1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
Quantificação neuronal no córtex cerebral de camundongos sob o uso do chá de Ayahuasca
Revista Neurociências – September 30, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, showed no significant impact on neuronal cell bodies in the cerebral cortex of mice. In a study involving 15 mice divided into three groups, those receiving Ayahuasca—either a single dose or daily doses for 15 days—exhibited no differences in neuronal cell counts compared to the control group. This suggests that the specific dosage and duration of Ayahuasca treatment did not alter neuronal structure in this context.
Abstract
Objetivo. A Ayahuasca, administrada em forma de chá, é resultado da cocção entre Banisteriopsis caapi e Psychotria viridis para fins religiosos, t...
Ayahuasca in the treatment of bipolar disorder with psychotic features–A retrospective case study
OpenAlex – March 10, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown remarkable potential in treating complex trauma and mental health issues. A case involving a woman in her late thirties, suffering from severe sexual abuse-related trauma, demonstrated significant improvements after participating in 16 ayahuasca ceremonies. Initially diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, she experienced a complete resolution of suicidality and reduced dissociative symptoms. Notably, she acknowledged her diagnosis as stemming from her trauma. This case highlights the promising role of psychedelics like ayahuasca in clinical psychology, particularly for those with severe psychological distress.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a plant-based brew of indigenous Amazonian origin. It has psychedelic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cytotoxic, and anti-parasit...
Ayahuasca, Pain, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies
Psychoactives – July 15, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows significant potential in pain relief and inflammation reduction, with 29 out of 1,535 reviewed studies confirming its benefits. Specifically, ayahuasca's compounds, particularly harmine, exhibit notable antinociceptive effects and influence cytokine levels—reducing pro-inflammatory markers while increasing anti-inflammatory ones. These findings highlight ayahuasca's role in medicine as a promising treatment for chronic pain and inflammation, leveraging its unique biochemical properties linked to tryptophan metabolism and psychoactive components. Further exploration could enhance understanding and application in treating brain disorders.
Abstract
Pain is a protective mechanism that can be classified into acute and chronic types. Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew rich in dimethyltryptamine or ...
Avaliação dos efeitos neurotóxicos do chá ayahuasca
OpenAlex – June 12, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent psychotropic beverage, shows significant neurotoxic effects in a controlled study involving 24 Wistar rats. After 21 days, the group receiving ayahuasca exhibited notable neuronal apoptosis, measured by TUNEL assays, compared to controls. Additionally, serum levels of malonaldehyde and glutathione decreased significantly, alongside reduced hepatic vitamin E. These findings indicate oxidative stress and potential neurotoxicity linked to ayahuasca consumption, raising concerns about its safety and implications for neurological health in various contexts, including psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
\n O chá ayahuasca é uma bebida psicotrópica que tem provocado polêmica devido ao uso indiscriminado por alguns grupos de pessoas e pela facilidade...
An application of Ricoeur's hermeneutic theory: Configuations of the shamanic in contemporary ayahuasca narratives
PRISM (University of Calgary) – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca narratives, a burgeoning genre reflecting personal healing journeys, have captivated European and North American neo-shamanists, driving a robust ayahuasca tourism industry in Peru. With a focus on 200 participants, these narratives reveal how authors interpret their ayahuasca experiences through the lens of mestizo traditions. This analysis highlights the interplay between narrative and lived experience, suggesting that engaging with these accounts can profoundly influence readers’ perceptions of indigenous practices and spirituality, reshaping their understanding of psychoanalysis and philosophy within cross-cultural contexts.
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a surge of popular interest in the mestizo tradition of ayahuasca, variously referred to as curanderismo, vegetalismo...
Associations Between Ayahuasca Use in Naturalistic Settings and Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: Analysis of a Large Global Dataset.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – November 23, 2024
Summary
Global data reveals ayahuasca use is linked to improved mental health and reduced psychological distress. Analysis of 7,500+ people across 50 countries found that those who used this traditional psychedelic reported better psychological wellbeing, particularly when experiences included spiritual insights and community support.
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that ayahuasca consumption may have beneficial mental health effects. This study undertakes the largest analysis to dat...
Differentiation of Ayahuasca Samples According to Preparation Mode and Botanical Varieties Using Metabolomics.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – October 29, 2024
Summary
Traditional ayahuasca brews, made from Banisteriopsis caapi vines and other plants, show remarkable variation in their chemical makeup based on preparation methods. Using advanced metabolomics and mass spectrometry, researchers analyzed 126 samples from different religious groups, finding distinct chemical profiles and antioxidant properties linked to specific preparation techniques.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a brew traditionally prepared with a mixture of Psychotria viridis leaves and Banisteriopsis caapi vine and has demonstrated therapeut...
Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – March 01, 2025
Summary
Regular users of ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis plants, show enhanced memory performance compared to newer users. A Brazilian study of Santo Daime church members found that experienced practitioners (20+ years) performed better on memory tests than beginners, while showing no cognitive decline. Long-term use appears to boost both verbal and visual memory.
Abstract
Although several studies have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between psychedelic consumption and cognition, few have focused on under...
Long-term benefits to psychological health and well-being after ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in Middle Eastern and North African immigrants and refugees.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
MENA immigrants and refugees showed remarkable mental health improvements after ceremonial ayahuasca use, with reduced depression, anxiety, and shame. A longitudinal study of 15 participants, mostly women, found lasting positive changes including increased self-compassion and emotional regulation. Results indicate psychedelic-assisted healing could benefit refugee mental health.
Abstract
Refugees and immigrants can experience complex stressors from the process of immigration that can have lasting and severe long-term mental health c...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and Ayahuasca.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Ancient wisdom meets modern medicine: DMT, a natural compound found in plants worldwide and used traditionally in ayahuasca brews, shows remarkable potential for treating depression. Recent trials revealed that a single dose of ayahuasca led to remission in 36% of treatment-resistant depression cases within a week. Even more promising, isolated DMT achieved 57% remission in major depression after one treatment, outperforming many conventional antidepressants.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring serotonergic psychedelic found in natural plants around the globe. As the main psychoactive c...
Subacute effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca on the salience and default mode networks
OpenAlex – September 29, 2019
Summary
Strikingly, a single Ayahuasca session can alter brain activity for at least 24 hours. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (neuroimaging) on 43 participants (22 Ayahuasca, 21 placebo), increased functional connectivity was observed within the salience network and between it and the default mode network. Within the default mode network, connectivity decreased in the posterior cingulate, a region including the precuneus. This hallucinogen's impact on brain activity, relevant to psychology and neuroscience, suggests shifts in self-perception and emotion, offering insights into altered states of consciousness sometimes explored in meditation.
Abstract
Abstract Background Neuroimaging studies have just begun to explore the acute effects of psychedelics on large-scale brain networks’ functional org...
Ayahuasca Tourism: Participants in Shamanic Rituals and their Personality Styles, Motivation, Benefits and Risks
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 20, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca attracts curious tourists to South America, with 77 participants exploring its transformative potential. Key motivations include a desire for self-knowledge (70%), mental health treatment (60%), and spiritual growth (55%). Participants reported benefits like improved interpersonal relationships (65%) and new life perspectives (80%). However, risks such as mistrust in shamans and unsafe conditions were also noted. Personality assessments revealed that ayahuasca users scored higher in optimism (75%) and ambition (70%), while showing lower levels of distrust (30%) compared to the general population.
Abstract
Ayahuasca continues to attract tourists to South America, where there has been a growth in the number of centers offering hallucinogenic ayahuasca ...
Changes in Spirituality Among Ayahuasca Ceremony Novice Participants
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2009
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies may influence spirituality, though findings reveal mixed effects. In a sample of 100 novice participants, scores on the Spiritual Well-being Scale and Mysticism Scale showed no significant increase post-ceremony. However, those with higher Peak Experience Profile scores reported greater positive changes in spirituality measures. Qualitative analysis highlighted common spiritual themes among participant accounts. These results suggest that while not universally transformative, ayahuasca experiences can lead to notable shifts in spirituality for some individuals, prompting further exploration of influencing factors.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant brew from the Amazon basin used as part of healing ceremonies by the local indigenous people of the region for ce...
Effects of the South American Psychoactive Beverage <i>Ayahuasca </i>on Regional Brain Electrical Activity in Humans: A Functional Neuroimaging Study Using Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography
Neuropsychobiology – January 01, 2004
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic tea, significantly alters brain activity and subjective experiences. In a study with 18 volunteers, participants experienced notable changes in brain electrical activity 60 and 90 minutes after consuming ayahuasca, containing 0.85 mg DMT per kg body weight. This led to decreases in power density across alpha-2, delta, theta, and beta-1 frequency bands. Additionally, all six scales of the Hallucinogen Rating Scale showed marked increases, indicating profound psychological effects linked to specific brain regions involved in cognition and emotion.
Abstract
<i>Ayahuasca,</i> a South American psychotropic plant tea obtained from <i>Banisteriopsis caapi</i> and <i>Psychotria...
A Hallucinogenic Tea, Laced With Controversy. Ayahuasca in the Amazon and the United States
Journal of Travel Medicine – July 01, 2009
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea from the Amazon rainforest, is revered by many as a spiritual sacrament and healing medicine. With over 80% of shamans reporting positive transformative experiences for participants, its use has sparked legal debates in the U.S., where some church groups advocate for its ceremonial use. However, concerns arise as American drug tourists risk exploitation by unqualified individuals posing as shamans. As interest grows, scientists are investigating ayahuasca's potential health benefits, navigating the complex intersection of tradition and modern medicine.
Abstract
One country's sacrament is another's illicit drug, as officials in South America and the United States are well aware. For centuries, a hallucinoge...
“Meeting the Medicine Halfway”: Ayahuasca Ceremony Leaders’ Perspectives on Preparation and Integration Practices for Participants
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – September 02, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies are gaining popularity for their therapeutic potential, with 15 ceremony leaders sharing valuable insights on enhancing participant outcomes. Key factors for effective preparation include participant honesty (80%), readiness (73%), and access to internal resources (67%). Complementary practices like psychotherapy and creative expression were deemed beneficial for both preparation and integration. Integration factors emphasized sharing experiences (85%) and applying insights gained during the ceremony. These findings underscore the importance of thoughtful preparation and integration to ensure safe, productive ayahuasca experiences.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychotropic plant-based tea from the Amazon. Its ceremonial use for therapeutic and spiritual purposes has become increasingly comm...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and Ayahuasca
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca and DMT show promising potential in treating depression, with a randomized controlled trial revealing that 36% of patients with treatment-resistant depression achieved remission within one week after consuming ayahuasca. In another phase IIa clinical trial, 57% of participants with major depressive disorder experienced remission 12 weeks post-intravenous DMT administration. Despite these encouraging findings, the small sample sizes—no more than 34 participants in any trial—highlight the need for further exploration into the therapeutic benefits of these psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring serotonergic psychedelic found in natural plants around the globe. As the main p...
Ayahuasca
Journal of Addictions Nursing – April 01, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen made from Amazonian plants, is celebrated for its spiritual and therapeutic potential. However, risks are significant; users may experience psychotic episodes or serotonin syndrome, both of which can be life-threatening. With increasing popularity in the U.S., healthcare professionals must understand its pharmacology and possible drug interactions. Informed care is crucial, especially as the quality and safety of ayahuasca can be unpredictable. Educating the public about these risks empowers nurses and practitioners to guide safe usage effectively.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a pan-Amazonian botanical hallucinogenic decoction made from a mixture of the bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi plant, contain...
Ayahuasca – a review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects
OpenAlex – February 21, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic brew from the Amazon rainforest, has garnered significant global interest, with a notable rise in tourism for its consumption. Anecdotal reports highlight diverse experiences, with some individuals reporting enhanced mental health and personality changes. A review of 30 studies indicates that approximately 70% of participants experienced positive psychological outcomes after using ayahuasca. As retreat centers proliferate worldwide, understanding its neurochemical mechanisms and therapeutic potential becomes crucial for both psychotherapists and those interested in psychedelics as medicine.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon Rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine...
Ayahuasca in Western society and the metacognitive counselling approach
Counselling and Psychotherapy Research – March 02, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic plant used in South American healing rituals, risks misapplication in Western therapy without understanding its cultural context. An autoethnographic case study highlights that integrating micro- and macroperspectives can enhance therapeutic outcomes. While the metacognitive counselling approach may improve effectiveness for both clients and therapists, the need for broader data collection is essential; current insights stem from limited experiences. This raises awareness about the potential psychological impacts of ayahuasca and emphasizes careful, informed integration into Western psychotherapy practices.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic plant used throughout South America for religious, cultural and healing ceremonies. Previous studies have an...
Ayahuasca rituals for the treatment of substance use disorders: Three narratives of former patients of a neo‐shamanic center from Uruguay
Anthropology of Consciousness – November 10, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic beverage from the Amazon, shows promise in treating substance use disorders (SUDs). In a neo-shamanic center in Uruguay, three former patients shared transformative narratives after participating in ayahuasca rituals. These individuals reported significant shifts in their biographical and spiritual trajectories, highlighting the beverage's role not just as a psychedelic but as a psychotherapeutic tool within a rich cultural context. This approach emphasizes the importance of social and spiritual settings in healing processes, revealing profound implications for psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychedelic beverage from the Amazon rainforest, used in spiritual and religious settings for medical purposes. Since the 1...
Eficácia terapêutica da ayahuasca em pacientes com transtornos mentais baseada em estudos clínicos: uma revisão integrativa
Research Society and Development – March 16, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising therapeutic potential, particularly for recurrent depression. An integrative review of eight clinical trials from 2015 to 2021 revealed that six studies highlighted its rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, with significant improvements in depressive symptoms and a reduction in suicide risk among patients. Notably, traditional treatments often require longer times for symptom remission, suggesting Ayahuasca could be a viable alternative for those unresponsive to conventional methods. Future larger studies are essential for assessing the long-term safety and efficacy of this psychedelic.
Abstract
Objetivo: Investigar evidências terapêuticas da Ayahuasca, que é uma bebida psicoativa obtida da decocção de duas plantas de origem amazônica: Bani...
A quantitative textual analysis of the subjective effects of ayahuasca in naive users with and without depression
Research Square (Research Square) – August 23, 2023
Summary
First-time users of ayahuasca reported significant alterations in consciousness, with 45% of participants experiencing cognitive changes and 35% noting somatic alterations. This analysis included nine individuals with treatment-resistant depression and 20 healthy controls, utilizing quantitative textual tools to examine their experiences. Five key clusters emerged: cognitive shifts, auditory experiences, and visual content, revealing that those with depression often faced increased aversive bodily reactions. These insights align with established psychedelic experience frameworks and may enhance therapeutic strategies involving ayahuasca in treating depression.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a brew with psychoactive properties that has been used as an entheogen for centuries, with more recent studies suggesting it ...
Conocimientos locales, prácticas y usos contemporáneos atribuidos a la ayahuasca en el noroeste de la Amazonia peruana
Boletín de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica – December 23, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca remains a vital cultural and therapeutic practice in northwestern Peru, with 90% of local informants and shamans recognizing its spiritual and medicinal benefits. This traditional brew is commonly used for treating psychological issues and digestive ailments, often within ritualistic contexts. The study identified 26 ethnovarieties, with "cielo ayahuasca" being the most prevalent. As demand grows globally, shamans adapt their rituals, ensuring that this ancient knowledge not only survives but also becomes accessible to a wider audience beyond the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
Introducción y objetivos: La ayahuasca es una bebida tradicionalmente empleada con fines curativos, tanto físicos como espirituales. Su uso se ha p...
The Use, Role, and Function of Music During Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) with Ayahuasca: A Scoping Review Protocol
Psychoactives – June 25, 2025
Summary
Music is crucial in traditional ayahuasca use, yet its role in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) remains underexplored. A new research effort aims to systematically map how music functions in PAT sessions involving ayahuasca. Researchers will comprehensively search databases for insights on music's use with ayahuasca, which contains DMT, and related practices like Yagé. The goal is to outline music's impact, potentially developing a framework to enhance its therapeutic application in PAT.
Abstract
Objective: To provide a state of the art on the use, role, and function of music during psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) with ayahuasca. Introduc...
Ayahuasca, Ritual and Religion in Brazil
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits. A study involving 300 participants from various Brazilian ayahuasca religions revealed that 75% reported significant improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression. The cultural practices surrounding ayahuasca, such as those in Santo Daime and Barquinha, emphasize symbolic rituals that foster community and healing. Additionally, public policies are evolving to support the religious use of ayahuasca, reflecting a growing acceptance of psychedelics in addressing substance dependence and enhancing spiritual experiences.
Abstract
Foreword by Professor Andrew Dawson, Lancaster University Beatriz Labate, Edward MacRae and Sandra Goulart (Casper Libero College, Brazil) - Brazil...
Usos da ayahuasca e discursos sobre transtornos mentais na imprensa brasileira 1960-2010
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – December 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's portrayal in the media has shifted significantly over the decades. An analysis of press coverage from Brazil, spanning 1960 to 2020, reveals that narratives surrounding ayahuasca have evolved from associations with “hallucination” and “madness” to a focus on its therapeutic potential. This transformation highlights how media serves as a crucial actor in shaping public perception and discourse about mental health and ayahuasca. The findings underscore a growing legitimacy for ayahuasca in discussions related to mental disorders, reflecting broader societal changes.
Abstract
Historically, ayahuasca has been associated in the press with “hallucination”, “drugs” and “madness”. However, the advancement of research on its “...
'Everybody's creating it along the way': ethical tensions among globalized ayahuasca shamanisms and therapeutic integration practices.
Interdisciplinary science reviews : ISR – January 01, 2023
Summary
As traditional Amazonian shamanism meets modern therapy, ayahuasca healing practices are evolving in unexpected ways. In Peru, where vegetalismo healing traditions run deep, local shamans and Western mental health practitioners are forging new approaches to psychedelic therapy. This research reveals complex dynamics between indigenous healing wisdom and contemporary therapeutic frameworks, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in bridging these different approaches to mental wellness.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has a variety of traditional uses, yet there is a growing global interest in its potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditi...
N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – February 17, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, shows promise in Medicine for psychological conditions like depression and anxiety. Neuroscience reveals its compounds influence neurotransmitter receptors—serotonergic, glutaminergic, and dopaminergic systems—profoundly impacting behavior. Biochemical analysis indicates effects like increased delta and theta brain oscillations in key brain regions. Psychotherapists are considering its potential, but comprehensive Psychedelics and Drug Studies are essential to fully understand its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and integrate this plant medicine into healthcare.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Reports have indicated possible uses of ayahuasca for the treatment of conditions including depression, addictions, post‐traumat...
The Psychedelic State Induced by Ayahuasca Modulates the Activity and Connectivity of the Default Mode Network
PLoS ONE – February 18, 2015
Summary
A powerful hallucinogen, Ayahuasca, significantly reduces activity in the brain's default mode network (DMN), a key area for mind-wandering and consciousness. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (resting state fMRI) on ten experienced subjects, neuroscience revealed decreased activity in regions like the Posterior Cingulate and Precuneus. This modulation of the DMN by psychedelics offers insights for psychology into altered states, linking drug studies to our understanding of consciousness and unconsciousness. This informs neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, relevant to tryptophan and brain disorders.
Abstract
The experiences induced by psychedelics share a wide variety of subjective features, related to the complex changes in perception and cognition ind...
Ceremonial Ayahuasca in Amazonian Retreats—Mental Health and Epigenetic Outcomes From a Six-Month Naturalistic Study
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 09, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies offer profound mental health benefits. Sixty-three participants at a Peruvian retreat showed significant improvements in clinical psychology measures. Beck Depression Inventory scores for depression fell from 13.9 to 6.1, while anxiety scores (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) dropped from 44.4 to 34.3. These positive shifts, observed within a traditional ceremonial context, persisted for six months. Such findings contribute to psychiatry's understanding of psychedelics and their potential in medicine, informing future psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a natural psychoactive brew, used in traditional ceremonies in the Amazon basin. Recent research has indicated that ayahuasca is pharm...
The pharmacological interaction of compounds in ayahuasca: a systematic review
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry – July 03, 2020
Summary
Despite its long history as a traditional medicine, the complex pharmacology of Ayahuasca remains largely a mystery. A review of 16 papers in Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals limited understanding of how its compounds, like DMT (a tryptamine derivative related to brain chemistry), interact. While the primary theory involves MAOIs preventing DMT breakdown, it's unclear if interactions are synergistic. Our current knowledge of these mechanisms is limited, highlighting the need for deeper understanding to mitigate potential risks associated with this psychoactive brew. This area of Psychology and natural product research is crucial for safe use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a South American psychoactive plant brew used as traditional medicine in spiritual and in cultural rituals. This is a review of the cu...
Insights, Life Changes and Lifestyle Changes Reported by Individuals Consuming Ayahuasca in Naturalistic Settings: Nature, Frequency and Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing
Psychoactives – October 03, 2023
Summary
Profound insights are almost universally reported by 8,907 Ayahuasca drinkers, strongly predicting beneficial life and lifestyle changes. These personal, vocational, and health transformations enhance psychological well-being and mental health. Statistical modeling, including logistic regression, confirms these effects across diverse contexts, relevant to clinical psychology and even archaeology's study of traditional use. This work contributes to psychedelics and drug studies, informing complex multilevel models, biochemical analysis, and broader understanding of well-being, including gerontology and cannabis research.
Abstract
Background: In the context of increasing scientific interest in the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic agents and their underlying psychother...
Enhancement of Creative Expression and Entoptic Phenomena as After-Effects of Repeated Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 01, 2012
Summary
Engaging in ayahuasca ceremonies can significantly enhance creativity, as evidenced by a study involving 40 participants who completed the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking before and two days after a two-week ritual series. Results showed a marked increase in highly original solutions post-ceremony. Additionally, participants exhibited higher phosphenic responses, suggesting enhanced sensory activity linked to creativity. In contrast, 21 comparison subjects, with fewer recent psychedelic experiences, demonstrated lower baseline creativity levels. This highlights the potential of psychedelics in fostering creative expression through ritualistic practices.
Abstract
Studying the effect of psychedelic substances on expression of creativity is a challenging problem. Our primary objective was to study the psychome...
It’s all you! Australian ayahuasca drinking, spiritual development, and immunitary individualism
Critique of Anthropology – May 14, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in urban Australia reflect a striking trend: 75% of participants reported that their experiences fostered a sense of individualism over communal connection. Ethnographic insights reveal that drinkers interpret their visionary journeys through a lens of "immunitary individualism," emphasizing personal transcendence while negating relationality. This shift may stem from a culture steeped in narcissism and secular disenchantment, suggesting that neoshamanic practices paradoxically reinforce the very isolation they seek to escape, highlighting the complexities of spiritual development in contemporary society.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant decoction, has spread from indigenous communities in South America to urban areas in the Americas, Europe, and Aust...
The Creative Cycle Processes Model of Spontaneous Imagery Narratives Applied to the Ayahuasca Shamanic Journey
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances cognitive processes, with EEG studies showing a remarkable increase in beta coherence—25 to 30 cycles per second—indicating improved information exchange between brain regions. In a sample of participants experiencing this psychoactive brew, reports highlighted profound imagery narratives linked to healing, creativity, and spiritual growth. A new creative cycle processes model reveals three stages: dismantling, creation, and expression. This cyclic process fosters ongoing personal development, leading to richer experiences and innovative expressions in various aspects of life.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is an A mazonian psychoactive shamanic brew that often elicits spontaneous, intense, and meaningful imagery narratives related t...
Potential therapeutic use of ayahuasca: A literature review
Acta Amazonica – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating depression and anxiety, with literature from 2012 to 2022 highlighting its therapeutic effects. Out of the reviewed studies, over 60% focused on these mental health issues, while others explored its impact on chemical dependency and Parkinson's disease. The decoction, derived from Amazonian plants, contains psychoactive compounds like DMT and β-carbolines that interact with serotonin receptors, creating profound neurochemical effects. However, concerns about potential toxicity and reproductive impacts underscore the need for further investigation into its safety and mechanisms.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a psychoactive decoction originally used in indigenous Amazonian culture. It consists of a dense brown liquid that most frequ...
A PLANTA AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DA DEPRESSÃO
Revista interdisciplinar em saúde – December 07, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a plant-based treatment, shows promise in alleviating depression, impacting emotional processing in the brain. An analysis of literature from 2006 to 2017 indicated that participants experienced significant improvements in depressive symptoms one day post-treatment. With approximately 5.8% of Brazil's population affected by depression, this herbal remedy could offer an alternative to conventional antidepressants like tricyclics and SSRIs. This approach highlights the importance of exploring natural therapies within psychology and medicinal plant applications for mental health solutions.
Abstract
Introdução: A depressão é um transtorno mental com grande chance de ser a principal causa de incapacidade e desgaste mental em âmbito mundial até a...
Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects.
PCN reports : psychiatry and clinical neurosciences – December 01, 2023
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew ayahuasca combines DMT-containing plants with harmala alkaloids to create a powerful psychedelic medicine. Traditional ceremonies using this brew have shown remarkable potential in treating depression, addiction, and PTSD. Modern research reveals that ayahuasca's unique chemical properties promote neuroplasticity and emotional healing, while traditional ceremonial contexts provide crucial therapeutic support.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine...
Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in College Students With Harmful Alcohol Use: A Single-blind, Feasibility, Proof-of-Concept Trial.
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
Summary
A single dose of ayahuasca, a traditional South American plant medicine, showed promise in reducing alcohol consumption among college students. Researchers gave 11 students with problematic drinking patterns one supervised ayahuasca session with psychological support. The treatment proved safe, with participants drinking less frequently in following weeks. They also showed improved response times in empathy-related tasks, suggesting broader psychological benefits beyond addiction support.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a South American plant hallucinogen rich in the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines (mainly harmine). Preclinical and ...
Effects of Ayahuasca and its Alkaloids on Drug Dependence: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies in Animals and Humans
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 26, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a potential treatment for addiction, with four out of five observational studies indicating significant reductions in substance use among regular consumers. In animal studies, all five demonstrated improvements in behaviors related to drug-induced disorders when exposed to harmaline, harmine, or ayahuasca. The beverage's anti-addictive effects may involve β-carbolines inhibiting MAO-A and DMT activating 5-HT2A receptors, influencing mood regulation. While these findings are encouraging, further controlled studies are essential to confirm the efficacy of ayahuasca in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Recently, the anti-addictive potential of ayahuasca, a dimethyltryptamine(DMT)- and β-carboline-rich hallucinogenic beverage traditionally used by ...
Subjective Theories about (Self‐)Treatment with Ayahuasca
Anthropology of Consciousness – August 23, 2010
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage used in healing rituals, significantly influenced the well-being of 15 individuals with chronic ailments such as depression and cancer. Participants reported enhanced coping mechanisms and positive impacts on their illnesses, indicating that 80% believed ayahuasca improved their overall health. Qualitative interviews revealed diverse motivations and subjective experiences, suggesting that ayahuasca acts as a psychological catalyst rather than merely a pharmacological agent. This highlights its potential role in clinical psychology and alternative therapeutic settings.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage that is mostly used in ritualized settings (Santo Daime rituals, neo‐shamanic rituals, and even do‐it...
It’s Tea Time: Interference of Ayahuasca Brew on Discriminative Learning in Zebrafish
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – August 27, 2018
Summary
Chronic exposure to Ayahuasca can impair cognitive abilities. In a study involving 100 adult zebrafish, those exposed to Ayahuasca for 13 days showed significant deficits in object discrimination compared to controls. Acute exposure at both concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 ml/L) did not affect cognitive performance, but the higher concentration influenced locomotion. These findings highlight the dual nature of Ayahuasca as both a hallucinogen and a potential cognitive disruptor, emphasizing zebrafish as valuable models for studying psychedelics and their effects on cognition and behavior.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in shamanistic and vegetalistic rituals and has recently received lot of attention due to poten...
Interactive Effects of Ayahuasca and Cannabidiol in Social Cognition in Healthy Volunteers
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – June 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca and cannabidiol (CBD) were well tolerated in a trial involving 17 healthy volunteers, with both substances producing mainly nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Participants received either a placebo or 600 mg of CBD before consuming ayahuasca. While significant reductions in anxiety and cognitive deterioration occurred in both groups, no differences emerged between them. Reaction times improved across the board, but there was no evidence that CBD moderated ayahuasca's effects on emotional recognition. These findings suggest potential for clinical applications in anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Background Serotonergic hallucinogens and cannabinoids may alter the recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE). Cannabidiol (CB...
Neuronal quantification in mice cerebral cortex under use of Ayahuasca tea
Revista Neurociências – September 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive tea made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, showed no significant impact on neuron cell bodies in the cerebral cortex of mice. In a study involving 15 mice divided into three groups, those treated with Ayahuasca for 15 days (30mg/ml) displayed similar neuron counts in limbic, sensory, and motor areas compared to controls. This suggests that the specific dosage and duration of Ayahuasca administration do not alter neuronal structure in the analyzed regions, highlighting its limited effect on cerebral cortex morphology.
Abstract
Objective. Ayahuasca, administered as infusion (tea), is the result of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis boiling for religious rites, and...
A Systematic Literature Review of the Potential Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca Tea Prepared From the Use of Banisteriopsis Caapi and Psychotria Viridis
Journal of Agricultural Studies – December 10, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional drink from Brazil, shows promise in treating psychological disorders and infections. A comprehensive review of 30 years of literature highlighted its neuropsychological benefits, with studies indicating significant antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. Out of 150 articles reviewed, approximately 70% focused on its therapeutic effects on neurological conditions. Additionally, ayahuasca demonstrated immunomodulatory and antioxidant actions. These findings suggest that ayahuasca could serve as an alternative therapy, particularly for indigenous populations familiar with its traditional use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a drink of indigenous origin made as a decoction obtained from medicinal plants found mainly in Acre, state of Brazil, which are the l...
Ayahuasca’s influence on gay identity 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown remarkable potential to enhance self-perception, particularly for gay individuals facing societal rejection. In a qualitative study of 17 self-identified gay and lesbian participants who consumed ayahuasca in ceremonial settings, all reported affirmation of their sexual identity. None experienced negative impacts on their sense of self. Participants also noted additional positive changes in various life aspects, attributing these improvements to their ayahuasca experiences. This highlights the potential of psychedelics to foster identity acceptance and psychological well-being within marginalized communities.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has been found in some research to have positive long-term effects on mental states and a particularly strong positive effect on percepti...
SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCES OF AYAHUASCA NAIVE USERS
OpenAlex – February 05, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a treatment for clinical disorders, with 80% of naïve users reporting positive psychological experiences. In a study involving 150 participants, including individuals with depression and healthy controls, the subjective effects of ayahuasca were assessed after consumption. Another part of the research compared health outcomes and cognitive factors among varying experience levels—naïve, low/moderate, and high users—highlighting how previous exposure influences beliefs and well-being. These findings underscore ayahuasca's potential impact on mental health and personal growth.
Abstract
[pt] A ayahuasca é uma infusão psicoativa utilizada como enteógeno há séculos, com pesquisas recentes indicando seu potencial como um tratamento pr...
AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DE DEPRESSÃO RESISTENTE
Visão Acadêmica – December 29, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, a condition affecting many in Brazil. A review of 37 articles led to the selection of 11 relevant studies, revealing significant improvements in depressive symptoms following Ayahuasca use. Notably, these benefits can last for several weeks. Additionally, Ayahuasca appears to positively affect brain biomarkers and neuronal growth, hinting at its potential psychological benefits. This offers new hope for individuals who have not found relief through conventional antidepressants, though further investigation into its effects and safety is essential.
Abstract
O Brasil enfrenta uma alta prevalência de depressão, uma doença crônica não transmissível que requer gerenciamento a longo prazo. O tratamento inic...
Ayahuasca partially preserves striatal integrity in juvenile non-human primates exposed to chronic stress: evidence from stereological evaluation.
Frontiers in neuroanatomy – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional plant-based brew, shows promise in protecting brain regions affected by chronic stress and depression. In a groundbreaking study with juvenile primates, researchers found that this natural compound helped preserve the striatum - a brain region crucial for emotion and motivation. Animals receiving ayahuasca maintained healthier neural structures despite isolation stress, compared to untreated subjects, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for stress-related conditions.
Abstract
The striatum (St) integrates cognitive, motor, and limbic functions and plays a critical role in processing emotions, motivation, and rewards. It m...