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.
In Estonia, ayahuasca is used mainly in neoshamanic group ceremonies, with users motivated by spiritual development, self-knowledge, and spiritual experiences. A cross-sectional case-controlled study compared thirty ayahuasca users with thirty nonusers matched by gender, age, and education. Users reported mostly positive subjective consequences for their health and life, though some difficult experiences and adverse effects occurred. No abuse of or addiction to ayahuasca was found. Screening test indicators of depression and anxiety were lower in the ayahuasca-using group, and no deterioration of mental health was observed compared to nonusers. Participants perceive ayahuasca use as a spiritual practice with favorable outcomes and as a reasonably safe, self-limiting practice.