Differentiation of Ayahuasca Samples According to Preparation Mode and Botanical Varieties Using Metabolomics.

Ayahuasca, a traditional brew made from Psychotria viridis leaves and Banisteriopsis caapi vine, shows therapeutic potential for depression. Analysis of 126 samples from different religious groups and geographic origins using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that metabolite composition varies by preparation group. Samples also differed in antioxidant effects measured by FRAP and ORAC assays. Glycosylated and phenolic compounds were key to distinguishing brews. Preparation method caused more variability than the botanical variety of B. caapi. Brews made with "caupuri" or "tucunacá" varieties showed differences in L-glutamate and arginine/proline metabolism, suggesting a possible explanation for swollen stem nodes in "caupuri."

Study at a glance

Abstract

Ayahuasca is a brew traditionally prepared with a mixture of Psychotria viridis leaves and Banisteriopsis caapi vine and has demonstrated therapeutic properties for depression. Knowledge of the brew composition is important to improve the therapeutic potential and decrease side effects if ayahuasca becomes an option for refractory depression treatment. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) was applied to analyze 126 ayahuasca samples collected from different ayahuasqueiro groups and geographic origins. We were able to observe a differentiation in the metabolite composition of ayahuasca samples prepared by diverse ayahuasqueiro groups. These samples presented different antioxidant effects based on FRAP and ORAC assays. Exploratory statistical analysis demonstrated a trend of separating the samples according to the religious group. The most important identified compounds for differentiation of the brew prepared by distinct religious groups are glycosylated and/or phenolic compounds. The comparison based on the mode of ayahuasca preparation presented more variability than the comparison based on the botanical variety of B. caapi used. We conclude that ayahuasca samples prepared with "caupuri" or "tucunacá" separately exhibited differences in the analysis of L-glutamate and the metabolism of arginine and proline. This suggests that a possible variation in this pathway could explain the occurrence of swollen stem nodes in "caupuri," one of the B. caapi varieties.