Lorena T. L. Guerra

2 papers in the library · 33 citations · publishing 2022-2023

Papers

Molecular Pathways of the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca, a Botanical Psychedelic and Potential Rapid-Acting Antidepressant

Biomolecules November 2, 2022 Giordano Novak Rossi, Lorena T. L. Guerra, Glen B. Baker et al. 29 citations

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew used in South American rituals, contains DMT from Psychotria viridis and MAO-inhibiting β-carbolines from Banisteriopsis caapi. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests its antidepressant effects involve complex modulation of serotoninergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and endocannabinoid systems, along with interactions with VMAT, TAAR1, and sigma-1 receptors. The brew also appears to beneficially modulate inflammatory and neurotrophic factors, leading to neuroprotective and neuroplastic effects. This review summarizes current knowledge of these molecular interactions and their relation to ayahuasca's potential antidepressant properties.

DOI: 10.3390/biom12111618 Ayahuasca Antidepressant Hallucinogen Pharmacology +2

Subjective Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca among College Students with Harmful Alcohol Use: Qualitative Analysis of Participant Accounts

Psychoactives November 17, 2023 Anna Beatriz Vicentini, Lucas Silva Rodrigues, Giordano Novak Rossi et al. 4 citations

In a single-blind study, university students aged 18 to 24 with harmful alcohol use received one dose of ayahuasca (1 mL/kg). Twenty-one days later, semi-structured interviews with six participants identified psychological elements linked to reduced drinking. Content analysis revealed categories including Positive Impacts, Substance Use Pattern, and Insights. Together, these categories suggest that insights and positive emotions from the experience may foster internal transformation, potentially leading to decreased alcohol consumption.

DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives2040022 Ayahuasca Anxiety Addiction Clinical psychology +3