Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 8, 2020
Helle Kaasik, Rita C. Z. Souza, Flávia Da Silva Zandonadi et al.
54 citations
Ayahuasca brews from different traditions vary widely in their psychoactive components. Analysis of 102 samples from indigenous, religious, and neoshamanic communities showed that neoshamanic brews contain higher and more variable concentrations of DMT, likely from using larger or more variable amounts of DMT-containing plants. European samples included two instances of analog ayahuasca containing moclobemide, psilocin, DMT, and yuremamine, with very low levels of Banisteriopsis caapi alkaloids, and some used Peganum harmala and Mimosa tenuiflora. No analogs appeared in Brazilian or Santo Daime samples. The findings highlight the need for awareness and ethical self-regulation among practitioners.
Journal of Chromatography B
June 8, 2019
Rita C. Z. Souza, Flávia Da Silva Zandonadi, Donizete P. Freitas et al.
42 citations
A fast, validated analytical method for quantifying the main active compounds in ayahuasca—N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine (HME), and harmaline (HML)—was developed and applied to 38 samples from São Paulo, Brazil. The method shows minimal matrix interference and high reproducibility, enabling the tracing of active compound concentrations for the first time. This tool supports studies linking compound levels to biological responses using multi-omic platforms.
Behavioural Brain Research
April 1, 2022
Dimitri Daldegan‐bueno, Vanessa Manchim Favaro, Paulo Rogério Morais et al.
10 citations
Repeated daily ayahuasca administration over 30 days in male Wistar rats produced dose-dependent behavioral effects: a low dose (120 mg/kg) increased ambulation, while a very high dose (3600 mg/kg) decreased vertical exploration and reduced weight gain. The highest dose also increased c-Fos expression in the hippocampus and infralimbic cortex, indicating heightened neural activation in emotional processing and serotonergic pathways. The study does not support an anxiolytic effect of repeated ayahuasca in a novel anxiogenic environment but suggests low doses warrant further investigation. The absence of severe behavioral impairment reinforces ayahuasca's safety profile.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry
July 1, 2023
Flávia S Zandonadi, Alex Ap Rosini Silva, Aline A S Melo et al.
9 citations
Metabolomic studies of major depressive disorder have focused on energy, oxidative stress, and neurotransmission pathways. Hub metabolites—key nodes in biochemical networks—integrate metabolism and signaling. This work used an in vitro primary astrocyte model with untargeted metabolomics of secretome and intracellular content after ayahuasca treatments based on DMT concentration. Mass spectrometry data identified significant hub metabolites predicting pathway alterations. Ayahuasca treatment was associated with branched-chain amino acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B3 metabolism as housekeeping pathways. At the lowest DMT concentration (1 µmol L-1), dopamine synthesis was overrepresented in network results. Building reaction networks with metabolites like nicotinamide, L-DOPA, and L-leucine can guide dose decisions and pathway selection in future studies.
Biological Trace Element Research
June 5, 2020
Ivanilce Cristina Guimarães, Luís Fernando Tófoli, Alessandra Sussulini
7 citations
Ayahuasca, a brew made from two Amazonian plants, is consumed worldwide, raising safety concerns about its oral use. This study analyzed the elemental composition of ready-to-consume ayahuasca samples from Brazilian religious groups. Concentrations of macroelements (Ca, Mg, K, P) and microelements (Li, Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) were measured using ICP OES and ICP-MS after acid digestion. All detected levels fell below recommended daily intake values and permitted limits for toxic heavy metals, indicating that ayahuasca is safe for oral administration regarding total elemental content.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 17, 2021
Dimitri Daldegan‐bueno, Vanessa Manchim Favaro, Luís Fernando Tófoli et al.
6 citations
A reproducible five-day protocol for freeze-drying ayahuasca produces a stable extract with alkaloid concentrations similar to the original liquid. From two liters of ayahuasca, approximately 295 grams of freeze-dried extract were obtained, with a dry matter content of 14.75%. The freeze-dried extract retained its texture quality after three years of storage in a vacuum desiccator at about 6°C. The protocol includes alkaloid quantification by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for both liquid and freeze-dried forms. Further research is needed on the effects of storage conditions and lyophilization on alkaloid quantities, particularly the impact of heat on β-carbolines.
Journal of Neurochemistry
January 29, 2026
Paola Andrea Caro Aponte, Edison Huertas Montoya, Ítalo Odone Mazali et al.
A combinatorial therapy combining surgical root reimplantation, a fibrin sealant biopolymer, and a low dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) extracted from Mimosa tenuiflora roots rescued motor neurons and reduced glial reactivity in a rat model of ventral root avulsion. Proximal axotomy caused 78% motor neuron loss, glial reactivity, and synaptic detachment. Daily DMT at 1 mg/kg for two weeks significantly increased motor neuron survival, reduced glial reactivity, and preserved pre-synaptic boutons. Combining DMT with surgical reimplantation further potentiated these effects and upregulated GDNF expression, suggesting a synergistic neuroprotective benefit. DMT shows promise as a neuroprotective agent for CNS/PNS interface injuries.
December 7, 2025
Paola Andrea Caro Aponte, Edison Huertas Montoya, Italo O. Mazali et al.
Neuroprotection during surgery can significantly enhance recovery outcomes. In a study involving 120 patients undergoing replantation after avulsion injuries, those receiving specialized anesthesia experienced a 30% reduction in postoperative pain and a 25% faster return to normal function. This approach highlights the importance of tailored medical techniques in improving patient experiences. Additionally, the findings suggest that integrating advanced neuroprotective strategies into surgical protocols could lead to better long-term results, emphasizing the critical interplay between medicine and surgical practices.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
October 29, 2024
Taynara Simão Matos, Flávia da Silva Zandonadi, Alex Aparecido Rosini Silva et al.
Ayahuasca, a traditional brew made from Psychotria viridis leaves and Banisteriopsis caapi vine, shows therapeutic potential for depression. Analysis of 126 samples from different religious groups and geographic origins using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that metabolite composition varies by preparation group. Samples also differed in antioxidant effects measured by FRAP and ORAC assays. Glycosylated and phenolic compounds were key to distinguishing brews. Preparation method caused more variability than the botanical variety of B. caapi. Brews made with "caupuri" or "tucunacá" varieties showed differences in L-glutamate and arginine/proline metabolism, suggesting a possible explanation for swollen stem nodes in "caupuri."