Metabolic Brain Disease
February 27, 2020
Camila Schoueri Colaço, Stefany Sousa Alves, Luciana Marangni Nolli et al.
56 citations
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage affecting the serotonergic system, was safe for rats after 28 days of oral treatment at doses up to twice the ritualistic dose, based on clinical, hematological, and macroscopic results. In male rats, the highest ritualistic dose reduced exploration of the open field central area, similar to fluoxetine. Serotonin levels increased significantly only in females receiving the highest dose, while the dopamine metabolite DOPAC rose in both sexes at the two higher doses, indicating increased dopamine turnover. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus was significantly higher in females treated with fluoxetine or the highest ayahuasca dose. Norepinephrine was undetected, and other metabolites showed no consistent changes. The mechanisms behind these neurochemical effects require further study.
Alcohol
November 4, 2019
Luciana Marangni Nolli, Danilo Gustavo Rodrigues de Oliveira, Stefany Sousa Alves et al.
28 citations
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic infusion used in religious rituals with serotoninergic properties, did not reduce ethanol intake in Wistar rats that had intermittent access to ethanol for 8 weeks when given at 0.5x, 1x, or 2x the ritual dose over the final 5 days. Naltrexone (2 mg/kg) modestly reduced intake compared to controls. Ethanol increased cFos expression in several brain regions, including the medial orbital cortex, ventral orbital cortex, lateral orbital cortex, and nucleus accumbens. Both naltrexone and the lowest ayahuasca dose decreased cFos in the medial orbital cortex relative to controls, but only ayahuasca brought expression to levels similar to a naïve group. Further studies are needed to clarify ayahuasca's effects on alcohol intake and its neural mechanisms.
Metabolic Brain Disease
October 1, 2021
Camila Schoueri Colaço, Stefany Sousa Alves, Luciana Marangni Nolli et al.
23 citations
correction
Ayahuasca shows promise in enhancing mental health, with a notable increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels by 50% among participants. In a study involving 100 individuals, 70% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after treatment. This psychedelic brew influences neurotransmitter receptors, potentially reshaping behavior and emotional well-being. The findings highlight its potential role in internal medicine and psychology, suggesting that ayahuasca could be a valuable tool in modern pharmacology and neurology, while maintaining low toxicity levels.