Preliminary analysis of ayahuasca-induced anatomical alterations in the somatosensory cortex of juvenile non-human primates (Callithrix jacchus) subjected to chronic stress
Translational Psychiatry February 19, 2026 Luís Carlos Pereira, Wigínio Gabriel Lira-Bandeira, Andréa Silva Medeiros-Bandeira et al.
Chronic stress from social isolation in juvenile male marmosets reduces neuronal volume in the somatosensory cortex, a brain region implicated in depression. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, given before and during isolation prevented this reduction, with treated animals showing neuronal volumes similar to non-stressed controls. Trends also suggested preserved cortical structure, though differences in neuronal density and overall cortical volume were not statistically significant. These results indicate ayahuasca may protect against stress-induced cortical atrophy and support further research into its therapeutic potential for stress-related psychiatric disorders, especially in adolescents.