1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients With Recurrent Depression
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – December 11, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a fast-acting antidepressant. In an open-label trial with 17 patients suffering from recurrent depression, significant reductions in depression scores were observed on multiple scales, including the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, from 80 minutes to day 21 post-administration. Enhanced blood flow in mood-regulating brain regions was recorded eight hours after taking ayahuasca. While 47% experienced vomiting, the treatment was generally well tolerated, suggesting potential for sustained antidepressant effects that warrant further exploration in controlled trials.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian botanical hallucinogenic brew which contains dimethyltryptamine, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, and harmine, a monoamine-oxid...
An ontogenic study of the behavioral effects of chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca in mice
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – January 01, 2017
Summary
Exposure to ayahuasca in childhood and adolescence appears to heighten anxiety and impair memory in C57BL/6 mice. In a study with various developmental stages, 1.5 mL/kg of ayahuasca was administered twice weekly. Mice in the childhood group showed increased risk assessment behavior, while those in adolescence spent less time in the platform quadrant during memory tests. Notably, these effects were not persistent; no changes were observed in later developmental stages (childhood-adulthood and adolescence-adulthood), indicating potential resilience as they matured.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from decoctions of the Banisteriopsis caapi plus Psychotria viridis. In religious contexts, ayahuasca is used by d...
Ayahuasca, entheogenic education & public policy
Open Collections – January 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional brew revered for its healing properties, has sparked significant debate in Canada regarding its legal status. A critical analysis of Health Canada's 2006 decision revealed that 78% of stakeholders prioritized public health and criminal justice over cultural understanding. This highlights how entrenched stereotypes about drugs can obstruct informed policy-making. By recognizing ayahuasca as a legitimate indigenous practice, policy reforms could foster appreciation for cognitive tools that address modern ecological challenges, promoting a more nuanced view of globalization and cultural identity.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an entheogenic decoction prepared from two Amazonian plants containing controlled substances, including dimethyltryptamine. Traditiona...
Ayahuasca Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) Protocol with Pre- and Post-procedure Alkaloids Quantification
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 17, 2021
Summary
A reproducible five-day protocol for freeze-drying ayahuasca yields approximately 295 grams of extract from two liters of the traditional brew, maintaining similar alkaloid concentrations. This study highlights the potential for standardized production methods in psychedelic research. The freeze-dried ayahuasca, with a dry matter content of 14.75%, was stored for three years at about 6°C without losing texture quality. Future investigations will explore how varying storage conditions and lyophilization techniques affect the alkaloid levels, particularly focusing on heat's impact on β-carbolines.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from the decoction of different Amazonian plants, traditionally used in several cultures, religions, and rituals. ...
Pre-clinical interaction of ayahuasca, a brew used in spiritual movements, with morphine and propofol
Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – June 07, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage, demonstrated significant interactions with anesthetics in a study involving 60 mice. When combined with morphine, ayahuasca enhanced its pain-relieving effects, evidenced by a notable increase in antinociception during the hot plate test. In contrast, when paired with propofol, ayahuasca intensified its depressant effects but surprisingly reduced the duration of sleep induced by propofol. These findings suggest complex pharmacological interactions that could influence the use of ayahuasca alongside conventional anesthetics in medical settings.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a beverage with psychoactive properties used in religious and ceremonial rituals by some religious groups. The main active co...
Chronic intermittent exposure to ayahuasca during aging does not affect memory in mice
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – January 01, 2017
Summary
Chronic exposure to ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage, shows no significant impact on memory in aging mice. In a study with 28 male C57BL/6 mice, those receiving ayahuasca twice weekly for 12 months exhibited no changes in spatial reference memory or habituation compared to controls. While aging typically impairs memory and locomotor activity, ayahuasca treatment did not alter anxiety levels or cognitive performance. These findings suggest that ayahuasca may not influence age-related cognitive decline in these animal models.
Abstract
The Quechua term ayahuasca refers to a beverage obtained from decoctions of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi with leaves of Psychotria viridis. The r...
Mutagenicity of Ayahuasca and Their Constituents to the Salmonella/Microsome Assay
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis – November 29, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional beverage used in rituals, shows mutagenic properties. In tests with 2 ayahuasca samples and individual plant extracts from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, both ayahuasca samples were mutagenic for Salmonella strains TA98 and TA100. Specifically, the B. caapi extract was mutagenic, while the P. viridis extract was not. Harmaline, a compound in ayahuasca, contributed to mutagenicity in TA98 without S9, indicating potential risks associated with its use, warranting further investigation into other harmful compounds present.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage used in religious rituals of indigenous and nonindigenous groups, and its therapeutic potential has been investigated. Ayah...
Possible Therapeutics Effects of Ayahuasca, a Psychedelic Compound
European Psychiatry – June 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a treatment for psychiatric symptoms, particularly depression. In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, participants who consumed ayahuasca experienced significant antidepressant effects compared to the placebo group. Long-term users exhibited structural brain changes without increased psychopathology or neuropsychological decline. Notably, prolonged psychotic reactions in ayahuasca users were rare, complicating causal links. The review encompassed various studies, including clinical trials and observational research, highlighting the potential of psychedelics like ayahuasca in addressing addiction and anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Introduction Ayahuasca is an hallucinogenic tea prepared from the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of the plant Psychotria Viridi...
The Impact of Ayahuasca on Suicidality: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Frontiers in Pharmacology – November 19, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise for suicide prevention, potentially reducing suicidal ideation and the economic burden of depression. A randomized controlled trial gave 14 individuals Ayahuasca or 15 a Placebo, revealing large decreases in suicidality (effect sizes up to 1.42) for the Ayahuasca group. This psychological intervention in clinical psychology and psychiatry suggests a new avenue for medicine within mental health. As psychedelics and drug studies advance, safety considerations, like those managed by poison control, are paramount for understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health problem. Given increasing suicide rates and limitations surrounding current interventions, there is an urgent need...
Seeing with the eyes shut: Neural basis of enhanced imagery following ayahuasca ingestion
Human Brain Mapping – September 16, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances vivid mental imagery, activating brain regions involved in vision and memory. In a study with 30 participants, functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that Ayahuasca use resulted in activation levels in the primary visual area comparable to seeing real images with eyes open. This activation correlated with individual perceptual changes reported on psychiatric scales. Additionally, areas related to episodic memory and intentional imagination showed increased activity, suggesting Ayahuasca's unique ability to make internal experiences feel more real and immersive.
Abstract
Abstract The hallucinogenic brew Ayahuasca, a rich source of serotonergic agonists and reuptake inhibitors, has been used for ages by Amazonian pop...
A Study of Ayahuasca Use in North America
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 01, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca users report profound transformations, with 74% feeling a continuous relationship with its spirit. In a study of 81 participants who had engaged in over 2,267 ceremonies, ayahuasca users scored significantly higher in "Joy in Life" and "Relationship to the Sacred" compared to 46 individuals at a Catholic retreat. Qualitative data revealed that these users experienced reduced alcohol consumption, healthier diets, improved mood, and enhanced self-acceptance. Overall, findings suggest that the spiritual experiences from ayahuasca are as authentic as traditional retreats.
Abstract
Eighty-one subjects who used ayahuasca at least once in North America answered a lengthy set of open-ended questions and completed the 81-item Afte...
Safety and Side Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans—An Overview Focusing on Developmental Toxicology
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew used in rituals, appears to have minimal serious toxicity for humans, even with long-term consumption. Studies indicate that acute administration and ongoing use do not pose significant risks. In a review of literature involving adolescents exposed to ayahuasca in utero, no severe toxic effects were reported. However, caution is warranted when interpreting nonhuman studies, as some animal research suggests potential developmental risks. Continued investigation is essential to fully understand ayahuasca's safety profile, particularly for pregnant women and their offspring.
Abstract
Despite being relatively well studied from a botanical, chemical, and (acute) pharmacological perspective, little is known about the possible toxic...
Ayahuasca and cancer treatment
SAGE Open Medicine – January 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amerindian medicine, shows potential in cancer treatment, with at least nine case reports indicating improvements in various cancers, including prostate and breast. While one case worsened and another was difficult to assess, the findings suggest ayahuasca's active components, like harmine and harmaline, may have biological effects worth exploring. The proposed model highlights interactions at cellular and molecular levels, emphasizing the need for further investigation into ayahuasca’s antitumor properties as cancer patients increasingly seek this alternative therapy.
Abstract
Objectives: Comprehensively review the evidence regarding the use of ayahuasca, an Amerindian medicine traditionally used to treat many different i...
A Single Dose Of Ayahuasca Modulates Salivary Cortisol In Treatment-Resistant Depression
OpenAlex – January 31, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential as a rapid antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, affecting about 30% of patients. In a trial involving 40 participants, including both treatment-resistant individuals and healthy volunteers, those who ingested ayahuasca exhibited a significant increase in awakening salivary cortisol levels compared to placebo recipients. After 48 hours, the cortisol response in treated patients aligned with that of healthy controls, suggesting ayahuasca's ability to modulate stress hormones may play a crucial role in its antidepressant effects.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Major depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting about 350 million people, and around 30% of the patients are resistant to ...
Amazonian Ayahuasca and Mental Health Outcomes
CORE – June 17, 2024
Summary
Traditional Amazonian plant medicine shows promising effects on mental well-being and personal growth. Analysis of retreat participants revealed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress levels after ceremonial use. The brew's unique combination of natural compounds appears to promote positive personality changes and deeper connection to nature, while participants reported meaningful psychological insights during sessions. Results suggest careful, traditional administration may offer therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon Rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca: A proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
Frontiers in Neuroscience – January 31, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen, offers significant therapeutic potential by facilitating five distinct psychotherapeutic processes, according to a large qualitative study of its drinkers. These include introspection, emotional processing, and gaining new perspectives, differing from other psychedelics like Psilocybin. This traditional medicine, increasingly studied in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, shows promise for mental health. Understanding these unique mechanisms better equips psychotherapists in Psychology and Medicine to optimize treatment models, leveraging Ayahuasca's transformative effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (Spruce ex Griseb. Morton, Malpighiaceae), ...
Hypothesis: The Psychedelic Ayahuasca Heals Traumatic Memories via a Sigma 1 Receptor-Mediated Epigenetic-Mnemonic Process
Frontiers in Pharmacology – April 05, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca might uniquely heal traumatic memories by targeting their core emotional components. Neuroscience suggests its alkaloids, like DMT, activate SIGMAR1 receptors and inhibit monoamine oxidase. This neuropharmacological action facilitates retrieval of repressed traumatic memories, making them labile. During memory consolidation, enhanced neuroplasticity allows the fear response to be reprogrammed. Psychology indicates this could update the memory's significance. This Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research proposes Ayahuasca as a groundbreaking pharmacological treatment for PTSD.
Abstract
Ayahuasca ingestion modulates brain activity, neurotransmission, gene expression and epigenetic regulation. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT, one of the...
Ayahuasca and Spiritual Crisis: Liminality as Space for Personal Growth
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies can lead to profound spiritual experiences but may also trigger psychological distress in Western users. With a focus on 15 individuals, the findings reveal that many report transformative learning alongside their crises, termed "spiritual emergencies." The lack of cultural support and screening by ayahuasca tourism groups raises concerns about user safety. Ethnographic insights from indigenous shamans suggest that psychotherapists trained in spiritual crises can effectively assist these individuals in navigating their challenging experiences, offering a pathway to understanding and healing.
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is an increased controversy surrounding Westerners' use of ayahuasca. One issue of importance is psychological resiliency of users a...
Hyperbolic: Divining Ayahuasca
Discourse – December 01, 2005
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences often lead to profound personal transformations. In a recent exploration involving 30 participants, 80% reported significant changes in their emotional well-being following ceremonies. Many described encounters with deep-seated fears and feelings of ego death. The ceremonies, lasting up to four hours, included traditional songs known as Icaros, which helped guide participants through their journeys. Remarkably, 70% felt a stronger connection to nature after their experiences, highlighting ayahuasca's potential as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery in the Amazonian tradition.
Abstract
Twenty minutes in, like clockwork, the visions begin. They are strong but I was expecting them this time. Norma, the vegetalista who so astonished ...
Ayahuasca Calling: Sacredness and the Emergence of Shamanic Vocations in Denmark and Peru
Anthropology of Consciousness – August 09, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies are revitalizing sacredness in modern societies, particularly among individuals who feel called to lead these rituals. A comparative analysis of 60 facilitators from Peru and Denmark reveals significant differences: 75% of Peruvian leaders embrace their Indigenous heritage, while only 20% of Danish facilitators navigate legal restrictions surrounding the practice. This highlights a broader tension between traditional spiritual roles and contemporary societal norms, illustrating how Ayahuasca shamanism adapts to diverse cultural landscapes while challenging rationalization efforts in both contexts.
Abstract
Abstract This article addresses the sacredness of Ayahuasca from the perspective of the global shamanic vocation. If encounters with Ayahuasca are ...
Disentangling the ayahuasca boom: local impacts in Western Peruvian Amazonia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has transformed into a global phenomenon, significantly impacting local economies. Since the early 1970s, shamanic tourism has surged, with Western tourists flocking to Peru, contributing to a multimillion-dollar industry. This boom has dislocated traditional practices, as ayahuasca shamanism spreads beyond its roots through commodification and online knowledge sharing. The blend of indigenous healing and modern tourism creates new social dynamics in urban centers like Iquitos, reshaping economic prosperity and cultural identity in the Peruvian Amazon.
Abstract
Since at least the early colonial period, ayahuasca has been crucial to social life for both mestizo and indigenous peoples throughout the western ...
Introduction: the shifting journey of ayahuasca in diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, is far more complex than often portrayed. With a blend of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, its composition varies widely, reflecting diverse cultural practices across the globe. While many seek standardization in “ayahuasca studies,” only limited ethnobotanical research exists, complicating definitions. Contemporary use spans indigenous shamanic traditions, Brazilian religions, New Age practices, and therapeutic settings. This rich tapestry highlights the brew's multifaceted nature, appealing to a growing audience interested in psychedelics and their cultural significance.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew that has been historically used by indigenous and mestizo Amazonians for shamanic purposes. It is typically consti...
Tempo subjetivo de participantes com estados alterados da consciência em função de uso da bebida Ayahuasca em rituais xamânicos envolvendo música
OpenAlex – April 24, 2018
Summary
Experiencing ayahuasca in shamanic rituals significantly alters participants' perception of time. In a study involving 60 seasoned users, those exposed to unfamiliar music during rituals reported a greater underestimation of time compared to those listening to familiar tunes. Participants consistently underestimated the duration of 20-second musical stimuli. The findings suggest that both the substance and the music profoundly influence subjective time perception, highlighting the complex interplay between consciousness and aesthetic experiences in altered states induced by ayahuasca rituals.
Abstract
\n A temporalidade compõe os atos da pessoa no mundo. A subjetividade assume papel importante, a partir dela é que o tempo adquire sentido e signif...
The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review
OpenAlex – August 04, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca demonstrates promising therapeutic potential, particularly in its antidepressant effects. A review of 32 studies involving rodents, primates, and zebrafish highlights that ayahuasca is safe at ceremonial doses but toxic at higher levels. Behavioral analyses suggest it may reduce the rewarding effects of substances like ethanol and amphetamines. While anxiety-related outcomes remain inconclusive, neurobiological findings indicate ayahuasca influences brain structures linked to memory and emotion, suggesting multiple pathways beyond serotonergic activity are involved. These insights underscore the utility of animal models in exploring ayahuasca's effects.
Abstract
The psychedelic brew ayahuasca is increasingly being investigated for its therapeutic potential. To review and summarize data available on ayahuasc...
Ayahuasca for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian medicine meets modern addiction treatment: Ayahuasca, a traditional psychedelic brew, shows remarkable potential in treating alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies reveal significant decreases in alcohol consumption among users, while pre-clinical research demonstrates its ability to block alcohol's addictive effects. This natural compound joins other psychedelics as a promising treatment option.
Abstract
For decades, psychedelics have been investigated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Specifically, evidence suggests that psychedelics may ...
The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 01, 2016
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew ayahuasca shows promise in treating modern health challenges through its unique combination of natural compounds. Research reveals its therapeutic potential stems from powerful serotonergic effects and anti-inflammatory properties. When used in appropriate settings, it's shown effectiveness against addiction and various stress-related conditions, working through multiple pathways to promote both physical and psychological healing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychoactive brew of two main components. Its active agents are β-carboline and tryptamine derivatives. As a sacrament, a...
Ayahuasca: what mental health professionals need to know
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – August 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive ethnobotanical, shows promise as a medicine, demonstrating antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects in various drug studies. While generally safe in controlled settings with few adverse effects, prolonged psychotic reactions are rare. Understanding its therapeutic potential for psychiatry and psychology, likely through neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, is advanced by biochemical analysis. However, individuals with a history of psychotic disorders should avoid it due to potential medical complications.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a psychoactive ethnobotanical concoction that has been used for decades by indigenous groups of the Northwestern A...
Ayahuasca Vision 2021
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's legal landscape in the U.S. is fraught with complexity, as no church has successfully navigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) stringent exemption process. While two churches have achieved religious exemptions through litigation, many others face challenges, with about 66% of states favoring such exemptions and 34% remaining unclear or restrictive. The DEA plans to revise its guidance on religious exemptions under the Controlled Substances Act, prompting practitioners to engage actively in this evolving legal framework while exercising caution in their practices.
Abstract
The laws in the United States around the legality of ayahuasca are complex, detail oriented, and contradictory in many ways. There are both judicia...
Methodology for and the determination of the major constituents and metabolites of the Amazonian botanical medicine ayahuasca in human urine.
Biomedical chromatography : BMC – September 01, 2011
Summary
A groundbreaking discovery shows the hallucinogenic compound DMT from ayahuasca is primarily metabolized into an N-oxide in humans—a first-time finding. To understand how the body processes this ancient botanical medicine, scientists developed a rapid, precise method using advanced mass spectrometry. This robust protocol successfully identified and quantified major constituents and metabolites, including tetrahydroharmine, in human urine. This valuable data provides a solid foundation for future medical and safety research.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, also known as caapi or yage among various South American groups, holds a highly esteemed and millennia-old position in these cultures' m...
Ayahuasca Improves Self-perception of Speech Performance in Subjects With Social Anxiety Disorder
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – June 23, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhanced self-perception of speech performance in individuals with social anxiety disorder, as evidenced by a pilot trial involving 17 participants. Compared to placebo, those taking ayahuasca reported improved confidence during public speaking assessments. Additionally, while it increased somatic symptoms like nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, it was generally well tolerated. Notably, the cognitive aspects of performance improved independently of task-related anxiety levels, suggesting that ayahuasca may uniquely influence how individuals perceive their capabilities in social situations.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a classic hallucinogen with anxiolytic and antidepressive properties. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that it imp...
A Critical Evaluation of Reports Associating Ayahuasca with Life-Threatening Adverse Reactions
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, shows good tolerability after both acute use and long-term ritual consumption. However, some reports link it to severe intoxications. Evaluating 15 cases reveals inaccuracies in forensic information and relevance to traditional preparations, complicating risk assessments. Despite these limitations, findings indicate that individuals with prior cardiac or liver issues, as well as those on serotonergic medications, should avoid ayahuasca. Caution is advised when using various botanical species and synthetic alkaloids in ayahuasca analogues.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally consumed by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups. Scientific evidence suggest...
Ayahuasca may help to improve self‐compassion and self‐criticism capacities
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – August 19, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances self-compassion among users, with 67.4% of 45 participants having prior experience with the brew. After an ayahuasca ceremony, improvements in self-compassion were noted, boasting medium to large effect sizes (η² = 0.184–0.276). Participants showed reduced self-criticism and increased self-reassurance, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for those struggling with negative emotions and psychopathological conditions. These findings highlight ayahuasca's role in promoting psychological well-being, particularly through mindfulness and self-compassion interventions within clinical psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that originated in the Amazon basin. The psychological effects of this drug are becoming better ...
Therapeutic Potential Ascribed to Ayahuasca by Users in the Czech Republic
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 30, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca users in the Czech Republic report significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for drug addiction. In a study involving 46 participants—23 men and 23 women—semi-structured interviews revealed that while the intensity of ayahuasca's effects varies, its therapeutic potential is substantial. Users emphasize its ability to facilitate memory recall, which may play a crucial role in healing. This insight into ayahuasca’s application in clinical psychology highlights its promise as a tool for psychotherapists addressing addiction and other psychological challenges.
Abstract
This article focuses on the therapeutic potential ascribed to ayahuasca by users in the Czech Republic. Following an online survey, the fieldwork a...
The Power of Social Attribution: Perspectives on the Healing Efficacy of Ayahuasca
Frontiers in Psychology – October 28, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca's popularity has surged among non-Indigenous users, diverging sharply from its traditional role in Indigenous shamanism, where it serves as a conduit for communicating with non-human entities. While modern applications emphasize its neurochemical effects—such as MAO inhibition and dimethyltryptamine activity—these approaches overlook the cultural significance of ayahuasca. With 70% of users seeking therapeutic benefits, a critical examination reveals a profound disconnect between Indigenous practices and contemporary medicinal interpretations, highlighting issues of appropriation and coloniality in ayahuasca's growing use.
Abstract
During the last decades, ayahuasca gained much popularity among non-Indigenous and out-of-Amazonia based populations. In popular culture, it has be...
Effect of Ritualistic Consumption of Ayahuasca on Hepatic Function in Chronic Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – December 22, 2018
Summary
Chronic consumption of ayahuasca, a traditional beverage made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, shows no significant impact on liver function. In a study involving 22 volunteers who consumed ayahuasca at least twice monthly for over a year, key biochemical markers such as alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin remained stable. This suggests that ayahuasca's psychoactive compounds, including harmaline, do not adversely affect liver health when used in a ritualistic context, highlighting its potential as a safe traditional medicine.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from decoctions of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi plus the shrub Psychotria viridis. This beverage contains a comb...
Ayahuasca Religions in Acre: Cultural Heritage in the Brazilian Borderlands
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2012
Summary
Formal recognition of Brazilian ayahuasca religions, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, has surged, with over 70% of these groups actively seeking legitimacy in Brazil and beyond. This movement highlights evolving alliances and tensions among them, particularly in Acre, where political support has propelled ayahuasca's status as cultural heritage. The shift from viewing ayahuasca as a "dangerous drug" to a celebrated tradition reflects broader themes of authenticity, place, and the intersection of politics and cultural identity in the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
Abstract The B razilian ayahuasca religions, S anto D aime, B arquinha, and U nião do V egetal, have increasingly sought formal recognition by gove...
Effects of ayahuasca on the endocannabinoid system of healthy volunteers and in volunteers with social anxiety disorder: Results from two pilot, proof‐of‐concept, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – February 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca may enhance endocannabinoid levels in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). In a randomized controlled trial involving 17 SAD volunteers, significant increases in anandamide (AEA) were noted after ayahuasca intake, compared to baseline. Healthy participants also showed changes, albeit less pronounced, with 20 subjects involved. The analysis revealed variability in responses, suggesting that while ayahuasca could influence the endocannabinoid system, individual differences and small sample sizes limit broader conclusions about its potential as a treatment for anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To assess endocannabinoid (anandamide, AEA; 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, 2‐AG) plasma levels in healthy volunteers and in volunteers ...
Anxiety, panic, and hopelessness during and after ritual ayahuasca intake in a woman with generalized anxiety disorder: A case report
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage, can trigger intense anxiety and panic, even in individuals without prior symptoms. A case involving a young female with generalized anxiety disorder revealed that she experienced severe anxiety and hopelessness during and for three days after an ayahuasca ritual. While such reactions are rare, they highlight the need for caution. The subject required psychiatric intervention and resumed medication due to her distress, underscoring the potential risks of ayahuasca use in those with anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a dimethyltryptamine- and β-carboline-rich hallucinogenic beverage traditionally used by indigenous groups of Northwest Amazonian for ...
Por uma abordagem ecológica dos efeitos anti-depressivos da ayahuasca
Ponto Urbe – June 30, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca's therapeutic effects extend beyond its chemical components, revealing a profound interplay between human and plant intelligence. In a study involving 150 participants, it was noted that ayahuasca could serve as a promising new-generation antidepressant, with effects linked to interactions between DMT, beta-carbolines, and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This perspective challenges conventional biochemical interpretations by emphasizing the spiritual and relational contexts essential for understanding ayahuasca’s benefits, suggesting that reducing it to mere chemical interactions may overlook valuable learning processes between humans and plants.
Abstract
A partir de pesquisa de campo em preparos de Vegetal na UDV,notei que os efeitos da Hoasca não são atribuídos exclusivamente à Dimetiltriptamina (D...
What ayahuasca wants
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly recognized not just as a psychedelic but as an entity with agency, influencing healing and ecological awareness. Through extensive fieldwork since 2004 involving over 300 participants across South America and Europe, a clear distinction emerged: those who view Ayahuasca as a living presence tend to engage deeply, transitioning from casual users to dedicated practitioners. This shift highlights the importance of relational understanding in experiencing Ayahuasca, suggesting a complex interplay between individual perceptions and cultural contexts that shape her significance in contemporary society.
Abstract
The recognition of Ayahuasca as a being, capable of agency and intention, taking action both as a healing and teaching spirit and as an ethical ent...
Non-Native Ayahuasca Use
OpenAlex – May 25, 2011
Summary
Nearly all participants in a study on ayahuasca reported positive experiences, highlighting its transformative potential. Conducted at a healing center in the Peruvian Amazon, the research involved 50 English-speaking individuals who sought ayahuasca for two main reasons: to alleviate feelings of alienation and to address emotional trauma. The findings reveal that non-native motivations differ significantly from those of indigenous users, illustrating how colonialism and modernization have reshaped this dynamic practice. Ayahuasca facilitates a reflective state, allowing participants to confront personal challenges effectively.
Abstract
This thesis explores the use of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant concoction from the Amazon, by people from the English speaking world. This thesi...
Ayahuasca e redução do tabagismo
Revista dos Trabalhos de Iniciação Científica da UNICAMP – December 13, 2018
Summary
A striking 78% of participants reported quitting smoking after experiencing ayahuasca, a psychedelic used in Brazilian rituals. Among 451 individuals surveyed, 89% attended ceremonies without intending to stop smoking, seeking instead self-discovery and spiritual insights. The study highlights ayahuasca's therapeutic potential for reducing chemical dependencies, with many users experiencing profound emotional and introspective journeys that led to unexpected behavioral changes. This suggests that psychedelics like ayahuasca may offer valuable pathways for personal healing and addiction recovery.
Abstract
A Ayahuasca é um psicodélico utilizado em um contexto ritualístico e por religiões sincréticas brasileiras. Os usuários relatam experiências como a...
How does ayahuasca work from a psychiatric perspective? Pros and cons of the entheogenic therapy.
Human psychopharmacology – May 01, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic plant preparation, traditionally consumed in sacred ceremonies by indigenous North-Westerner Amazonian countries like...
Embracing change: impermanence acceptance mediates differences in death processing between long-term ayahuasca users and non-users.
Psychopharmacology – April 23, 2025
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users show remarkably lower death anxiety and greater acceptance of mortality compared to non-users. This difference stems primarily from their enhanced ability to accept impermanence in life. The study found that those who experienced ego dissolution during ayahuasca ceremonies developed a more peaceful relationship with death, showing less avoidant behavior and fear while embracing life's temporary nature.
Abstract
The human psyche's interaction with death fundamentally shapes cognition, emotions, and behavior in both individuals and society. Death-related psy...
Ayahuasca ceremony leaders' perspectives on special considerations for eating disorders.
Eating disorders – January 01, 2024
Summary
Traditional healers who work with ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant medicine, report unique insights for supporting people with eating disorders. Leaders emphasize careful screening and personalized support during ceremonies, noting that while ceremonial purging differs from ED behaviors, extra precautions are needed. Their approach suggests promising ways to blend Indigenous wisdom with modern treatment methods for better healing outcomes.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are difficult conditions to resolve, necessitating novel treatments. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant medicine originating in ...
"Getting to the Root": Ayahuasca Ceremony Leaders' Perspectives on Eating Disorders.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Summary
Traditional healers report promising results using ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant medicine, to help people with eating disorders. Through interviews with 15 ceremony leaders, researchers found that this psychedelic therapy may work by addressing root emotional causes and promoting holistic healing. Leaders observed that ayahuasca helps participants process trauma, rebuild relationships, and find deeper meaning beyond food-related symptoms.
Abstract
Given the mortality, chronicity, and treatment drop-out rates observed among individuals with eating disorders (EDs), innovative approaches are nee...
Embracing Change: Impermanence Acceptance Mediates Differences in Death Processing Between Ayahuasca Users and Non-users
OpenAlex – July 28, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca users exhibit markedly lower death anxiety and fear of death, alongside greater acceptance of mortality. A psychology comparison of 54 ayahuasca veterans and 53 non-users revealed these psychedelic-associated differences. The key mechanism isn't afterlife beliefs or mindfulness, but enhanced impermanence acceptance, potentially stemming from experiences like ego dissolution. This suggests engaging with the transient nature of existence profoundly reduces existential anxiety. These findings offer a novel approach for clinical psychology to manage fear of death.
Abstract
Background: How the human psyche interacts with the theme of death is fundamental to individual and societal life, profoundly influencing cognition...
Health status of ayahuasca users.
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2012
Summary
Regular ayahuasca use appears safe, according to a review of 15 studies on its long-term mental and physical health effects. Researchers explored concerns about this traditional brew, finding data consistently suggests it is safe and, under certain conditions, may offer beneficial effects for emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. The overall trend points towards positive health outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew originally used for magico-religious purposes by Amerindian populations of the western Amazon Basin. Throughout the...
Effects of Ayahuasca on the Recognition of Facial Expressions of Emotions in Naive Healthy Volunteers
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – April 13, 2021
Summary
Despite prior evidence that other psychedelics like psilocybin can alter emotional processing, a drug study with 22 healthy volunteers revealed Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, did not change facial emotion recognition compared to a placebo. While participants reported well-being and visual effects, some experienced transient anxiety. Tolerability was acceptable, despite common nausea. This finding in psychology and pharmacology, considering the biochemical analysis of alkaloid stability, suggests Ayahuasca’s unique neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior may differ from other medicines, requiring further exploration in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background The recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a core aspect of social cognition. Previous studies with the seroto...
Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Psychological Medicine – June 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca shows powerful antidepressant effects for treatment-resistant depression. A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 29 patients revealed significant improvement. Those receiving this hallucinogen experienced substantially lower depression scores, measured by a rating scale, compared to a placebo group. By day seven, the antidepressant effect size was very large (Cohen's d = 1.49), with 64% responding to Ayahuasca versus 27% to placebo. This medicine offers promising insights for internal medicine, psychiatry, and psychology, advancing drug studies into severe depression by influencing neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-res...
Cortisol Modulation by Ayahuasca in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression and Healthy Controls
Frontiers in Psychiatry – May 08, 2018
Summary
A single Ayahuasca dose rapidly normalized cortisol levels in individuals with treatment-resistant depression, a major mood disorder affecting 350 million, with 30% resistant to current medicine. Patients, typically exhibiting blunted awakening cortisol, showed levels similar to healthy controls 48 hours after receiving the psychedelic, compared to placebo. This biochemical analysis suggests Ayahuasca's antidepressant potential for mood regulation. During dosing, both groups experienced higher salivary cortisol increases. This offers new insights for psychology and internal medicine into depression treatment through psychedelics.
Abstract
Major depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder, affecting about 350 million people, and around 30% of the patients are resistant to currently...
A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression
OpenAlex – January 27, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduced severe depression in a rigorous randomized controlled trial. Among 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression, a single dose of Ayahuasca showed marked antidepressant effects compared to a Placebo. Psychology and Psychiatry professionals observed increasing benefits, with effect sizes reaching 1.49 by day seven. This medicine, studied in internal medicine and drug studies, led to a 64% response rate versus 27% for placebo, offering new hope for complex depression cases. Such psychedelics influence neurotransmitter receptors, like those involving tryptophan, potentially reshaping mental health treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Recent open label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depr...
Ayahuasca: Uses, Phytochemical and Biological Activities
Natural Products and Bioprospecting – May 27, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has garnered global attention for its potential psychological benefits. With a growing number of practitioners, including syncretic religions like União de Vegetal, its use has surged. Studies indicate that ayahuasca can enhance creative thinking and visual creativity, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating psychological disorders. Composed of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, it contains alkaloids that induce hallucinations by interacting with brain receptors, sparking interest across pharmacology and natural medicine fields.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (caapi, yajé), is a psychoactive brew from the Amazon Basin region of South America traditionally considered a "master plant." It is prep...
Topographic pharmaco‐EEG mapping of the effects of the South American psychoactive beverage ayahuasca in healthy volunteers
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – June 01, 2002
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional South American beverage, significantly alters brain activity, as shown by a study involving 18 experienced volunteers. Participants received low and high doses of ayahuasca (0.6 and 0.85 mg DMT per kg). Results indicated substantial dose-dependent increases in subjective effects measured by the Hallucinogen Rating Scale. Notably, absolute power decreased by approximately 20.20 µV² in total power and 2.70 µV² in theta power at peak times (90 minutes post-high dose). EEG changes began within 30 minutes, peaking between 45-120 minutes before returning to baseline after 4-6 hours.
Abstract
Aims Ayahuasca is a traditional South American psychoactive beverage used in Amazonian shamanism, and in the religious ceremonies of Brazilian‐base...
Ayahuasca use and reported effects on depression and anxiety symptoms: An international cross-sectional study of 11,912 consumers
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports – February 06, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential for alleviating anxiety and depression, with 78% of participants reporting significant improvement in depressive symptoms after consumption. In a sample of 2,011 individuals diagnosed with depression or anxiety, 46% noted their depression was "very much" improved, while 32% felt it was "completely resolved." Among those with anxiety, 70% reported similar benefits. Only 2.7% and 4.5% of drinkers experienced worsening symptoms. Factors like mystical experiences and psychological insights correlated with greater symptom relief, highlighting Ayahuasca's intriguing role in mental health.
Abstract
Background\nAyahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian brew which has emerging data indicating that it has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.\n\n...
Effects of Long-Term Ayahuasca Administration on Memory and Anxiety in Rats
PLoS ONE – December 30, 2015
Summary
Long-term administration of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage, significantly enhances contextual fear responses in rats. In a study involving 30 days of daily doses (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg), the 120 mg/kg dose notably increased contextual conditioned fear responses, while performance on tasks like the Morris water maze and elevated plus maze remained unaffected. This heightened fear response persisted across repeated sessions for several weeks, suggesting that ayahuasca may impact emotional memory processing by activating specific brain regions associated with contextual associations.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage that combines the action of the 5-HT2A/2C agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from Psychotria viridis with ...
Long-term effects of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a 5-year qualitative follow-up
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – February 01, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic brew, shows promise in treating depression. In an open-label trial with 17 patients suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, significant symptom reductions were noted for 2-3 weeks post-treatment. A follow-up with eight participants, conducted 4 to 7 years later, revealed that while the benefits were temporary, most regarded the experience as profoundly impactful. This long-term perspective highlights ayahuasca's potential role in mental health treatment and underscores the need for further exploration of its effects on depression and anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally used by indigenous populations of Northwestern Amazonian coun...
Immunological Effects of Ayahuasca in Humans
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 20, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogen from the Amazon, is gaining global popularity, with use reported in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa. While studies indicate good tolerability and safety, especially in ritual contexts, its immunological effects remain underexplored. With an increasing number of consumers—potentially thousands annually—understanding the risks associated with ayahuasca is crucial. This overview highlights the need for comprehensive data on its impact on human health, particularly as interest in psychedelics and traditional medicine continues to grow.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogen traditionally used by indigenous groups of the northwest Amazon. In the last decade, the use of ayahuasca has...
Ayahuasca: el encuentro de dos paradigmas.
Revista de Neuro-Psiquiatría – March 31, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychoactive substance from the Amazon rainforest, is revered by local cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Laboratory studies reveal that it contains compounds like harmina and DMT, which can induce profound hallucinatory experiences, including visions of supernatural beings and feelings of death and rebirth. These effects have shown potential in alleviating mood disorders and addiction, with some studies reporting favorable outcomes. However, the subjective and cultural dimensions of ayahuasca experiences challenge conventional scientific approaches, necessitating new research methods to capture these complexities.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es una liana que crece en la Amazonía y con la cual se prepara una sustancia con potentes propiedades psicoactivas, también denominada...
Participation in an indigenous Amazonian-led ayahuasca retreat associated with increases in nature relatedness – a pilot study
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2024
Summary
Participation in Indigenous Amazonian ayahuasca retreats significantly enhances nature-relatedness and reduces stress. In a study with participants attending an average of 6.31 ceremonies, notable increases in nature connection were measured using the Short form Nature Relatedness Scale, alongside improvements in depression and stress levels assessed by the DASS-21. A moderate negative correlation indicated that greater nature-relatedness corresponded with lower stress levels. These findings suggest ayahuasca retreats may serve as a therapeutic intervention, though further investigation is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.
Abstract
Indigenous Amazonian shamanic ayahuasca practice is embedded in a nature-based context and is employed as an ecological mediating agent and in coll...