Immunomodulatory and behavioral effects of ayahuasca and N, N-dimethyltryptamine in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced depression.
Metabolic brain disease June 11, 2025 Daniel do Nascimento Sousa, Monique de Azevedo, Maria Lucília Santos et al. 5 citations
Ayahuasca, an Amazonian beverage traditionally used as medicine, and its component DMT reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-12p70) in rats with LPS-induced depression, suggesting potential for modulating inflammation in depression. The highest ayahuasca dose increased locomotion and center entries in open field tests. Fluoxetine, ayahuasca, and DMT increased swimming time, while fluoxetine and the lowest ayahuasca dose increased climbing time. The LPS model did not consistently produce depressive behaviors, but the results indicate ayahuasca and DMT may reduce inflammation-related aspects of depression.