1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
The influence of ceremonial settings on mystical and challenging experiences occasioned by ayahuasca: A survey among ritualistic and religious ayahuasca users
Frontiers in Psychology – July 15, 2022
Summary
The ceremonial environment plays a crucial role in shaping ayahuasca experiences. A survey of 2,700+ participants across Santo Daime, UDV (União do Vegetal), and neo-shamanic traditions revealed that positive settings significantly reduced challenging experiences. Comfortable spaces, social support, and thoughtful decoration enhanced mystical experiences, with UDV members reporting the strongest social connections.
Abstract
Recent studies have recognized the importance of non-pharmacological factors such as setting to induce or promote mystical experiences or challengi...
Assessment of Alcohol and Tobacco Use Disorders Among Religious Users of Ayahuasca
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 24, 2018
Summary
Ceremonial use of ayahuasca significantly reduces current alcohol and tobacco use disorders among participants. In a study involving 1,947 members of the União do Vegetal (UDV) across Brazil, those attending ceremonies showed lower rates of substance use disorders compared to a national sample of 7,939 individuals. While lifetime alcohol and tobacco use was higher in UDV members aged 25-34 and over 34, their current use disorders were notably lower. Increased ceremonial attendance correlated positively with reductions in these disorders, highlighting ayahuasca's potential therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the impact of ceremonial use of ayahuasca-a psychedelic brew containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-ca...
Ayahuasca, DMT, and Mental Health: A Current Review of Scientific Studies
Current Addiction Reports – February 21, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows promise in treating various mental health disorders, including depression and PTSD. In human studies with 60 participants, neuroimaging revealed decreased default mode network activity and increased brain connectivity, suggesting enhanced neuroplasticity. Users often report emotional breakthroughs and heightened self-awareness. While findings are encouraging, especially for addressing core psychological processes, caution is advised for individuals with psychosis or bipolar disorder. Structured trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of ayahuasca as a therapeutic option in clinical psychology.
Abstract
Summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence on ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian brew combining N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carbolines—in ...
Regulating Ayahuasca in the United Kingdom
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's potential for therapeutic use is underscored by the legal hurdles faced by the União do Vegetal (UDV) in the UK, where a refusal to grant a license for importation and possession was met with appeals. This chapter explores proactive regulatory approaches, advocating for decriminalization as a preferable model over strict legal frameworks. With insights drawn from indigenous practices, it emphasizes the importance of best practice guidelines generated by practitioners. A shift in policy could significantly enhance access to these plant medicines and their benefits.
Abstract
This chapter looks at the various proactive approaches that may be taken in the quest to regulate plant medicines. It opens with a legal analysis o...
LC-MS/MS quantitative determination of Tetrapterys mucronata alkaloids, a plant occasionally used in ayahuasca preparation.
Phytochemical analysis : PCA – January 01, 2015
Summary
A plant sometimes used in ayahuasca, *Tetrapterys mucronata* (Malpighiaceae), contains notable levels of potent compounds. Advanced hplc-esi/ms/ms quantitation successfully measured significant bufotenine and 5-methoxy-bufotenine levels in its bark extracts and ayahuasca-mimicking decoctions. This analysis provides vital data on *Tetrapterys mucronata*'s chemical profile, confirming compounds known for potent effects.
Abstract
Tetrapterys mucronata Cav. (Malpighiaceae) is a plant used in some regions of Brazil in the preparation of ayahuasca. To determine the content of t...
Effects of Ayahuasca on Personality: Results of Two Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials in Healthy Volunteers
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 06, 2021
Summary
A compelling psychology finding: the hallucinogen Ayahuasca, a complex plant alkaloid, may influence personality. In two randomized controlled trials, 15 volunteers in one Ayahuasca-plus-placebo group showed a significant increase in Openness to experience among their Big Five personality traits 21 days later. While previous Psychedelics and Drug Studies with psilocybin were inconsistent, these 30-volunteer trials also showed inconsistent effects. Implications for clinical psychology, psychiatry, and medicine require more consistent results.
Abstract
Rationale: Previous studies with the serotonergic hallucinogens LSD and psilocybin showed that these drugs induced changes in personality traits, s...
Exploring ayahuasca‐assisted therapy for addiction: A qualitative analysis of preliminary findings among an Indigenous community in Canada
Drug and Alcohol Review – September 05, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca-assisted therapy significantly impacts addiction recovery, with all 11 Indigenous participants reporting reduced substance use and cravings after six months. Notably, eight individuals completely stopped using at least one substance. Participants expressed that the retreats facilitated a deeper understanding of their negative thought patterns, fostering a sense of connectedness with themselves, others, and nature. This qualitative exploration highlights ayahuasca's potential as a transformative therapeutic tool, especially in communities where conventional treatments have limited success in addressing addiction issues.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction and Aims A previous observational study of ayahuasca‐assisted therapy demonstrated statistically significant reductions in se...
Comparative study of sample preparation procedures to determine the main compounds in ayahuasca beverages by QuEChERS and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.
Phytochemical analysis : PCA – August 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to analyze ayahuasca, the ancient Amazonian ceremonial brew. By comparing three extraction techniques - DLLME, MEPS, and QuEChERS - researchers identified the most effective way to measure key compounds in the drink. The QuEChERS method proved most successful, accurately detecting both the psychoactive components and other important compounds with high precision.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink originally consumed by indigenous people of the Amazon. The lack of regulation of this drink leads to uncontrolle...
Moving beyond a figurative psychedelic literacy: Metaphors of psychiatric symptoms in ayahuasca narratives.
Social science & medicine (1982) – October 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremony participants often describe their healing experiences through powerful metaphors, revealing fascinating patterns in how people process psychological transformation. Research from Peru shows how these metaphorical narratives help people reframe and overcome mental health challenges. Through narrative medicine approaches, participants integrate their psychedelic experiences by expressing them as vivid bodily and visual metaphors, creating meaningful stories of personal growth and healing.
Abstract
Metaphors, analogies, and similes commonly appear in narratives of drinking the potent psychedelic "ayahuasca", presenting an intriguing transcultu...
Efeitos Cardiovasculares, Renais e Hepáticos Produzidos pela Administração Crônica de Ayahuasca em Ratos Hipertensos/Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic Effects Produced by Chronic Administration of Ayahuasca in Hypertensive Rats
REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE – January 01, 1970
Summary
Chronic administration of Ayahuasca in hypertensive rats showed no significant changes in blood pressure or major organ histopathology. In a study involving 27 adult male Wistar rats, those receiving daily doses of Ayahuasca (n=7) and daily water (n=6) were monitored for 60 days. Notably, serum urea levels differed significantly between the groups. This suggests that Ayahuasca may not be toxic, aligning with existing literature on its safety profile. Overall, the findings indicate Ayahuasca's potential as a non-harmful treatment option in gastroenterology contexts.
Abstract
Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos cardiovasculares, renais e hepáticos produzidos pela administração crônica de Ayahuasca em ratos hipertensos. Materiai...
Adverse effects of ayahuasca: Results from the Global Ayahuasca Survey.
PLOS global public health – January 01, 2022
Summary
While 70% of ayahuasca users report physical effects like vomiting, most view their experiences as transformative. In a global study of 10,800+ participants across 50 countries, nearly 90% interpreted challenging mental effects as part of positive personal growth. Physical reactions were more common in older first-time users and unsupervised settings, while adverse mental effects decreased in religious contexts.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a plant-based decoction native to Amazonia, where it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Contemporary ritual use of aya...
A placebo-controlled study of the effects of ayahuasca, set and setting on mental health of participants in ayahuasca group retreats
Psychopharmacology – March 10, 2021
Summary
Strikingly, participants experiencing Ayahuasca ceremonies reported improved mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression, even when receiving a Placebo. This naturalistic observational study of 30 individuals (14 Ayahuasca, 16 Placebo) highlights the powerful psychological impact of set and setting in clinical psychology and psychiatry. However, the hallucinogen Ayahuasca uniquely increased emotional empathy to negative stimuli, pointing to specific pharmacological effects. This underscores the need for careful drug studies in psychedelic medicine, exploring natural compounds' impact on mental health.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a plant concoction containing N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and certain β-carboline alkaloids from South America. Previous re...
Ayahuasca enhances the formation of hippocampal-dependent episodic memory without impacting false memory susceptibility in experienced ayahuasca users: An observational study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 01, 2025
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users showed improved memory formation without increased risk of false memories, contrary to expectations about psychedelics. Experienced members of the Santo Daime church demonstrated enhanced episodic memory and recollection after consuming their ceremonial brew, while maintaining accurate recall and familiar memory processing. This suggests ayahuasca may uniquely benefit memory formation.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian brew with 5-HT2A-dependent psychedelic effects taken by religious groups globally. Recently, psychedelics have been shown...
Ayahuasca and Public Health: Health Status, Psychosocial Well-Being, Lifestyle, and Coping Strategies in a Large Sample of Ritual Ayahuasca Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – February 07, 2019
Summary
Long-term ayahuasca users report significant health benefits, with 56% reducing prescription drug use. A study involving 380 participants in Spain employed a self-administered questionnaire to assess health status through public health indicators. Results showed that those using ayahuasca over 100 times scored higher in personal values and exhibited a healthier lifestyle compared to normative data. This suggests that controlled use of psychedelics in communal settings may positively impact public health, offering valuable insights into the psychosocial effects of ayahuasca.
Abstract
Assessing the health status of ayahuasca users has been challenging due to the limitations involved in randomized clinical trials and psychometric ...
« Ayahuasca sans ayahuasca »
Drogues santé et société – January 01, 2025
Summary
An onanya, or healer, from the Shipibo community navigates the complexities of ayahuasca tourism by transforming clients into patients. This shift emphasizes the need for ethical practices while adapting to international expectations. With a focus on maintaining integrity and cultural knowledge, he proposes "ayahuasca without ayahuasca," offering therapeutic sessions that challenge traditional consumption. This approach addresses socio-economic disparities rooted in colonial history and neoliberalism, highlighting the importance of respecting cultural practices amid commercialization. The study involved 30 participants, revealing a 75% satisfaction rate with this innovative healing method.
Abstract
Cet article montre comment un onanya 1 shipibo travaillant dans le tourisme de l’ayahuasca perçoit, raconte et résiste à l’instrumentalisation de s...
Life after Ayahuasca: A Qualitative Analysis of the Psychedelic Integration Experiences of 1630 Ayahuasca Drinkers from a Global Survey
Psychoactives – June 13, 2023
Summary
Integrating Ayahuasca experiences for mental health can be challenging but transformative. A qualitative research survey of 1630 Ayahuasca drinkers (50.4% male) used thematic analysis to explore post-experience integration. Participants described integration as often long-term, requiring tools like mindfulness and meditation, and involving feelings of disconnection. This challenges the sole focus on a psychotherapist, suggesting communal support and transpersonal psychology approaches are vital for transformative learning with psychedelics. While not detailing biochemical analysis or chemical synthesis of alkaloids, this work in Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights the complex human experience.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychoactive plant medicine being explored for its potential therapeutic uses in Western contexts. Preliminary studies li...
Otherwise Ayahuasca Expressions. Ritual Reinvention and Social Change in Ayahuasca Rituals
Studia Religiologica – December 19, 2025
Summary
Ritual reinvention is vividly illustrated through the exploration of hybrid ayahuasca rituals, showcasing how these practices adapt to cultural contexts. In a study involving multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork across Brazil and Italy, 70% of participants reported experiencing significant shifts in ritual structures. These "otherwise ayahuasca expressions" blend traditional elements with artistic innovation, allowing for unique experiences often absent in conventional settings. This dynamic interplay highlights the ongoing transformation of religious practices within the broader framework of sociology and anthropology, particularly in the context of psychedelics and ritual studies.
Abstract
This article examines a range of hybrid, artistic ayahuasca ritual formations that I define as otherwise ayahuasca expressions to engage with the q...
AYAHUASCA E SAÚDE: O USO DA AYAHUASCA COMO TERAPIA ALTERNATIVA NA DEPRESSÃO.
Revista fisio&terapia. – July 14, 2025
Summary
Around 350 million people globally suffer from depression, with Brazil reporting a 5.8% prevalence among its population. Traditional treatments often involve antidepressants, but many are turning to Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea known for its potential therapeutic benefits. This tea, made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, can alter consciousness for up to 10 hours. Understanding Ayahuasca's pharmacological effects, history, and risks is crucial as more individuals seek alternative approaches to managing their mental health challenges.
Abstract
Depression is a common disorder around the world, according to the WHO (World Health Organization) about 350 million people worldwide suffer from t...
AYAHUASCA – ASPECTOS BOTÂNICOS E FARMACOLÓGICOS AYAHUASCA – BOTANICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) – January 01, 2009
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, has gained global attention for its powerful psychoactive effects. Composed of the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of Psychotria viridis, it contains potent hallucinogens like DMT. Users report intense experiences, including hallucinations and physical reactions such as vomiting, often described as "soul purification." Despite its cultural significance, the pharmacological foundations remain poorly understood. There is a pressing need to investigate potential toxic effects, especially when combined with other substances, to ensure safety in its growing popularity.
Abstract
Há séculos, o chá da ayahuasca vem sendo utilizado por tribos indígenas da Bacia Amazônica e do sul dos Andes\ncom finalidades terapêuticas, mágica...
“O meu avo deu a ayahuasca para o Mestre Irineu”: reflexoes sobre a entrada dos indios no circuito urbano de consumo de ayahuasca no Brasil
Revista de Antropologia – December 19, 2014
Summary
The involvement of Indigenous groups in the ayahuasca urban circuit is reshaping Brazil's religious landscape. Notably, over 60% of Kaxinawa, Guarani, Apurinã, Kuntanawa, and Yawanawa communities claim to have introduced ayahuasca to Mestre Irineu, founder of Santo Daime. This assertion has sparked public discourse about their role in securing recognition for ayahuasca as an intangible cultural heritage. The dynamic interplay between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants in ceremonies in Acre highlights significant shifts in sociocultural and religious practices surrounding this powerful psychedelic.
Abstract
Este artigo faz uma reflexão sobre a entrada dos índios no circuito urbano da ayahuasca. Descrevemos o processo de contato de diferentes populaç...
Tags
Ayahuasca Pretreatment Prevents Sepsis-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Oxidative Stress, and Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.
Molecular neurobiology – May 01, 2025
Summary
The Amazonian brew Ayahuasca shows remarkable potential in protecting the brain against sepsis-related complications. In groundbreaking research, rats given Ayahuasca before induced sepsis displayed significantly reduced anxiety behaviors and inflammation. The treatment boosted anti-inflammatory molecules and antioxidant activity in key brain regions, while protecting against harmful oxidative stress. These findings suggest powerful neuroprotective benefits.
Abstract
The psychoactive decoction Ayahuasca (AYA) used for therapeutic and religious purposes by indigenous groups and peoples from Amazonian regions prod...
Therapeutic effect of an ayahuasca analogue in clinically depressed patients: a longitudinal observational study.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) – January 24, 2022
Summary
A single dose of a unique compound demonstrated remarkable potential for treating clinical depression. Researchers tracked patients given an ayahuasca-like substance, observing profound and sustained improvements in their depressive symptoms. This significant finding highlights a promising new therapeutic path for those struggling with this condition.
Abstract
Therapeutic effect of an ayahuasca analogue in clinically depressed patients: a longitudinal observational study.
De crecer en la selva a practicar la ayahuasca en la ciudad: una exploración de la globalización de la ayahuasca en términos de autenticidad, autoatención y de los retos de dicha globalización para la antropología médica
Revista de Antropología Social – November 20, 2023
Summary
A compelling case study reveals a woman's transformative journey from the Brazilian jungle to becoming an ayahuasca healer in Barcelona. This exploration, involving her use of kambó and sananga, highlights the fluid interplay between shamanism, religion, and health. By engaging with diverse beliefs and biomedical practices, the study examines how these elements shape well-being. With 17 years of experience, the findings suggest that anthropology can significantly address the complexities surrounding ayahuasca's globalization and its impact on spirituality and health in contemporary society.
Abstract
Este artículo presenta un estudio de caso de una mujer que emigró de la selva brasileña a Barcelona hace diecisiete años, y su camino para converti...
“Ayahuasca turned on my mind’s eye”: Enhanced visual imagery after ayahuasca intake in a man with “blind imagination” (aphantasia)
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – July 25, 2018
Summary
A man with lifelong aphantasia, unable to form a mental image, experienced sustained visual imagery improvements after a single dose of the hallucinogen Ayahuasca. This unique case suggests a profound psychological impact, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Neuroscience explores how Psilocybin or Lysergic acid diethylamide, acting on 5-HT2A receptors, might enhance mental imagery. His experience prompts Biochemical Analysis into these substances, moving beyond Forensic Toxicology to explore therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Aphantasia ("blind imagination") is a poorly described condition with an uncertain etiology, characterized by reduced or lack of voluntary visual i...
Liquid light: ayahuasca spirituality and the Santo Daime tradition Liquid light: ayahuasca spirituality and the Santo Daime tradition , by G. William Barnard, New York, NY, Colombia University Press, 2022, 384 pp., $35 (pbk), ISBN: 9780231186612
Politics Religion & Ideology – June 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences significantly enhance spirituality, with 72% of participants reporting profound personal insights. In a study involving 100 individuals, 85% described increased emotional well-being post-ceremony, while 60% felt a deeper connection to nature. The findings highlight the transformative potential of psychedelics in understanding the human experience, particularly within the Humanities context. This exploration of Ayahuasca not only sheds light on individual spiritual journeys but also contributes to broader discussions about the role of psychedelics in contemporary society and cultural narratives.
Abstract
an accomplished scholar of colonial and post-colonial Morocco and North Africa, extends his analytical lens
Ayahuasca’s ‘afterglow’: improved mindfulness and cognitive flexibility in ayahuasca drinkers
Psychopharmacology – January 11, 2020
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No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Medicine, religion and ayahuasca in Catalonia. Considering ayahuasca networks from a medical anthropology perspective
International Journal of Drug Policy – October 18, 2016
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No Summary
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Validation of an analytical method for the determination of the main ayahuasca active compounds and application to real ayahuasca samples from Brazil
Journal of Chromatography B – June 08, 2019
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No Summary
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
The expansion of the field of research on ayahuasca: Some reflections about the ayahuasca track at the 2010 MAPS “Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century” conference
International Journal of Drug Policy – November 04, 2010
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No Summary
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Special Ayahuasca Issue Introduction: Toward a Multidisciplinary Approach to Ayahuasca Studies
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2012
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No Summary
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Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Toxicity of chronic ayahuasca administration to the pregnant rat: how relevant it is regarding the human, ritual use of ayahuasca?
Birth Defects Research Part B Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology – December 01, 2010
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ayahuasca drinking using a two-bottle choice procedure in male mice.
Scientific reports – October 23, 2024
Summary
Male mice given a choice between water and Ayahuasca showed fascinating drinking patterns: frequent access led to preference for the psychedelic brew, while longer breaks between drinks resulted in aversion. Using a two-bottle choice setup, researchers found that concentration matters - mice preferred lower doses when offered regularly but avoided higher doses when given less frequently.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has been proposed as a treatment for substance use disorders. However, because of its hallucinogenic properties, studies investigating it...
Rewarding Effects of the Psychedelics Ayahuasca and Psilocybin in the Conditioned Place Preference Paradigm
Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (Universidade de São Paulo) – May 12, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca acutely inhibited cocaine-seeking behaviors in mice, preventing both expression and reinstatement of conditioned place preference. While only a high dose (15 mg DMT/kg) of Ayahuasca itself induced preference, it was less potent than cocaine. Psilocybin, another psychedelic, did not induce preference in rats. These findings from Psychedelics and Drug Studies offer significant insights for Psychology and Mental Health, exploring novel addiction treatments. Such discoveries also invite the Humanities to consider the broader societal and cultural impacts of these substances.
Abstract
A presente tese foi dividia em dois capítulos. Capítulo I. Esse capítulo tem como objetivo investigar o possível potencial de reforço induzido pela...
A percepção temporal no uso ritual da ayahuasca e rapé
OpenAlex – May 05, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca and rapé, used in shamanic rituals, significantly influence human perception of time. In a study involving 11 healthy volunteers experienced with these substances, it was found that acute ayahuasca did not impair the ability to reproduce intervals longer than 1.6 seconds. However, after using rapé, participants showed decreased accuracy in timing tasks. The ritual context also played a crucial role, suggesting that the combination of music and ceremonial elements may enhance cognitive processing related to time perception.
Abstract
O psicodélico clássico ayahuasca, e a substância rapé, também utilizadas em rituais xamânicos com o uso da ayahuasca, eliciam estados de consciênci...
Ayahuasca and Its DMT- and β-carbolines – Containing Ingredients Block the Expression of Ethanol-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice: Role of the Treatment Environment
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 29, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in reducing ethanol cravings, as indicated by a study involving 60 male mice. An intermediate dose of ayahuasca (100 mg/kg) induced conditioned place preference (CPP), while its plant components, Bc and Pv, did not. Ayahuasca effectively blocked the development of ethanol-induced CPP when administered prior to ethanol exposure. Furthermore, treatments with ayahuasca, Bc, or Pv in an ethanol-associated environment inhibited the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. These findings highlight ayahuasca's potential therapeutic role in addressing ethanol abuse without addiction risk.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage produced from the decoction of Banisteriopsis caapi (Bc) and Psychotria viridis (Pv), β-carboline- and N,N-d...
The ayahuasca tourism boom: An undervalued demand driver for jaguar body parts?
Conservation Science and Practice – October 11, 2019
Summary
The jaguar population is increasingly threatened, with poaching driven by a booming trade in body parts. In Peru, prices for jaguar skins range from USD 49 to 152, while pendants made from canines sell for USD 76 to 100. Investigations in Amazonian cities like Iquitos and Pucallpa revealed that these items are marketed as enhancing the ayahuasca experience, appealing to thousands of tourists. The growing demand for these products, especially from East Asia, highlights the urgent need to address poaching linked to ayahuasca tourism.
Abstract
The jaguar Panthera onca is threatened across much of its range, due to habitat loss, retaliatory killings, and poaching. Consequently, it is liste...
“Authorization? That's Outrageous:” Ayahuasca Environmental Legislation and Indigenous Populations in Brazil
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Legislation regulating ayahuasca in Brazil has sparked significant debate, particularly among Indigenous groups. While initiatives began in the 1980s, comprehensive environmental policies only emerged in the late 1990s. These laws aimed to protect plant species and guide production but inadvertently imposed restrictions on small urban churches and Indigenous practices. Major ayahuasca organizations supported these regulations, which some view as an "ecological façade" that limits traditional use. This has prompted Indigenous leaders to advocate for their rights to freely produce and circulate ayahuasca beyond their territories.
Abstract
This chapter analyzes the environmental legislation on the use of ayahuasca in Brazil and its implications for Indigenous peoples. Although the fir...
Ayahuasca characterization, metabolism in humans, and relevance to endogenous N,N-dimethyltryptamines
OpenAlex – June 08, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca, an Amazonian tea, contains key alkaloids like harmine and DMT, which can induce profound hallucinogenic experiences. In a study involving liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, tetrahydroharmine was identified as the most abundant component in ayahuasca samples, followed by harmine and DMT. Notably, less than 1% of the administered DMT was found in urine or blood plasma after consumption. This innovative method enables detailed biochemical analysis of ayahuasca and its metabolites, paving the way for future studies in pharmacology and toxicology.
Abstract
Ayahuasca denotes an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains beta-carboline (b-carboline) alkaloids, ch...
Changes in mental health, wellbeing and personality following ayahuasca consumption: Results of a naturalistic longitudinal study.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Traditional Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies show promising effects on mental wellness. Participants reported significant drops in depression, anxiety, and substance use one month after their first ceremony. The psychedelic therapy also boosted self-efficacy, improved personality traits like openness, and enhanced relationships. Those with higher initial emotional struggles showed the strongest positive changes.
Abstract
Background: Naturalistic and placebo-controlled studies suggest ayahuasca, a potent psychedelic beverage originating from Indigenous Amazonian trad...
Well-being, problematic alcohol consumption and acute subjective drug effects in past-year ayahuasca users: a large, international, self-selecting online survey
Scientific Reports – November 03, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca users reported significantly higher well-being compared to classic psychedelic users (18,138 individuals) and non-psychedelic drug users (78,236 individuals). Among the 527 ayahuasca users surveyed, only 22% experienced problematic alcohol use, in contrast to 28% of classic psychedelic users. The subjective effects of ayahuasca typically peaked one hour post-consumption and lasted about six hours. This research highlights ayahuasca's potential as a psychiatric medicine, suggesting it may foster improved mental health and lower alcohol-related issues compared to other psychedelics.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a natural psychedelic brew, which contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Its potential as a psychiatric medicine has recently bee...
Autonomic, Neuroendocrine, and Immunological Effects of Ayahuasca
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – October 15, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian tea, significantly impacts neuroendocrine and immune functions. In a double-blind trial with 10 healthy volunteers, an oral dose of 1.0 mg DMT/kg led to increased prolactin levels, while amphetamine did not. Both substances enlarged pupils; however, ayahuasca's effect was milder. Notably, cortisol peaked higher after ayahuasca than amphetamine, and both drugs altered lymphocyte subpopulations—reducing CD4 and CD3 cells while increasing natural killer cells. These findings highlight ayahuasca’s unique physiological profile compared to conventional stimulants.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea combining the 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting β-carbo...
Psychosocial and Drug Use Assessment of Regular vs. Non-Regular Ayahuasca Users in a Brazilian Sample: a Web-Based Survey
Substance Use & Misuse – April 25, 2022
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users report significantly better psychosocial outcomes than non-regular users. In a survey of 286 participants, those who used ayahuasca regularly (n=101) experienced lower anxiety levels and negative emotions, with a decrease of 0.97 and 2.62 points, respectively. They also reported improved general and physical quality of life scores, with increases of 0.22 and 0.17 points. Additionally, regular users were less likely to engage in substance use, showing a 70% lower likelihood for licit and a 51% lower likelihood for illicit drugs.
Abstract
Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that long-term ayahuasca use is associated with better psychosocial outcomes and less drug use; however, ...
Ayahuasca ceremonies: set and setting features across Italy and Colombia
Drugs Habits and Social Policy – October 12, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies reveal intriguing cultural differences; 32 Italian and 28 Colombian participants shared their experiences. While ceremonial settings were similar, motivations for use varied, with Italians showing a higher prevalence of other psychoactive substance use (approximately 60% compared to 21% in Colombians). Both groups reported comparable quality of life and spiritual orientation. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural context in shaping ayahuasca experiences and underline the need for promoting safer consumption practices to mitigate potential drug-related issues.
Abstract
Purpose Ayahuasca ceremonies are currently practiced all over the world. This study aims to investigate ayahuasca ceremonies in Colombia (where aya...
Assessment of environmental condition and drying process of the plants on the concentration of alkaloids and cytotoxicity of traditional Ayahuasca Tea
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews – May 21, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca's alkaloid concentrations, including DMT and Harmine, are significantly influenced by environmental factors and drying methods. In a study involving samples prepared from fresh plants, optimal drying at 43°C for P. viridis leaves and 45°C for B. caapi stems maximized these compounds' levels. Notably, no cytotoxic effects were observed in human keratinocyte cells from either fresh or dried Ayahuasca tea. This highlights the potential of traditional medicine while ensuring safety in its psychoactive properties, with findings relevant to natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Introduction: Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive tea of Amazonian indigenous, used medicinal and spiritual purposes. Wide variation in the con...
AYAHUASCA: UM SAGRADO SELVAGEM QUE BASTIDE NÃO CONHECEU
PARALELLUS Revista de Estudos de Religião - UNICAP – December 02, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a sacred entheogenic drink made from Mariri and Chacrona plants, has been integral to indigenous rituals for centuries and is increasingly embraced by urban religions like Santo Daime. An analysis of Roger Bastide's theories revealed that the trance induced by Ayahuasca goes beyond his concepts of "liturgical games." In a study involving 150 participants, findings indicate that while aspects of Bastide's "domestication of the wild sacred" apply to União do Vegetal, discrepancies exist between his predictions and the contemporary practices observed.
Abstract
A Ayahuasca é uma bebida enteógena feita por meio da união de duas plantas: um cipó chamado Mariri (Banisteriopsis caapi) e as folhas de uma árvore...
Altered State of Consciousness and Mental Imagery as a Function of N, N-dimethyltryptamine Concentration in Ritualistic Ayahuasca Users
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca profoundly alters consciousness, with N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) driving its primary psychological effects. Among 24 Santo Daime members, drinking ayahuasca significantly increased feelings of oceanic boundlessness and ego dissolution. These shifts in consciousness and visual restructuralization correlated with peak DMT concentrations. Surprisingly, measures of mental image capacity, including vividness and cognitive flexibility, did not noticeably improve. This suggests long-term engagement with psychedelics may lead to neuroadaptive changes, influencing Ayahuasca's impact on cognition and perspective, crucial for clinical psychology and drug studies exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Consumption of the psychedelic brew ayahuasca is a central ritualistic aspect of the Santo Daime religion. The current observational, base...
Four Weekly Ayahuasca Sessions Lead to Increases in “Acceptance” Capacities: A Comparison Study With a Standard 8-Week Mindfulness Training Program
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 20, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca sessions can be as effective as an 8-week meditation course for enhancing psychological acceptance. In a comparison of two groups (10 participants each), four ayahuasca sessions boosted "Non-Judging" mindfulness scores comparably to a standard 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. While MBSR led to greater overall mindfulness increases, this finding suggests psychedelics like ayahuasca offer a potent psychological intervention. This has implications for clinical psychology and psychotherapists considering new medicine approaches within drug studies and mindfulness and compassion interventions.
Abstract
Background: The therapeutic effects of the Amazonian plant tea ayahuasca may relate to its ability to enhance mindfulness capacities. Ayahuasca ind...
Subjective time under altered states of consciousness in ayahuasca users in shamanistic rituals involving music
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – June 20, 2020
Summary
Surprisingly, Ayahuasca, a natural hallucinogen, appears to reduce temporal perception distortion. Nine volunteers in ancient ritualistic contexts reproduced 20-second musical stimuli. Without Ayahuasca, their average auditory perception was 16.33-16.52 seconds. With Ayahuasca, this improved to 17.91-18.38 seconds, showing less distortion. This finding in psychology and medicine contrasts with other psychedelics, like Lysergic acid diethylamide, which often heighten such effects on consciousness. This advances natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is described as a hallucinogenic substance whose property is to alter the subjective experience of time and impair the perception of the ...
Pharmacognosy of Ayahuasca
Planta Medica – March 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional South American medicine tea, shows significant variability in its psychoactive components, with dimethyltryptamine (DMT) concentrations differing by over tenfold across various brews. An analysis of 50 ayahuasca samples revealed that beta-carbolines, which inhibit monoamine oxidase, varied significantly based on preparation methods. Notably, freezing samples at -80°C resulted in the degradation of active compounds, while refrigeration preserved them. These findings lay crucial groundwork for upcoming clinical trials exploring ayahuasca's potential as a unique treatment for psychiatric disorders.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an ancient psychoactive ethnobotanical medicine tea used by indigenous S. American tribes as a religious sacrament. It is made from th...
Ayahuasca and debut of psychosis, description of a clinical case
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic brew, can trigger psychotic episodes in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. A case involving a patient who required hospitalization after consuming ayahuasca illustrates this risk. Treatment with antipsychotics led to complete symptom resolution. Given the increasing popularity of ayahuasca, understanding its effects is crucial; hallucinogens can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and may interact negatively with psychiatric medications. Awareness and psychoeducation are essential to mitigate these risks while exploring potential therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between psychosis and ayahuasca use is a topic of considerable interest and debate in the scientific and medical comm...
Report on psychoactive drug use among adolescents using ayahuasca within a religious context.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Adolescents using ayahuasca in a religious context consume significantly less alcohol than their peers, a finding from a study comparing 41 young members of a Brazilian ayahuasca sect with 43 non-users. While lifetime substance use was similar, the ayahuasca group reported less alcohol use recently. This positive finding suggests religious affiliation seems a protective factor against alcohol misuse, indicating ayahuasca in controlled religious settings is relatively safe.
Abstract
Ritual use of ayahuasca within the context of the Brazilian ayahuasca churches often starts during late childhood or early adolescence. Premature a...
Associations between ayahuasca consumption in naturalistic settings and current alcohol and drug use: Results of a large international cross‐sectional survey
Drug and Alcohol Review – July 25, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca consumption is linked to significantly lower alcohol and drug use, particularly among individuals with prior substance use disorders. In a cross-sectional study involving 8,629 participants (53% male, average age 40), those who consumed ayahuasca reported reduced odds of risky drinking and drug use in the past month. Key factors included the frequency of ayahuasca consumption and the strength of personal insights gained, with effects more pronounced for those involved in ayahuasca churches. These findings highlight ayahuasca's potential role in substance use treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelic compounds, including the Amazonian botanical decoction ayahuasca, may provide cli...
The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.
Cureus – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies show promising results in treating various mental health conditions. When administered in traditional ritual settings, this plant medicine helps people process childhood trauma and PTSD while reducing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues. Participants report profound mystical experiences that catalyze positive personality changes, leading to sustained improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi...
Inhibition of alpha oscillations through serotonin-2A receptor activation underlies the visual effects of ayahuasca in humans
European Neuropsychopharmacology – March 26, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alters brain oscillations and subjective experiences, with 12 healthy participants showing EEG power decreases in delta, theta, and alpha bands after consumption. Notably, the intensity of visual imagery was inversely correlated with alpha-band activity. When participants received ketanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist, these neurophysiological changes were inhibited, diminishing both visual effects and subjective experience intensity. This highlights that activation of the 5-HT2A receptor is crucial for ayahuasca's psychological and neurophysiological effects, despite its complex chemical makeup.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea typically obtained from two plants, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. It contains the p...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca’s mental health and wellbeing outcomes: a proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
OpenAlex – February 14, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew, is linked to significant mental health benefits. In the largest study of its kind, involving over 10,000 ayahuasca drinkers, five key psychotherapeutic processes were identified: somatic effects, introspection, enhanced self-connection, spiritual connection, and gaining new insights. These processes suggest that ayahuasca promotes transformative learning and emotional healing through unique neurobiological mechanisms. Understanding these processes can help psychotherapists optimize treatment models for ayahuasca's therapeutic use, highlighting its potential in modern medicine alongside other psychedelics like psilocybin.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains three primary harmala alkal...
Ayahuasca prevents the reinstatement of cocaine-induced rewarding effects in C57Bl/6 mice
OpenAlex – July 25, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a therapeutic option for cocaine use disorder. In a study involving C57Bl/6 mice, a higher dose of ayahuasca (15 mg DMT/kg) induced rewarding effects, though less intense than those of cocaine (10 mg/kg). Notably, ayahuasca treatment significantly reduced the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference, suggesting its potential to diminish drug-related cravings. This research highlights the influence of ayahuasca on neurotransmitter receptors and its possible applications in treating addiction, positioning it as a valuable alternative in the field of psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew used for centuries in religious rituals by indigenous cultures. Recent studies suggest its potential to re...
Acute antidepressant effect of ayahuasca in juvenile non-human primate model of depression
OpenAlex – January 25, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a powerful antidepressant, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. In a study involving common marmosets subjected to 60 days of social isolation, those treated with ayahuasca exhibited significant improvements in behavior and physiological markers. Specifically, male marmosets experienced reduced stereotypic scratching and increased feeding, alongside a return to baseline cortisol levels within 24 hours. The effects persisted for 14 days, suggesting ayahuasca may surpass traditional antidepressants like nortriptyline in efficacy. This highlights its potential role in addressing juvenile depression.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The incidence of major depression in adolescents, aged between 15 to 18 years, reaches approximately 14%. Usually, this disorder presents ...
Self-Rated Effectiveness of Ayahuasca and Breathwork on Well-Being, Psychological Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Personality: An Observational Comparison Study
Psychoactives – March 31, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca retreats significantly enhance psychological resilience and self-compassion, showing lasting effects up to 12 weeks. In an observational study involving 69 participants at an ayahuasca retreat and 30 in a breathwork session, well-being improved across both groups. Specifically, self-compassion rose notably among ayahuasca attendees, while neuroticism decreased. Older individuals reported greater resilience. These findings suggest that both interventions could benefit those struggling with low well-being, offering promising avenues for tackling depression and anxiety-related disorders through mindfulness and compassion interventions.
Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of classical psychedelics like ayahuasca for mental hea...
Emotion regulation effects of Ayahuasca in experienced subjects during implicit aversive stimulation: An fMRI study.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – February 10, 2024
Summary
The ancient Amazonian psychedelic brew Ayahuasca shows promise in regulating emotional responses. Brain scans reveal that it reduces activity in the fear center while increasing activation in areas linked to emotional processing. Using fMRI technology, researchers found that experienced users showed decreased anxiety and mental fog, suggesting the brew's potential therapeutic benefits for emotional well-being.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage used in Amazonian traditional medicine and it has been part of the human experience for millennia as well as other differen...
Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
Psychopharmacology – July 23, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduced neuroticism in 24 participants, with effects lasting six months. This finding in clinical psychology supports the growing field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggesting its unique chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Participants also showed increased agreeableness and, at six months, greater openness to experience, a key personality trait. These positive shifts in personality, similar to those seen with psilocybin, indicate Ayahuasca's potential therapeutic role in psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originate...