Possible Therapeutics Effects of Ayahuasca, a Psychedelic Compound

Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors and DMT, shows potential benefits for psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and drug addiction. In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, ayahuasca had a significant antidepressant effect compared to placebo. Long-term use was associated with structural brain alterations in medial regions, with no evidence of increased psychopathology or impaired neuropsychological functioning. Prolonged psychotic reactions among users are rare, and causal links to ayahuasca are difficult to establish. More controlled double-blinded studies with larger populations are needed to clarify therapeutic potentials and side effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction Ayahuasca is an hallucinogenic tea prepared from the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of the plant Psychotria Viridis. Banisteriopsis caapi contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) that render the N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) of Psychotria Viridis active. This brew is being used as a sacrament in syncretic religions in urban areas of Brazil and worldwide with the purpose of enabling a spiritual experience as well as healing for a variety of conditions such as drug addiction, depression and anxiety disorders. Objectives This work aims to provide an understanding on the potential benefits of ayahuasca in psychiatric symptoms, as well as its neuropsychological functioning, neuroimaging and adverse events. Methods A non-systematic review was performed on PubMed database and Google Scholar, using the key words “Ayahuasca, Drug Addiction, Psychedelics, DMT, Neuroplasticity”. The review included experimental studies in humans, observational studies, systemic review articles and clinical trials. Results In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, ayahuasca had a significant antidepressant effect when compared to the placebo group. Long term ayahuasca usage was associated with structural alterations in the medial parts of the brain with no evidence of increased psychopathology or worse neuropsychological functioning. According to reviewed studies the incident of prolonged psychotic reaction among ayahuasca users is rare and the causal relation with ayahuasca is sometimes difficult to establish. Conclusions Despite the promising results, more controlled double-blinded studies with larger populations are necessary to better understand the therapeutic potentials and side effects of ayahuasca. Disclosure No significant relationships.