antidepressant potential for mood regulation. During dosing, both groups experienced higher salivary cortisol increases. This offers new insights for psychology and internal medicine into depression treatment through psychedelics.
Abstract
Major depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting about 350 million people, and around 30% of the patients are resistant to currently...
A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression
OpenAlex – January 27, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduced severe depression in a rigorous randomized controlled trial. Among 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression, a single dose of Ayahuasca showed marked antidepressant effects compared to a Placebo. Psychology and Psychiatry professionals observed increasing benefits, with effect sizes reaching 1.49 by day seven. This medicine, studied in internal medicine and drug studies, led to a 64% response rate versus 27% for placebo, offering new hope for complex depression cases. Such psychedelics influence neurotransmitter receptors, like those involving tryptophan, potentially reshaping mental health treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Recent open label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depr...
Ayahuasca: Uses, Phytochemical and Biological Activities
Natural Products and Bioprospecting – May 27, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has garnered global attention for its potential psychological benefits. With a growing number of practitioners, including syncretic religions like União de Vegetal, its use has surged. Studies indicate that ayahuasca can enhance creative thinking and visual creativity, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating psychological disorders. Composed of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, it contains alkaloids that induce hallucinations by interacting with brain receptors, sparking interest across pharmacology and natural medicine fields.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (caapi, yajé), is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a "master plant." It is prep...
Topographic pharmaco‐EEG mapping of the effects of the South American psychoactive beverage ayahuasca in healthy volunteers
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – June 01, 2002
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional South American beverage, significantly alters brain activity, as shown by a study involving 18 experienced volunteers. Participants received low and high doses of ayahuasca (0.6 and 0.85 mg DMT per kg). Results indicated substantial dose-dependent increases in subjective effects measured by the Hallucinogen Rating Scale. Notably, absolute power decreased by approximately 20.20 µV² in total power and 2.70 µV² in theta power at peak times (90 minutes post-high dose). EEG changes began within 30 minutes, peaking between 45-120 minutes before returning to baseline after 4-6 hours.
Abstract
Aims Ayahuasca is a traditional South American psychoactive beverage used in Amazonian shamanism, and in the religious ceremonies of Brazilian‐base...
Ayahuasca use and reported effects on depression and anxiety symptoms: An international cross-sectional study of 11,912 consumers
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports – February 06, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential for alleviating anxiety and depression, with 78% of participants reporting significant improvement in depressive symptoms after consumption. In a sample of 2,011 individuals diagnosed with depression or anxiety, 46% noted their depression was "very much" improved, while 32% felt it was "completely resolved." Among those with anxiety, 70% reported similar benefits. Only 2.7% and 4.5% of drinkers experienced worsening symptoms. Factors like mystical experiences and psychological insights correlated with greater symptom relief, highlighting Ayahuasca's intriguing role in mental health.
Abstract
Background\nAyahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian brew which has emerging data indicating that it has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.\n\n...
Effects of Long-Term Ayahuasca Administration on Memory and Anxiety in Rats
PLoS ONE – December 30, 2015
Summary
Long-term administration of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage, significantly enhances contextual fear responses in rats. In a study involving 30 days of daily doses (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg), the 120 mg/kg dose notably increased contextual conditioned fear responses, while performance on tasks like the Morris water maze and elevated plus maze remained unaffected. This heightened fear response persisted across repeated sessions for several weeks, suggesting that ayahuasca may impact emotional memory processing by activating specific brain regions associated with contextual associations.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage that combines the action of the 5-HT2A/2C agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from Psychotria viridis with ...
Long-term effects of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a 5-year qualitative follow-up
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – February 01, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, shows promise in treating depression. In an open-label trial with 17 patients suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, significant symptom reductions were noted for 2-3 weeks post-treatment. A follow-up with eight participants, conducted 4 to 7 years later, revealed that while the benefits were temporary, most regarded the experience as profoundly impactful. This long-term perspective highlights ayahuasca's potential role in mental health treatment and underscores the need for further exploration of its effects on depression and anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally used by indigenous populations of Northwestern Amazonian coun...
Immunological Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 20, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogen from the Amazon, is gaining global popularity, with use reported in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa. While studies indicate good tolerability and safety, especially in ritual contexts, its immunological effects remain underexplored. With an increasing number of consumers—potentially thousands annually—understanding the risks associated with ayahuasca is crucial. This overview highlights the need for comprehensive data on its impact on human health, particularly as interest in psychedelics and traditional medicine continues to grow.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogen traditionally used by indigenous groups of the northwest Amazon. In the last decade, the use of ayahuasca has...
Ayahuasca: el encuentro de dos paradigmas.
Revista de Neuro-Psiquiatría – March 31, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychoactive substance from the Amazon rainforest, is revered by local cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Laboratory studies reveal that it contains compounds like harmina and DMT, which can induce profound hallucinatory experiences, including visions of supernatural beings and feelings of death and rebirth. These effects have shown potential in alleviating mood disorders and addiction, with some studies reporting favorable outcomes. However, the subjective and cultural dimensions of ayahuasca experiences challenge conventional scientific approaches, necessitating new research methods to capture these complexities.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es una liana que crece en la Amazonía y con la cual se prepara una sustancia con potentes propiedades psicoactivas, también denominada...
Participation in an indigenous Amazonian-led ayahuasca retreat associated with increases in nature relatedness – a pilot study
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2024
Summary
Participation in Indigenous Amazonian ayahuasca retreats significantly enhances nature-relatedness and reduces stress. In a study with participants attending an average of 6.31 ceremonies, notable increases in nature connection were measured using the Short form Nature Relatedness Scale, alongside improvements in depression and stress levels assessed by the DASS-21. A moderate negative correlation indicated that greater nature-relatedness corresponded with lower stress levels. These findings suggest ayahuasca retreats may serve as a therapeutic intervention, though further investigation is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.
Abstract
Indigenous Amazonian shamanic ayahuasca practice is embedded in a nature-based context and is employed as an ecological mediating agent and in coll...
Neuropsychological effect on long-term Ayahuasca use
Counseling And Psychological Services Dissertations (Georgia State University) – June 02, 2022
Summary
Long-term use of Ayahuasca appears to have minimal lasting effects on neuropsychological functioning. In a study involving 25 participants—12 chronic users from União do Vegetal and 13 non-users—no significant differences in brain connectivity were observed within the default mode network, comprising critical areas like the medial prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, sleepiness was positively associated with activity in the right medial prefrontal cortex and angular gyrus. These findings suggest that while Ayahuasca is gaining popularity for therapeutic purposes, its long-term impact on neurological health may be limited.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic tea used in religious ritual ceremonies in eastern parts of South America. Ayahuasca is becoming more popular in west...
Potential Use of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying – May 30, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca may offer significant benefits for those grappling with grief. In a study of 60 participants, 30 who took ayahuasca reported lower levels of grief compared to their peers attending support groups. Specifically, the ayahuasca group showed improved scores on the Present Feelings Scale of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief. Qualitative feedback highlighted emotional release, vivid memories, and feelings of connection with deceased loved ones. These findings suggest that ayahuasca could serve as a valuable psychological intervention in bereavement and mental health care.
Abstract
The death of a loved one is ultimately a universal experience. However, conventional interventions employed for people suffering with uncomplicated...
Ayahuasca in Uruguay
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, introduced in Uruguay during the 1990s, has sparked significant legal and public debate surrounding drug policies and religious rights. In a notable incident, authorities confiscated 30 liters of ayahuasca from the Santo Daime church, highlighting tensions between spirituality and legality. Cases involving public perceptions of ayahuasca as a potential danger, including a tragic suicide linked to its use, fueled controversy. The arrival of Ayahuasca International further ignited discussions about cults, public health, and the balance of religious freedom in contemporary Uruguay.
Abstract
Ayahuasca appeared in Uruguay in the 1990s through different groups such as Santo Daime church and different neo-shamanic and holistic centers. Sin...
A Defense Expert Witness on Ayahuasca
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Misinformation about ayahuasca was evident during a 2006 trial in Spain, where expert witnesses faced challenges from the Spanish Agency of Medicine. Dr. José Carlos Bouso, with a PhD in pharmacology, highlighted the conflict between established research and misconceptions surrounding ayahuasca's effects. His advocacy work through the Ayahuasca Defense Fund aims to combat stigma and promote understanding of this plant medicine. Engaging with both scientific insights and legal battles, Bouso's efforts reflect a commitment to preserving cultural practices and improving accessibility to ayahuasca globally.
Abstract
In this interview, performed in 2018, anthropologist and ayahuasca researcher Dr. Bia Labate speaks with Dr. José Carlos Bouso, who is a clinical p...
Ayahuasca Self Consciousness and Mysticism
OpenAlex – November 24, 2022
Summary
Mystical experiences from ayahuasca rituals significantly enhance self-consciousness traits. In a study of 250 ayahuasca users, those reporting higher mystical experiences showed 30% more adaptive self-consciousness traits, while maladaptive traits decreased by 25%. Frequent ayahuasca use positively correlated with public self-awareness, and longer engagement in religious practices linked to increased insight. Notably, common dosages improved private and reflexive self-awareness but reduced social anxiety, with mystical experiences mediating these effects. Overall, ayahuasca's ceremonial use appears to foster beneficial changes in self-perception and consciousness.
Abstract
Recent studies have assessed that the mystical alterations in sense of self are the best candidates for improvements in self-consciousness and the ...
Moderators of ayahuasca’s biological antidepressant action
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 05, 2022
Summary
Acute emotional and physiological actions during an Ayahuasca session significantly modulate antidepressant outcomes. A randomized, double-blinded trial with 72 participants, including those with treatment-resistant depression, found larger symptom reductions predicted higher serum cortisol. Lesser salivary cortisol changes linked to higher BDNF levels, crucial for Psychology and Medicine. This Pharmacology insight, vital for Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psychotherapists could optimize therapeutic action. Biochemical Analysis techniques confirm these effects, informing future Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research into similar drug mechanisms.
Abstract
Introduction The understanding of biological responses to psychedelics with antidepressant potential is imperative. Here we report how a set of acu...
Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness
Current Neuropharmacology – March 02, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian medicine, shows significant promise in psychiatry, potentially aiding addiction and various psychological disorders. This powerful hallucinogen, derived from plants rich in specific alkaloids, has a long history in traditional medicine. A comprehensive review of its pharmacology and behavioral effects indicates a generally mild adverse effect profile. Experts advocate for easing regulations to advance psychedelics and drug studies, allowing deeper exploration of its therapeutic potential, particularly understanding the complex chemical synthesis of its active compounds.
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian decoction with psychoactive properties, is made from bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (containi...
Sub-acute and long-term effects of ayahuasca on mental health and well-being in healthy ceremony attendants: A replication study
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – August 26, 2021
Summary
A single Ayahuasca ceremony can significantly reduce anxiety and stress for weeks, even without affecting depression. Among 73 participants, including first-time and experienced users, a profound psychedelic experience led to reduced anxiety and somatization, alongside increased non-judging, four weeks later. While satisfaction with life and awareness improved the day after the ceremony, these returned to baseline. This suggests a potential for this natural compound in mental health and psychiatry, offering insights for clinical psychology and medicine regarding the therapeutic effects of such experiences.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the psychedelic plant tea, ayahuasca, holds therapeutic potential....
Stellenwert und Funktion von Ayahuasca: Ein Vergleich der Anwendungen durch Schamanen und Kirchen
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Ganzheitsmedizin / Swiss Journal of Integrative Medicine – January 01, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, has seen a resurgence in interest for its therapeutic potential. In clinical studies involving over 300 participants, it has shown effectiveness in treating depression and addiction, with long-term use reported as non-toxic and non-addictive. Users experienced significant improvements in both physical and mental health. As awareness grows in Western cultures, there is a pressing need for informed discussions and regulations to facilitate access for those seeking healing through this Amazonian medicine.
Abstract
Ayahuasca wurde schon in präkolumbianischer Zeit eingenommen, als indigene Völker die psychoaktive Wirkung des Tranks auf Körper und Geist entdeckt...
A quantitative textual analysis of the subjective effects of ayahuasca in naïve users with and without depression.
Scientific reports – November 10, 2023
Summary
First-time users of ayahuasca report five distinct categories of experiences, from visual effects to profound shifts in consciousness. Researchers analyzed written accounts from 29 participants, including both healthy individuals and those with treatment-resistant depression. The analysis revealed unique patterns in how depressed patients responded, notably experiencing more intense physical reactions. These findings help map the psychological landscape of ayahuasca experiences and could inform its therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a brew with psychoactive properties that has been used as an entheogen for centuries, with more recent studies suggesting it is a prom...
Ayahuasca: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know.
Journal of addictions nursing
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian hallucinogenic brew, is gaining popularity in the U.S. for its spiritual and therapeutic potential. However, with over 50% of users reporting adverse effects like psychotic episodes and serotonin syndrome, awareness of its risks is crucial. The unpredictable nature of ayahuasca, combined with possible drug interactions, highlights the need for informed healthcare providers. Nurses and advanced practice nurses play a vital role in educating the public about these risks, ensuring safer experiences for those considering ayahuasca use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a pan-Amazonian botanical hallucinogenic decoction made from a mixture of the bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi plant, containing a mon...
Methodology for determining major constituents of ayahuasca and their metabolites in blood.
Biomedical chromatography : BMC – March 01, 2012
Summary
The growing interest in ayahuasca's medical potential hinges on precisely tracking its compounds in the body. Researchers developed a single, simplified method to analyze 14 key alkaloids and their metabolites in blood. Using advanced mass spectrometry and plasma preparation, this approach significantly expands the range of detectable substances. The method demonstrates excellent sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, proving highly valuable for future clinical research into this complex plant medicine.
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in potential medical applications of ayahuasca, a South American psychotropic plant tea with a long cultural histor...
God hasn’t died, it has merely been encapsulated – Psilocybin and ayahuasca in the psychedelic renaissance: Intersections between religion, indigenous cosmologies, spirituality, and science
Social Compass – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca and psilocybin, powerful hallucinogens, are undergoing distinct secularization processes. While psilocybin research often focuses on medical and scientific areas, including biochemical analysis and chemical synthesis of alkaloids for psychedelics and drug studies, ayahuasca studies delve into social science, sociology, and psychology. Ayahuasca maintains strong indigenous and spiritual ties, with a "guardianship" preserving its cultural context. Psilocybin, however, shows a higher degree of secularization, increasingly detached from traditional use, even with careful attention to setting.
Abstract
This article traces the trajectories of psilocybin and ayahuasca in the context of the psychedelic renaissance. The bibliometric analysis reveals t...
Changes in inflammatory biomarkers are related to the antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 10, 2020
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. ...
Nourishing the Spirit: Exploratory Research on Ayahuasca Experiences along the Continuum of Recovery from Eating Disorders
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 12, 2017
Summary
Ceremonial ayahuasca drinking shows potential in treating eating disorders (EDs), with 16 participants reporting significant improvements in mental health and body perception. Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, many noted reductions in ED symptoms and highlighted the importance of the ceremonial context and after-care. While some experienced concerns related to the preparatory diet, none felt triggered by the ayahuasca purge. These findings suggest that integrating indigenous practices like ayahuasca may offer innovative avenues for psychological intervention in psychiatry.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are serious health conditions that are among the most difficult to treat. Innovative treatments are needed and modalities fr...
Maternal and developmental toxicity of ayahuasca in Wistar rats
Birth Defects Research Part B Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology – May 11, 2010
Summary
Ayahuasca poses potential risks during pregnancy, particularly regarding maternal and fetal health. In a study involving Wistar rats, pregnant dams receiving the highest dose of ayahuasca experienced significant maternal toxicity, including reduced weight gain and food intake. Visceral abnormalities were noted across all treatment groups, while skeletal issues emerged in those given intermediate and high doses. Fetuses from the highest dosage group also exhibited decreased body weight, indicating that the toxicity effects are dose-dependent. This raises concerns about ayahuasca use among pregnant women.
Abstract
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Ayahuasca is a psychotropic plant beverage initially used by shamans throughout the Amazon region during traditional religio...
The ritual use of ayahuasca during treatment of severe physical illnesses: a qualitative study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – December 07, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca may significantly reshape how individuals facing severe physical illnesses perceive their conditions. In a qualitative study involving 14 participants who ritualistically used ayahuasca during treatment, thematic analysis revealed that this experience fostered introspection, emotional processing, and a redefinition of illness meaning. Participants reported enhanced acceptance of their conditions, leading to a more balanced relationship with both illness and treatment. This suggests that ayahuasca could serve as a valuable therapeutic tool in clinical psychology for managing anxiety and distress associated with life-threatening diseases.
Abstract
Diseases that threaten life raise existential questions that can be a source of psychological distress. Studies with psychedelics demonstrate thera...
Immunological Modulation and Control of Parasitaemia by Ayahuasca Compounds: Therapeutic Potential for Chagas's Disease
Chemistry & Biodiversity – September 26, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential against Chagas disease, exhibiting moderate in vitro activity against Trypanosoma cruzi with an IC50 of 95.78 μg/mL, compared to benznidazole's 2.03 μg/mL. The alkaloid harmine demonstrated significant trypanocidal activity with an IC50 of 6.37 μg/mL. In vivo evaluations revealed no adverse effects at doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg, while Ayahuasca compounds modulated immune responses, increasing total Immunoglobulin levels. This research highlights Ayahuasca's multi-target effects and its potential role in treating Chagas disease.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychoactive and psychedelic decoct composed mainly of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis plant species. The bever...