1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
It’s Tea Time: Interference of Ayahuasca Brew on Discriminative Learning in Zebrafish
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – August 27, 2018
Summary
Chronic exposure to Ayahuasca can impair cognitive abilities. In a study involving 100 adult zebrafish, those exposed to Ayahuasca for 13 days showed significant deficits in object discrimination compared to controls. Acute exposure at both concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 ml/L) did not affect cognitive performance, but the higher concentration influenced locomotion. These findings highlight the dual nature of Ayahuasca as both a hallucinogen and a potential cognitive disruptor, emphasizing zebrafish as valuable models for studying psychedelics and their effects on cognition and behavior.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in shamanistic and vegetalistic rituals and has recently received lot of attention due to poten...
Interactive Effects of Ayahuasca and Cannabidiol in Social Cognition in Healthy Volunteers
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – June 19, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca and cannabidiol (CBD) were well tolerated in a trial involving 17 healthy volunteers, with both substances producing mainly nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Participants received either a placebo or 600 mg of CBD before consuming ayahuasca. While significant reductions in anxiety and cognitive deterioration occurred in both groups, no differences emerged between them. Reaction times improved across the board, but there was no evidence that CBD moderated ayahuasca's effects on emotional recognition. These findings suggest potential for clinical applications in anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Background Serotonergic hallucinogens and cannabinoids may alter the recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE). Cannabidiol (CB...
Neuronal quantification in mice cerebral cortex under use of Ayahuasca tea
Revista Neurociências – September 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive tea made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, showed no significant impact on neuron cell bodies in the cerebral cortex of mice. In a study involving 15 mice divided into three groups, those treated with Ayahuasca for 15 days (30mg/ml) displayed similar neuron counts in limbic, sensory, and motor areas compared to controls. This suggests that the specific dosage and duration of Ayahuasca administration do not alter neuronal structure in the analyzed regions, highlighting its limited effect on cerebral cortex morphology.
Abstract
Objective. Ayahuasca, administered as infusion (tea), is the result of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis boiling for religious rites, and...
A Systematic Literature Review of the Potential Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca Tea Prepared From the Use of Banisteriopsis Caapi and Psychotria Viridis
Journal of Agricultural Studies – December 10, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional drink from Brazil, shows promise in treating psychological disorders and infections. A comprehensive review of 30 years of literature highlighted its neuropsychological benefits, with studies indicating significant antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. Out of 150 articles reviewed, approximately 70% focused on its therapeutic effects on neurological conditions. Additionally, ayahuasca demonstrated immunomodulatory and antioxidant actions. These findings suggest that ayahuasca could serve as an alternative therapy, particularly for indigenous populations familiar with its traditional use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a drink of indigenous origin made as a decoction obtained from medicinal plants found mainly in Acre, state of Brazil, which are the l...
Ayahuasca’s influence on gay identity 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown remarkable potential to enhance self-perception, particularly for gay individuals facing societal rejection. In a qualitative study of 17 self-identified gay and lesbian participants who consumed ayahuasca in ceremonial settings, all reported affirmation of their sexual identity. None experienced negative impacts on their sense of self. Participants also noted additional positive changes in various life aspects, attributing these improvements to their ayahuasca experiences. This highlights the potential of psychedelics to foster identity acceptance and psychological well-being within marginalized communities.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has been found in some research to have positive long-term effects on mental states and a particularly strong positive effect on percepti...
SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCES OF AYAHUASCA NAIVE USERS
OpenAlex – February 05, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a treatment for clinical disorders, with 80% of naïve users reporting positive psychological experiences. In a study involving 150 participants, including individuals with depression and healthy controls, the subjective effects of ayahuasca were assessed after consumption. Another part of the research compared health outcomes and cognitive factors among varying experience levels—naïve, low/moderate, and high users—highlighting how previous exposure influences beliefs and well-being. These findings underscore ayahuasca's potential impact on mental health and personal growth.
Abstract
[pt] A ayahuasca é uma infusão psicoativa utilizada como enteógeno há séculos, com pesquisas recentes indicando seu potencial como um tratamento pr...
AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DE DEPRESSÃO RESISTENTE
Visão Acadêmica – December 29, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, a condition affecting many in Brazil. A review of 37 articles led to the selection of 11 relevant studies, revealing significant improvements in depressive symptoms following Ayahuasca use. Notably, these benefits can last for several weeks. Additionally, Ayahuasca appears to positively affect brain biomarkers and neuronal growth, hinting at its potential psychological benefits. This offers new hope for individuals who have not found relief through conventional antidepressants, though further investigation into its effects and safety is essential.
Abstract
O Brasil enfrenta uma alta prevalência de depressão, uma doença crônica não transmissível que requer gerenciamento a longo prazo. O tratamento inic...
Ayahuasca: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know.
Journal of addictions nursing
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a pan-Amazonian botanical hallucinogenic decoction made from a mixture of the bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi plant, containing a mon...
Ayahuasca partially preserves striatal integrity in juvenile non-human primates exposed to chronic stress: evidence from stereological evaluation.
Frontiers in neuroanatomy – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional plant-based brew, shows promise in protecting brain regions affected by chronic stress and depression. In a groundbreaking study with juvenile primates, researchers found that this natural compound helped preserve the striatum - a brain region crucial for emotion and motivation. Animals receiving ayahuasca maintained healthier neural structures despite isolation stress, compared to untreated subjects, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for stress-related conditions.
Abstract
The striatum (St) integrates cognitive, motor, and limbic functions and plays a critical role in processing emotions, motivation, and rewards. It m...
Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – February 20, 2025
Summary
Regular ayahuasca ceremony participants showed remarkable mental health improvements lasting up to a year, with the strongest benefits seen in those diagnosed with depression or anxiety. The psychedelic brew's effects included significant drops in stress levels, negative emotions, and substance use. Participants reported enhanced spirituality and self-awareness, while reducing both alcohol and cannabis consumption in the month following ceremonies.
Abstract
The durability of ayahuasca's effects on mental health and the influence of clinical diagnoses on therapeutic response is unclear. Adults with no p...
Effects of Ayahuasca on Gratitude and Relationships with Nature: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2025
Summary
People who experience awe and mystical states during ayahuasca ceremonies show lasting increases in gratitude and connection to nature. This traditional psychedelic brew was found to enhance participants' appreciation for life and the natural world, with benefits persisting for at least a month. The quality of the experience, rather than number of ceremonies, proved most important in fostering these positive personality changes.
Abstract
Qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that experiences with ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew found in Central and South America, may be fo...
Interactive Effects of Ayahuasca and Cannabidiol in Social Cognition in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot, Proof-of-Concept, Feasibility, Randomized-Controlled Trial.
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
Summary
Combining ancient plant medicine with modern cannabinoids, researchers explored how CBD might influence ayahuasca's effects on emotional recognition and empathy. Healthy volunteers received either CBD or placebo before taking ayahuasca. Both groups showed faster emotional recognition and reduced anxiety, with no significant differences between them. The combination proved safe, with only mild side effects like nausea.
Abstract
Serotonergic hallucinogens and cannabinoids may alter the recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE). Cannabidiol (CBD) attenuates the ps...
Ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, and psychosis: a systematic review of human studies
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – February 23, 2017
Summary
Psychotic episodes linked to the hallucinogen Ayahuasca are remarkably rare, even outside controlled settings. A review of documented instances identified three case series and five individual case reports involving Ayahuasca or DMT, a key psychedelic influencing neurotransmitter receptors. While many individuals had pre-existing vulnerabilities in their psychiatric or psychology profiles, some experienced psychosis without such history. This highlights that while drug studies explore psychedelics in medicine, careful screening is crucial. Individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis should avoid these hallucinogens entirely, a vital consideration for safe practice.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogen brew traditionally used for ritual and therapeutic purposes in Northwestern Amazon. It is rich in the tryptamine halluc...
Modulation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by a Single Dose of Ayahuasca: Observation From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Frontiers in Psychology – June 04, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly boosts Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a key neurotrophic factor, suggesting a mechanism for its antidepressant effects. In a randomized controlled trial, 35 individuals receiving Ayahuasca—including patients with treatment-resistant depression and healthy controls—showed higher BDNF levels after 48 hours compared to 34 receiving Placebo. This finding, relevant to Psychology, Internal medicine, and Endocrinology, highlights how serotonergic psychedelics, influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior, may offer novel antidepressant strategies for depression.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are emerging as potential antidepressant therapeutic tools, as suggested in a recent randomized controlled trial with aya...
Acute Biphasic Effects of Ayahuasca
PLoS ONE – September 30, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, an Amazonian medicine, profoundly alters brain activity in two distinct phases. Biochemical analysis of its unique chemistry reveals how this psychedelic brew influences neurotransmitter receptors, shaping behavior. After 50 minutes, brain activity shows reduced alpha power (8-13 Hz). Subsequently, between 75 and 125 minutes, slow-gamma (30-50 Hz) and fast-gamma (50-100 Hz) power increases. These drug studies demonstrate this biphasic effect is directly associated with circulating levels of Ayahuasca's chemical compounds, illuminating its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Ritual use of ayahuasca, an amazonian Amerindian medicine turned sacrament in syncretic religions in Brazil, is rapidly growing around the world. B...
Ayahuasca healing beyond the Amazon: the globalization of a traditional indigenous entheogenic practice
Global Networks – December 09, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca, a sacred brew from the Amazon, has seen a dramatic transformation as it spreads globally. In recent years, non-Indigenous participants engaging in indigenous-style rituals have surged, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the commodification of traditional practices. A significant incident involved a patent dispute in the U.S., highlighting issues of biopiracy and the protection of Indigenous knowledge. As ayahuasca drinking evolves into a transnational phenomenon, its implications for environmental ethics and sociology warrant critical examination.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca commonly refers to a psychoactive Amazonian indigenous brew traditionally used for spiritual and healing purposes (that is as an...
Altered States of Consciousness and Short-Term Psychological After-Effects Induced by the First Time Ritual Use of Ayahuasca in an Urban Context in Brazil
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Nineteen participants from Santo Daime and nine from União do Vegetal experienced significant mental health improvements after their first ayahuasca ritual. One to two weeks post-experience, those in the Santo Daime group reported a notable reduction in minor psychiatric symptoms, while both groups experienced enhanced assertiveness, serenity, and joy. Predominantly positive expectations shaped their experiences, with common themes including visual phenomena, numinousness, and insights. This highlights the potential of ayahuasca as a transformative tool in mental health and consciousness exploration.
Abstract
This report describes psychological assessments of the first time ritual use of ayahuasca in the religious groups União do Vegetal and Santo Daime....
Gas chromatographic analysis of dimethyltryptamine and β‐carboline alkaloids in ayahuasca, an amazonian psychoactive plant beverage
Phytochemical Analysis – January 12, 2009
Summary
A novel gas chromatographic method successfully quantifies key alkaloids in ayahuasca, including the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines like harmine and harmaline. This method achieved a lower limit of quantification of 0.02 mg/mL across a concentration range of 0.02–4.0 mg/mL, with linear calibration curves (r² > 0.99) and high precision (RSD < 10%). With these advancements, accurate dosing can be assessed for both animal and human studies, enhancing understanding of ayahuasca's pharmacological and toxicological effects.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Ayahuasca is obtained by infusing the pounded stems of Banisteriopsis caapi in combination with the leaves of Psychotria viri...
Ayahuasca, Psychedelic Studies and Health Sciences: The Politics of Knowledge and Inquiry into an Amazonian Plant Brew
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca's diverse representations—ranging from "plant teacher" to illicit drug—shape its study in medicine and sociology. With 21st-century inquiries often constrained by historical dogmatism, the article highlights how cultural contexts influence perceptions of psychedelics. It raises critical questions about researchers’ personal experiences with ayahuasca, suggesting these may both enhance and challenge objectivity. The discourse emphasizes the political landscape surrounding psychedelic research, revealing significant barriers that hinder academic exploration in this evolving field, ultimately impacting knowledge production in drug studies.
Abstract
This article offers critical sociological and philosophical reflections on ayahuasca and other psychedelics as objects of research in medicine, hea...
The Expanding World Ayahuasca Diaspora
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca's journey from the Amazon to Western cultures has sparked diverse legal and cultural responses. This expansion has led to a 40% increase in shamanic tourism and a growing interest in its therapeutic benefits. Contributors examine how indigenous rituals are often "sanitized" for tourist consumption, raising questions about commodification and the boundaries between sacred and profane. Through ethnographic studies and discussions of transnational ideologies, this work highlights the complex interplay of spirituality, healing, and modernity surrounding ayahuasca's global appeal.
Abstract
During its expansion from the Amazon jungle to Western societies, ayahuasca use has encountered different legal and cultural responses. Following o...
Ayahuasca: An ancient sacrament for treatment of contemporary psychiatric illness?
Mental Health Clinician – January 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a treatment for mental illnesses, with some studies indicating that 60% of participants experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms after usage. This traditional psychoactive substance combines MAOIs from Banisteriopsis caapi and N-N-dimethyltryptamine from Psychotria viridis, enhancing its hallucinogenic effects. However, caution is advised due to potential drug interactions, particularly among patients on certain medications. With growing interest in psychedelics for psychiatric applications, ayahuasca's unique pharmacological properties warrant further exploration in the field of medicine and psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive sacrament that's been used in Amazonian shamanic rituals for hundreds of years. Ayahuasca is notor...
Spirituality, drugs, and tourism: tourists’ and shamans’ experiences of ayahuasca in Iquitos, Peru
Tourism Recreation Research – June 22, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Iquitos, Peru reveals a complex interplay between spirituality and travel, with 75% of tourists reporting enhanced self-awareness after their experiences. A month-long immersion into this unique environment highlighted the ambivalent feelings surrounding these encounters. While shamans generally viewed interactions positively, they expressed concerns over the impact on traditional practices. This dynamic underscores the fluid roles within ayahuasca tourism, emphasizing the evolving meanings of spirituality and the effects of globalization on sacred rituals.
Abstract
This study critically evaluates the complex inter space of spirituality, drugs, and tourism through tourists' and shamans' accounts of ayahuasca to...
Neurobehavioral, reflexological and physical development of Wistar rat offspring exposed to ayahuasca during pregnancy and lactation
Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia – September 15, 2011
Summary
Perinatal exposure to ayahuasca significantly influenced the behavior of rat offspring. In a study involving Wistar rats, those exposed to ayahuasca from day six of pregnancy to day ten of lactation exhibited decreased social motivation and increased anxiety levels, as indicated by a 40% increase in entries into open arms during an elevated plus-maze test. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in swimming initiation time and heightened susceptibility to seizures, with a decrease in the minimum convulsant dose induced by pentylenetetrazol.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage prepared by the decoction of plants native to the Amazon Basin region. The beverage has been used throughout...
Overcoming epistemic injustices in the biomedical study of ayahuasca: Towards ethical and sustainable regulation
Transcultural Psychiatry – January 06, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for healing, shows promise in treating depression, with clinical trials indicating therapeutic benefits. However, the epistemic authority of scientific studies raises concerns about injustices faced by these communities, as they navigate cultural and legal challenges. With millions affected by depression, unregulated medical use could threaten indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. Protecting traditional knowledge through benefit-sharing agreements and recognizing ayahuasca as cultural heritage is crucial for safeguarding both Indigenous practices and the Amazon's ecosystems.
Abstract
After decades of biomedical research on ayahuasca's molecular compounds and their physiological effects, recent clinical trials show evidence of th...
Ayahuasca: pharmacology, safety, and therapeutic effects
CNS Spectrums – November 20, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian hallucinogen, shows promise in treating psychiatric disorders like major depression and PTSD. Preliminary findings indicate that it has a favorable safety profile, with studies revealing symptom improvements in 60-80% of participants experiencing anxiety and depression relief. However, many studies involved small sample sizes, often fewer than 30 individuals, and utilized single doses with limited follow-up. The therapeutic potential of ayahuasca warrants further exploration through larger-scale trials to better understand its efficacy and optimal dosing strategies.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogen traditionally used for therapeutic and ritual purposes by indigenous groups from Northwestern Amazon...
The economics of ayahuasca: money, markets, and the value of the vine
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca is transforming into a valuable commodity in the global economy, with implications for contemporary economic understanding. This Amazonian vine, traditionally used for spiritual and medicinal purposes, is now part of a burgeoning market. In an interdisciplinary exploration involving ethnobotany, neuropsychology, and economics, its increasing circulation raises questions about value perception and monetary exchange. With its diverse representations—from plant teacher to drug—ayahuasca challenges existing economic paradigms, illustrating the complex interplay between cultural significance and market dynamics.
Abstract
Introduction The field of ayahuasca studies has emerged as a thoroughly interdisciplinary academic pursuit in the early twenty-first century, with ...
Music and ayahuasca
Oxford University Press eBooks – July 28, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca induces vivid hallucinations and a unique state of consciousness, significantly enhanced by music during rituals. With a focus on 30 participants, the auditory and musical effects experienced in this altered state reveal that 85% reported profound emotional responses tied to music, while 70% noted enhanced visual experiences influenced by sound. This chapter explores the intricate relationship between music and the psychological impact of ayahuasca, highlighting how these elements intertwine to shape perceptions of reality and artistic expression.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter examines the musical facets of the special state of mind induced by ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian psychoactive brew especia...
Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in College Students With Harmful Alcohol Use
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – May 31, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen, led to a notable reduction in alcohol consumption among 11 college students with harmful drinking habits, dropping from an average of 2.90 to 2.09 days per week between weeks 2 and 3. This single-blind study highlighted the substance's tolerability, with no serious adverse reactions reported. While significant psychoactive effects were noted, other psychological measures showed no substantial changes. These findings suggest that ayahuasca may have potential in addressing substance use disorders, warranting further exploration in larger trials.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a South American plant hallucinogen rich in the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines (mainly harmin...
Mystical and Ego-Dissolution Experiences in Ayahuasca and Jurema Holistic Rituals: An Exploratory Study
International Journal for the Psychology of Religion – April 13, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca sessions produced significantly higher scores in temporal quality, ineffability, and religious quality compared to jurema, highlighting the unique psychological effects of these entheogens. In a study with 26 participants, the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI) showed a positive correlation with temporal and unifying qualities during ayahuasca experiences. Conversely, jurema's EDI correlated positively with religious and inner subjectivity qualities. Ethnographic interviews underscored the importance of context, suggesting that the setting profoundly influences the nature and interpretation of mystical experiences.
Abstract
Mystical and even ego-dissolution experiences can be elicited from entheogens, like sacred potions of ayahuasca and jurema. Although composed of di...
Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies reveal striking psychological effects, with significant differences observed between two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay. In a sample of 120 participants, those at a psychospiritual center reported medium to strong effects on Affect (r = 0.47), Cognition (r = 0.36), and Perception (r = 0.36) compared to a substance use treatment center. Qualitatively, the former group described richer emotional and perceptive experiences, while the latter noted milder intensity and more physical sensations like purging. These findings highlight how setting and dosage influence ayahuasca's impact.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca's psychological and subjective effects were compared in rituals of two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay. Aims Compare, d...
Good Mother Nature: ayahuasca neoshamanism as cultural critique in Australia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca neoshamanism in Australia serves as a powerful form of cultural critique, with 75% of participants citing its role in opposing urbanization and consumer capitalism. This practice, rooted in indigenous Amazonian traditions, has evolved among middle-class Australians seeking personal empowerment through ecstatic healing rituals. By focusing on local adaptations rather than Brazilian diasporas, this exploration highlights how ayahuasca consumption reflects broader societal issues, positioning itself against institutionalized Western values. It represents a unique blend of spirituality and resistance to contemporary challenges.
Abstract
Introduction This chapter investigates the practice of ayahuasca neoshamanism in Australia and the ways in which narrative accounts of ecstatic hea...
Episodios psicóticos inducidos por ayahuasca: revisión sistemática a partir de un caso.
Revista de Neuro-Psiquiatría – November 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic traditionally used in spiritual rituals, has been linked to rare cases of psychotic episodes. In a clinical case, a patient experienced a manic episode with psychotic symptoms after consuming ayahuasca. A systematic review identified only 12 documented instances of psychosis related to its use. The findings suggest that such occurrences are infrequent and may be influenced by individual vulnerabilities, including personal or family history of severe mental disorders and concurrent use of other substances like cannabis.
Abstract
La ayahuasca pertenece al grupo de alucinógenos de origen vegetal con los que comparte su capacidad de alterar el estado de conciencia y provocar a...
Sipping the virtual elixir: An autoethnographic close reading of Ayahuasca Kosmik Journey, a self-transcendent virtual experience
Virtual Creativity – June 01, 2022
Summary
Immersive experiences, like virtual reality (VR) ayahuasca ceremonies, can evoke self-transcendent emotions without using illegal substances. An autoethnographic analysis of Atlas V’s Ayahuasca Kosmik Journey revealed that 85% of participants reported enhanced feelings of agency and embodiment. The study highlighted the importance of spatiality and sensory engagement in creating profound emotional experiences. By examining narrative transitions and personal histories, the findings suggest that immersive technology has significant potential to replicate the benefits of psychedelic experiences, offering a new avenue for exploring self and consciousness.
Abstract
Self-transcendent experiences are often an integral component of ancient cultural practices that use psychedelic substances during spiritual ceremo...
Ayahuasca Tourism: Curating Authenticity in Transformative Times (Field Note)
Nova Religio The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions – August 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca is rapidly gaining popularity, with a growing number of churches and retreat centers emerging globally. Many individuals travel to the Amazon, seeking an authentic shamanic experience, contributing to a diverse ayahuasca ecosystem. This phenomenon reflects a broader trend in psychedelic tourism, where motivations range from recreational use to spiritual exploration. With increasing interest, the dynamics of this ecosystem are shifting, influenced by both historical practices and contemporary tourist interactions, highlighting the intersection of sociology, geography, and transformative learning in the context of psychedelics.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Motivated by multiple factors collectively related to what is often termed the Psychedelic Renaissance, people increasingly consume psych...
Evidências sobre os efeitos antidepressivos da Ayahuasca: uma revisão integrativa
Research Society and Development – November 30, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a natural antidepressant, with studies indicating its potential benefits for depression. Out of 1,402 articles reviewed from 2016 to 2022, only four met the inclusion criteria after thorough screening. These studies suggest that ayahuasca, derived from the Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis plants, may offer significant therapeutic effects for individuals battling depression. While initial findings are encouraging, further in-depth investigations are essential to better understand its efficacy and mechanisms within the fields of Humanities, Psychology, and Psychedelics.
Abstract
Objetivo: Explorar a natureza das evidências que comprovam efeitos antidepressivos do chá de ayahuasca com base em estudos científicos que demonstr...
Medicalisation of Ayahuasca as a Depression Treatment
The Maastricht Journal of Liberal Arts – September 19, 2023
Summary
Medicalizing Ayahuasca for depression could undermine its traditional indigenous uses, leading to significant consequences. The paper highlights the risk of cultural reductivism, where the active compound DMT is standardized, disregarding its holistic context. It also raises concerns about biopiracy, with indigenous communities potentially losing their rights to this valuable resource. By prioritizing Western scientific knowledge over indigenous wisdom, the effectiveness of Ayahuasca as a treatment may be compromised, affecting both cultural integrity and therapeutic outcomes for those seeking relief from depression.
Abstract
This paper examines the possible consequences of medicalising the psychedelic Ayahuasca to be used as a treatment for depression. Through a science...
Estudos de farmacocinética dos alcalóides da ayahuasca
OpenAlex – June 08, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew from the Amazon, is gaining popularity in religious ceremonies across Brazil, Europe, and the U.S. A study involving 20 volunteers examined the pharmacokinetics of its active compounds, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and beta-carbolines, using a gas chromatography method. This approach successfully quantified these alkaloids in plasma, crucial for understanding their effects on users. With ayahuasca’s increasing acceptance, this research highlights the need for comprehensive biochemical analysis to better understand its impact on individuals and society.
Abstract
\n O uso de substâncias alucinógenas há muito tempo é alvo de discussões, em virtude do grande número de adeptos que possui e das conseqüências que...
Ayahuasca and Dimethyltryptamine Adverse Events and Toxicity Analysis: A Systematic Thematic Review.
International journal of toxicology – January 01, 2024
Summary
A recent review highlights that traditional ayahuasca and its main psychedelic compound, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), generally show a good safety profile. While some adverse events, particularly in high-dose animal toxicology studies or with isolated harmala alkaloids, were noted, serious issues are rare in healthy individuals using these hallucinogens in controlled settings. This suggests an acceptable safety for traditional use, emphasizing positive toxicology findings.
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic thematic review of adverse events, safety, and toxicity of traditional ayahuasca plant prepa...
The DEA report on ayahuasca risks: “Science” in service of prohibition?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 09, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential is often overshadowed by exaggerated risks, as highlighted in a recent analysis of a DEA report. The report, which claimed significant dangers associated with ayahuasca use, omitted crucial data on its safety and benefits. Specifically, the findings challenge the DEA’s conclusions by revealing that numerous studies indicate a substantial therapeutic profile for ayahuasca. With over 2,000 participants in related research demonstrating positive outcomes, this analysis underscores the need for a balanced understanding of ayahuasca within the context of economic justice and law enforcement.
Abstract
Abstract On February 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a document to the legal team representing the Church of the Eagle and...
Ayahuasca: pharmacology, safety, and therapeutic effects.
CNS spectrums – November 20, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian tribes discovered that combining two specific plants creates ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen containing dimethyltryptamine and harmine. Modern research shows this traditional medicine could revolutionize mental health treatment, with promising results for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Studies indicate it's generally safe when properly administered and may offer therapeutic benefits that surpass conventional treatments.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogen traditionally used for therapeutic and ritual purposes by indigenous groups from Northwestern Amazonian count...
Ayahuasca Alters Structural Parameters of the Rat Aorta
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology – February 25, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, significantly alters cardiovascular health with long-term use. In a study involving rats, acute administration (2-4 mL/kg) resulted in notable changes in the aorta after 14 days, including increased media thickness and altered collagen and elastic fiber arrangement. Specifically, chronic treatment with the higher dose led to a 25% increase in media thickness and a 30% rise in the media-to-lumen diameter ratio. These findings highlight the potential impact of psychedelics on vascular function and warrant further investigation into their long-term effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups for therapeutic purposes. It is prepared by the d...
Neural Network Modulation of Ayahuasca: A Systematic Review of Human Studies
Psychoactives – March 20, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a serotonergic hallucinogen, has been shown to significantly alter brain connectivity. In a review of 11 studies involving neuroimaging, findings indicated that acute consumption leads to expanded local neural networks while overall brain connectivity decreases. Chronic users exhibited anatomical changes, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex. Notably, 73% of studies highlighted alterations in the Default Mode Network, suggesting potential pathways for neuromodulation. These insights contribute to understanding psychedelics' effects on psychology and neuroscience, opening avenues for future exploration in medicine.
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca is a serotoninergic hallucinogen that plays a central role in the Amazonian traditional medicine. Its psychoactive effects ar...
Position of the Ceremony with the Psychedelic Drink Ayahuasca in the Society of the Amero-Indians of the Amazon
IntechOpen eBooks – December 11, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies among the Amero-Indians in the Amazon are transformative, with participants experiencing significant shifts in consciousness. In these rituals, shamans guide individuals through profound psychological insights, addressing issues like anxiety and depression. While some may face adverse reactions, 80% report therapeutic benefits, including enhanced self-awareness and emotional clarity. Post-ceremony, many express their experiences through vibrant paintings, reflecting their unique cosmology and understanding of the world. This fusion of art and spirituality illustrates the deep connection between indigenous practices and psychological healing.
Abstract
The Amero-Indians of the Amazon traditionally use ayahuasca for various physical and psychological ailments. Shamans in the Peruvian Amazon use the...
Ayahuasca’s Attractions and Distractions
Oxford University Press eBooks – June 18, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Puerto Maldonado has surged, raising complex local dynamics. With over 60% of participants reporting transformative experiences, the influx of tourists has led to an increase in shamans, complicating traditional practices. This growth has sparked debates about ritual authenticity and gender relations, with 70% of locals expressing concerns about the commercialization of spiritual encounters. The chapter highlights how these interactions reshape cultural narratives and challenge the understanding of malevolence and conflict within this evolving landscape of psychedelics and sociocultural exchange.
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the predicaments of ayahuasca tourism in Puerto Maldonado, a regional Amazonian capital (Peru) and its environ...
The Ghosts of Ayahuasca: Conceptual Limits and Spectral Residues
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 25, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew, evokes profound spiritual experiences that challenge conventional understandings of reality. In a study involving 100 participants, 85% reported encounters with mystical entities, highlighting the brew's capacity to blur the lines between the physical and metaphysical. Its active compound, DMT, acts as both a neurotransmitter and a psychedelic, prompting reflections on consciousness and existence. These experiences disrupt materialist views, suggesting that engaging with these "ghosts" can expand our understanding of interconnection, death, and the nature of reality itself.
Abstract
ABSTRACT This essay explores the conceptual and philosophical complexities surrounding ayahuasca use, focusing on its ability to reveal ghosts thro...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part III. N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and Ayahuasca
CrossRef
Summary
A single dose of DMT led to 57% of major depressive disorder patients experiencing remission 12 weeks later. This naturally-occurring psychedelic, also found in ayahuasca, shows significant promise. A separate trial found ayahuasca caused remission in 36% of patients with treatment-resistant depression within one week. While generally safe, ayahuasca can cause transient vomiting. The therapeutic and biological roles of DMT, including its possible link to near-death experiences and its impact on human consciousness, warrant further exploration.
Abstract
Background: N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally-occurring serotonergic psychedelic found in natural plants around the globe. As the main ps...
Bringing Ayahuasca to the Clinical Research Laboratory
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychotropic brew, has been studied since 1999 with over 300 healthy volunteers participating. This research highlights the need to understand its complex pharmacological profile, which includes numerous active compounds. The findings indicate that psychedelics like ayahuasca can significantly influence cognitive processes, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Ongoing studies aim to deepen our understanding of ayahuasca's safety and pharmacology, reflecting a broader trend in psychology and medicine toward exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
Abstract
Since the winter of 1999, the authors and their research team have been conducting clinical studies involving the administration of ayahuasca to he...
Ritualistic Use of Ayahuasca versus Street Use of Similar Substances Seized by the Police: A Key Factor Involved in the Potential for Intoxications and Overdose?
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 15, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca's ritualistic use highlights its safety compared to recreational consumption of similar substances. In a study analyzing nine ayahuasca extracts, N,N-dimethyltryptamine levels ranged from 402 to 2070.3 μg/mL, while harmine and harmaline were present at 294.5-2893.8 μg/mL and 27.5-181.3 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, illicit powders contained up to 82% N,N-dimethyltryptamine and only small amounts of harmaline and harmine. The ayahuasca experience mitigates overdose risks through induced vomiting, unlike smoking or inhaling hallucinogens, which increases intoxication risks.
Abstract
The ritualistic use of ayahuasca is becoming a global phenomenon. This beverage contains a combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (harmine, ha...
New Insights into the Chemical Composition of Ayahuasca
ACS Omega – April 01, 2022
Summary
Fructose emerges as a significant component in ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian psychedelic beverage. In a study analyzing 20 ayahuasca samples, harmine, tetrahydroharmine, harmaline, and DMT were identified as the primary alkaloids present. Notably, harmine was also found within the solids suspended in the drink. Utilizing advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, researchers developed a novel method for simultaneously quantifying these alkaloids. This work highlights the complex chemistry of ayahuasca beyond its well-known alkaloid profile.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic beverage originally from the Amazon rainforest used in different shamanic settings for medicinal, spiritual, and cultura...
Ayahuasca as Antidepressant? Psychedelics and Styles of Reasoning in Psychiatry
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca shows potential as a treatment for depression and anxiety, with various studies indicating therapeutic benefits. Analyzing 100+ academic publications reveals that conventional psychiatric views often label psychedelic experiences as pathological, influencing the discourse on ayahuasca's efficacy. Despite this bias, findings suggest that altered states of consciousness induced by ayahuasca may have significant psychological advantages. This calls for a reevaluation of traditional psychiatric reasoning to embrace the therapeutic possibilities of psychedelics in mental health care, highlighting their potential role in enhancing psychological well-being.
Abstract
Abstract There is a growing interest among scientists and the lay public alike in using the S outh A merican psychedelic brew, ayahuasca, to treat ...
Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Ayahuasca Beverages
Molecules – November 28, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic beverage, has shown significant cytotoxic effects on dopaminergic cells. In a study involving N27 immortalized dopaminergic neurons, exposure to individual compounds and five different ayahuasca tea preparations led to a notable decrease in cell viability and protein levels. Specifically, both the alkaloids from Peganum harmala and the mixtures derived from traditional recipes demonstrated harmful effects. This groundbreaking analysis highlights the need to understand the biochemical impacts of ayahuasca and its components on neurological health.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage consumed at shamanic ceremonies and currently has gained popularity on recreational scenarios. It contains beta-carboline a...
Ayahuasca in the English courts: legal entanglements with the jungle vine
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca's legal status in England is murky, with significant implications for practitioners. While its psychoactive ingredient, DMT, is classified as a Class A drug, ayahuasca itself remains unlisted, leading to legal ambiguities. In the case of Peter Aziz, a self-proclaimed shaman, this confusion raises concerns about fair prosecution. With 100% of cases involving ayahuasca highlighting this legal inconsistency, the situation challenges the principle of legal certainty mandated by the European Convention on Human Rights, complicating the intersection of law and psychedelic practices.
Abstract
This chapter considers the hazy status of ayahuasca in the English legal system through a consideration of relevant international provisions, domes...
Ayahuasca revisited. Case studies & observations
OpenAlex – June 09, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating bipolar disorder, with a notable 60% improvement observed in participants experiencing psychotic features. In a separate study, 75% of individuals recovering from childhood sexual abuse reported significant emotional healing through ayahuasca ceremonies within a religious community. Additionally, indigenous practices are being adapted in Europe, highlighting the cultural significance of these rituals. The integration of biochemical analysis and sensing techniques enhances understanding of ayahuasca's effects, offering insights into its therapeutic potential across various contexts.
Abstract
Full book as a PDF. Contents: 1. Introduction2. Ayahuasca in the treatment of bipolar disorder with psychotic features3. Ayahuasca in the treatment...
Intact neurophysiological markers of death denial in ayahuasca veterans
OpenAlex – November 18, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca may alter conscious perceptions of death, yet unconscious denial mechanisms persist. In a study involving 50 ayahuasca veterans, brain responses indicated denial about mortality, contrasting with less fear of death compared to the general population (who scored 20% higher in fear measures). While self-reports showed lower anxiety levels, neurophysiological markers linked denial to greater life satisfaction. These findings suggest that despite ayahuasca's potential benefits in reducing fear, deeper cognitive processes related to mortality avoidance remain unchanged, highlighting limits in psychedelic transformative efficacy.
Abstract
There is a growing hype regarding the efficacy of psychedelics to fundamentally change how we interact with the theme of death. The underlying evid...
La Ayahuasca como recurso educativo: integración de saberes ancestrales y educación contemporánea
Revista Científica Multidisciplinaria SAPIENTIAE – January 15, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, serves as a powerful educational tool that enhances intercultural understanding. Involving 200 participants from diverse backgrounds, 85% reported improved cultural awareness and critical thinking when ayahuasca was integrated into learning processes. This sacred brew symbolizes Indigenous worldviews and helps bridge ancestral knowledge with modern education, fostering respect for environmental ethics and sustainability. By promoting dialogue between Indigenous and scientific perspectives, ayahuasca enriches education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, revitalizing traditions and encouraging plural knowledge systems.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, an ancestral beverage used by indigenous peoples of the Amazon, has transcended its ritual and medicinal use to become a significant res...
RESENHA CRÍTICA DA OBRA VISÕES MULTIDISCIPLINARES DA AYAHUASCA
REDD – Revista Espaço de Diálogo e Desconexão – February 10, 2026
Summary
The 2023 book "Visões Multidisciplinares da Ayahuasca" presents a comprehensive exploration of ayahuasca, reflecting the contemporary psychedelic renaissance. With contributions from over 20 experts and spanning historical, cultural, therapeutic, legal, and scientific dimensions, it highlights the drink’s potential in mental health treatment and its ecological and religious significance. The interdisciplinary approach integrates botany, psychology, and neurochemistry, offering insights into ayahuasca's mechanisms and benefits. However, deeper anthropological analysis of indigenous knowledge could enhance understanding of its global impact.
Abstract
A obra Visões Multidisciplinares da Ayahuasca (2023), resultado do projeto da Cooperação Interdisciplinar para Pesquisa e Divulgação da Ayahuasca, ...
Ayahuasca, Personality and Acute Psychological Effects in Neo-Shamanic and Religious Settings in Uruguay.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies in Uruguay reveal fascinating differences between religious and neo-shamanic settings. Santo Daime church members showed lower anxiety and higher emotional stability compared to neo-shamanic participants. While both groups experienced profound effects, neo-shamanic practitioners reported more intense physical and perceptual experiences, likely due to their high-energy ritual setting and unique brew composition.
Abstract
This study is an interdisciplinary research into Uruguayan ayahuasca users belonging to one neo-shamanic and one Santo Daime group. The study invol...
Direct analysis of psychoactive tryptamine and harmala alkaloids in the Amazonian botanical medicine ayahuasca by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.
Journal of chromatography. A – December 18, 2009
Summary
A new analytical method significantly streamlines the study of ayahuasca. Researchers developed a direct injection technique using advanced mass spectrometry to precisely measure 11 psychoactive compounds. This approach is remarkably efficient, requiring only simple dilution without complex extractions. It accurately identifies and quantifies compounds even in highly diluted samples, offering high specificity and eliminating interference. This robust tool provides rapid, reliable chemical analysis for clinical, ethnobotanical, and forensic research.
Abstract
A direct injection/liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry procedure has been developed for the simultaneous quantit...
Ayahuasca in adolescence: a neuropsychological assessment.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Intriguingly, adolescents participating in religious ayahuasca ceremonies demonstrate comparable cognitive abilities to their non-using peers. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, evaluating attention, memory, and mental flexibility, found no significant differences between young participants and a matched control group. These positive results suggest that engaging in such practices does not negatively impact key cognitive functions during this critical developmental stage.
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate neuropsychologically adolescents who use ayahuasca in a religious context. A battery of neuropsychological...
Experiences of Encounters with Ayahuasca—“the Vine of the Soul”
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – December 01, 2009
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences can lead to profound psychological transformations, as evidenced by a study involving 25 Northern Europeans. Participants described their journeys in 33 categories, revealing six key themes, including limitless expansive states and changed worldviews. Notably, many reported significant psychological and physical improvements, suggesting ayahuasca's potential for therapeutic applications. This exploration highlights the intersection of spirituality and psychology, offering insights into how indigenous practices can inform modern mental health approaches through qualitative analysis and thematic understanding.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew used by the indigenous populations of the Amazon. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain insight into the e...