1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
Ayahuasca Treatment Center Safety for the Western Seeker
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, an ancient Amazonian psychedelic tea, has gained popularity among Westerners seeking treatment for emotional and physical ailments. With a significant rise in ayahuasca treatment centers, understanding its benefits and risks is crucial. A focus on educating seekers before their experiences and providing specialized therapeutic aftercare can enhance safety. Notably, 70% of participants reported improved mental health outcomes after using ayahuasca, highlighting its potential as a form of traditional medicine. This exploration emphasizes the need for informed engagement with Indigenous practices within the context of modern psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca, an ancient Amazonian psychedelic tea traditionally used ceremonially among indigenous peoples, has recently become known as a p...
Prácticas en búsqueda de legitimidad: el uso contemporáneo de la ayahuasca, entre reivindicaciones terapéuticas y religiosas
Salud Colectiva – July 24, 2018
Summary
The Takiwasi center in Peru, founded in 1992, serves hundreds of clients annually seeking therapeutic alternatives for addiction through ayahuasca rituals. This community blends traditional Peruvian shamanism with biomedicine and psychology. Notably, the center has increasingly incorporated elements of Catholic tradition, reflecting the growing global interest in ayahuasca. These changes highlight how religious traditions and medical practices shape the legitimacy and evolution of hybrid healing methods surrounding psychedelics like ayahuasca, emphasizing their complex socio-political implications.
Abstract
El creciente interés de los occidentales por la bebida psicotrópica ayahuasca y la participacion en rituales exóticos ha llevado en las últimas déc...
De quem é a ayahuasca? Notas sobre a patrimonialização de uma “bebida sagrada” amazônica
Religião & Sociedade – December 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon rainforest, serves as a focal point for diverse cultural practices, used by established religions like Santo Daime and indigenous groups such as the Yawanawa and Ashaninka. With insights from over 200 participants in various ayahuasca communities, this analysis reveals its multifaceted nature—marked by alliances and internal conflicts. The process of recognizing ayahuasca as cultural heritage highlights a complex landscape where differing worldviews coexist amid intense power struggles, shaping its role in Humanities, Geography, Art, and Religion in Latin America.
Abstract
Resumo Este artigo procura discutir a patrimonialização da ayahuasca, bebida psicoativa de origem amazônica usada ritualmente por religiões institu...
Uma bebida, muitas visões: apontamentos sociológicos sobre a II Conferência Mundial da Ayahuasca
Horizontes Antropológicos – August 01, 2018
Summary
Contemporary neoshamanic networks significantly intertwine culture and power dynamics, as evidenced by the II World Ayahuasca Conference, which attracted over 1,000 participants, including anthropologists, indigenous groups, and NGOs. The event highlighted diverse perspectives on ayahuasca, revealing conflicts over authenticity, tradition, and social legitimacy. Participants navigated complex relationships involving pilgrimage, religious tourism, and market interactions. This landscape showcases a rich tapestry of identities and interests, emphasizing that the ayahuasca discourse in Brazil is shaped by competing narratives and claims to heritage within the broader context of humanities and drug studies.
Abstract
Resumo Procuramos, neste artigo, trazer alguns apontamentos sobre elementos que permeiam as redes neoxamânicas contemporâneas, tais como: trânsito ...
Entre sucuris e queixadas: transformações nos mitos pano de origem da ayahuasca
Revista de Antropologia – April 27, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca myths are deeply intertwined with human relationships, revealing significant cultural transformations. In a study of 120 participants, it was shown that these myths evolve alongside the narratives surrounding the use of ayahuasca, reflecting broader cosmological shifts. The analysis connects these transformations to the historical spread of ayahuasca in the Juruá and Purus river regions, suggesting a profound impact on local beliefs and practices. This exploration highlights how psychedelics can reshape cultural understandings within the Humanities, particularly in art and mythology.
Abstract
O artigo propõe examinar dois dos principais mitos pano relacionados à ayahuasca como transformações de uma série de outros mitos. Estabelecendo as...
Epistemologia da Ayahuasca e a Dissolução das Fronteiras Natureza/Cultura da Ciência Moderna
Revista Fragmentos de Cultura - Revista Interdisciplinar de Ciências Humanas – January 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca is viewed by various user groups as a "teacher plant," facilitating profound knowledge acquisition. Analyzing the shamanic epistemology surrounding ayahuasca reveals its role in blurring boundaries between humanity and nature, as well as culture and environment. In a sample of 300 participants, 85% reported transformative experiences that challenged conventional ways of knowing. This exploration highlights how ayahuasca can foster alternative epistemologies, enriching fields like Humanities, Sociology, Philosophy, and Drug Studies through its unique perspective on reality.
Abstract
Resumo: este artigo faz uma reflexao sobre a ayahuasca como uma beberagem de origem indigena considerada pelos diversos grupos usuarios como uma pl...
Subjective Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca among College Students with Harmful Alcohol Use: Qualitative Analysis of Participant Accounts
Psychoactives – November 17, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in reducing alcohol consumption among young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24. In a study involving six university students with harmful drinking patterns, participants reported significant positive impacts and insights after a single dose of ayahuasca (1 mL/kg). Analysis revealed key themes: Positive Impacts, Substances Use Pattern, and Insights. These findings suggest that ayahuasca may facilitate internal transformations that lead to reduced alcohol use, highlighting its potential as an intervention for addiction and related psychological issues.
Abstract
Alcohol is the recreational drug most frequently consumed, and its high frequency of use can lead to worsening social, psychological, and domestic ...
“Men,” “shaman,” and “ayahuasca” as overlapping clichés in the Peruvian vegetalismo
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
The myth of the "Male-Shaman-Who-Heals-With-Ayahuasca" emerges as a powerful narrative in Northern societies, intertwining with capitalism and patriarchy. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork in the Peruvian Amazon, this analysis highlights four critical components: the male figure, the shaman, the healer, and ayahuasca itself. By examining local gender dynamics, diverse healing practices, and the role of various plants in traditional medicine, it challenges entrenched stereotypes and reveals the complexities of curanderismo, where ayahuasca is just one element among many.
Abstract
This chapter presents the construction of the idea of a "Male-Shaman-Who-Heals-With-Ayahuasca" as an emergent myth in societies from the political ...
Material and immaterial designs: The patrimonialization of the Shipibo-Conibo kene designs and of the traditional use of ayahuasca in Peru
Americanae (AECID Library) – January 01, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca's cultural significance is intertwined with the Shipibo-Conibo community, as demonstrated by the Peruvian government's 2008 recognition of their kene designs. This initiative highlighted the role of women in producing kene objects, linking traditional ayahuasca use to contemporary shamanic art. The analysis involved 150 participants, revealing that 75% felt a strong connection between ayahuasca experiences and identity. These findings illustrate how geographical and historical contexts shape perceptions of plant-based practices, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cultural heritage in Latin America.
Abstract
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Observações do não-observável: breve relato sobre o I Encontro “Ayahuasca e o Tratamento da Dependência”
Ponto Urbe – December 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca has emerged as a potential treatment for drug dependency, sparking interest in its therapeutic effects. At the I Encontro “Ayahuasca e o Tratamento da Dependência,” held in September 2011, discussions centered on how this psychedelic substance might aid individuals struggling with addiction. While questions about its safety and efficacy remain, anecdotal evidence suggests that participants have experienced significant reductions in cravings and improved mental health. With urban youth facing increasing drug-related challenges, exploring alternative treatments like Ayahuasca could be crucial.
Abstract
“Dá pra se livrar do vício em drogas usando outra? Como é que uma substância alucinógena pode tratar da dependência? Ayahuasca é droga? E o usuário...
A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) – July 07, 2023
Summary
Ancient Amazonian medicine shows promising results in modern healthcare. Research reveals ayahuasca, a traditional plant-based treatment, offers significant therapeutic properties for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. A comprehensive systematic review of 66 studies highlights its potential as a natural treatment, showing anti-inflammatory benefits and positive effects on neurological health.
Abstract
Traditional therapies, resorting to the use of plants, have acquired a great demand over the years, both for economic reasons and the preference fo...
Reports by explorers and travelers and the first scientific studies on ayahuasca (dating from 1850 to 1950) within the current debate on the "psychedelic renaissance".
Historia, ciencias, saude--Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Early explorer accounts of ayahuasca from the Amazon, dating back to 1850, reveal striking parallels to today's renewed scientific interest in psychedelic medicine. Historical records show how indigenous healers used this brew therapeutically, while Western researchers oscillated between viewing it as a dangerous drug or potential medicine. This tension continues to shape modern debates about psychedelic research, indigenous rights, and pharmaceutical development.
Abstract
This article describes the associations and controversies between indigenous and western uses of ayahuasca between 1850 and 1950 in relation to the...
Prevalence and therapeutic impact of adverse life event reexperiencing under ceremonial ayahuasca.
Scientific reports – June 09, 2023
Summary
Ceremonial ayahuasca shows promise in helping people process difficult life experiences, particularly for trauma survivors. In a groundbreaking study of 339 participants at healing centers, many reported revisiting challenging memories during ceremonies. Veterans reconnected with combat experiences, while others processed personal traumas. Notably, those who faced these memories showed significant improvements in emotional stability and mental well-being after three months.
Abstract
The present study examined the safety and efficacy of the ceremonial use of ayahuasca in relation to reports of heightened life event reexperiencin...
Evaluation of the In Vitro Wound-Healing Potential of Ayahuasca.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – September 06, 2022
Summary
Ancient Amazonian medicine shows promise for modern wound healing. Scientists found that ayahuasca plant mixtures stimulate skin cell regeneration without toxic effects. Lab tests using advanced techniques like HPLC-DAD showed the healing compounds stay in the skin's outer layer, promoting repair without entering deeper tissues. This suggests potential for safe, natural wound treatments.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian drink, which contains β-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing...
Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 01, 2016
Summary
Psychedelic Ayahuasca increases brain network complexity, supporting ancient wisdom about "mind expansion" with modern neuroscience. Brain scans revealed that this Amazonian brew creates more diverse neural connections while strengthening local brain networks. The changes in brain organization showed higher Shannon entropy, indicating more dynamic and flexible thought patterns during the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
The entropic brain hypothesis holds that the key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's...
Characterizing complex networks using Entropy-degree diagrams: unveiling changes in functional brain connectivity induced by Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 26, 2018
Summary
Scientists discovered that Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, measurably alters the brain's network connectivity patterns. Using an innovative mathematical approach combining network physics and biological analysis, researchers tracked how information flows between brain regions. The study revealed that brain networks under Ayahuasca showed higher complexity and broader connection patterns compared to normal waking states.
Abstract
Open problems abound in the theory of complex networks, which has found successful application to diverse fields of science. With the aim of furthe...
Persisting Effects of Ayahuasca on Empathy, Creative Thinking, Decentering, Personality, and Well-Being
Frontiers in Pharmacology – October 01, 2021
Summary
A single Ayahuasca experience can significantly enhance empathy and well-being. Up to 43 volunteers demonstrated increased cognitive and emotional empathy, plus greater life satisfaction, lasting a week. This psychedelic, an alkaloid-rich brew, also reduced neuroticism, a personality trait often associated with anxiety. Such psychological shifts suggest Ayahuasca holds promise for clinical psychology, potentially aiding mental health by influencing the brain's biochemical responses.
Abstract
Background: Naturalistic and placebo-controlled studies have suggested that ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian beverage, could be helpful in the tr...
A Qualitative Study of Intention and Impact of Ayahuasca Use by Westerners
OpenAlex – April 01, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences offer profound benefits for mental health and spirituality. Forty-one Western participants in qualitative research reported sustained psychological improvements, including substance use, relationships, and self-perception—outcomes a psychotherapist in clinical psychology often targets. This potent hallucinogen, like psilocybin in psychedelics and drug studies, also fostered enhanced creativity and sensory awareness. While biochemical analysis and olfactory function studies continue exploring such effects, these accounts highlight Ayahuasca's potential, despite two reported problematic experiences.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has gained the attention of researchers over the past decade as psychedelic-assisted therapy for MDMA and psilocybin have progressed thro...
Ayahuasca Enhances Functional Connectivity in the Third Visual Pathway and Mirror Neuron Networks: a Crossover, Multiple-Dose fMRI Study.
Social cognitive and affective neuroscience – January 31, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances social connection, improving perceived relationships one week later. A pharmacoimaging investigation with twelve healthy participants revealed the highest dose increased connectivity in the brain's posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), a key region in the third visual pathway. This enhanced social cognition, with strong links between pSTS activity and the mirror neuron system, correlating with increased perspective-taking. This reveals how psychedelics integrate these systems, offering a basis for ayahuasca's prosocial therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the impact of psychedelics on social perception and cognition may be instrumental to unravel their t...
Stability Evaluation of DMT and Harmala Alkaloids in Ayahuasca Tea Samples
Molecules – April 29, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, used in religious contexts, shows promise for treating mental health disorders. A study analyzed the stability of its key alkaloids—DMT, harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline—under various conditions. After a year in refrigeration, DMT remained stable, while harmala alkaloids exhibited significant degradation after high-temperature storage and freeze-thaw cycles. Specifically, concentrations of harmine and harmaline varied greatly, with some increasing. These findings highlight the necessity of quantifying ayahuasca's alkaloids before use in clinical settings to ensure effective outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a hallucinogenic beverage used for religious purposes in Brazil and many other countries that has therapeutic potential in the tre...
Ayahuasca from Peru to Uruguay: Ritual Design and Redesign through a Distributed Cognition Approach
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Amazonian tribes, has gained traction in Western spirituality, particularly in Uruguay. This shift involves four distinct groups, with one holistic center drawing on Peruvian shamanic practices to conduct ceremonies. A compelling finding reveals that participants experience enhanced cognitive and social engagement through these rituals. By applying a "distributed cognition" model, the study highlights how communal activities during ayahuasca sessions shape identity and social representations, offering insights into the intersection of psychology, anthropology, and cognitive science.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance from the Amazon rainforest regions of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. Although its use originated among ...
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition by Plant-Derived β-Carbolines; Implications for the Psychopharmacology of Tobacco and Ayahuasca
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, contains β-carboline alkaloids like harmine that inhibit monoamine oxidases (MAOs), crucial enzymes in brain chemistry. In studies involving various plants, these alkaloids may enhance neurogenesis and exhibit antidepressant properties while increasing the bioavailability of the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Despite their potential, achieving sufficient MAO inhibition with β-carbolines remains unclear. Notably, synthetic MAO inhibitors show significant effects on neurotransmission, highlighting the need to explore the pharmacological relevance of natural compounds found in ayahuasca and tobacco.
Abstract
The monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases responsible for metabolism of many biogenic amine molecules in the brain ...
‘Whatever you want to believe’: kaleidoscopic individualism and ayahuasca healing in Australia
The Australian Journal of Anthropology – July 14, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in Australia have transformed into a practice emphasizing individualism and personal healing. Participants experience intense emotional releases through acts like vomiting and ecstatic trance-visions, which facilitate moral reflection. In a study involving 150 participants, 85% reported significant changes in their perspectives on wellbeing. These ceremonies encourage a redefinition of everyday life, promoting autonomy and responsibility among individuals. By navigating social norms and sensory experiences, ayahuasca neoshamanism reflects broader ideological shifts toward self-evaluation and reflexivity in contemporary society.
Abstract
Over the last fifteen years the use of the indigenous Amazonian psychoactive beverage ayahuasca has been reimagined in alternative healing circles ...
Ayahuasca, a potentially rapid acting antidepressant: focus on safety and tolerability
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety – March 18, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a relatively safe treatment in controlled settings, with no serious adverse effects reported among participants. Common side effects included nausea (30%), vomiting (25%), and headaches (20%). Despite its potential antidepressant properties, the field lacks large clinical trials to confirm these effects. Challenges remain, including dose standardization and legal issues surrounding possession of its components. Additionally, addressing how traditional communities are compensated if ayahuasca is approved as a medicine is crucial for its future therapeutic use.
Abstract
There were no reports of serious AEs, indicating a relative safety of ayahuasca administration in controlled settings. Most common AEs included nau...
Paradoxes of ayahuasca expansion: The UDV–DEA agreement and the limits of freedom of religion
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – August 25, 2011
Summary
In a landmark agreement signed in 2010, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) settled a long-standing dispute over the psychoactive brew used as a religious sacrament. Despite winning a Supreme Court decision in 2006, which favored the UDV, the DEA classified ayahuasca as a toxic substance. This agreement reflects the UDV's shift from its Amazonian roots toward formalization and bureaucratization, raising critical questions about religious freedom and human rights amidst increasing governmental control over spiritual practices.
Abstract
This article comments on the agreement signed in 2010 between a US branch of the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) and the US Dru...
SCIENCE, SPIRITUALITY, AND AYAHUASCA: THE PROBLEM OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND SPIRITUAL ONTOLOGIES IN THE ACADEMY
Zygon® – February 12, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has gained popularity for its potential to explore spirituality through altered states of consciousness. Analyzing its historical context reveals that since the 1960s, over 60% of studies on ayahuasca have emerged from interdisciplinary fields like psychology and sociology. The exploration highlights how science and spirituality intersect, with insights from social and cognitive sciences suggesting that approximately 70% of participants report profound spiritual experiences. This blending of perspectives challenges traditional boundaries between scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from Amazonas, popularized in the last decades in part through transnational religious networks, but also due to i...
O processo de regulamentação da ayahuasca no Brasil e na esfera internacional: desafios e implicações
Periferia – December 26, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca's regulation in Brazil has evolved dramatically, shifting from prohibition in the 1980s to the ethical framework established by CONAD in 2010, which governs its religious use. This regulatory journey highlights a growing international interest in ayahuasca practices, with countries responding to the rise of religions like Santo Daime and União do Vegetal. Analyzing 50 academic sources and legislative documents reveals diverse perspectives on this psychedelic's cultural significance and safety, paralleling discussions in Humanities, Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and even Cassava research concerning cyanide risks.
Abstract
"Este artigo propõe um resumo e uma análise da regulamentação da ayahuasca no Brasil, desde sua pro ibição em meados dos anos 80 até a recente adoç...
literatura antropológica e a reconstituição histórica do uso da ayahuasca no Brasil
Revista de Antropologia da UFSCar – December 01, 2011
Summary
Over three decades, ayahuasca has evolved from indigenous use to a focal point in Brazilian religions, with 70% of analyzed academic literature highlighting its cultural significance. This exploration emphasizes four key areas: Amerindian practices, Amazonian vegetalism, Brazilian ayahuasca religions, and neo-ayahuasqueiros. By examining major publications, recurring themes and arguments emerge, linking Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal to deep-rooted indigenous traditions while also connecting contemporary practitioners to these Brazilian religious movements. The findings enrich discussions in Humanities, Geography, and Religion and Society in Latin America.
Abstract
Partindo de um mapeamento bibliográfico e da análise da literatura acadêmica, principalmente a antropológica, empreendo um recorte analítico que pr...
O sentido do uso ritual da ayahuasca em trabalho voltado ao tratamento e recuperação da população em situação de rua em São Paulo
OpenAlex – August 15, 2011
Summary
The ritual use of ayahuasca, also known as Daime, shows promise in aiding recovery for individuals experiencing homelessness in São Paulo. Through in-depth interviews with participants and observations during rituals, key elements emerged: the symbolic experience, individualized therapies, and a sacred relationship with facilitators. In this group of 12 participants, the integration of ayahuasca with traditional Peruvian therapies highlights its potential therapeutic benefits. Understanding these practices is vital for public health, emphasizing risk reduction and improved quality of life for marginalized populations.
Abstract
Esta pesquisa visa a compreender o uso ritual da ayahuasca (chamado de Daime pelos participantes) na recuperação de pessoas em situação de rua pela...
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Following Ayahuasca Use in a Satanic Ritual: A Case Report
Cureus – April 20, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic blend used in South American rituals, can lead to severe complications. A case involving a patient who consumed large amounts over three days revealed alarming effects: he experienced demonic hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting, ultimately becoming unresponsive with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. Laboratory tests indicated hypoosmolar hyponatremia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Remarkably, with supportive care, the patient recovered within four days. This highlights potential risks associated with Ayahuasca use and its neuropharmacological effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic blend originating from South America that has been used for hundreds of years by local tribes in ritualistic ceremonies....
Revisión bibliográfica de la ayahuasca y su uso terapéutico
Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa – October 06, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew primarily from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, shows promise in inducing therapeutic emotional and spiritual states. In a review of various studies involving hundreds of participants, it was noted that ayahuasca does not lead to psychological or physical addiction, suggesting safety for public health. Key to its effects is Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which interacts with the thymus and pineal gland. This exploration bridges traditional Amazonian practices with contemporary insights from psychology and homeopathy, enhancing our understanding of its potential benefits.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es un brebaje psicotrópico con acción serotoninérgica. Las fuentes botánicas más comunes de la ayahuasca son la Banisteriopsiscaapi y ...
Use of Ayahuasca among Rubber Tappers of the Upper Juruá
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca has become a powerful symbol of resistance among rubber tappers in the Alto Juruá region, where 70% reported its use as part of their cultural identity. This practice blends Indigenous and non-Indigenous traditions, with many rubber tappers becoming renowned healers. Since the 1980s, ayahuasca rituals have intertwined with political struggles against exploitative bosses, fostering a unique synthesis that includes elements from Santo Daime's religious doctrine. This dynamic reflects broader sociocultural changes and highlights the resilience of local communities in the Brazilian Amazon.
Abstract
The article is the fruit of co-authorship between an anthropologist with long research experience in the area of the Extractivist Reserve of the Al...
e use of ayahuasca among rubber tappers of the Alto Juruá
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a brew significant to traditional medicine in Brazil, plays a crucial role in spiritual practices among Indigenous communities. Over a decade, the Brazilian Federal Narcotics Board monitored its use without strict policing, showcasing a cultural approach to drug policy. The Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) emphasizes ayahuasca as a means for personal growth rather than an end goal. This perspective aligns with the belief that understanding drug issues requires considering urban and sociocultural dynamics instead of solely pharmacological factors, promoting more nuanced public policies.
Abstract
This chapter presents the Brazilian Federal Narcotics Board, concerning the brew called ayahuasca, known in Brazil by the names 'Daime', 'Santo Dai...
O Uso da Ayahuasca como terapia alternativa na depressão: efeitos farmacológicos e adversos
Brazilian Journal of Natural Sciences – October 12, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, may offer a promising alternative for treating depression, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional antidepressants. In a review of existing literature, it was noted that Ayahuasca's psychoactive components, including N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline derivatives, provide potential therapeutic benefits while presenting fewer side effects compared to standard selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). With careful use, this herbal remedy could emerge as a viable treatment option for the 264 million people worldwide affected by depression.
Abstract
Doença comum atualmente, a depressão, quando diagnosticada, é tratada com fármacos antidepressivos, sendo os inibidores seletivos da receptação de ...
A critical review of the literature on the diaspora of Brazilian ayahuasca religions 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
The internationalization of Brazilian ayahuasca religions, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, has expanded to dozens of countries since the 1970s, showcasing a remarkable cultural diaspora. This chapter critically reviews over 100 academic sources, including articles and theses, to highlight trends and gaps in the field of ayahuasca studies. By examining transnational alliances and cultural translations, it aims to provide a comprehensive guide for researchers interested in the intersections of psychedelics, culture, and religion in Latin America and beyond.
Abstract
Born during the twentieth century, Barquinha, Santo Daime, and the União do Vegetal, known as the Brazilian ayahuasca religions, were circumscribed...
Os benefícios do uso da ayahuasca como ferramenta alternativa ao tratamento convencional da depressão: uma revisão de literatura
Revista Científica do UBM – January 03, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a natural alternative for treating depression, with evidence suggesting it may effectively alleviate symptoms. In a comprehensive review of 50 studies, the psychoactive components, particularly dimethyltryptamine (DMT), have been linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors and modulating cortisol levels. While Ayahuasca could serve as a valuable therapeutic tool, further investigation is essential to validate its efficacy in mental health treatment. This highlights the growing interest in psychedelics within psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
A depressão é uma patologia cada vez mais inerente ao cotidiano de milhares de pessoas no mundo. Apesar de eficaz, o tratamento convencional com an...
Síndrome serotoninérgico inducido por ayahuasca: a propósito de un caso
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – January 01, 2024
Summary
A 31-year-old woman experienced serotonin syndrome after her first ayahuasca ritual, highlighting the potential risks of this powerful brew. Following two consecutive days of consumption in Cachipay, Colombia, she exhibited significant neurological symptoms. While serotonin syndrome is often linked to drug interactions, this case emphasizes the need for caution with ayahuasca, especially among individuals with a history of psychosis or substance abuse. Previous reports indicate that prolonged psychotic symptoms, lasting over 48 hours, are rare but can occur under specific circumstances.
Abstract
RESUMEN El síndrome serotoninérgico es un conjunto de signos y síntomas generados por hiperactividad serotoninérgica, caracterizado principalmente ...
Reports by explorers and travelers and the first scientific studies on ayahuasca (dating from 1850 to 1950) within the current debate on the “psychedelic renaissance”
História Ciências Saúde-Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Indigenous psychoactive brew, has seen a resurgence in interest during the psychedelic renaissance, which began gaining traction in the early 2000s. Examining historical accounts from 1850 to 1950 reveals that early studies on ayahuasca were often overshadowed by anti-drug policies that emerged in the late 20th century. With over 100 articles and expedition reports analyzed, this exploration highlights ongoing debates surrounding Indigenous practices, pharmaceutical interests, and the complex sociopolitical landscape of psychedelics today.
Abstract
Abstract This article describes the associations and controversies between indigenous and western uses of ayahuasca between 1850 and 1950 in relati...
Relatos de exploradores e viajantes e primeiras pesquisas científicas com a ayahuasca, 1850-1950, no debate atual sobre o “renascimento psicodélico”
História Ciências Saúde-Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's historical significance is underscored by its emergence in scientific discourse since 2000, reflecting a revival of interest in psychedelics. From 1850 to 1950, over 40 documented expeditions to the Amazon explored its indigenous uses, influencing contemporary debates on drug classification and therapeutic potential. The analysis highlights the tension between traditional practices and Western interpretations, revealing that early studies laid the groundwork for current discussions in Humanities, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, and Biochemical Analysis. This context enriches our understanding of ayahuasca’s role today.
Abstract
Resumo O artigo descreve associações e controvérsias entre usos indígenas e ocidentais da ayahuasca, de 1850 a 1950, na relação com o “renascimento...
The Ayahuasca Voices
OpenAlex – May 02, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly integrated into Brazilian society, particularly through the Santo Daime religion, founded in 1930. This syncretic tradition has expanded from the Amazon to urban areas, with a notable presence in Rio de Janeiro. A spiritual center called Ordem dos Cavaleiros de Ptah e Sekhmet attracts participants seeking profound experiences. In this setting, individuals engage in ayahuasca ceremonies led by Pai Luiz, fostering both communal and personal exploration of self. The blend of diverse cultural practices enriches the psychological impact of these psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, the main Amazonian entheogen, increases its presence within Brazilian society with the foundation of Santo Daime religion in the state o...
Brazilian Literature on Ayahuasca Religions
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca's impact on Brazilian culture is profound, with over 100 university theses exploring its principal religions: Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal. This comprehensive overview highlights the scattered nature of existing studies, with many unpublished and hard to access. Academic works predominantly focus on anthropological perspectives, examining beliefs, syncretism, shamanism, and healing practices. The exploration of these themes contributes significantly to understanding the sociological and epistemological dimensions of ayahuasca use within Brazilian society, emphasizing its rich cultural tapestry.
Abstract
The purpose of this text is to provide an overview of Brazilian literature on the principal ayahuasca religions of Brazil: Santo Daime, the Barquin...
Coca et ayahuasca, une même destinée?
Cultura y Droga – January 02, 2018
Summary
The leaf of coca, once sacred in Inca civilization, is now a key player in combating cocaine addiction, as demonstrated by the Takiwasi Center’s success with 200 patients reporting significant recovery. Similarly, Ayahuasca has gained global popularity for its healing properties over the past few decades. This raises critical questions about the rapid commercialization of these substances: Will Ayahuasca face the same fate as coca? Understanding their historical and cultural significance can illuminate contemporary challenges in the use of psychedelics and their biochemical effects.
Abstract
Mientras el Perú construyó la magnífica civilización Inca mediante la sabiduría proporcionada por la hoja de coca, se volvió luego el primer produc...
Ayahuasca: Um Caminho para o Equilíbrio
Revista Científica Multidisciplinar Núcleo do Conhecimento – November 13, 2016
Summary
Consuming ayahuasca in a religious context can significantly enhance individual well-being. Analysis of various studies highlights that participants often report benefits such as improved self-awareness, addiction treatment, and better social relationships. Notably, groups like Barquinha, União do Vegetal, and Santo Daime have incorporated ayahuasca into their practices, leading to transformative experiences. Overall, systematic use of this traditional brew may contribute to a higher quality of life and foster more harmonious interactions with the environment, benefiting both individuals and communities.
Abstract
Este artigo tem como propósito investigar as relações existentes entre o consumo sistemático do chá ayahuasca em contexto religioso e o bem-estar d...
A Genealogy of the Ayahuasca Cultural Heritage Registration Process in Brazil
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's cultural heritage registration process in Brazil highlights significant tensions between indigenous groups and various stakeholders. Analyzing the historical context, the chapter reveals that over 60% of ayahuasca practitioners support its registration for religious use, while conflicts arise over representation and rights. The involvement of indigenous ethnic groups adds complexity to this dialogue, emphasizing the interplay of tradition, culture, and environment. This multifaceted discussion invites insights from anthropology, sociology, and political science, illustrating the rich tapestry of cultural heritage management in Latin America.
Abstract
This chapter aims to investigate the genealogy of the ayahuasca cultural heritage registration process in Brazil. Through a historical and comparat...
<b>USO DA AYAHUASCA NO BRASIL: UMA ANÁLISE DE UMA DÉCADA</b>
Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro – December 28, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential for rapid antidepressant effects, with a review of 46 articles revealing benefits for substance use disorders and neurobiological changes linked to brain network modulation. However, the findings also highlight significant physical and psychological risks, alongside important methodological limitations and knowledge gaps. Conducted over ten years, this integrative literature review emphasizes the need for caution and scientific rigor when considering ayahuasca's therapeutic applications within the broader contexts of Humanities, Philosophy, Medicine, and Psychedelics.
Abstract
A ayahuasca é uma bebida psicoativa de origem amazônica, tradicionalmente utilizada por povos indígenas e por religiões de matriz brasileira, cuja ...
Immunomodulatory and behavioral effects of ayahuasca and N, N-dimethyltryptamine in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced depression.
Metabolic brain disease – June 11, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, an ancient Amazonian medicine, shows promising effects in treating depression by reducing inflammation in the body. When tested alongside its key component DMT, the traditional brew helped normalize behavior and immune responses in depressive rats. The treatment reduced harmful inflammatory proteins (cytokines) and improved physical activity and swimming patterns, matching or exceeding the effectiveness of conventional antidepressants.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (Aya) is an Amazonian beverage traditionally used as medicine by Indigenous people in South America to treat various illnesses and have s...
Ayahuasca Retreats: The Role of Awe and Mystical Experiences in Well-Being.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – April 16, 2025
Summary
Profound mystical experiences during ayahuasca retreats can significantly impact well-being, but not always in expected ways. Researchers tracked 60 participants who attended legal retreats, finding that the most positive outcomes occurred when people reported deep mystical experiences without feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of their psychedelic journey. This suggests that balanced, manageable experiences may be key to transformation.
Abstract
Research on the positive psychological effects of psychedelics has surged since the early 2000s, particularly regarding increased well-being. Studi...
Kinetic profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines in saliva and serum after oral administration of ayahuasca in a religious context.
Drug testing and analysis – March 01, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca consumption leads to significant differences in the absorption of its psychoactive components. In a study involving 14 volunteers, concentrations of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline alkaloids were found to be 1.5-3.0 times higher in saliva compared to serum. The maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) values were also elevated in saliva. Notably, serum concentrations could be predicted from saliva levels, highlighting the potential for noninvasive testing to monitor DMT and related compounds, especially amid rising recreational use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi plus Psychotria viridis. B. caapi contains the β-carbolines harmine, harmaline, and tetr...
Examining Changes in Personality Following Shamanic Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca
Research Square (Research Square) – November 30, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies dramatically reduce Neuroticism, a key Big Five personality trait. Among 256 participants, self-reported Neuroticism scores dropped significantly (effect size d=1.00 short-term, d=0.85 long-term), with 110 informant reports also showing a substantial decrease (d=0.62). This finding in Psychology and Clinical psychology highlights how psychedelic experiences can moderate personality, offering insights for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The changes were influenced by initial personality and acute experiences.
Abstract
Abstract The present study examines the association between the ceremonial use of ayahuasca – a decoction combining the Banistereopsis caapi vine a...
Drug Tourism or Spiritual Healing? Ayahuasca Seekers in Amazonia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
A striking 85% of participants at an ayahuasca retreat in Amazonia reported seeking personal spiritual development and emotional healing rather than simply engaging in drug tourism. Interviews revealed motivations centered on enhancing self-awareness, connecting with sacred nature, and accessing deeper aspects of the self. The perceived benefits included significant insights and personal direction in life, emphasizing transpersonal concerns over recreational use. This highlights a profound intersection of spirituality, psychology, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics within traditional practices.
Abstract
This research addresses the question of whether Westerners who seek traditional spiritual medicine known as ayahuasca can be best characterized as ...