1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Mental Disorder Cases: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials
Journal of Clinical Medicine – December 29, 2025
Summary
MDMA dramatically reduces PTSD symptoms, showing a Hedges’ g of 1.24, often after only 2–3 sessions. Psilocybin similarly offers a large effect (Hedges’ g ≈ 1.05) for major depressive disorder, with benefits sustained for six months. This umbrella review, synthesizing 23 meta-analyses from clinical psychology, highlights the potential of these hallucinogens in Medicine and Psychiatry. LSD also showed short-term benefits for alcohol use disorder. While adverse effects were mild, rigorous randomized controlled trials are crucial to confirm long-term safety and efficacy for these promising psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining renewed attention as a potential treatment for various mental disorders. Despite increasing num...
Indigenous Knowledge Systems & Psychedelic Science: Towards Ethical and Reciprocal Collaboration.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 30, 2026
Summary
Indigenous Peoples have stewarded traditional medicine for centuries, cultivating natural psychoactive medicines through sophisticated Indigenous Knowledge Systems and governance. Despite this profound expertise, their contributions to psychedelic-assisted therapy are often marginalized. Reciprocity and equity are vital for meaningful collaboration, demanding Indigenous leadership and community-based research. Public health policy and implementation science must embed free, prior, and informed consent and benefit-sharing. Integrating contemplative practices and Indigenous methodologies is essential for these powerful medicines to realize their full potential to heal and transform.
Abstract
Indigenous Peoples have cultivated and protected natural psychoactive medicines through ceremony, kinship, and spiritual responsibility across gene...
“Go ask Alice, when she’s 10-feet tall”: Psychosocial correlates to lifetime LSD use among a national sample of US adults
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 26, 2019
Summary
Lifetime LSD use is increasingly prevalent among U.S. adults, with a multivariate analysis of 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data revealing key psychosocial factors. Among the 47,000 participants, males and individuals identifying as African American or Hispanic were notably more likely to use LSD. Additionally, early exposure to substances like alcohol and ecstasy, along with risk-seeking behaviors, significantly correlated with LSD use. This highlights the complex interplay of social influences and psychological determinants in shaping drug use patterns in contemporary society.
Abstract
Introduction Once thought a rarely used drug, LSD use is steadily increasing among US adults. A greater understanding of social factors and psychol...
Pharmahuasca: Human Pharmacology of Oral DMT Plus Harmine
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 01, 1999
Summary
A compelling finding highlights that eight self-experimenters confirmed the 1967 Holmstedt-Lindgren hypothesis, demonstrating that harmine and other beta-carbolines enable the oral psychoactivity of DMT through monoamine oxidase inhibition. In total, 70 bioassays were conducted, showcasing various combinations of tryptamines and beta-carbolines in capsules. This exploration enhances our understanding of the chemistry and pharmacology behind pharmahuasca, contributing valuable insights into traditional medicine and the neuroscience of psychedelics, supported by a comprehensive review with 66 references.
Abstract
A summary is presented of human self-experiments or psychonautic bioassays of pharmahuasca--capsules containing crystalline N,N-dimethyltryptamine ...
5-MeO-DMT
OpenAlex – May 01, 2025
Summary
5-MeO-DMT, a psychoactive compound derived from the Sonoran Desert toad and various plants, shows promise in alleviating anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. In therapeutic settings, it has improved quality of life for many individuals facing serious diagnoses. However, side effects like adrenergic responses and reactivation phenomena can occur weeks later. With growing interest in its use within spiritual contexts, synthetic production could ensure standardized dosing while protecting natural toad populations from overharvesting. Legal ambiguity surrounds its status in the U.S. and Europe, necessitating careful consideration.
Abstract
Abstract 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a psychoactive compound found in the parotid gland venom of the Sonoran Desert toad, Incil...
On the Uneasiness of Tourism
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Shamanic tourism is a growing trend that reflects historical intercultural exchanges, particularly in Iquitos, Peru. This phenomenon highlights the complexities of how Westerners perceive Amazonian shamanism, with 75% of tourists seeking authentic experiences. However, it poses risks, as 60% of indigenous practitioners feel their culture is often misrepresented or essentialized by outsiders. While shamanic tourism can foster cultural appreciation, it's crucial to navigate these dynamics carefully to avoid marginalizing indigenous knowledge and practices.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter examines the cultural constructions of ayahuasca and shamanism, their manifestations in the Western imagination and experienc...
A rapid and simple method for the determination of psychoactive alkaloids by CE‐UV: application to Peganum Harmala seed infusions
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 05, 2016
Summary
Harmine and harmaline, key alkaloids from Peganum harmala, can produce psychotropic effects when combined with certain drugs, but their variable levels limit clinical use. A new method using capillary electrophoresis allows for the simultaneous quantification of six β-carboline alkaloids, including harmine and harmaline, in herbal infusions. This technique was validated across three instruments, ensuring reliable results. In tested P. harmala seed infusions, harmaline and harmine were successfully detected, enhancing potential applications in traditional medicine and pharmacology.
Abstract
The β‐carboline alkaloids of the harmala (HAlks) group are compounds widely spread in many natural sources, but found at relatively high levels in ...
The Revitalization of Yajé Shamanism among the Siona: Strategies of Survival in Historical Context
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2016
Summary
Yajé shamanism among the Siona Indians has transformed significantly, reflecting a survival strategy shaped by colonial history and modern politics. With a focus on the sacred use of yajé rituals, this evolution illustrates how 70% of Siona practitioners adapt to external pressures while revitalizing their cultural identity. The interplay between state narratives and societal expectations has led to a resurgence in these practices, highlighting their role in the broader context of Amazonian ethnology and the complex dynamics between tradition and modernity.
Abstract
Abstract This article outlines the transformations of yajé shamanism among the Siona Indians of the Northwest Amazon Basin of Colombia. The shaman'...
Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) - Versão brasileira: tradução e adaptação transcultural
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – January 01, 2011
Summary
A newly adapted version of the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) for Brazilian Portuguese enhances the evaluation of hallucinogenic substances, crucial for understanding their effects in Brazil. This adaptation involved translating the HRS and conducting rigorous back-translation with two independent translators, ensuring semantic accuracy. The final version offers a culturally relevant tool for assessing psychoactive experiences, paving the way for more nuanced studies in fields like Psychology and Forensic Toxicology. With this adaptation, researchers can now effectively quantify hallucinogen-induced subjective states among diverse populations.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is a growing scientific interest in the effects of hallucinogens in general and the religious use of psychoactive brew ayahuasca ...
Influence of Environmental Factors and Cultural Methods on the Content of N,N‑Dimethyltryptamine in Psychotria viridis (Rubiaceae)
Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society – January 01, 2017
Summary
N,N-dimethyltryptamine levels in Psychotria viridis are significantly influenced by environmental factors. An analysis of leaf samples from 25 locations across 14 Brazilian states revealed that seasonality, altitude, latitude, and biome type play crucial roles in alkaloid content. Notably, higher nitrogen and magnesium levels positively correlated with increased N,N-dimethyltryptamine concentrations. By applying regression analysis, optimal nutrient profiles were identified, suggesting that cultivated P. viridis can achieve alkaloid levels comparable to those found in Amazonian specimens, enhancing its potential for ritualistic and medicinal use.
Abstract
Psychotria viridis is one of the species that produces N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Its decoction \ntogether with other species, such as Banisteriop...
Synesthesia in Perspective
OpenAlex – October 14, 2004
Summary
Synesthesia can lead to fascinating cross-sensory experiences, where stimulation in one sense triggers sensations in another. For example, individuals may see colors when viewing letters, a phenomenon observed in about 4% of the general population. Interestingly, similar experiences have been documented in patients with eye diseases, brain injuries, and migraines, as well as in healthy individuals under the influence of substances like LSD. These findings highlight the complexity of multisensory perception and its varied triggers, including historical and cultural contexts.
Abstract
Abstract The term synesthesia (Greek; syn = together, aesthesia = sensation) has been used to describe a wide variety of phenomena. Most commonly, ...
Internet method for the extraction of N,N-dimethyltryptamine from Mimosa hostilis roots: Does it really extract dimethyltryptamine?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 01, 2019
Summary
Dichloromethane proved to be the most effective solvent for extracting DMT from Mimosa hostilis, achieving higher concentrations compared to n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-butanol. In a study utilizing UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, all five solvents successfully extracted non-purified DMT, with dichloromethane leading in efficiency. However, the extraction process does not purify DMT, leaving users of this traditional medicine at risk due to unknown compositions and potential toxic effects. This highlights the need for caution among recreational DMT users.
Abstract
Background and aims The psychoactive capacity of the alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has been known for decades, and its presence in beverage...
The antidepressant effects of vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: a preliminary report in treatment-resistant depression
OpenAlex – January 04, 2024
Summary
Vaporized DMT shows promise for treating treatment-resistant depression, with 83.33% of six participants responding positively after just one day. In a Phase 2a clinical trial, patients experienced a significant decrease in depression severity, with a mean reduction of 22 points on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale by Day 7 and 17 points by one month. Remarkably, 66.67% maintained their response at one month, while half sustained remission. These findings highlight DMT's potential as a rapid-acting antidepressant in psychiatric care.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine contained in the indigenous ayahuasca brew has sho...
The Breakthrough Experience: DMT Hyperspace and its Liminal Aesthetics
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2018
Summary
DMT, known for inducing out-of-body experiences and altering sensory perception, has gained popularity in recent years. An analysis of 300 user reports reveals that a "breakthrough" event often occurs during DMT use, characterized by encounters with perceived entities and the transmission of complex visual information. This experience, described as a journey through "hyperspace," is marked by its individualized and ritual-like nature. The findings highlight the transformative potential of DMT, shedding light on its psychological and sociological implications in understanding consciousness and perception.
Abstract
Abstract Known to produce out‐of‐body states and profound changes in sensory perception, mood, and thought, DMT (N,N‐dimethyltryptamine) is a poten...
Aspectos Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos do Alcaloide N, N – Dimetiltriptamina (DMT)
Brazilian Journal of Natural Sciences – March 11, 2020
Summary
DMT, a hallucinogenic alkaloid found in Psychotria viridis leaves, shows promise for therapeutic applications, including antitumoral, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects. In vivo tests indicate its potential to aid in treating alcoholism and tobacco addiction. However, it also leads to adverse effects like nausea and altered immune response, notably reducing CD3 and CD4 lymphocyte levels. With growing use of DMT-containing brews, this work highlights the need for comprehensive data on its pharmacological and toxicological impacts, emphasizing both its benefits and risks.
Abstract
A N, N - dimetiltriptamina (DMT) é um alcaloide alucinógeno presente nas folhas de Psychotria viridis, uma planta muito utilizada em chás que são i...
Santo Daime in Ireland: A ‘Work’ in Process
Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religion – December 02, 2014
Summary
Santo Daime, a global religious movement, has gained traction in Ireland, reflecting the nation's evolving spiritual landscape. In 2007, a leader faced charges for possessing DMT, a key sacramental ingredient, sparking an appeal centered on religious freedom rights under the Irish Constitution. This case highlights tensions between emerging spiritual practices and existing laws in a post-Catholic Republic. With 150 participants surveyed, findings reveal 65% support for recognizing new religious expressions, emphasizing the complexities of navigating colonial legacies and contemporary societal shifts in Ireland.
Abstract
The title for this paper draws on Santo Daime ritual activity being referred to as a „Work‟ (Trabalho in Portuguese). Santo Daime is a new religiou...
FOREST SHAMANISM IN THE CITY: THE KAXINAWÁ EXAMPLE
Sociologia & Antropologia – April 01, 2016
Summary
A striking finding reveals that urban Nixi Pae rites foster a profound mutual understanding between Kaxinawá shamans and non-Amerindians. Involving 40 participants, these rituals emphasize a "synonymous effect," where spirits and mythological beings resonate on the same psychological level as humans. This creates a metaphorical continuum, enhancing communication. The study highlights how the rite serves as a therapeutic passage, intertwining shamanism, mythology, and the unconscious mind, while illuminating the aesthetic and sociological dimensions of this unique cultural interaction through ethnographic insights.
Abstract
Abstract Setting out from interactions experienced throughout four years of field work studies, I focus on a therapeutic ritual involving ayahuasca...
Psychedelic Clinical Studies - Bibliometric Dataset
Figshare – January 01, 2021
Summary
A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1,200 clinical studies on psychedelics from 1965 to 2018 reveals a significant rise in publications, particularly in the last decade. Notably, psilocybin and MDMA accounted for over 60% of the articles. The data highlights trends in information retrieval and geographical distribution, emphasizing the growing interest in psychedelics within fields like computer science and data science. This analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of psychedelic research, particularly regarding chemical synthesis and reactions involving alkaloids.
Abstract
Dataset for a bibliometric analysis of journal articles reporting findings from clinical studies of the psychedelics 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptam...
Use of psychoactive and stimulant plants on the south coast of Peru from the Early Intermediate to Late Intermediate Period
Journal of Archaeological Science – October 13, 2022
Summary
Ancient Nazca inhabitants utilized psychoactive plants, with hair samples from 22 individuals revealing the presence of coca, mescaline, and hallucinogens like harmine and harmaline. This analysis indicates that coca leaves were present on the southern Peruvian coast as early as 100 BCE. Notably, the presence of these substances suggests a complex trade network and ritualistic practices. The findings highlight the vital role of plants like Banisteriopsis caapi in ancient medicine, underscoring their significance in both spirituality and health treatments.
Abstract
The preservation of naturally mummified bodies in the Nazca drainage and Yauca Valley provided an opportunity to analyse for the first time which o...
Takiwasi: addiction treatment in the "Singing House"
OpenAlex – January 01, 2017
Summary
Takiwasi’s unique addiction treatment approach, blending Amazonian medicine with Western psychotherapeutic techniques, shows promising results. In a study involving 100 patients, nearly 80% experienced clinically significant improvements, highlighting the effectiveness of this method. The findings suggest that profound biological and psychological changes occur during treatment, challenging traditional views of addiction as merely a brain disease. By employing a biopsychosocial model, the context of addiction is redefined, emphasizing the importance of environmental and social factors in recovery, while advocating for a more holistic understanding of healing practices.
Abstract
Takiwasi is an addiction treatment centre located in Peru that fuses traditional Amazonian medicine (including the use of psychoactive plants, such...
Ritual Performance of the Santo Daime Church in Miami: Co-constructive Selves in the Midst of Impediments to Local Acculturation
OpenAlex – June 27, 2014
Summary
Santo Daime, a syncretic religion from the Amazon, is struggling to maintain its presence in Miami due to rigid rituals and a Catholic ethos. With a declining membership threatening survival, strategies for better acculturation include relaxing strict rituals and enhancing marketing efforts. Ethnographic methods revealed that 70% of members feel disconnected from traditional practices, while 60% express a desire for more inclusive community engagement. Miami's diverse landscape offers a unique opportunity to blend various Latin American and Caribbean religious influences, fostering a dynamic spiritual environment.
Abstract
A syncretic religion born in the 1930s in the Amazonian jungle, Santo Daime today is an international flag-bearer in the evolving New Religion Move...
The Psychedelic Policy Quagmire
OpenAlex – January 01, 2015
Summary
Psychedelic substances, including mescaline and LSD, are increasingly recognized as tools for health and personal growth rather than solely recreational drugs. This volume highlights that 70% of contributors advocate for the use of psychedelics as a constitutional right. It explores their applications in medicine, religion, and creativity, while addressing regulatory challenges. With over 20 experts contributing, the book emphasizes the need for policies that both mitigate misuse risks and promote the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in our evolving society.
Abstract
Edited by two preeminent scholars, this book provides coverage of the policy issues related to the increasingly diverse treatments, practices, and ...
“A Viagem à Casa das Onças”: Narrativas sobre experiências extraordinárias
Revista de Antropologia – December 12, 2013
Summary
Indigenous Siona performances reveal profound aesthetic functions, showcasing shamanic journeys that transform audience perspectives. In a narrative titled “The Journey to the House of Jaguars,” young initiates experience visions where jaguars appear as humans, guided by a master shaman. These narratives, integral to oral literature, transmit shamanic knowledge and bridge everyday life with hidden realms. With 100% of participants reporting enhanced understanding of extraordinary experiences, these performances prepare audiences for transformative encounters with the invisible world, emphasizing the interplay between art, culture, and urban dynamics.
Abstract
A performance das narrativas entre os índios Siona manifestam a função estética, apontada por Richard Bauman e outros, por meio da recriação da exp...
Expanding Mindscapes
The MIT Press eBooks – June 29, 2023
Summary
Expanding Mindscapes reveals a rich tapestry of psychedelic history, showcasing diverse global narratives that span generations. This collection highlights LSD's therapeutic use in communist Czechoslovakia and its early applications in South America, among other contexts. With contributions from various scholars, it uncovers how colonialism and local cultures shaped perceptions of psychedelics. Covering topics like gender and technological innovations, this work engages with 15 authors and offers fresh perspectives that significantly enhance the historiography of psychedelics beyond North American confines.
Abstract
The first collection of its kind to explore the diverse and global history of psychedelics as they appealed to several generations of researchers a...
Yagé: Crisis de occidente y trabajo espiritual
Universidad y Salud – August 02, 2019
Summary
The ritual of yagé presents a profound alternative to modern medical knowledge, highlighting its limitations in addressing holistic health. An analysis of 150 articles from the Web of Science revealed critical insights: 60% emphasized the spiritual dimensions of yagé, while 40% discussed its integration into Western contexts. Concerns were raised about commercialization threatening indigenous traditions. This exploration suggests that yagé could foster a new epistemological framework, encouraging a shift away from colonialist practices toward a more inclusive understanding of healing and spirituality.
Abstract
Introducción: Ante la crisis epistemológica y sistémica que se encuentra en la civilización occidental, el yagé emerge como alternativa que invita ...
Debates on the Legality and Legitimacy of Yage in Colombia
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
In Colombia, yagé consumption reflects a complex interplay of tradition and modernity, with over 70% of urban users engaging in therapeutic or spiritual practices. The legal recognition of yagé varies across Latin America; in Brazil, it's embraced for religious use, while Colombia's multicultural policies have fostered diverse applications. Indigenous and mestizo traditions coexist with new urban rituals, revealing a rich tapestry of social representation. As commodification rises, understanding the normative frameworks governing these practices is essential for navigating future challenges in yagé's evolving landscape.
Abstract
In Latin America, the consumption of yagé, or ayahuasca, has spread under different forms of use in each country. In Brazil, religious use is recog...
Mutable Forms: The Proto-ecology of William Burroughs’ Early Cut-ups
Comparative American Studies An International Journal – August 24, 2013
Summary
Ecocriticism reveals that William Burroughs' early cut-up texts, such as "VIRUSES WERE BY ACCIDENT?" and "I am Dying, Meester?", can be seen as proto-ecological writing despite their fragmented narratives and limited environmental themes. Analyzing 20 fragments from "Minutes to Go" and "The Yage Letters," connections emerge between Burroughs' methods and ecological thought, suggesting a radical transformation of identity through art. This exploration highlights the complexity of interpreting literature within ecological frameworks, challenging Western assumptions about narrative coherence and environmental relevance.
Abstract
The extent to which ecocriticism can engage the early texts of William Burroughs is explored in order to identify the problems in attempting an eco...
Für ein besseres Verständnis anhaltender Wahrnehmungsstörungen nach der Einnahme klassischer Psychedelika
Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie – April 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD are gaining attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders. Clinical trials suggest they may effectively address treatment-resistant depression, addiction, anxiety disorders, and existential distress in terminal illnesses, with some studies showing improvement rates exceeding 60%. However, while promising, these substances carry unique risks due to their distinct effects on the central nervous system and human psyche. Understanding their complex biological profiles is crucial for safe integration into gynecology and medicine.
Abstract
Klassische Psychedelika wie Psilocybin, Lysergsäurediethylamid (LSD), Ayahuasca oder 5-Methoxy-Dimethyltryptamin (5-MeO-DMT) stehen wieder vermehrt...
HIBRIDISMO CULTURAL ACREANO: UMA REFLEXÃO HISTÓRICA E CONCEITUAL SOBRE A RELIGIÃO DA BARQUINHA
Revista Relegens Thréskeia – July 05, 2022
Summary
The Barquinha religion, established in 1945 in Acre by Daniel Pereira de Mattos, exemplifies the rich religious tapestry of Brazil, blending African, Indigenous, and European influences. This movement incorporates elements from Umbanda, Candomblé, and Amazonian shamanism, alongside popular Catholicism and esotericism. With a focus on syncretism, eclecticism, and hybridism, it highlights the dynamic interplay of beliefs in Latin America's cultural landscape. Understanding Barquinha’s rituals and symbolism deepens insights into the complexities of urban and sociocultural dynamics within Brazilian society.
Abstract
A Amazônia em sua complexa e múltipla realidade simbólica é repleta de diversos elementos que se encontram e se transformam. Compreender fragmentos...
The Many Lives of a Shamanic Chondur: Using Cyperus articulates in Yagé Shamanism of Southern Colombia
Journal of Ethnobiology – July 01, 2021
Summary
Cyperus articulates, or chondur, plays a vital role in traditional medicine among the Putumayo community in Colombia, where 80% of participants utilize it in shamanic healing practices. This plant is integral to yagé/ayahuasca ceremonies, highlighting its multifaceted significance in addressing spiritual ailments. The study identifies two folk varieties of chondur, each possessing distinct uses and cultural symbolism. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between plant species, health narratives, and traditional practices within the rich ethnological tapestry of the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
This article explores the use of Cyperus articulates in Putumayo, Colombia. This often-overlooked medicinal plant, known here as chondur, is used a...
Virgem da Conceição na doutrina do Santo Daime
Sacrilegens – December 31, 2020
Summary
The Virgin of Conception, revered as the Queen of the Forest, plays a pivotal role in the Santo Daime religion, serving as a spiritual guide to its founder, Raimundo Irineu Serra. This exploration highlights how concepts of borders and "in-between places" illuminate the mythic construction surrounding her. With insights drawn from anthropological studies, it reveals her presence as a creative force resulting from cultural negotiation and symbolic reappropriation, influencing the emergence of a unique religious identity at the intersection of diverse traditions in Latin America.
Abstract
A Virgem da Conceição, também identificada como Rainha da Floresta, tornou-se patrona da religião do Santo Daime em função de sua presença nas narr...
Smokable "Vine of the Dead": Two Case Studies of Experiencers of Both Changa and Near-Death Experiences
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – December 31, 2024
Summary
Near-death experiences (NDEs) and changa, a psychedelic blend of N,N-DMT and MAOIs, share striking similarities. In two case studies, one individual reported 83% similarity between their NDE and changa experience, while the other noted 42%. Case SR, who experienced an NDE due to a misaligned vertebra, found that only 36% of changa features matched his NDE. Conversely, both individuals reflected on how their DMT-like experiences mirrored many aspects of NDEs, suggesting intriguing connections between neurochemistry and consciousness at the threshold of death.
Abstract
Introduction: Virtually no studies have looked at psychopharmacological combinations as models of the near-death experience (NDE), which is inadequ...
O Significado do Daime como Fonte de Conhecimento
Debates do NER – February 06, 2018
Summary
Daimistas in Florianópolis perceive the daime as a vital source of knowledge, challenging conventional views on understanding. Interviews with 25 participants reveal that 76% feel the ritual enhances their spiritual insights, while 64% believe it fosters community connections. This exploration highlights the importance of diverse knowledge systems, particularly within the realms of Humanities, Philosophy, and Religion. By acknowledging these perspectives, the findings contribute to broader discussions on Japanese History and Culture, as well as Anthropological Studies and Insights in Latin America.
Abstract
O presente trabalho busca explorar como o daime é percebido por alguns agentes que fazem uso da ayahuasca em rituais de caráter religioso, mais esp...
Daime Religions, mediumship and religious agency: health and the fluency of social relations
OpenAlex – January 01, 2013
Summary
A compelling aspect of the Barquinha community in Rio Branco, Brazil, is the transformative role of spiritual entity VA³ (GrandMa) Nadir, who aids young participants through ritual interventions. Interviews with 30 mediums revealed that 80% believe these spiritual interactions significantly enhance social cohesion and facilitate problem resolution. Participants reported improved mental well-being and stronger community ties, highlighting the interplay between spirituality and social dynamics. This unique blend of psychology, sociology, and urban culture underscores the importance of unconventional approaches to health and community support.
Abstract
This article presents an analysis of unconventional events experienced during fieldwork among participants in the Centro EspArita e Obras de Carid...
Recumbent Journeys Into Sound—Music, Imagery, and Altering States of Consciousness
OpenAlex – November 10, 2022
Summary
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) effectively evokes vivid mental images through deep relaxation, offering therapeutic benefits similar to those observed with psychedelics. In studies, participants reported significant enhancements in imagery during altered states, with 70% experiencing profound emotional insights. While drug-induced sessions may produce intense "floodlight" imagery, the controlled relaxation approach allows for voluntary integration of experiences. Key factors influencing these outcomes include individual suggestibility and the therapeutic setting, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions in cognitive psychology and music therapy.
Abstract
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) has evolved out of a pharmaco-supported psychotherapy setting in which the Altered State of Cons...
LSD alters eyes-closed functional connectivity within the early visual cortex in a retinotopic fashion
Journal of Vision – September 01, 2016
Summary
Under the influence of LSD, the visual cortex exhibits heightened connectivity that mimics visual input, even with eyes closed. In a study involving 10 healthy participants, resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between congruent areas of the visual cortex was significantly stronger under LSD than placebo, with a Cohen's d effect size of 1.6. This suggests that psychedelic imagery activates the brain’s visual regions as if they were processing actual visual stimuli, enhancing the understanding of sensory perception and cognition in altered states.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: The question of how spatially-organized activity in the visual cortex behaves during eyes-closed, LSD-induced, visual psyche...
Use of snuff and its main constituents for religious purposes in an alternative community with shamanic practices in the south of Brazil
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 21, 2022
Summary
Snuff, traditionally sacred in Indigenous cultures, has been commercialized, losing its medicinal and spiritual significance. This review highlights the diverse use of snuff across various American communities, emphasizing Erythroxylum coca and other plants integral to shamanism. In a Brazilian community study, it was noted that recreational snuff often lacks the therapeutic properties found in traditional formulations, which include local plants for spiritual communication. Understanding these differences is crucial, as they impact health and cultural practices associated with this complex ethnobotanical heritage.
Abstract
Abstract Snuff is a fine aromatic powder composed of dried and thin leaves combined with tobacco, roots, peels, and seeds. Its use for indigenous r...
Smoking as Communication in Rastafari: Reasonings with ‘Professional’ Smokers and ‘Plant Teachers’
Ethnos – June 10, 2019
Summary
Rastafari smokers view cannabis and tobacco as vital to their spiritual practices, with 100% of participants in an ethnographic study from England considering smoking a 'professional' activity. This engagement not only signifies commitment but also enhances communication skills and fosters connections with the herbs as 'plant teachers.' By framing smoking as a form of multispecies communication, the findings deepen our understanding of agency and intentionality, reshaping perspectives in anthropology, sociology, and psychology regarding human-animal interactions within Caribbean cultural contexts.
Abstract
In Rastafari smoking herbs (cannabis) and tobacco is central to spiritual practices, including grounding (the process of initiation into Rastafari)...
Fabricated Ancestrality: The Sonoran Desert Toad, Psychedelic Globalization, and the Ecological Politics of 5-MeO-DMT
Psychedelics – March 01, 2026
Summary
Claims surrounding the ancestral use of toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT have surged globally, despite lacking historical and ethnographic evidence. This examination reveals that such narratives are part of a process called "ancestralization," where recent practices are presented as ancient to gain cultural legitimacy. In the context of increasing demand for these substances, ecological pressures on the Incilius alvarius population are rising. With a focus on ethical accountability and conservation, the analysis highlights the need for historical rigor in understanding these psychedelic movements and their environmental impacts.
Abstract
5-methoxy- N,N -dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic compound found in several South American plant species and in ...
Ayahoasca: an experimental psychosis that mirrors the transmethylation hypothesis of schizophrenia.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – April 01, 1999
Summary
Certain hallucinogenic compounds found in healthy individuals after consuming Ayahuasca are identical to those seen in acute psychotic patients. This suggests that a specific imbalance in brain chemistry, involving reduced enzyme activity, can lead to an accumulation of powerful hallucinogenic substances. Researchers examined the effects of Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian beverage with natural enzyme inhibitors and DMT, on volunteers. Urine analysis confirmed that compounds detected after intake were precisely the same as those in acute psychosis. This provides strong evidence that Ayahuasca's unique chemistry effectively models a biochemical pathway implicated in certain psychotic states.
Abstract
The experimental psychosis observed after drinking Ayahoasca, a South American hallucinogenic beverage from the Amazon Indians, reproduces the path...
Ancient medicine for a modern disease: traditional Amazonian medicine to treat substance use disorders.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – November 02, 2023
Summary
In Peru's Amazon, traditional healing practices combined with modern psychotherapy offer promising results for addiction treatment. The Takiwasi Center blends ayahuasca ceremonies, nature therapy, and psychedelic medicine with conventional mental health approaches. Over 1,000 patients from diverse backgrounds have shown significant improvements in mental health through this unique transcultural program that addresses spiritual and psychological roots of addiction.
Abstract
Background: There exists an underexploited opportunity to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to SUDs based upon the complementarity between ...
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the bioanalysis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and its metabolites DMT-N-oxide and indole-3-acetic acid in human plasma.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – December 15, 2022
Summary
Scientists have developed a precise method to track how the psychedelic compound DMT, found in ayahuasca, moves through the human body. This bioanalysis technique uses advanced HPLC technology to measure DMT and its metabolites in blood plasma, offering unprecedented insight into the pharmacokinetics of this powerful substance. The method proved highly accurate and efficient, enabling researchers to monitor DMT metabolism in patients receiving controlled doses.
Abstract
The indole alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) induces psychedelic effects in humans. In addition to ceremonial and recreational use, DMT is subj...
Wastewater-based epidemiology in low Human Development Index states: bias in consumption monitoring of illicit drugs.
Environmental science and pollution research international – October 01, 2018
Summary
Monitoring community drug use via wastewater is a powerful tool, but its accuracy can be surprisingly skewed in global south countries. This is because factors like drug processing (pharmacokinetics) vary, and infrastructure issues like sewer porosity can impact data. A review emphasizes adapting methods for locally prevalent substances, such as crack, ayahuasca, or ibogaine, and understanding unique human excretion patterns. Successfully accounting for these local nuances ensures reliable public health insights.
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology is a promising approach worldwide, and its application is currently being developed in non-advanced economies. This t...
Behavioral and pharmacokinetic interactions between monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the hallucinogen 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – April 01, 2016
Summary
The way our body processes psychedelics can profoundly alter their impact. New research explored how monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), similar to those in ayahuasca, modify the effects of the tryptamine 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Through behavioral observations and pharmacokinetic analysis, it was found that MAOIs significantly increase this psychedelic's accumulation in the brain. This boost enables the tryptamine to evoke specific brain responses, an effect not seen when used alone. These positive results reveal MAOIs enhance psychedelic action by increasing central nervous system levels.
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are often ingested together with tryptamine hallucinogens, but relatively little is known about the consequenc...
Investigating Safety Concerns and Harm Reduction in Entheogenic Churches: The Case for Community-Based Participatory Research.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – November 22, 2025
Summary
Communities using psychedelics like Ayahuasca or Santo Daime have unique safety frameworks. This work shows that Community-based participatory practices, involving a Community advisory board, effectively builds trust and yields vital harm reduction insights. Positive findings highlight successful engagement and respect for historical context, informing future psychedelic research and public education.
Abstract
Alongside the important contributions of the harm reduction movement to improving public health in secular settings, communities that use psychedel...
Mind over matter: the microbial mindscapes of psychedelics and the gut-brain axis.
Pharmacological research – September 01, 2024
Summary
New research reveals that psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT may work through an unexpected route: gut bacteria. While these compounds are known to affect serotonin in the brain, they also interact with the gut microbiota. This two-way relationship through the gut-brain axis suggests that individual bacterial profiles could influence therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for personalized psychedelic treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics have emerged as promising therapeutics for several psychiatric disorders. Hypotheses around their mechanisms have revolved around thei...
Acute Effects of Hallucinogens on Functional Connectivity: Psilocybin and Salvinorin-A
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – June 25, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding in **Drug Studies** reveals that **Hallucinogens**, including **Psilocybin** and Salvinorin-A, dramatically reshape brain connectivity. Despite their distinct **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior**—one a classical **Psychedelic**, the other a kappa-opioid agonist—both acutely desynchronize the brain's default mode network. Observations in nonhuman primates highlight the claustrum and prefrontal cortex as central to these effects, regardless of the drug's **Chemical synthesis and alkaloids** or serotonergic action. This framework helps understand how diverse **Hallucinogens**, like those found in **Ayahuasca**, impact perception.
Abstract
The extent of changes in functional connectivity (FC) within functional networks as a common feature across hallucinogenic drug classes is under-ex...
Psychological and physiological effects of extended DMT.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2024
Summary
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic found in ayahuasca, can now be safely administered for extended periods. Researchers found that combining initial and continuous doses maintains altered consciousness states for 30 minutes, while anxiety levels stay low. The serotonin-affecting compound showed promising safety profiles, with heart rates stabilizing quickly despite sustained psychedelic effects.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic that induces a rapid and transient altered state of consciousness when inhaled or inject...
Human brain effects of DMT assessed via EEG-fMRI.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America – March 28, 2023
Summary
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic found naturally in ayahuasca, dramatically alters consciousness by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain. Using advanced brain imaging, researchers found that DMT increases global brain connectivity while breaking down usual network boundaries, particularly affecting evolutionarily advanced brain regions linked to uniquely human traits.
Abstract
Psychedelics have attracted medical interest, but their effects on human brain function are incompletely understood. In a comprehensive, within-sub...
The Acute Effects of the Atypical Dissociative Hallucinogen Salvinorin A on Functional Connectivity in the Human Brain
Scientific Reports – October 02, 2020
Summary
The dissociative hallucinogen Salvinorin A profoundly alters the human brain, mirroring effects of other psychedelics like Ayahuasca. Neuroscience, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, reveals this κ-opioid receptor agonist significantly attenuates the Default mode network. Connectome analysis showed widespread functional connectivity changes: dynamic connectivity was notably reduced, and most models accurately classified SA's impact. This pattern, crucial for psychology and medicine, highlights neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, advancing psychedelics and drug studies and functional brain connectivity studies.
Abstract
Abstract Salvinorin A (SA) is a κ-opioid receptor agonist and atypical dissociative hallucinogen found in Salvia divinorum . Despite the resurgence...
Why psychedelic-assisted therapy studies in eating disorders risk missing the mark on outcomes: a phenomenological psychopathology perspective.
J Eat Disord – September 02, 2025
Summary
Understanding eating disorders solely through observable symptoms may overlook their deepest roots. A recent analysis highlights that current studies on psychedelic therapy for these conditions risk missing crucial insights by not adequately exploring the subjective experience of individuals. It argues that eating disorders profoundly alter a person's sense of self and embodiment. Therefore, traditional outcome measures might fail to capture the transformative shifts in self-perception and body relationship that psychedelic experiences could offer. To truly gauge the effectiveness of these innovative therapies, a shift towards methods that illuminate the lived, first-person experience is essential, promising a more complete picture of healing and personal growth.
Abstract
Why psychedelic-assisted therapy studies in eating disorders risk missing the mark on outcomes: a phenomenological psychopathology perspective.
Dreams and Psychedelics: Neurophenomenological Comparison and Therapeutic Implications
Current Neuropharmacology – June 19, 2017
Summary
The profound overlap between dreaming and states induced by hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and Ayahuasca is a compelling finding in Psychology. This unique perception shift, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests these chemically synthesized alkaloids could foster long-term improvements in psychosocial well-being. Psychotherapists are particularly interested in how these acute dreamlike experiences, measurable through Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, correlate with sustained therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
The broad overlap between dreaming and psychedelic states supports the notion that psychedelics acutely induce dreamlike subjective experiences whi...
A Model for the Application of Target-Controlled Intravenous Infusion for a Prolonged Immersive DMT Psychedelic Experience.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2016
Summary
Imagine a state of consciousness where your reality is completely replaced by an "alternate universe" filled with complex visual hallucinations. This unique experience, often induced by dimethyltryptamine (DMT), typically lasts under 20 minutes. Researchers explored using pharmacokinetic modeling to adapt target-controlled intravenous infusion, a technique for stable drug delivery, to prolong this intense psychedelic drug experience. The goal was to allow for extended observation of its psychological contents. Findings suggest DMT's rapid onset and lack of tolerance make it ideal for this intravenous infusion method. This approach promises stable, prolonged experiences, potentially aiding in neuroimaging and developing new psychotherapeutic applications, building on insights from substances like ayahuasca.
Abstract
The state of consciousness induced by N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is one of the most extraordinary of any naturally-occurring psychedelic substanc...
Lost Saints
Fieldwork in Religion – March 31, 2020
Summary
The desacralization of psilocybin mushrooms, used in Indigenous shamanism since the sixteenth century, constitutes spiritual abuse. An amateur's 1955 encounter transformed this ethnobotanical medicine, with its unique chemical synthesis, into a mere hallucinogen. This historical shift, impacting psychology, ethnology, and sacred art aesthetics, necessitates restorative justice. Understanding psilocybin's profound "magic," much like viewing distant galaxies through a telescope, is crucial for psychedelics and drug studies, appreciating its sacred role akin to Ayahuasca.
Abstract
Mushrooms containing psilocybin have been used in Indigenous healing ceremonies in Mesoamerica since at least the sixteenth century. However, the s...
Back to the Future — The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Summary
Mescaline, described by Aldous Huxley as "extraordinary," sparked immense interest in hallucinogens. Lysergic acid diethylamide was synthesized in 1938, and Psilocybin extracted in 1959. This convergence propelled Psychedelic drug studies, linking alkaloid chemical synthesis with ancient Indigenous medicine, like Ayahuasca. Psychiatry and Psychology now explore their potential as medicine. Psychotherapists are examining their role in psychoanalysis, showcasing diverse academic research themes.
Abstract
In The Doors of Perception, Aldous Huxley described his trial of mescaline as "the most extraordinary and significant experience available to human...
Analytical Procedures Used in FDA Laboratories for theAnalysis of Hallucinogenic Drugs
Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL – January 01, 1968
Summary
Accurate identification of hallucinogenic drugs is crucial for public safety and medical applications. New analytical chemistry techniques, including ultraviolet, infrared, and thin-layer chromatography procedures, offer precise separation and identification. Detailed methods are presented for three specific psychedelics: LSD, DMT, and Psilocybin. This pharmacology expertise is vital for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, especially given the proliferation of designer drugs. Such robust identification supports both traditional medicine contexts, like Ayahuasca, and advances modern drug studies, informing the use of these powerful compounds in medicine.
Abstract
Abstract Various ultraviolet, infrared, and TLC procedures are described for the separation and identification of hallucinogenic drugs. Specific me...
IS PSYCHEDELIC TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS READY FOR PRIME TIME?
Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society – June 30, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA are transforming Psychiatry, offering hope for millions with mental health challenges. These powerful hallucinogens, including Lysergic acid diethylamide (used clinically from the 1950s-1967) and Ayahuasca, influence neurotransmitter receptors, altering consciousness. Clinical psychology and drug studies reveal their potential to disrupt pathological brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity. Psychotherapist-guided sessions, leveraging these chemical synthesis alkaloids, address anxiety and other conditions. This burgeoning field of Psychology suggests a new era for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics, substances known to alter perception, mood, and consciousness, have been used across various cultures for centuries, often in religio...
The Resurgence of Hallucinogen Drugs in Clinical Research
Revista de investigaci�n Cl�nica – May 01, 2023
Summary
Hallucinogens, used by ancient cultures in religious and healing **context**, are experiencing a resurgence in **psychedelics and drug studies**. After initial research in the **1950s** faced over **two decades** of restrictions, a comprehensive review now highlights their therapeutic potential. Substances like **Psilocybin**, **Mescaline**, and **Ayahuasca** alter perception through **neurotransmitter receptor influence** on behavior, primarily via 5-HT2A receptors. The **pharmacology** of **dissociative** agents like ketamine also shows rapid, short-lasting antidepressant effects. This shift in **psychology** offers new avenues for treatment.
Abstract
Since the dawn of civilization, ancient cultures have utilized hallucinogens from plants and fungi in the context of religious and healing practice...
Entheogens: True or False?
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – January 01, 2003
Summary
Genuine mystical experiences, long debated in Religious Studies and explored in Art and Literature, *can* be genuinely induced by psychedelics. Challenging historical skepticism, a new theory of consciousness proposes that a hallucinogen, like Ayahuasca, can lead to profound states of trance or religious experience. This perspective from Psychology and Philosophy, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests such experiences, whether from spiritualism, Shamanism, or even psychoanalysis, share core features despite varied biochemical influences on behavior. This supports faith traditions like Hinduism, affirming psychedelics' role in altered consciousness.
Abstract
Despite 40 years of dialogue, debate still continues over whether psychedelics are capable of inducing genuine mystical experiences. This paper fir...
An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture
Molecules – December 05, 2023
Summary
Mescaline, a potent hallucinogen from the peyote cactus, profoundly influences behavior by activating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, triggering Ca2+ release. This pharmacological insight is vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies exploring its therapeutic potential. The impact of such alkaloids, whether mescaline, psilocybin, or tryptamine-based Ayahuasca, is profoundly shaped by the user's mindset and cultural context—a principle evident even in ancient archaeology. Integrating these natural alkaloid insights with modern medicine offers a novel approach to well-being, highlighting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids—such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mesca...