Effects of ayahuasca on the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and on a post-sensitization treatment in mice
Physiology & Behavior January 28, 2015 A.j. Oliveira-Lima, Renato Antunes Dos Santos, A.w. Hollais et al. 91 citations
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew, prevents the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice and reverses established sensitization. A single dose (30–500 mg/kg) blocked the initiation of behavioral sensitization without affecting spontaneous movement. Higher doses (300 and 500 mg/kg) selectively reduced both acute and sensitized responses to ethanol. Eight consecutive days of ayahuasca (100 or 300 mg/kg) after sensitization was established blocked its expression upon a subsequent ethanol challenge. The results suggest ayahuasca may inhibit early addiction-related behaviors and reverse long-term drug effects when administered in the ethanol-associated environment.