Biomedicines
September 5, 2020
Ana Sofia Vargas, Ângelo Luís, Mário Barroso et al.
121 citations
A systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials found that psilocybin significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening diseases. Analyzing data from 92 patients, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and in both trait and state anxiety scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results suggest psilocybin may be effective for conditions resistant to standard treatments or where pharmacotherapy is not yet approved, and it may also have potential as a first-line treatment given its safety profile.
Medicines
October 18, 2019
Ana Y. Simão, Joana Gonçalves, Ana Paula Duarte et al.
36 citations
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage traditionally used by indigenous Amazonian tribes for ritual and medicinal purposes, contains compounds such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), β-Carbolines, and harmala alkaloids including harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline. The harmala alkaloids act as monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, enabling DMT's psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects on the central nervous system. Despite consumer advocacy, the metabolic and central nervous system effects remain incompletely understood. This paper critically reviews toxicological aspects and analytical methods for detecting these compounds in biological and non-biological specimens, emphasizing instrumental developments and sample preparation approaches.
Antibiotics
October 24, 2020
Joana Gonçalves, Ângelo Luís, Ana Gradillas et al.
25 citations
Ayahuasca decoctions, made from individual plants and their mixtures, contain high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which vary among samples. These compounds correspond to strong antioxidant activity, measured by β-carotene bleaching and DPPH assays, and notable anti-inflammatory effects via protein denaturation inhibition. The decoctions also show antimicrobial properties, particularly from Banisteriopsis caapi and Peganum harmala, which inhibit both planktonic and biofilm cells of Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as biofilm formation and violacein pigment production. The study characterizes 48 secondary metabolites using UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS and estimates their concentrations with real standards.
Molecules
November 28, 2020
Ana Y. Simão, Joana Gonçalves, Ana Gradillas et al.
19 citations
Ayahuasca, a beverage used in shamanic ceremonies and increasingly recreationally, contains beta-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, which have hallucinogenic effects. This work examined the cytotoxic effects of these compounds and of five different teas (Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis, Peganum harmala, Mimosa tenuiflora, and a commercial preparation) on dopaminergic immortalized cell lines. The extracts were characterized chromatography, and their effects on cell viability and total protein levels were analyzed in N27 dopaminergic neurons. This is the first study of ayahuasca tea's cytotoxicity on neurological dopaminergic cells. Results showed that both cell viability and protein contents decreased when cells were exposed to the individual compounds, teas, and mixtures based on traditional ayahuasca beverages.
Life
November 8, 2023
Bruno Pires, Luana M. Rosendo, Ana Teresa Brinca et al.
15 citations
A review of amphetamine-type stimulants—including lisdexamphetamine dimesylate, mixed amphetamine salts, MDMA, dextroamphetamine, and phentermine—highlights their therapeutic potential for psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, drug dependence, and obesity. Lisdexamphetamine dimesylate effectively treats ADHD in children and adults and shows encouraging results for drug dependency. Mixed amphetamine salts reduce ADHD symptoms in adults. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy leads to sustained reductions in PTSD symptoms and may promote post-traumatic growth, also showing promise for anxiety in life-threatening illnesses. Dextroamphetamine and phentermine demonstrate efficacy for cocaine and opioid dependence, ADHD, and obesity. Careful monitoring is required due to risks. Further research is needed on mechanisms, dosing, and long-term effects.
SN Applied Sciences
February 21, 2020
Ana Y. Simão, Joana Gonçalves, Débora Caramelo et al.
10 citations
Ayahuasca's potential as a therapeutic agent is underscored by its complex chemistry. In a study involving 150 participants, significant levels of harmine and harmaline were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and solid-phase extraction methods. These compounds, derived from peganum harmala, highlight ayahuasca's pharmacological properties. The findings suggest that traditional medicine practices may offer valuable insights into the therapeutic use of psychedelics, including implications for cannabis and cannabinoid research and advancements in forensic toxicology and drug analysis.
Molecules
September 13, 2021
Joana Gonçalves, Miguel Castilho, Tiago Rosado et al.
9 citations
The main compounds in ayahuasca and its constituent plants become bioaccessible during simulated digestion and are absorbed by intestinal cells, indicating bioavailability. N,N-dimethyltryptamine, Harmine, Harmaline, Harmol, Harmalol, and Tetrahydroharmine were released from the plant matrix and taken up by Caco-2 cell monolayers. The plant extracts showed no cytotoxicity and did not compromise cell monolayer integrity or permeability.