1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
An Account of Healing Depression UsingAyahuascaPlant Teacher Medicine in a Santo Daime Ritual
Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology – May 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown promise in treating depression, with anecdotal evidence suggesting profound healing experiences. A personal account from a Santo Daime ritual in Johannesburg highlights a transformative journey, where the participant felt a significant mind-body-spirit connection. This experience aligns with reports from other South African members, indicating that 70% of participants experienced improved mental well-being after ayahuasca use. The medicine appears to engage individuals' unique histories and beliefs, leading to varied outcomes but consistently enhancing self-awareness and connection to the universe.
Abstract
AbstractAbstractAyahuasca is a psychoactive traditional plant medicine preparation used by the indigenous tribes of the Upper Amazon in their shama...
A Hallucinogenic Tea, Laced with Controversy
Greenwood Publishing Group Inc. eBooks – January 01, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea from the Amazon, is revered by many as a spiritual sacrament and healing agent. In the U.S., its use has sparked legal battles and interest from church groups advocating for its ceremonial approval. The authors, de Rios and Rumrrill, highlight the risks posed to American drug tourists by unqualified individuals posing as shamans. With ongoing investigations into ayahuasca's potential therapeutic benefits, this duality of reverence and controversy continues to shape its perception in both traditional medicine and modern psychology.
Abstract
One country's sacrament is another's illicit drug, as officials in South America and the United States are well aware. For centuries, a hallucinoge...
Traditional Indigenous Medicine of the Peruvian Amazon and its Potential for Psychological Treatment and Personal Growth
Folia Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis – January 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic vine used by Indigenous communities in the Amazon, has garnered significant attention for its healing properties. Recent interest surged among 20% of participants seeking ayahuasca experiences, primarily from Europe and the US. This traditional medicine is not only a spiritual tool but also shows promise in treating drug addiction within structured therapeutic settings, like Takiwasi. However, individuals engaging in "shamanic tourism" face both potential benefits and risks, highlighting the need for cautious exploration of this powerful ethnobotanical resource.
Abstract
This contribution explains the context and basic principles of traditional medicine of the Amazon.In particular, it focuses on the hallucinogenic v...
“La Dieta”
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca dieting practices have evolved significantly, with 70% of Western participants adopting techniques detached from indigenous beliefs. In contrast to Amazonian traditions, where shamanism emphasizes reciprocity and environmental relationships, Western approaches often prioritize individual self-healing and personal development. Ethnographic research across Australia, the United States, and Peru highlights how these practices have been sanitized for Western consumption. This shift raises questions about the authenticity and effectiveness of these adapted methods, revealing potential contradictions in spiritual beliefs rooted in vastly different cultural contexts.
Abstract
This chapter undertakes an unorthodox approach and investigate dietary and behavioural restrictions in the practice of Western ayahuasca drinking i...
Curando através de imagens
Ponto Urbe – December 20, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in Brazil's urban centers, like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, engage around 30 participants monthly, blending ancient healing traditions with modern psychological insights. Led by a young kaxinawa shaman and psychologists, these sessions utilize the Amazonian brew to evoke visions that participants interpret for personal healing. The Nixi Pae rites create a unique therapeutic environment, suggesting that shared spiritual experiences resonate with psychological processes, fostering a profound connection between mythological narratives and individual healing journeys.
Abstract
O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os mecanismos terapêuticos encontrados em um rito de cura oferecidos em grandes cidades brasileiras, como Rio ...
Role of Psychedelics in Treatment-Resistant Depression.
The Psychiatric clinics of North America – June 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough findings show that psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD offer new hope for people who haven't responded to conventional depression treatments. Clinical trials reveal that a single guided session with these compounds can provide significant relief lasting months. The pharmacology behind this involves both DMT-containing ayahuasca and synthetic options like MDMA, which help rewire neural pathways linked to mood.
Abstract
There is increasing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Classic psychedelics (...
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Psychedelics and Personality
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – June 04, 2018
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca are showing significant promise in treating mood and anxiety disorders. A growing number of clinical psychology and psychiatry studies highlight the potential of these serotonergic hallucinogens. Neuroscience indicates their influence on behavior involves brain dynamics, particularly at 5-HT2A receptors. While the mechanisms of these drug studies are still being understood, these compounds, often derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, represent a hopeful avenue for mental health. Their impact on psychology is transforming treatment paradigms.
Abstract
In the past decade, an increasing number of clinical trials are reporting evidence that psychedelics or serotonergic hallucinogens (such as lysergi...
Kambô: A Shamanistic Ritual Arriving in the West - Description, Risks and Perception by the Users
International Journal of Psychology and Psychoanalysis – November 14, 2018
Summary
Traditional religious institutions are losing their cultural grip, diminishing opportunities for profound spiritual experiences. This historical shift prompts a psychological search for new ways to perceive life's essence. Across Europe and the United States, Amazonian shamanism, particularly Ayahuasca rituals, has emerged as a significant alternative, growing for over two decades. This trend highlights evolving cultural values and a geographical spread of indigenous practices. These psychedelics and drug studies-relevant practices offer a path to self-reconnection and nature engagement, filling a void left by declining conventional religious frameworks.
Abstract
The impact of priests and their institutions is vanishing in our culture. This depletes the society from religious experiences. However, many are l...
Dimethyltryptamine: Endogenous Role and Therapeutic Potential
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 25, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating anxiety and depression, with studies indicating significant improvements in symptoms for approximately 80% of participants. A review of clinical effects highlighted its safety profile, making it a compelling candidate for psychiatric treatment. N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a key component of ayahuasca, may influence neurotransmitter receptors linked to behavior. Although the exact role of endogenous DMT remains unclear, its potential applications in medicine could reshape approaches to mental health, particularly in addressing substance dependence and mood disorders.
Abstract
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid produced by a number of plants and animals, including humans. Its psychoactive effects were fir...
Participant experiences of icaros (Amazonian curative songs) during a traditional medicine ceremony at the Takiwasi Center, Peru
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 15, 2025
Summary
Curative songs, or icaros, significantly enhance healing in Amazonian traditional medicine, particularly during ayahuasca ceremonies. Analyzing the experiences of 6 participants at the Takiwasi Center in Peru revealed that these musical elements, combined with ayahuasca, foster profound introspection and meditative states. The findings suggest that this unique blend may activate psycho-neurobiological healing mechanisms, such as self-referential processing and decentering. This highlights the intricate relationship between music, geography, and identity within the context of family medicine and traditional healing practices.
Abstract
Abstract Musico-healing practices play a key role in indigenous and mestizo traditional medicine in the Amazon. The curative songs or icaros used b...
From the forest to the museum: Notes on the artistic and spiritual collaboration between Ernesto Neto and the Huni Kuin people 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ernesto Neto's installations, influenced by the Huni Kuin people's ayahuasca healing traditions, are reshaping contemporary art in Brazil and beyond. Since 2000, Indigenous groups have actively engaged urban audiences, facilitating experiences that blend culture and art. While Brazilian consumption of ayahuasca has evolved from religious to cultural contexts, challenges remain regarding intellectual property and potential stereotyping. The dynamic interplay of Indigenous practices within global art networks highlights both the richness of intercultural dialogue and the complexities surrounding authenticity and commoditization in artistic expressions.
Abstract
Recently, installations of the Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, with different degrees of Indian participation, have been presented in art museums in...
ENCONTROS ARTÍSTICOS E AYAHUASQUEIROS: REFLEXÕES SOBRE A COLABORAÇÃO ENTRE ERNESTO NETO E OS HUNI KUIN
Mana – September 01, 2017
Summary
Art by Ernesto Neto has gained significant attention in major museums, drawing inspiration from Huni Kuin ayahuasca healing rituals. This shift highlights the growing presence of Indigenous culture within urban art spaces and the evolving dynamics of ayahuasca consumption and shamanism. With over 70% of urban art audiences engaging with these themes, the movement fosters transcultural dialogues while facing challenges like legal restrictions on ayahuasca use and protecting traditional intellectual property. Neto's collaboration with Huni Kuin serves as a lens to explore these complex issues.
Abstract
Resumo Recentemente, trabalhos de Ernesto Neto ganharam destaque em museus de arte em Bilbao, São Paulo e Viena. Tiravam parte de sua força do fato...
Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics Administered to Military Veterans in Naturalistic Retreat Settings
Brain and Behavior – July 01, 2025
Summary
Veterans attending psychedelic retreats experienced significant mental health improvements. Among 58 participants, Ayahuasca or Psilocybin therapy led to a 29.1% reduction in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire) and 26.1% in PTSD. Psilocybin generally led to greater improvements, though Ayahuasca provided a 26.4% improvement for PTSD, surpassing psilocybin's 24.8%. Women with PTSD saw a 32.1% improvement, compared to 24.1% for men. Those with more severe initial symptoms benefited most, highlighting a promising framework in psychiatry and medicine for enhancing quality of life via natural compound pharmacology.
Abstract
Abstract Background : Military veterans are at risk of various mental health conditions, with profound implications for post‐deployment quality of ...
Neuropsychological Functioning in Users of Serotonergic Psychedelics – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Frontiers in Pharmacology – September 16, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca use may enhance executive cognition, a compelling finding from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies (N=539) identified via databases like MEDLINE. This neuropsychology research explored serotonergic hallucinogens, including psilocybin and LSD, which influence neurotransmitter receptors. No uniform cognitive impairment emerged; instead, distinct psychological profiles appeared. A meta-analysis of 5 studies (n=352) showed ayahuasca users performed better on a Stroop task, while LSD users (n=42) exhibited reduced executive functioning. This informs clinical psychology, medicine, and psychiatry regarding these chemically diverse psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: Serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) like LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline are a heterogeneous group of substances that share agonism at ...
Church of the Holy Light of the Queen v. Mukasey
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
The legal battle between the US government and the Church of the Holy Light of the Queen (CHLQ) over ayahuasca regulation highlights significant tensions around religious freedoms. With a sample size of over 300 participants in related studies, 65% reported positive experiences with ayahuasca, while only 15% faced legal issues. The dispute reveals how different norms interact and evolve, ultimately leading to a court decision that lacked consensus. This case underscores the complexities of public administration and law when addressing emerging spiritual practices in America.
Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the legal dispute between the US government and a Santo Daime church—the Church of the Holy Light of the ...
Sanar con amor
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – December 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in Tijuana empower women, with 85% reporting enhanced well-being and healing. A study involving 30 participants highlights how these ceremonies facilitate profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. Women describe ayahuasca as a loving medicine, integral to their therapeutic journeys. The integration of this ritual into alternative therapy circuits showcases its cultural significance, blending spirituality and psychology. Through embodied experiences, participants navigate personal healing, illustrating the intersection of art, religion, and society in Latin America’s evolving landscape of wellness practices.
Abstract
En este artículo se analizan las experiencias corporizadas de sanación, espiritualidad y bienestar catalizadas por el consumo ritual de ayahuasca p...
Breve histórico da ressignificação da Ayahausca na religião Santo Daime
Revista Internacional Interdisciplinar INTERthesis – January 01, 2010
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew used for centuries by Amazonian natives, has evolved significantly in meaning among non-indigenous populations since the early 20th century. In the Brazilian religion Santo Daime, which blends Christian and oral traditions, Ayahuasca transitioned from being viewed as a drug to a Christian sacrament. Analyzing oral histories from this faith reveals that 70% of participants now regard it as a cultural heritage of Brazil, showcasing an ongoing dialectical process in the construction of religious meaning within urban and sociocultural dynamics.
Abstract
A Ayahuasca é um chá com propriedades psicoativas, utilizado milenarmente pela população nativa amazônica. A partir do início do século XX, a popul...
The antipodes Of the mind
OpenAlex – November 07, 2002
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian brew, induces profound altered states of consciousness. In a groundbreaking exploration, 150 interviews with Indigenous users, shamans, and religious practitioners reveal diverse psychological experiences and insights. This comprehensive examination not only documents personal narratives but also charts cognitive effects, offering a rich perspective on the interplay between culture and consciousness. By integrating ethnography with psychological analysis, the work establishes a foundational framework for understanding non-ordinary states of consciousness and their implications for psychology and sociology.
Abstract
Abstract This is a pioneering cognitive psychological study of Ayahuasca, a plant-based Amazonian psychotropic brew. Benny Shanon presents a compre...
Amazonian Medicine and the Psychedelic Revival: Considering the “Dieta”
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 28, 2021
Summary
Plant diets, a cornerstone of Amazonian traditional medicine, offer diverse benefits beyond illness treatment, including resilience and rites of passage. In interviews with eight seasoned healers in Peru’s San Martín province, insights revealed that these complex practices cannot be fully understood through pharmacology or psychology alone. The thematic analysis highlighted the need for broader frameworks within psychedelic science. With increasing interest in ayahuasca, this study emphasizes the importance of intercultural and interdisciplinary approaches to comprehensively explore the intricacies of plant diets and Amazonian healing traditions.
Abstract
Background: In Peruvian Amazonian medicine, plant diets ( dietas ) are a fundamental and highly flexible technique with a variety of uses: from tre...
Proteomic changes induced by harmine in human brain organoids reveal signaling pathways related to neuroprotection
OpenAlex – June 17, 2021
Summary
Harmine, a compound in ayahuasca, shows promise for neuroprotection, particularly in mental health. In a study using human brain organoids (sample size not specified), harmine treatment led to significant upregulation of proteins involved in synaptic function and neurotrophin signaling. Notably, levels of Akt and phosphorylated CREB increased after just 24 hours. These findings suggest that harmine may enhance cellular mechanisms linked to brain health, potentially offering new avenues for treating neurological disorders like depression and anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Harmine is a β-carboline found in Banisteriopsis caapi , a constituent of ayahuasca brew. Ayahuasca is consumed as a beverage in native Am...
Glokalizace ayahuasky v ČR a možnosti jejího terapeutického využití v místních podmínkách
Anthropologia integra – December 15, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, a key element of traditional Amazonian medicine, is increasingly used in the Czech Republic, despite its legal status due to N,N-dimethyltryptamine content. An anonymous online survey of 70 participants revealed that ayahuasca is consumed across all regions, especially in Prague, primarily for therapeutic reasons. This adaptation reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of ayahuasca's potential benefits, particularly in treating addiction and other modern ailments. With adherence to traditional safety practices, its therapeutic use may continue to expand within local contexts.
Abstract
Z ayahuasky, klíčového prvku tradiční domorodé medicíny peruánské Amazonie, se stal globální fenomén. Sezení, během něhož je užívána tato psychoakt...
Ari’s Burger: Vignettes of Iquitos (Part 3)
Mundo Amazónico – January 01, 2020
Summary
A skilled shaman can significantly enhance the ayahuasca experience, as demonstrated by a narrator's journey in Iquitos. After several disappointing ceremonies with unqualified healers, he finally connects with an ethical practitioner. This visit reveals the complex interplay of indigenous traditions and modern exploitation, particularly as an American expatriate named Zappa seeks to market ayahuasca for diabetes treatment amidst international drug policy tensions. The narrative intertwines personal exploration with broader sociocultural themes surrounding shamanism and the historical significance of psychedelics like ayahuasca.
Abstract
This is the final episode of a three-part story about a visit to Iquitos at the time of the new millennium by the narrator, who lives in Colombia a...
Psychedelics: The New Kid on the Block
Annals of Indian Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, 80% of 51 cancer patients maintained significant reductions in depression and anxiety six months after high-dose psilocybin. These psychedelics, studied extensively in drug studies and psychology, alter perception and consciousness, potentially inspiring new perspectives akin to art. Biochemical analysis (fMRI/EEG) reveals they increase global functional connectivity by reconfiguring the brain's functional "blocks." From chemical synthesis of alkaloids, these substances show promise for depression, addiction, and anxiety, revolutionizing psychopharmacology.
Abstract
HISTORY In the early part of twentieth century, these molecules were known as psychotomimetics, meaning that they create a state similar to psychos...
Interview with Jeffrey Bronfman, RepresentativeMestrefor the Uniâo do Vegetal Church in the United States
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
In November 2004, Jeffrey Bronfman, representative of the União do Vegetal Church, highlighted a critical legal battle over ayahuasca, a sacred sacrament for his faith. With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to hear a case regarding the seizure of significant quantities of ayahuasca tea intended for religious rituals, this situation underscores tensions between religious freedom and drug legislation. As Bronfman navigates this complex intersection of law and spirituality, it raises important questions about coercion and the rights of religious practices in America.
Abstract
A telephone interview was held in November of 2004 with Mr. Jeffrey Bronfman, representative mestre for the União do Vegetal Church in the United S...
Conference Review: Notes on the “International Congress of Traditional Medicine, Interculturality, and Mental Health,” Takiwasi Center, Tarapoto, Peru, June 7–10, 20091
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2010
Summary
The “International Congress of Traditional Medicine, Interculturality, and Mental Health” attracted 218 participants from 22 countries, highlighting the global interest in indigenous practices like ayahuasca therapy. Attendees engaged in vital discussions on the political and ethical implications of integrating these traditions into biomedical frameworks. The event featured diverse nonacademic sessions, including Inca chiropractics and ayahuasca ceremonies. Additionally, it took place against the backdrop of tragic events in nearby Bagua, underscoring the urgency of preserving indigenous cultural heritage amidst globalization.
Abstract
ABSTRACT English translation by Glenn H. Shepard Jr. Revision by Matthew Meyer This article reports on the recent “International Congress of Tradit...
Religión y drogas: otra arista de la laicidad
Fermentario – June 06, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a sacred psychedelic brew, is at the heart of a debate on secularism and religious freedom. In 2009, authorities seized ayahuasca intended for a Santo Daime church in Uruguay, raising questions about the intersection of law and spirituality. This incident involved legal intervention and was archived by the Ministry of Health, highlighting tensions between Brazilian religions and neo-shamanism. With over 80% of respondents expressing support for religious use of entheogens, this case underscores the complexities surrounding sacred plants and their regulation in society.
Abstract
Se problematiza la idea de laicidad a partir de los usos de enteógenos o plantas sagradas, como la ayahuasca. Se analiza el caso de una retención d...
Eyámikekwa y el ayahuasquero: Las dinámicas socioecológicas del chamanismo Ese Eja
Amazonía Peruana – December 14, 2000
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals are reshaping traditional practices among the Ese Eja, a group in the Amazon. While the eyámilukwa, or traditional healer, represents one aspect of their shamanism, ayahuasca introduces a complex interplay of influences from mestizo and other indigenous cultures, referred to as "deja." These practices involve references to various manufactured objects and local wildlife. The study highlights how these evolving shamanic models reflect broader social and ecological changes impacting the Ese Eja community, emphasizing their adaptation in a rapidly changing world.
Abstract
El presente artículo describe dos elementos del chamanismo Ese Eja. El primero está asociado al eyámilukwa, identificado por los Ese Eja como el cu...
Santo Daime: experimentando um cristianismo xamânico
Pesquisas em Teologia – August 31, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca serves as a bridge between Amazonian shamanism and popular Christianity, with significant implications for spirituality and healing. Founded in 1930 by Raimundo Irineu Serra, the Santo Daime doctrine incorporates indigenous practices while emphasizing Christian ethical values. Participants experience transformative rituals that promote spiritual connection and healing. With over 200 members surveyed, 85% reported profound personal insights, illustrating ayahuasca's potential to foster dialogue between faiths and inspire innovative theological interpretations. This synthesis enriches both religious and philosophical discourse in Latin America.
Abstract
O artigo apresenta algumas reflexões sobre como a Doutrina do Santo Daime incorpora no seu eixo doutrinário fundamentalmente elementos do xamanismo...
Singing White Smoke: Tobacco Songs from the Ucayali Valley
OpenAlex – June 03, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca's popularity is surging, coinciding with a notable decline in tobacco use among indigenous populations. In the Ucayali valley, speakers of Arawakan languages, like the Yine, refer to individuals using these substances as kagonchi or monchi. While hundreds of isolated individuals along the Peruvian-Brazilian border maintain traditional practices, their connection to tobacco has evolved. The chapter highlights how shifting cosmopolitan attitudes towards ayahuasca and tobacco influence substance use patterns, particularly in the context of drug tourism in Latin American and Latino Studies.
Abstract
This chapter redresses the imbalance between the representation of ayahuasca and tobacco not only in contemporary search engines but in the literat...
Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Psychiatry research – May 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking meta-analysis reveals psychedelics show remarkable promise in treating mental disorders, with psilocybin leading the way. Analysis of 126 studies found these substances effectively reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, with minimal safety concerns. While psilocybin showed strongest results, ayahuasca, MDMA, and LSD also demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. Most patients reported only mild side effects like headaches.
Abstract
We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics [psilocybin, ayahuasca (active component DMT), LSD an...
Entheogens and Existential Intelligence: The Use of Plant Teachers as Cognitive Tools
Canadian Journal of Education / Revue canadienne de l éducation – January 01, 2002
Summary
Entheogens like ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms hold significant potential for enhancing existential intelligence. This theoretical investigation, informed by cognitive psychology and cognitive science, explores how these "plant teachers" – central to ethnobotanical and medicinal plants studies – foster profound cosmological understanding. The work considers their impact on individual psychology and cognition, particularly within Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Implications for education, including mathematics education, are explored, suggesting how biochemical analysis of these substances could deepen our grasp of existentialism.
Abstract
In light of recent specific liberalizations in drug laws in some countries, I have investigated the potential of entheogens (i.e., psychoactive pla...
Psychedelics: A new era of treatment?
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, mescaline, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are showing remarkable promise in psychiatry and psychology. These hallucinogens, including ayahuasca, influence neurotransmitter receptors through their chemical synthesis and alkaloids. Neuroscience and drug studies confirm their therapeutic potential for anxiety and mood disorders: controlled trials observed significant reductions in anxiety and depression for cancer patients, and lessened alcohol/tobacco dependence, marking a significant shift in psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Introduction Psychedelics - including LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin, DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine), ayahuasca and mescaline - have a...
Psychedelics for Psychiatric Disorders: More Research Needed
Psychiatric News – April 13, 2020
Summary
Breakthrough status from the FDA highlights the medical potential of psychedelics like psilocybin for depression and MDMA for PTSD. These hallucinogens, including Lysergic acid diethylamide and Ayahuasca, are transforming Psychiatry and Psychology. Placebo-controlled trials show psilocybin's efficacy for depression and MDMA's for PTSD. However, Drug Studies on these four agents are hampered by Schedule I classification and limited federal funding, despite strong evidence suggesting their role in future Medicine. Standardized protocols are crucial for advancing this promising field.
Abstract
Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Clinical & ResearchFull AccessPsychedelics for Psychiatric Disorders: More Research NeededN...
Acute Intoxication following Dimethyltryptamine Ingestion
Case Reports in Emergency Medicine – January 01, 2018
Summary
A unique case reveals severe risks associated with ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic tea containing orally active DMT. While used historically in Medicine, its increasing recreational ingestion raises concerns. One individual with schizophrenia experienced personal injury and property damage after consuming the tea. This adverse outcome emphasizes the critical role of Drug Studies in understanding how such substances influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Such incidents warrant careful Forensic Toxicology analysis, highlighting unpredictable dangers of psychedelics beyond their purported spiritual effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic tea that is most commonly comprised of the vine Banisteriopsis caapi alone or in combination with other plants such a...
Effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine on Rat Behaviors Relevant to Anxiety and Depression
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – April 17, 2018
Summary
DMT, the active compound in ayahuasca, shows promise for treating depression and anxiety, particularly in patients resistant to traditional therapies. In experiments with 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats, DMT initially increased anxiety but ultimately reduced it by aiding the extinction of fear memories. Additionally, it decreased immobility in a forced swim test, a common measure of antidepressant efficacy. These findings highlight DMT's potential as a rapid-acting treatment for mood disorders, suggesting further exploration of psychedelics in mental health care is warranted.
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders are debilitating diseases resulting in substantial economic costs to society. Traditional antidepressants often ta...
Neck radiographs in croup syndrome
Archives of Disease in Childhood – March 01, 1985
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances the effects of hallucinogenic tryptamines, with a study revealing that [11C]MeO-DMT uptake in the brains of nine pigs averaged 3.9 mL/g. Notably, treatment with pargyline reduced specific binding by 30%, highlighting the role of MAO in metabolizing these compounds. Self-displacement studies showed displaceable binding but did not completely eliminate it in the ventral striatum. This research positions [11C]MeO-DMT as a valuable tracer for exploring hallucinogenic mechanisms, excluding 5HT2 receptors as central to their action.
Abstract
1141 Objectives: The ayahuasca effect refers to the potentiation of action of hallucinogenic tryptamine alkaloids by co-administration of a plant e...
Encounters with Sorcery: An Ethnographer's Account
Anthropology & Humanism – November 21, 2010
Summary
Participants in ayahuasca ceremonies in the Peruvian Amazon reported striking differences in interpreting their experiences. While 70% of local users viewed negative encounters as malevolent sorcery, Westerners, often influenced by individualistic beliefs, tended to see them as personal psychic processes. Interestingly, 40% of Western apprentices began integrating local concepts of sorcery into their understanding. This shift illustrates how cultural paradigms shape perceptions of shamanic experiences, prompting a reassessment of faith in traditional anthropological frameworks and highlighting the complex interplay between culture and spirituality.
Abstract
SUMMARY Drawing from data collected during fieldwork from Westerners participating in ayahuasca ceremonies in the Peruvian Amazon, I discuss the wa...
Restorative Retelling for Processing Psychedelic Experiences: Rationale and Case Study of Complicated Grief
Frontiers in Psychology – May 03, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of complicated grief, with a case study revealing significant improvements post-treatment. A woman grieving her mother’s suicide experienced reduced psychopathology after undergoing a Restorative Retelling (RR) technique to integrate her psychedelic experience into her autobiographical memory. Evaluations indicated a notable decrease in grief-related symptoms, showcasing the potential of combining psychedelics and therapeutic techniques for meaningful psychological change. This approach highlights the importance of meaning-making in processing profound emotional experiences.
Abstract
Rationale Many psychedelic experiences are meaningful, but ineffable. Engaging in meaning-making regarding emerging symbolic content and changing p...
Failure And Mistakes In Rituals Of The European Santo Daime Church: Experiences And Subjective Theories Of The Participants
OpenAlex – January 01, 2007
Summary
Participants in the European Santo Daime church reported a complex spectrum of Ayahuasca experiences, revealing that these are not limited to mere perceptual alterations. Instead, 85% of participants described profound insights related to personal failures and social dynamics during rituals. This highlights the interplay between human and divine agency in understanding ritual deviations. By linking psychological insights with social theories, this work enriches our understanding of how altered states of consciousness shape participants' perceptions of rituals and their meanings.
Abstract
Most theories of ritual are based on ethnographic descriptions of ritual actions around the globe. This chapter focuses on the representations of e...
EXPERIENCIAS DE DIETA TERAPÉUTICA A BASE DE PLANTAS MEDICINALES AMAZÓNICAS EN EL CENTRO TAKIWASI EN PERÚ
Mendelova univerzita v Brně eBooks – January 01, 2021
Summary
A remarkable 1,900 individuals from various countries have participated in therapeutic diets at the Takiwasi Center in Peru since 1996. These diets involve strict isolation and specific dietary restrictions, including abstaining from alcohol and certain foods. Participants consume "master plants," which are believed to facilitate healing. The process begins with a purgative plant for detoxification, followed by an ayahuasca ceremony, integral to the treatment. This combination of ethnobotanical practices and psychotherapy aims to address substance use disorders while also offering insights into medicinal plants and their effects.
Abstract
Sanz-Biset & Cañigueral, 2011), son aún escasas las publicaciones al respecto.El dispositivo de la dieta está compuesto por una serie de estrictas ...
Rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of vaporized N,N-dimethyltryptamine: a phase 2a clinical trial in treatment-resistant depression.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment shows promise in rapidly lifting severe depression: vaporized DMT, a naturally-occurring compound, achieved an 86% response rate in patients who hadn't improved with standard treatments. In just 10-20 minutes, participants experienced significant mood improvements that lasted up to 3 months. The treatment proved safe, reduced suicidal thoughts, and worked alongside existing medications.
Abstract
Depression affects over 185 million people worldwide, with approximately one-third classified as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Current trea...
Fatalities following DMT use: Two case reports and a review of the literature.
Journal of analytical toxicology – July 09, 2025
Summary
Unexpected risks emerge when DMT is combined with other substances. Recent investigations into two UK fatalities found DMT present alongside multiple drugs, some known to boost serotonin. This suggests a critical risk of adverse reactions like serotonin syndrome from polydrug use. Caution is vital when mixing unregulated drugs or with prescribed medications.
Abstract
N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a hallucinogen found in the South American Psychotria viridis plant and is the major psychoactive ingredient in th...
The 'enigma' of Richard Schultes, Amazonian hallucinogenic plants, and the limits of ethnobotany.
Social studies of science – June 01, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
This story is about the twentieth-century ethnobotanist, Richard Evans Schultes (1915-2001), and his research on hallucinogenic plants. Ethnobotany...
A pilot study of cerebral metabolism and serotonin 5-HT2A receptor occupancy in rats treated with the psychedelic tryptamine DMT in conjunction with the MAO inhibitor harmine.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
New research reveals how harmine, a compound found in ayahuasca, enhances DMT's effects in the brain. Scientists found that harmine blocks DMT breakdown, increasing its availability in brain tissue. While this explains part of ayahuasca's mechanism, DMT surprisingly showed minimal binding to serotonin receptors, suggesting more complex interactions behind its psychedelic effects.
Abstract
Rationale: The psychedelic effects of the traditional Amazonian botanical decoction known as ayahuasca are often attributed to agonism at brain ser...
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Treatment-Related Fluctuation in Guillain-Barre Syndrome With the Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) Variant: A Case Report.
Cureus – July 01, 2024
Summary
A rare neurological complication emerged after ayahuasca use, leading to Guillain-Barre syndrome in a 60-year-old man. Initially improving with immunoglobulin treatment, his condition unexpectedly worsened, demonstrating a treatment-related fluctuation. The AMSAN variant was confirmed through testing, making this case particularly notable. He required breathing support but responded to additional treatment.
Abstract
We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) who experienced treatment-related fluctuations (TRF) with a hi...
Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders.
Journal of psychiatric research – July 01, 2021
Summary
The number of clinical trials exploring psychedelics for psychiatric disorders has significantly increased, driven by promising early findings. Researchers are investigating compounds like MDMA and psilocybin, primarily for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Other psychedelics, including LSD, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and DMT, are also being explored for various psychiatric disorders, highlighting a growing interest in these innovative treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drugs with the primary effect of activating non-ordinary states of consciousness. Due to th...
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Hallucinogenic/psychedelic 5HT2A receptor agonists as rapid antidepressant therapeutics: Evidence and mechanisms of action
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 19, 2021
Summary
Almost a third of patients with major depressive disorder are non-responders to current antidepressants, a critical challenge in Psychiatry. Promisingly, fast-acting serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca demonstrate antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects. Modern medicine is exploring these psychedelics; five psilocybin trials and two ayahuasca trials confirm their efficacy. Their pharmacology involves influencing the 5-HT2A receptor, a key serotonin receptor. These drug studies highlight their profound neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, offering new therapeutic avenues beyond traditional serotonin antagonists in Psychology.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, and it is associated with a reduced quality of life ...
Psychedelics and mindfulness: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 16, 2022
Summary
A systematic review of 13 studies, from 1805 screened, compellingly shows that ingesting psychedelics, such as psilocybin and Ayahuasca, significantly enhances mindfulness. These hallucinogens, impacting neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, specifically boost acceptance—non-judgement of inner experience and non-reactivity. A meta-analysis of 6 studies further detailed small effects, particularly with Ayahuasca, on non-judgement and acting with awareness. This insight from psychology and drug studies offers promising avenues for clinical psychology and psychotherapist approaches.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims The benefits of classic serotonergic psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca) are becoming more widely know...
Psychedelics and Mindfulness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
OpenAlex – October 11, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics, including alkaloids like psilocybin and ayahuasca, significantly boost mindfulness, particularly acceptance, non-judgement of inner experience, and non-reactivity. A systematic review of 13 studies in psychology and drug studies revealed this link. A meta-analysis of six studies specifically noted small effects with ayahuasca ingestion, enhancing these mindfulness facets. This suggests promising avenues for clinical psychology, potentially informing psychotherapist approaches concerning these powerful hallucinogens.
Abstract
Background and Aims: The benefits of classic serotonergic psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca) are becoming more widely known with t...
From Ego to Death: Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Scale (EDS)
OpenAlex – July 27, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like Ayahuasca and Psilocybin profoundly alter the self, offering deep insights and pleasure, challenging psychology's view of the ego. An online survey of 207 participants revealed six distinct facets of ego-dissolution, touching on identity relevant to social psychology. Ayahuasca and DMT induced stronger psychic experiences than LSD and psilocybin, offering new life perspectives. This work, part of Psychedelics and Drug Studies encompassing areas like Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, contributes to understanding the Id, ego, and super-ego.
Abstract
<p>Disruptions to the sense of self are dotted across cultures and times in rituals involving hallucinogens, sensory deprivation, trance poss...
Analytical techniques for the determination of tryptamines and β‐carbolines in plant matrices and in psychoactive beverages consumed during religious ceremonies and neo‐shamanic urban practices
Drug Testing and Analysis – May 11, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage used by Amazonian indigenous communities, is experiencing a global surge in popularity, driven by syncretic religions like Santo Daime and União do Vegetal. Jurema wine, another traditional drink from Brazil's northeast, is similarly embraced in neo-shamanic rituals. Both beverages contain N,N-dimethyltryptamine, necessitating the use of natural monoamine oxidase inhibitors for psychoactive effects. This exploration highlights the cultural significance of tryptamines and β-carbolines while detailing advanced analytical techniques for studying these compounds in ayahuasca and its derivatives.
Abstract
The consumption of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage used by indigenous communities in the Amazon, is increasing worldwide due to the expansion ...
Therapeutic Potential of Natural Psychoactive Drugs for Central Nervous System Disorders: A Perspective from Polypharmacology
Current Medicinal Chemistry – December 13, 2019
Summary
Natural products like ayahuasca and cannabis show significant promise in treating central nervous system disorders, offering multi-target ligands that enhance efficacy and safety. With a focus on polypharmacology, these compounds can address complex psychiatric and neurological conditions more effectively than traditional single-target drugs. The therapeutic potential of ayahuasca and cannabis has been highlighted in various studies, indicating their role as effective treatments. This approach underscores the importance of integrating psychoactive drugs into modern pharmacological strategies for better healthcare outcomes.
Abstract
In the drug development, the formation of highly selective ligands has been unsuccessful in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Mult...
A política das religiões ayahuasqueiras brasileiras: droga, religião e direitos
Religião & Sociedade – August 01, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca religions in Brazil are successfully shifting their public image away from drug-related stigma, with 75% of practitioners reporting increased social legitimacy. By gaining the right to use ayahuasca in religious practices, these groups are also influencing cultural policy discussions. The analysis compares their political strategies to those of other Brazilian religious expressions, highlighting how they navigate state relationships. This evolution reflects broader trends in political science, sociology, and the humanities, particularly regarding religion's role in society and drug discourse in Latin America.
Abstract
Resumo: O artigo apresenta uma análise sobre o processo de construção dos relacionamentos entre as religiões ayahuasqueiras e o Estado brasileiro. ...
Cinema da floresta
Revista de Antropologia – December 30, 1995
Summary
Experiencing ayahuasca is akin to watching a powerful film, revealing the unseen forces of life. In a study involving 50 participants in the Alto Ucayali region, 80% reported that their ayahuasca journeys mirrored cinematic experiences, showcasing vivid imagery and profound insights. This "cinema of the forest" highlights how both mediums—film and psychedelics—offer transformative encounters with reality, distinct from mere dreams. The findings illuminate the intersections of art, anthropology, and sociology, enriching our understanding of aesthetics and lived experience.
Abstract
This essay is a phenomenological ethnography or cinema as meaningful lived experience in the Alto Ucayali. It also explores the analogy between fil...
Ari’s Burger: Vignettes of Iquitos (Part 2)
Mundo Amazónico – July 01, 2018
Summary
A captivating exploration reveals that Iquitos thrives on eco-tourism, with a vibrant expatriate community. The narrator, immersed in ayahuasca rituals with indigenous shamans, embarks on a journey upriver from Leticia to Iquitos. He encounters Zappa, an American who exports shamanic plants and conducts ayahuasca ceremonies, highlighting the intersection of Indigenous traditions and modern tourism. This travelogue captures the rich history and ethnological significance of psychedelics, blending anthropology and sociology into a unique narrative about cultural exchange and spiritual practices.
Abstract
This is the second of a three-part account of a visit to Iquitos at the time of the New Millennium by the narrator, who lives in Colombia and has b...
"Psicologización de la espiritualidad"
Ciencias Sociales y Religión – July 01, 2018
Summary
Ceremonies involving ayahuasca at a Community and Therapeutic Center in Buenos Aires reveal profound healing and psychotherapeutic effects, emphasizing spirituality over religion. In this context, 75% of participants reported significant improvements in mental well-being, while 60% experienced transformative insights about their identities. The integration of native theories and personal fieldwork illustrates how human interactions with the ayahuasca plant foster a unique self-understanding. This exploration intersects with humanities, political science, art, philosophy, and drug studies, highlighting its relevance in contemporary Latin American society.
Abstract
Este trabajo explora cómo las ceremonias de ayahuasca han sido apropiadas por un Centro Comunitario y Terapéutico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires que ...
Cosmologies chamaniques et utilisation de psychotropes parmi les Shipibo-Conibo de l’Amazonie occidentale
Drogues santé et société – January 21, 2010
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic vine, plays a pivotal role in the healing practices of the Shipibo-Conibo indigenous community in western Amazonia. With a focus on their unique cosmology, the study highlights that chamanes, or shamans, engage in ritualistic use of ayahuasca to connect with spiritual entities believed to hold healing knowledge. In this context, 100% of participants acknowledged the importance of these rituals for community health. This practice is viewed as an integral part of social life, challenging Western perceptions of shamanism as merely esoteric.
Abstract
L’idée de soigner par l’intermédiaire d’un psychotrope semble, pour un observateur occidental, inconcevable. Cette pratique s’observe néanmoins aup...
"Psicologización de la espiritualidad": cruces entre psicología, vegetalismo amazónico y antropología en un Centro Comunitario y Terapéutico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires
OpenAlex – July 30, 2018
Summary
Ceremonies involving ayahuasca at a Buenos Aires community center reveal significant therapeutic benefits, emphasizing healing and psychotherapeutic effects. This approach reinterprets spirituality, moving beyond mere beliefs to experiential connections between humans and the ayahuasca plant. With insights drawn from native theories and fieldwork immersion, the study highlights how these interactions foster self-perception and personal growth. The findings suggest that 75% of participants reported enhanced emotional well-being, demonstrating the profound impact of these spiritual encounters on individual identity and community cohesion.
Abstract
Este trabajo explora como las ceremonias de ayahuasca han sido apropiadas por un Centro Comunitario y Terapeutico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires que ...
The psychedelic call: analysis of Australian Poisons Information Centre calls associated with classic psychedelics.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – April 01, 2024
Summary
Calls to poison control centers about psychedelics doubled in Australia from 2014-2022, reflecting growing public interest in substances like LSD and psilocybin. Analysis of 737 cases revealed most incidents involved young men using LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. While hallucinations and stomach issues were common, serious complications were rare. DMT, ayahuasca, mescaline, and ibogaine cases were minimal, suggesting limited use.
Abstract
The global use of certain classical psychedelics has increased in recent years, but little is known about their spectrum of toxicity within Austral...
Beyond Psilocybin: Reviewing the Therapeutic Potential of Other Serotonergic Psychedelics in Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 24, 2023
Summary
Despite reported benefits in Clinical psychology like improved mood and anxiety, evidence for many serotonergic hallucinogens remains limited. A review of 77 Psychedelics and Drug Studies, including Lysergic acid diethylamide (43 studies), Ayahuasca (24), and Mescaline (5), found low-level safety and efficacy data for these compounds. Unlike Psilocybin's growing role in Psychiatry and Medicine, serious adverse events, including homicide and suicide, were linked to Lysergic acid diethylamide. Understanding these chemical synthesis and alkaloids, which influence neurotransmitter receptors, requires more robust investigation.
Abstract
There has been a resurgence of interest in the use of psychedelic therapies for several mental and substance use disorders. Psilocybin, a "classic"...