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Ana Gradillas

Universidad San Pablo CEU

3 papers in the library · 44 citations · publishing 2020-2021

Papers

Ayahuasca Beverages: Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Properties

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.

DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110731 Phytochemical Antimicrobial Chemistry Dpph +6

Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Ayahuasca Beverages

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.

DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235594 Ayahuasca Peganum harmala Cytotoxicity Dopaminergic +7