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.
A fast, validated analytical method for quantifying the main active compounds in ayahuasca—N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine (HME), and harmaline (HML)—was developed and applied to 38 samples from São Paulo, Brazil. The method shows minimal matrix interference and high reproducibility, enabling the tracing of active compound concentrations for the first time. This tool supports studies linking compound levels to biological responses using multi-omic platforms.