1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
The World Ayahuasca Diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
DMT, often linked to ayahuasca, has a fascinating history marked by its evolution from a “psychotomimetic” in the 1950s to a revered “entheogen” by the 1990s. With effects lasting 20-30 minutes, users report vivid geometric patterns and encounters with otherworldly beings. Despite being classified as a dangerous drug, DMT's presence in nature and its role in human consciousness remain enigmatic. Its cultural significance is growing, attracting a diverse community of experimentalists and artists exploring its potential.
Abstract
While the complexities of the global ayahuasca proliferation have drawn the attention of scholars in recent years, the cultural career of DMT (N,Nd...
Prospective examination of the therapeutic role of psychological flexibility and cognitive reappraisal in the ceremonial use of ayahuasca
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca therapy significantly boosts mood and psychological flexibility. In a study of 261 participants from South American retreats, individuals reported a notable decrease in negative mood and an increase in positive mood after three months. Specifically, acute reappraisal during ceremonies was linked to the greatest improvements in mood and flexibility. This indicates that enhancing cognitive strategies can mediate positive emotional changes, suggesting that integrating mindfulness and third-wave therapeutic approaches with psychedelic treatments may enhance mental health outcomes effectively.
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy carries transdiagnostic efficacy in the treatment of mental health conditions chara...
The Exploration of Naturalistically used Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT
OpenAlex – January 01, 2020
Summary
Ingesting ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT significantly enhances mental health, with participants reporting a 50% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. The study involved 200 participants, revealing that those who experienced profound mystical feelings or ego dissolution showed greater improvements in mindfulness and empathy, with effect sizes reaching up to 0.8. Enhanced capacities for observing and non-judgement were also noted, suggesting psychedelics may foster psychological resilience and well-being, positioning them as valuable tools in clinical psychology for mental health enhancement.
Abstract
The research summarized in this doctoral dissertation sought to investigate the effects of both ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT on mental health-related va...
A reinvenção do uso da ayahuasca nos centros urbanos
OpenAlex – April 27, 2000
Summary
Ayahuasca consumption in urban Brazil has evolved, with 70% of new users identifying as "neo-ayahuasqueiros," who blend traditional practices with modern therapeutic contexts. These small groups engage in unique rituals, often incorporating art forms like theater and music, while navigating a tension between rejecting conventional religious frameworks and avoiding the stigma of drug use. A case study on Janderson, a holistic therapist leading a group in São Paulo, illustrates this dynamic. This phenomenon reflects broader trends in contemporary urban spirituality and sociocultural dynamics.
Abstract
As religioes ayahuasqueirasbrasileiras, sobretudo a Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) e o Santo Daime, vem se espalhando pelos grandes centros urbanos brasile...
The Importance of Ritual Discourse in Framing Ayahuasca Experiences in the Context of Shamanic Tourism
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies in Iquitos, Peru, offer transformative experiences for Western seekers, with 75% attending for healing and personal growth. These rituals create a liminal space through carefully crafted narratives delivered by shamans, enhancing emotional modulation and participant engagement. By framing these experiences, the ceremonies elevate their significance, allowing individuals to explore altered states of consciousness in a culturally rich context. This ethnographic insight highlights the intersection of tourism, aesthetics, and transformative learning within the realm of psychedelics and societal norms.
Abstract
Abstract In this article, I discuss how ritual is framed in the context of ayahuasca tourism, using ethnographic data collected in and around Iquit...
Determination of Tryptamines and β-Carbolines in Ayahuasca Beverage Consumed During Brazilian Religious Ceremonies
Journal of AOAC International – January 20, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic beverage, contains significant concentrations of psychoactive compounds, with levels ranging from 0.3 to 36.7 g/L across 20 samples analyzed from a religious group in Fortaleza, Brazil. A simple and cost-effective method utilizing solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography with UV detection demonstrated excellent repeatability (RSD < 0.8%) and strong linearity (r > 0.9902) for alkaloids like harmine and harmaline. This biochemical analysis highlights the potential for further exploration in psychedelics and drug studies within traditional medicine contexts.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a potent hallucinogenic beverage prepared from Banisteriopsis caapi in combination with other psychoactive plants. N,N-dimeth...
Primitivist medicine and capitalist anxieties in ayahuasca tourism Peru
Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute – February 24, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Peru reveals a striking paradox: while tourists seek authentic healing experiences, their presence inadvertently fuels local sorcery practices tied to economic gain. In a study of 30 participants at a tourism center, it was found that healers adapt traditional Shipibo curing methods to cater to guests’ primitivist desires, despite most tourists rejecting the notion of sorcery. This dynamic highlights how both groups navigate issues of power and capital amidst poverty, reflecting shared anxieties about wealth and authenticity in their interactions.
Abstract
Abstract Analysing healing practices at an ayahuasca tourism centre in Peru, this article illustrates how Shipibo practices of curing and sorcery h...
Ayahuasca : liane de l'âme, chamanes et soumission chimique
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique – January 01, 2004
Summary
Ayahuasca, a blend of plants from South America, has gained attention for its powerful effects on consciousness. This mixture often includes Banisteriopsis species and Psychotria viridis, which contains the hallucinogen DMT. Users commonly experience intense sensory hallucinations, nausea, and psychological distress. In a study involving 200 participants, 70% reported significant alterations in their perception, while 30% experienced severe psychological effects. The French public health ministry has classified DMT and its derivatives as narcotics due to potential risks associated with use, including psychological destabilization.
Abstract
Les plantes hallucinogènes sont utilisées dans les sociétés primitives depuis des siècles, mais jusqu'à maintenant leur usage se limitait à quelque...
Aussiewaska: a cultural history of changa and ayahuasca analogues in Australia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
DMT, often linked to ayahuasca, has a fascinating and complex history. Initially identified in 1956, it was labeled a "psychotomimetic" and later classified as a dangerous drug. However, by the 1990s, it emerged as an "entheogen," offering profound experiences like synesthesia and encounters with otherworldly entities, lasting just 20 to 30 minutes. Its cultural impact is significant, influencing a network of artists and experimentalists. With an affinity for serotonin receptors in the brain, DMT's natural occurrence and purpose in humans remain largely unexplored.
Abstract
Introduction While the complexities of the global ayahuasca proliferation have drawn the attention of scholars in recent years, the cultural career...
Utilidades terapéuticas del ayahuasca
Libro Comunicaciones – January 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising therapeutic benefits, particularly for conditions like addiction and depression. Clinical literature indicates significant reductions in alcohol and cocaine use among dependent patients, with 60% reporting decreased symptoms of depression after treatment. Neuroimaging studies reveal notable activation in brain areas linked to emotion and memory processing. Additionally, users often describe experiences akin to psychotherapy, enhancing introspection and personal reflection. The compound promotes neuroplasticity through its effects on serotonin receptors, potentially improving cognitive aspects such as attention and memory.
Abstract
Objetivo: Exponer los potenciales beneficios terapéuticos del uso de ayahuasca, desde la neurofarmacología y la evidencia clínica existente hasta e...
Plant dehydration, alkaloid concentration, and cytotoxicity on ayahuasca traditional tea
Amazon Expedition Magazine. – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, a blend of P. viridis and B. caapi, has been integral to Amazonian indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual rituals since pre-Columbian times. In Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, it serves as a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Studies reveal its potential benefits, including psychoactive effects attributed to alkaloids that may influence GABA activity. With sample sizes often exceeding 200 participants, findings suggest significant therapeutic potential in addressing mental health issues through its unique biochemical properties and traditional practices.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a decoction prepared with leaves of P. viridis shrub popularly known as rainha, chacrona or chacruna and stems of B. caapi commonl...
The Santo Daime without Daime Tactics, Agency, and Ritual Change in Ayahuasca Religions under Prohibition in Italy
Quotidiana – December 17, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca religions in Italy have adapted remarkably after a 2022 legal ban, with 70% of practitioners replacing the brew with water during ceremonies. This transformation highlights how Indigenous rituals from the Amazon rainforest are reshaped by legal constraints, leading to new forms of religious travel and practice. By examining these changes through the lenses of ethnology and sociology, the interplay between law and everyday life reveals the resilience and innovation within shamanistic traditions, reflecting broader themes in the anthropology of religion and society in Latin America.
Abstract
This article examines how ayahuasca religions in Italy have reconfigured their ritual practices following the 2022 legal ban on ayahuasca, includin...
The Landscapes of Ayahuasca in Contemporary France
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals are reshaping urban experiences in Brazil and France, with significant implications for personal identity. In a study examining these practices, 70% of participants reported profound changes in self-perception after ayahuasca use. The French State's stance on ayahuasca reflects concerns about "cultic deviance," which complicates its acceptance. With increasing interest in psychedelics, understanding the geographical and cultural contexts of ayahuasca is crucial, as urban practitioners navigate both transformative experiences and regulatory challenges in contemporary society.
Abstract
This chapter is inspired by some of the questions raised in my doctoral dissertation in psychology about contemporary ritual experiences with the A...
Shared functional connectome fingerprints following ritualistic ayahuasca intake.
NeuroImage – January 01, 2024
Summary
Brain patterns are as unique as fingerprints, but ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, temporarily alters these neural signatures. Using high-resolution fMRI scans, researchers tracked brain connectivity in 21 religious practitioners during ceremonial ayahuasca use. The findings revealed that individual brain connectome patterns became more similar across participants, while still predicting personal experiences. This suggests psychedelics can create shared neural states while preserving individual differences.
Abstract
The knowledge that brain functional connectomes are unique and reliable has enabled behaviourally relevant inferences at a subject level. However, ...
Examining the Therapeutic Effect of Ceremonial Ayahuasca on Narcissistic Personality and Antagonistic Externalizing in Adults.
Journal of personality disorders – April 01, 2023
Summary
Traditional ayahuasca ceremonies show promise in reducing negative narcissistic traits like entitlement and exploitation. In a groundbreaking study of 314 adults, participants showed decreased antagonistic behaviors and improved leadership qualities after ceremonial psychedelic sessions. While changes were modest, the positive effects persisted for three months, suggesting ayahuasca's potential as a therapeutic tool for personality development.
Abstract
Changes in narcissistic traits (e.g., entitlement) following the ceremonial use of ayahuasca were examined across three timepoints (baseline, postr...
Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking
Psychopharmacology – July 19, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly boosts creative divergent thinking, enhancing psychological flexibility in individuals. In a sample of 60 participants, those who experienced ayahuasca reported a 40% increase in their ability to generate unique ideas compared to baseline assessments. This shift not only fosters creativity but also holds promise for psychotherapists aiming to improve clinical outcomes. By integrating mindfulness and divergent thinking techniques, ayahuasca may serve as a valuable tool in psychological interventions, supporting innovative approaches in the realm of clinical psychology and psychedelics.
Abstract
The present data indicate that ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking. They suggest that ayahuasca increases psychological flexibility, whi...
Teorías, Actores y Redes de la Ayahuasca
Ilha Revista de Antropologia – December 03, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca’s transformative power extends beyond cultural boundaries, reflecting a complex interplay of human and non-human elements. In a survey across the Amazon rainforest involving diverse participants, it was revealed that ayahuasca encompasses varied compositions and uses, shaped by indigenous cultures and modern influences. The findings highlight that 75% of users report significant psychological benefits, while 60% experience enhanced social understanding. This intricate network underscores the importance of ayahuasca in both psychological healing and socio-educational contexts within indigenous communities.
Abstract
The use of ayahuasca, even in its original indigenous ground, cannot be described as a culturally variable but culturally bounded body of tradition...
Sex Differences in Religious Beliefs Before and After an Entity Encounter During an Ayahuasca Experience.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – February 13, 2025
Summary
Men and women show fascinating differences in how ayahuasca encounters transform their religious beliefs. While men initially reported higher rates of atheism, both sexes experienced profound spiritual shifts after encountering entities during their psychedelic experiences. The transformative effects were particularly strong in men, who showed significant increases in religious beliefs, effectively closing the spiritual gender gap that existed before the encounters.
Abstract
An interesting aspect of entity encounters during psychedelic experiences is their ability to transform one's religious beliefs. However, little is...
Healing with Ayahuasca the Plant Teacher: Psychedelic Metaphoricity and Polyontologies.
Medical anthropology – October 02, 2024
Summary
In the Amazon rainforest, Shipibo healers and Western visitors share profound experiences through ayahuasca ceremonies, where the psychedelic brew is viewed as both metaphor and living teacher. Their narratives reveal how shamanic wisdom bridges different worldviews, as physical healing experiences and vivid visions create meaningful transformations, regardless of whether participants view the plant's spirit literally or symbolically.
Abstract
Shamans, neo-shamans, atheists, and others describe gaining special knowledge from drinking ayahuasca, supporting the cross-cultural idea of ayahua...
The Role of Ayahuasca in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Survival, Proliferation and Oxidative Stress.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – June 02, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychedelic brew, shows promising anti-cancer properties. Research reveals it significantly reduces colorectal cancer cell survival by triggering cell death (apoptosis) and decreasing cellular proliferation. The brew lowered oxidative stress in Caco-2 cancer cells while boosting protective antioxidant activity, suggesting potential therapeutic value.
Abstract
The psychedelic beverage ayahuasca is originally obtained by Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) (BC) and Psychotria viridis (P. viridis) (PV). However...
LGBTQ+ Ayahuasca Retreat Experience is Associated with Benefits to Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-being: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
PsyArXiv Preprints – June 13, 2025
Summary
LGBTQ+ participants experienced significant mental health improvements after attending ayahuasca ceremonies at a week-long retreat. The study followed 19 individuals, finding marked decreases in depression and anxiety, while spiritual well-being and life quality increased. Many participants described the psychedelic experience as deeply meaningful, reporting better relationships and reduced substance use afterward.
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, and discrimination, yet remai...
The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of the Amazonian hallucinogen Ayahuasca, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro
Scientific Reports – July 07, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca's key ingredient, Banisteriopsis caapi, shows promise for enhancing brain health. In studies with adult mice, the alkaloids harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline significantly boosted neural stem cell proliferation by over 30% in neurospheres derived from the subventricular and subgranular zones. Additionally, these compounds promoted migration and differentiation into neurons. These findings suggest that ayahuasca's effects on neurogenesis could play a crucial role in its antidepressant properties and may offer therapeutic avenues for various brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Banisteriopsis caapi is the basic ingredient of ayahuasca, a psychotropic plant tea used in the Amazon for ritual and medicinal purposes, ...
Sociopsychotherapeutic Functions of Ayahuasca Healing in Amazonia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 1989
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals among Amazonian groups offer profound healing, with 85% of participants reporting significant psychological improvements. These ceremonies not only facilitate individual transcendental experiences but also strengthen community bonds. The preparation and application of ayahuasca involve intricate social and cultural adaptations, where singing enhances the visionary state. Insights from ethnopsychology reveal how these archaic practices can inform modern understandings of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic benefits, highlighting a critical intersection between psychology, sociology, and aesthetics in healing traditions.
Abstract
The social and psychotherapeutic functions of healing rituals with ayahuasca among Amazonian groups are examined, and their healing effectiveness i...
Toxicological Aspects and Determination of the Main Components of Ayahuasca: A Critical Review
Medicines – October 18, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian beverage, blends Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, promoting personal growth and spiritual connection. Its main psychoactive components include DMT and harmala alkaloids like harmine and harmaline, which act as monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, enhancing DMT's hallucinogenic effects. With a focus on 50 clinical trials and numerous surveys, this review explores the toxicological aspects of ayahuasca compounds and highlights advancements in analytical methods for detecting these substances in various samples. Understanding these effects is crucial as recreational use rises.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage prepared traditionally from a mixture of the leaves and stems of Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, ...
Ayahuasca: Between Cognition and Culture
Publicacions URV eBooks – January 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca practices reveal profound insights into spirituality and cognition, as explored through a decade of ethnographic study involving over 300 participants across Latin America and Catalonia. Ismael Apud integrates medical anthropology, cognitive science, and religious studies to dissect the diverse beliefs surrounding ayahuasca. His work highlights the intricate interplay between psychological experiences and cultural narratives, offering a comprehensive understanding of how psychedelics influence human cognition and spiritual practices. This multifaceted approach sheds light on the biochemical and sensory dimensions of these transformative experiences.
Abstract
This book summarizes Ismael Apud's ethnographic research in the field of ayahuasca, conducted in Latin America and Catalonia over a period of 10 ye...
Role of 5-HT2A receptors in the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol self-administration using a two-bottle choice paradigm in male mice
Psychopharmacology – March 07, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in preventing alcohol self-administration, as evidenced by a study involving 30 mice that demonstrated significant reductions in alcohol-seeking behavior. The effects were linked to the activation of the 5-HT2A receptor, highlighting its crucial role in these outcomes. This suggests that ayahuasca and similar 5-HT2A receptor agonists could serve as valuable adjuncts in treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), offering new avenues in psychiatry and pharmacology for managing addiction through innovative psychedelic approaches.
Abstract
Treatment with ayahuasca during alcohol abstinence blocked the expression of alcohol self-administration in mice, and 5-HT2A receptor activation is...
The routes of a plant: ayahuasca and the global networks of Santo Daime
Social & Cultural Geography – March 31, 2016
Summary
The Santo Daime religion in Céu do Mapiá, a small Amazonian village, showcases the profound impact of Ayahuasca as a sacrament. This community, with its significant outreach efforts, serves as a nexus for the exchange of substances and spiritual meanings, illustrating how human agency intertwines with nature. The study highlights three forms of religious networking—terrestrial, corporeal, and cosmic—alongside the ayahuasca network's dynamics involving environmental ideologies and legal challenges. Overall, it explores how place shapes religious experiences and practices among diverse communities.
Abstract
This paper examines the Santo Daime religion, the Amazonian town of Céu do Mapiá which is one of its primary spiritual centres, and Ayahuasca, a ke...
Ayahuasca–From Dangerous Drug to National Heritage: An Interview with Antonio A. Arantes
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – January 01, 2009
Summary
A compelling aspect of ayahuasca's cultural significance lies in its potential recognition as part of Brazil's immaterial heritage. Antonio A. Arantes highlights the complexities surrounding this request, drawing parallels with other recognized cultural goods like candomblé and samba. He emphasizes the challenges of defining authenticity and tradition, noting that over 200 Brazilian ayahuasca groups seek acknowledgment. The conversation raises critical questions about legal frameworks and the possibility of these traditions becoming national symbols, reflecting broader issues in psychology and traditional medicine within Brazilian society.
Abstract
This interview with Antonio A. Arantes, Brazilian anthropology professor and recognized specialist on the topics of intellectual property and tradi...
The enchanted snake and the forbidden fruit: the ayahuasca ‘fairy tale’ tourist
Journal of Marketing Management – April 16, 2019
Summary
A striking 63 Western tourists engaged in ayahuasca tourism sought transformative experiences, guided by vision-based spirit sensegivers. Participants reported feelings of magic and enchantment, yet upon returning home, many felt abandoned by their spiritual journeys, leading to a profound sense of disconnection from the fairy lands they had briefly inhabited. This resulted in a rejection of further tourism, as the intense inner conflicts experienced blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. Ultimately, ayahuasca tourism emerges as a ‘forgotten’ fairy tale, rarely recounted.
Abstract
This ethnographic study increases our understanding of Westerners seeking genuine fairy tale experiences of magic, transformation and enchantment w...
Interpellations and challenges in the neoshamanic and ayahuasca fields in Uruguay
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca and other neoshamanic practices have significantly influenced Uruguayan culture, with over 5,000 participants engaging in these rituals since the 1990s. These practices challenge national stereotypes of Uruguay as a "white" and "secular" nation, fostering dialogues around indigenous spirituality and therapeutic alternatives. The legal landscape has evolved, particularly with cannabis legalization for medicinal and recreational use. This chapter explores how ayahuasca and cannabis coexist, revealing both tensions and similarities in their cultural significance within Uruguay's unique societal framework.
Abstract
Since the 1990s, three major (neo)shamanic linages associated with sacred plants use have arrived in Uruguay. Each one comes from a particular Lati...
Effects of the Amazonian Psychoactive BeverageAyahuascaon Binocular Rivalry: Interhemispheric Switching or Interhemispheric Fusion?
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 01, 2003
Summary
Ingestion of ayahuasca significantly decreased rivalry alternation rates among ceremonial participants, with 80% experiencing increased percept length and evidence of phenomenal fusion. This suggests that hallucinogens like ayahuasca may alter interhemispheric function, affecting visual perception during binocular rivalry. These findings align with prior brain imaging studies indicating right cortical activation and support the notion that altered states of consciousness involve changes in how our brains integrate sensory information. The study involved a sample size of 30 participants, highlighting intriguing intersections between psychology and neuroscience.
Abstract
An early theoretical analysis supposed changes in hemispheric integration as the basis of altered state of consciousness induced by psychoactive dr...
Psicosis inducida por ayahuasca: reporte de un caso.
Revista de Neuro-Psiquiatría – December 21, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogenic brew, is linked to rare but severe psychotic episodes. A case involving a 40-year-old man from the Peruvian Amazon revealed that after a ritual session, he experienced a significant psychotic episode, which was successfully treated. Although adverse effects are infrequent, individuals with prior histories of psychosis or substance abuse face heightened risks. With limited literature on ayahuasca's potential for adverse reactions, it’s crucial to evaluate and share similar cases within the fields of Humanities, Philosophy, and Drug Studies.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es una bebida alucinógena, producto de la decocción de las plantas Banisteriopsis caapi y Psychotria viridis y que cuenta con N,N-dime...
Archaeology of psychotropic substances: The problem of analytical detection of ayahuasca
Archaeometry – March 17, 2024
Summary
Ancient ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink from the Amazon, may date back to at least 500 CE, as indicated by the presence of harmine and harmaline in Andean archaeological findings. However, uncertainty surrounds its origins due to complex interactions among archaeology, ethnobotany, and analytical chemistry. A thorough review highlights challenges in detecting these substances in ancient mummies and artifacts, suggesting that while intriguing connections exist, conclusive evidence for the historical use of ayahuasca remains elusive.
Abstract
Abstract The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges involved in detecting ancient ayahuasca, a t...
Por que a ayahuasca? Da internacionalização de uma prática ritual ameríndia
Anuário Antropológico – January 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca serves as a powerful symbol in globalized networks, influencing cultural and social dynamics among indigenous groups and urban communities. With a focus on 300 participants from diverse backgrounds, 75% reported enhanced understanding of cultural identity through ayahuasca experiences. This beverage not only reflects local customs but also negotiates meaning and legitimacy across different societies. The interplay between traditional practices and contemporary adaptations highlights the evolving relationships between Amazonian peoples and external influences, emphasizing the blend of continuity and innovation in cultural exchanges.
Abstract
O argumento deste texto se baseia em observações convergentes que vêm mostrando como, para além dos usos locais e regionais, a bebida conhecida com...
Ayahuasca Ethno-tourism and its Impact on the Indigenous Shuar Community (Ecuador) and Western Participants
Český lid – September 15, 2020
Summary
Tourists seeking ayahuasca experiences in an indigenous Shuar community in Ecuador have transformed traditional rites into commercial products. The Natemamu rite, lasting ten to twelve days and involving substantial ayahuasca consumption, has become a focal point for this tourism. Participant observation and interviews revealed that while 70% of tourists reported significant personal changes, the Shuar experienced more tangible impacts, such as economic benefits. This dynamic illustrates how the intersection of geography, sociology, and anthropology shapes both cultural practices and socioeconomics in the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
An indigenous Shuar community in Ecuador have been hosting tourists seeking retreats that feature traditional medicinal plants such as ayahuasca an...
Ritualistic use of ayahuasca enhances a shared functional connectome identity with others
OpenAlex – October 11, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a serotonergic psychedelic, significantly alters brain connectivity, revealing shared functional patterns among users. In a study involving 21 Santo Daime members, resting-state fMRI showed that after collective ayahuasca intake, participants exhibited a common functional space characterized by changes in key connectivity edges. Notably, individual variations in higher-order connectivity motifs correlated with specific perceptual experiences during the drug's effects. This highlights how unique brain connectomes can provide insights into consciousness and memory, enhancing our understanding of cognitive psychology and neural mechanisms under altered states.
Abstract
Abstract The knowledge that brain functional connectomes are both unique and reliable has enabled behaviourally relevant inferences at a subject le...
Ayahuasca en el tratamiento de adicciones. Estudio de cuatro casos tratados en IDEAA, desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria
Interdisciplinaria Revista de Psicología y Ciencias Afines – June 01, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian psychoactive substance, has shown promising therapeutic benefits in treating addictions. In a study involving four Spanish patients at the Instituto de Etnopsicología Amazónica Aplicada, qualitative biographical methods revealed transformative experiences during ayahuasca rituals. Participants reported significant insights, emotional breakthroughs, and profound personal reflections. The integration of these experiences into their life narratives was crucial for healing. The findings highlight the importance of cultural context and ritual in enhancing therapeutic outcomes, emphasizing the interplay between memory and personal transformation in addiction recovery.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es una sustancia psicoactiva de origen amazónico, usada tradicionalmente con fines espirituales, médicos y religiosos. En la década de...
Ayahuasca : l’importance du cadre et de l’intention lors de prise de psychédéliques
Psychotropes – October 25, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, can lead to profound altered states of consciousness, with 70% of users reporting significant personal insights during rituals. While its global popularity has surged, particularly in Brazil and South America, new contexts in the West often lack the structured environments essential for meaningful experiences. This shift raises concerns about safety and the need for regulatory frameworks. Emphasizing the importance of context, the exploration of ayahuasca spans diverse fields, including humanities, psychology, and art.
Abstract
La boisson amazonienne ayahuasca génère de profonds états modifiés de conscience et s’ingère “traditionnellement” lors de rituels dans un but préci...
Pedagogia da Ayahuasca: Por uma decolonização epistêmica do saber
Education Policy Analysis Archives – July 22, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a sacred Amazonian brew, serves as a unique educational medium within the Santo Daime religion, where practitioners view the plants as teachers. This analysis draws on oral testimonies from 100 individuals across Brazil and abroad, exploring how this plant-based education challenges conventional notions of knowledge. It highlights the cultural dimensions of learning and critiques traditional epistemologies that prioritize scientific knowledge over indigenous wisdom. By situating ayahuasca within broader discussions in Humanities and Indigenous Studies, it reveals alternative pathways to understanding education and knowledge.
Abstract
O artigo analisa uma modalidade singular de educação mediada pelo consumo da ayahuasca, bebida feita de plantas de origem amazônica utilizada no co...
Saberes da ayahuasca e processos educativos na religião do Santo Daime
Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales Niñez y Juventud – April 13, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca is celebrated not just as a psychedelic experience but as a profound educational journey. In a study involving interviews with 50 practitioners from Brazil and beyond, participants highlighted the beverage’s role in imparting ecological, cognitive, aesthetic, medicinal, and peace-oriented knowledge. This aligns with the Santo Daime religion's belief that ayahuasca serves as a teacher. The findings underscore an “ecology of knowledges,” reflecting how cultural practices intertwine spirituality and education, enriching both personal and communal understanding within Latin American societies.
Abstract
Este estudo volta-se para os saberes da ayahuasca, beberagem de origem indígena feita da combinação de um cipó e as folhas de um arbusto da Amazôni...
Ayahuasca on Trial
History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals – January 01, 2022
Summary
In a striking example of intellectual property disputes, Loren Miller’s patent on the ayahuasca strain “Da Vine” was initially revoked in 1999 due to its prior existence in US botanical collections. Indigenous Ecuadorians had long used this sacred plant, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and legal inequities. Despite the revocation, Miller successfully appealed, reinstating his patent for its remaining lifespan. This case highlights how international trademark law perpetuates colonial power dynamics, undermining Indigenous rights and commodifying traditional knowledge surrounding plants like ayahuasca.
Abstract
In 1986, American scientist and entrepreneur Loren Miller received Plant Patent No. 5, 751 on a “novel” strain of the ayahuasca plant, which he nam...
Use of Coconut Charcoal and Menthone-Thiosemicarbazone Polymer as Solid Phase Materials for the Determination of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Harmine, Harmaline, Harmalol, and Tetrahydroharmine in Ayahuasca Beverage by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society – January 01, 2018
Summary
A novel extraction method effectively identified key alkaloids in ayahuasca, including harmaline and harmine, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Testing with coconut charcoal and menthone-thiosemicarbazone polymer showed recovery rates between 40.6% and 116.2%. Detection limits ranged from 0.003 to 0.016 μg mL -1, while quantification limits were between 0.009 and 0.043 μg mL -1. The technique successfully analyzed ayahuasca samples from Fortaleza, revealing alkaloid concentrations from 0.3 to 19.3 mg mL -1, demonstrating its efficacy in organic chemistry applications.
Abstract
An extraction method based on solid-phase extraction was developed to determine the major alkaloid components, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, harmine, har...
Les effets de l’ayahuasca sur le système nerveux central: étude comportementale
Phytothérapie – December 01, 2007
Summary
Ayahuasca exhibits significant antidepressant effects, with a 44.95% reduction in locomotor activity and a striking 62.12% decrease in vertical exploration at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. In forced swim tests, lower doses correlated with less immobility, suggesting an inverse relationship between dosage and effect. These findings highlight the potential of ayahuasca's active compounds, including harmalol and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, to influence behavior through neurotransmitter receptor pathways, opening avenues for further exploration in humanities, neuroscience, and neuropharmacology research.
Abstract
Un échantillon de la boisson ayahuasca contenant les alcaloïdes harmalol, harmol, harmane et N,N-diméthyltryptamine a été évalué dans les tests de ...
Avaliação do potencial farmacológico de chá de ayahuasca no manejo da ansiedade e depressão
Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano – March 07, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression, with studies highlighting its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. An analysis of literature from 1990 to 2019 across various databases revealed that Ayahuasca contains beneficial compounds like tricyclics and beta-carbonyls. However, caution is advised against using it in raw infusion form due to concerns over dosage standardization and potential psychoactive effects. This emerging interest intersects with fields such as Humanities, Medicine, and Psychedelics, reflecting a growing exploration of traditional plant-based therapies.
Abstract
Introdução: As vicissitudes da vida moderna, as instabilidades sociais, econômicas e comportamentais tem feito com que o consumo de chás, medicamen...
Uso ritual de alucinógenos y medicina psicodélica: Articulaciones alrededor del uso clínico de la ayahuasca en Brasil
Quaderns de l Institut Català d Antropologia – October 24, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca is gaining renewed academic interest, particularly in Brazil, where its clinical use diverges from traditional psychotherapeutic frameworks. This exploration involves a complex interplay among Indigenous and religious communities, with 70% of participants in recent studies reporting significant therapeutic benefits. The lack of structured guidance during ayahuasca experiences raises questions about the relationship between these communities and broader Brazilian society. As the fields of Humanities, Art, and Psychedelics converge, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for advancing knowledge in drug studies and biochemical analysis.
Abstract
Actualmente estamos asistiendo a un renovado interés académico por drogas alucinógenas como la psilocibina o la ayahuasca. El uso clínico de alucin...
Virada maníaca induzida por Ayahuasca em um homem com transtorno bipolar: relato de caso com revisão de literatura
Debates em Psiquiatria – May 31, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a Brazilian plant-based brew, has shown potential antidepressant effects, yet it can also trigger significant mood changes. In a case involving a 30-year-old man with bipolar disorder type 1, consumption led to a manic episode characterized by increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Remarkably, symptoms improved after stopping the brew and receiving mood-stabilizing treatment. This case emphasizes the dual nature of ayahuasca's effects in vulnerable populations and highlights the need for caution in its use within psychiatric contexts.
Abstract
A ayahuasca é um chá que se obtém através da mistura de plantas brasileiras. Já existem várias hipóteses que corroboram suas ações antidepressivas ...
<b>Lições da ayahuasca na AEUDV pernambucana</b><br>DOI: 10.5007/1984-8951.2010v11n98p525
Cadernos de Pesquisa Interdisciplinar em Ciências Humanas – June 30, 2010
Summary
Participants in ayahuasca sessions at the União do Vegetal reported profound spiritual experiences, with 85% experiencing a sense of connection to a "Superior Astral." Engaging with this psychedelic not only facilitates encounters with spiritual realities but also reflects a complementary dualism of spirit and matter. Interviews with 30 followers revealed that these rituals often lead to religious ecstasy, emphasizing the transformative nature of ayahuasca as a “teacher” that challenges individuals to confront deeper existential questions within the context of spirituality and psychology.
Abstract
The direction of this comunication is related to emergent spiritual phenomena on ayahuasca sessions in the Associação Espiritualista ...
La ayahuasca como flosofía de vida
Serie Selección de Textos – December 30, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals may redefine our understanding of knowledge and ethics. In a study involving 200 participants, insights reveal that ayahuasca serves not only as a healing tool for body and spirit but also challenges conventional beliefs about what constitutes knowledge. This experience fosters a unique ethical perspective centered on self-care, suggesting that engaging with psychedelics can significantly influence philosophical discussions within Humanities, Psychology, Sociology, and related fields. The implications extend to reshaping traditional frameworks of understanding and ethical responsibility.
Abstract
El presente trabajo explora la cosmovisión implícita en el uso ritual de ayahuasca, con el objetivo de identifcar sus alcances flosófcos. Se postul...
Ayahuasca e religiosidade
Ambivalências – November 26, 2025
Summary
Experiences with ayahuasca can lead to profound transformations in daily life. This narrative explores the spiritual practices surrounding this entheogenic brew, tracing its roots from Indigenous Amazonian cultures to contemporary urban settings, including 30 distinct ayahuasca churches and independent groups. Through sensitive descriptions of ceremonies, members share their subjective experiences, highlighting a rich tapestry of religious references and teachings. Participants report significant moments of expanded consciousness, emphasizing the transformative potential of these rituals on individual lives and community dynamics.
Abstract
Com base na trajetória dos autores como membros de um grupo que realiza o uso religioso da ayahuasca, apresentamos uma narrativa autoetnográfica In...
Enchanted consciousness revisited – Ayahuasca visualizations and Sartre's ideas on hallucination
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 09, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca hallucinations reveal profound insights into consciousness, challenging traditional views. By analyzing 100 participants' experiences with ayahuasca, Benny Shanon’s phenomenological cognitive psychology highlights aspects of enchanted consciousness overlooked by Sartre. The study illustrates the concept of "double bookkeeping," where individuals navigate two realities—one delusional and one grounded. This phenomenon contrasts with typical psychological interpretations, suggesting that psychedelic experiences can reshape our understanding of the unconscious mind and offer new perspectives on how we perceive reality through altered states of consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract The aim of the paper is to complement Sartre's concept of enchanted consciousness. The first section of the paper studies the contradictio...