Scientific Reports
July 7, 2017
José Á. Morales-García, Mario de la Fuente Revenga, Sandra Alonso‐gil et al.
173 citations
The three main alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi—harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline—along with the harmine metabolite harmol, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro. In neurospheres from adult mouse brain progenitor cells, all compounds increased neural stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into adult neurons. This suggests that modulation of brain plasticity may contribute to the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca and expands potential applications of these alkaloids to other brain disorders benefiting from stimulation of endogenous neural precursor niches.
Translational Psychiatry
September 28, 2020
José Á. Morales-García, Javier Calleja‐conde, Jose Antonio López‐moreno et al.
139 citations
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a component of the ayahuasca brew, activates the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus, the main adult neurogenic niche, promoting the generation of new neurons. Mice treated with DMT performed better on memory tests than control animals, suggesting a functional relevance for the newly produced neurons. The neurogenic effect appears to involve sigma-1 receptor activation, as a sigma-1 receptor antagonist blocked it. These findings demonstrate that DMT treatment enhances adult neurogenesis and improves spatial learning and memory.
Addiction Biology
August 31, 2022
Elena Giné, Javier Calleja‐conde, José Á. Morales-García et al.
49 citations
Classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and mescaline act mainly on 5-HT2A receptors and are being studied as treatments for psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use problems. This systematic review analyzed 27 studies (20 human, 7 preclinical) published between 2000 and 2021. Human studies generally suggest that classic psychedelics could help reduce alcohol consumption, but many have methodological limitations such as small sample sizes or lack of control groups. Preclinical studies are scarce and show conflicting results. Psilocybin shows the most consistent data as a potential candidate for treating alcohol use disorders. More rigorous studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
January 1, 2021
Marta Valle, Elisabet Domínguez‐clavé, Matilde Elices et al.
Ayahuasca shows promise in enhancing mindfulness, with a study involving 100 participants revealing that 75% reported significant improvements in psychological well-being after use. Neuroscience insights indicate that psychedelics like ayahuasca can alter brain connectivity, fostering emotional resilience. In a separate analysis of 200 psychotherapists, 80% acknowledged incorporating mindfulness techniques into their practices, suggesting a growing acceptance of these approaches. Additionally, emerging cannabinoid research highlights potential synergies between cannabis and psychedelics in therapeutic settings, offering new avenues for mental health treatment.