Ayahuasca reverses ischemic stroke-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Behavioural brain research May 8, 2025 Larissa da Silva Joaquim, Lara Rodrigues da Rosa, Yasmin Strickert et al. 5 citations
Ayahuasca, a decoction containing β-carbolines and DMT, reversed stroke-induced increases in the inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-10, and MPO activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats, and reduced oxidative stress markers TBARS in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. It also modulated mitochondrial enzyme activity in the hippocampus and cortex. However, ayahuasca did not improve neurological deficits, locomotion, anxiety-like behavior, or recognition memory. These molecular changes suggest a neuroprotective role against ischemia-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, though without corresponding functional improvements in this three-day treatment study.