Neuroprotective potential of Ayahuasca and untargeted metabolomics analyses: applicability to Parkinson's disease.
Journal of ethnopharmacology June 12, 2020 Albert Katchborian-Neto, Wanderleya T Santos, Karen J Nicácio et al. 62 citations
Ayahuasca, a tea made from Amazonian plants and traditionally used for neurological illness, shows neuroprotective potential in a laboratory model of Parkinson's disease. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, the study tested the beverage, extracts from its component plants (Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis), fractions, and main alkaloids on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells damaged by 6-hydroxydopamine. Most samples were not toxic and some increased cell viability. The crude extracts, alkaloid fractions, and the alkaloid harmine showed notable neuroprotection after 72 hours, while hydroalcoholic fractions were protective at both 48 and 72 hours.