Phytochemistry
May 1, 2017
André Cruz, Sara Domingos, Eugenia Gallardo et al.
44 citations
Salvinorin A, the active compound in the plant Salvia divinorum, is the most potent natural hallucinogen known, with as little as 200-500 μg of smoked leaves producing intense hallucinations. It acts as a highly selective agonist of the kappa-opioid receptor. Originally used only by the Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico, it has become a globally accessible drug of abuse. Scientific interest has grown due to its unique structure and properties; studies have demonstrated antinociceptive, antidepressant, in some circumstances pro-depressant, and anti-addictive effects, opening potential new avenues for therapeutic applications.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
March 5, 2021
Joana Gonçalves, Ângelo Luís, Eugenia Gallardo et al.
39 citations
Consumption of new psychoactive substances of natural origin, including plants and fungi containing alkaloids with relaxing, stimulating, or hallucinogenic effects, is increasing worldwide. Use is often driven by religious or cultural reasons, leading to variable legislation. Abusive consumption poses health risks because metabolism and effects are not fully understood. These substances spread rapidly via the internet, requiring sophisticated analytical methods for detection. This review covers toxicological aspects, traditional use and therapeutic potential, and analytical methods in biological matrices for twelve plant specimens: Areca catechu, Argyreia nervosa, Ayahuasca, Catha edulis, Datura stramonium, Lophophora williamsii, Mandragora officinarum, Mitragyna speciosa, Piper methysticum Forst, Psilocybe, Salvia divinorum, and Tabernanthe iboga.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences
May 1, 2016
Cláudia Margalho, Alice Castanheira, Francisco Corte Real et al.
33 citations
A validated analytical method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with microwave fast derivatization can detect and quantify 14 psychoactive substances—including synthetic cathinones and phenethylamines—in low volumes of vitreous humor, pericardial fluid, and whole blood. The method showed linear results between 5 and 600 ng/mL, with high precision and accuracy, and extraction efficiencies ranging from 76.6% to 112.8%. It was successfully applied to authentic forensic samples in Portugal.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
July 7, 2023
Joana Gonçalves, Ângelo Luís, Eugenia Gallardo et al.
16 citations
A systematic review of 66 studies published up to December 2022 suggests that ayahuasca may have beneficial effects on depression, anxiety, and various neurobiological conditions, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, demonstrating its therapeutic potential. The number of studies on this topic has been growing, reflecting interest in alternative treatments. This is the first systematic review to compile all findings on therapeutic effects associated with ayahuasca consumption.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
September 6, 2022
Joana Gonçalves, Ângelo Luís, Eugenia Gallardo et al.
5 citations
Ayahuasca, an Amazonian drink containing β-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, was tested for wound-healing potential using decoctions of a commercial mixture, four individual plants, and four two-plant mixtures. Only one sample showed cytotoxicity; all others promoted migration of skin fibroblasts in a wound-healing assay with NHDF cells. A parallel artificial membrane permeability assay and transepithelial electrical resistance and Lucifer yellow permeability assays showed that the psychoactive compounds were not absorbed by the cell layer and generally did not affect its permeability or integrity. This is the first evaluation of ayahuasca's wound-healing potential.
Phytochemical analysis : PCA
August 1, 2024
Joana Gonçalves, Tiago Rosado, Mário Barroso et al.
2 citations
Three miniaturized extraction techniques—dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), and QuEChERS—were compared for extracting the main ayahuasca compounds (DMT, tetrahydroharmine, harmine, harmaline, harmol, and harmalol) from beverage samples. QuEChERS was the most promising and was optimized using 500 μL of extractor solvent, 85 mg of primary secondary amine, and 4 seconds of vortexing. The validated method showed linear ranges of 0.16–10 μg/mL for β-carbolines and 0.016–1 μg/mL for DMT, with extraction efficiencies between 60.2% and 88.0%. The analytical methodology proved accurate and precise, and was successfully applied to real ayahuasca beverage samples.
Micromachines
July 30, 2024
Rodrigo Pelixo, Mário Barroso, Eugenia Gallardo et al.
1 citation
Arylcyclohexylamines (ACHs) are a major group of new psychoactive substances used recreationally and in drug-facilitated sexual assault, with ketamine consumption remaining notably high. This review covers recent laboratory strategies for identifying and quantifying ACH compounds, including phencyclidine, ketamine, and eticyclidine analogues, using traditional analytical techniques and emerging point-of-care sensor technology. The review highlights the consistent need for higher sensitivity in analyzing real-case samples and simulated matrices, and emphasizes ongoing research to develop more sensitive, faster, and more capable sensors.
Natural product research
July 4, 2024
Joana Gonçalves, José Francisco Cascalheira, Patrícia Valentão et al.
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive Amazonian beverage, contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines that inhibit monoamine oxidase-A. Extracts from three plants used in ayahuasca preparation—Banisteriopsis caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala—were tested on gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells. All three extracts induced apoptosis and significantly reduced oxidative stress in these cancer cells, suggesting potential therapeutic effects against gastric cancer.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
June 2, 2024
Joana Gonçalves, Mariana Feijó, Sílvia Socorro et al.
Decoctions made from Mimosa hostilis and Peganum harmala, plants sometimes used as substitutes in ayahuasca, can kill human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in the lab. The extracts triggered programmed cell death (apoptosis) and slowed cell growth. They also lowered oxidative stress and boosted activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, while superoxide dismutase activity remained unchanged. The findings suggest these plant decoctions have potential anticancer properties against colorectal cancer cells.
Molecules
February 26, 2021
Ana Y. Simão, Joana Gonçalves, Ana Gradillas et al.
correction
No Summary