Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
2 papers in the library · 16 citations · publishing 2022-2025
Repeated ayahuasca administration before and during social isolation prevented depressive-like behaviors and cortisol alterations in common marmosets. Animals given ayahuasca showed higher cortisol reactivity and fecal cortisol levels similar to family-group controls, no signs of anhedonia, and no increase in chronic stress-related behaviors, unlike isolated animals that received no intervention. The findings suggest ayahuasca promotes resilient responses and may have a prophylactic action against depression.
Chronic social isolation in marmosets leads to significant shrinkage of neurons in the striatum, a brain region that integrates emotion, motivation, and movement. Ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant-based brew, given before and during isolation, prevented this neuronal volume loss. The caudate and putamen of socially isolated animals treated with ayahuasca showed neuron sizes comparable to those of family-housed controls, while untreated isolated animals had markedly smaller neurons. The findings suggest ayahuasca may act as a prophylactic buffer against stress-induced structural brain changes.