The current state of research on ayahuasca: A systematic review of human studies assessing psychiatric symptoms, neuropsychological functioning, and neuroimaging
Journal of Psychopharmacology June 11, 2016 Rafael G. Dos Santos, Fermanda M Balthazar, José Carlos Bouso et al. 126 citations
A systematic review of 28 human studies found that acute ayahuasca administration is well tolerated, increases introspection and positive mood, alters visual perceptions, activates frontal and paralimbic brain regions, and decreases default mode network activity. It improves planning and inhibitory control but impairs working memory, and shows antidepressive and antiaddictive potentials. Long-term use is associated with increased cortical thickness of the anterior cingulate cortex and cortical thinning of the posterior cingulate cortex, inversely correlated to age of onset, intensity of prior use, and spirituality. Subacute and long-term use is not linked to increased psychopathology or cognitive deficits but to enhanced mood, cognition, spirituality, and reduced impulsivity. Overall toxicity appears low, though therapeutic effects need replication.