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.