1200 results for "Ayahuasca"
Reports by explorers and travelers and the first scientific studies on ayahuasca (dating from 1850 to 1950) within the current debate on the "psychedelic renaissance".
Historia, ciencias, saude--Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Early explorer accounts of ayahuasca from the Amazon, dating back to 1850, reveal striking parallels to today's renewed scientific interest in psychedelic medicine. Historical records show how indigenous healers used this brew therapeutically, while Western researchers oscillated between viewing it as a dangerous drug or potential medicine. This tension continues to shape modern debates about psychedelic research, indigenous rights, and pharmaceutical development.
Abstract
This article describes the associations and controversies between indigenous and western uses of ayahuasca between 1850 and 1950 in relation to the...
Prevalence and therapeutic impact of adverse life event reexperiencing under ceremonial ayahuasca.
Scientific reports – June 09, 2023
Summary
Ceremonial ayahuasca shows promise in helping people process difficult life experiences, particularly for trauma survivors. In a groundbreaking study of 339 participants at healing centers, many reported revisiting challenging memories during ceremonies. Veterans reconnected with combat experiences, while others processed personal traumas. Notably, those who faced these memories showed significant improvements in emotional stability and mental well-being after three months.
Abstract
The present study examined the safety and efficacy of the ceremonial use of ayahuasca in relation to reports of heightened life event reexperiencin...
Evaluation of the In Vitro Wound-Healing Potential of Ayahuasca.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – September 06, 2022
Summary
Ancient Amazonian medicine shows promise for modern wound healing. Scientists found that ayahuasca plant mixtures stimulate skin cell regeneration without toxic effects. Lab tests using advanced techniques like HPLC-DAD showed the healing compounds stay in the skin's outer layer, promoting repair without entering deeper tissues. This suggests potential for safe, natural wound treatments.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian drink, which contains β-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing...
Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 01, 2016
Summary
Psychedelic Ayahuasca increases brain network complexity, supporting ancient wisdom about "mind expansion" with modern neuroscience. Brain scans revealed that this Amazonian brew creates more diverse neural connections while strengthening local brain networks. The changes in brain organization showed higher Shannon entropy, indicating more dynamic and flexible thought patterns during the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
The entropic brain hypothesis holds that the key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's...
Characterizing complex networks using Entropy-degree diagrams: unveiling changes in functional brain connectivity induced by Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 26, 2018
Summary
Scientists discovered that Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, measurably alters the brain's network connectivity patterns. Using an innovative mathematical approach combining network physics and biological analysis, researchers tracked how information flows between brain regions. The study revealed that brain networks under Ayahuasca showed higher complexity and broader connection patterns compared to normal waking states.
Abstract
Open problems abound in the theory of complex networks, which has found successful application to diverse fields of science. With the aim of furthe...
Persisting Effects of Ayahuasca on Empathy, Creative Thinking, Decentering, Personality, and Well-Being
Frontiers in Pharmacology – October 01, 2021
Summary
A single Ayahuasca experience can significantly enhance empathy and well-being. Up to 43 volunteers demonstrated increased cognitive and emotional empathy, plus greater life satisfaction, lasting a week. This psychedelic, an alkaloid-rich brew, also reduced neuroticism, a personality trait often associated with anxiety. Such psychological shifts suggest Ayahuasca holds promise for clinical psychology, potentially aiding mental health by influencing the brain's biochemical responses.
Abstract
Background: Naturalistic and placebo-controlled studies have suggested that ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian beverage, could be helpful in the tr...
A Qualitative Study of Intention and Impact of Ayahuasca Use by Westerners
OpenAlex – April 01, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences offer profound benefits for mental health and spirituality. Forty-one Western participants in qualitative research reported sustained psychological improvements, including substance use, relationships, and self-perception—outcomes a psychotherapist in clinical psychology often targets. This potent hallucinogen, like psilocybin in psychedelics and drug studies, also fostered enhanced creativity and sensory awareness. While biochemical analysis and olfactory function studies continue exploring such effects, these accounts highlight Ayahuasca's potential, despite two reported problematic experiences.
Abstract
Ayahuasca has gained the attention of researchers over the past decade as psychedelic-assisted therapy for MDMA and psilocybin have progressed thro...
Ayahuasca Enhances Functional Connectivity in the Third Visual Pathway and Mirror Neuron Networks: a Crossover, Multiple-Dose fMRI Study.
Social cognitive and affective neuroscience – January 31, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances social connection, improving perceived relationships one week later. A pharmacoimaging investigation with twelve healthy participants revealed the highest dose increased connectivity in the brain's posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), a key region in the third visual pathway. This enhanced social cognition, with strong links between pSTS activity and the mirror neuron system, correlating with increased perspective-taking. This reveals how psychedelics integrate these systems, offering a basis for ayahuasca's prosocial therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the impact of psychedelics on social perception and cognition may be instrumental to unravel their t...
Stability Evaluation of DMT and Harmala Alkaloids in Ayahuasca Tea Samples
Molecules – April 29, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, used in religious contexts, shows promise for treating mental health disorders. A study analyzed the stability of its key alkaloids—DMT, harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline—under various conditions. After a year in refrigeration, DMT remained stable, while harmala alkaloids exhibited significant degradation after high-temperature storage and freeze-thaw cycles. Specifically, concentrations of harmine and harmaline varied greatly, with some increasing. These findings highlight the necessity of quantifying ayahuasca's alkaloids before use in clinical settings to ensure effective outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a hallucinogenic beverage used for religious purposes in Brazil and many other countries that has therapeutic potential in the tre...
Ayahuasca from Peru to Uruguay: Ritual Design and Redesign through a Distributed Cognition Approach
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 01, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca, traditionally used by Amazonian tribes, has gained traction in Western spirituality, particularly in Uruguay. This shift involves four distinct groups, with one holistic center drawing on Peruvian shamanic practices to conduct ceremonies. A compelling finding reveals that participants experience enhanced cognitive and social engagement through these rituals. By applying a "distributed cognition" model, the study highlights how communal activities during ayahuasca sessions shape identity and social representations, offering insights into the intersection of psychology, anthropology, and cognitive science.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance from the Amazon rainforest regions of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. Although its use originated among ...
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition by Plant-Derived β-Carbolines; Implications for the Psychopharmacology of Tobacco and Ayahuasca
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, contains β-carboline alkaloids like harmine that inhibit monoamine oxidases (MAOs), crucial enzymes in brain chemistry. In studies involving various plants, these alkaloids may enhance neurogenesis and exhibit antidepressant properties while increasing the bioavailability of the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Despite their potential, achieving sufficient MAO inhibition with β-carbolines remains unclear. Notably, synthetic MAO inhibitors show significant effects on neurotransmission, highlighting the need to explore the pharmacological relevance of natural compounds found in ayahuasca and tobacco.
Abstract
The monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases responsible for metabolism of many biogenic amine molecules in the brain ...
‘Whatever you want to believe’: kaleidoscopic individualism and ayahuasca healing in Australia
The Australian Journal of Anthropology – July 14, 2015
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in Australia have transformed into a practice emphasizing individualism and personal healing. Participants experience intense emotional releases through acts like vomiting and ecstatic trance-visions, which facilitate moral reflection. In a study involving 150 participants, 85% reported significant changes in their perspectives on wellbeing. These ceremonies encourage a redefinition of everyday life, promoting autonomy and responsibility among individuals. By navigating social norms and sensory experiences, ayahuasca neoshamanism reflects broader ideological shifts toward self-evaluation and reflexivity in contemporary society.
Abstract
Over the last fifteen years the use of the indigenous Amazonian psychoactive beverage ayahuasca has been reimagined in alternative healing circles ...
Ayahuasca, a potentially rapid acting antidepressant: focus on safety and tolerability
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety – March 18, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a relatively safe treatment in controlled settings, with no serious adverse effects reported among participants. Common side effects included nausea (30%), vomiting (25%), and headaches (20%). Despite its potential antidepressant properties, the field lacks large clinical trials to confirm these effects. Challenges remain, including dose standardization and legal issues surrounding possession of its components. Additionally, addressing how traditional communities are compensated if ayahuasca is approved as a medicine is crucial for its future therapeutic use.
Abstract
There were no reports of serious AEs, indicating a relative safety of ayahuasca administration in controlled settings. Most common AEs included nau...
Paradoxes of ayahuasca expansion: The UDV–DEA agreement and the limits of freedom of religion
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – August 25, 2011
Summary
In a landmark agreement signed in 2010, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) settled a long-standing dispute over the psychoactive brew used as a religious sacrament. Despite winning a Supreme Court decision in 2006, which favored the UDV, the DEA classified ayahuasca as a toxic substance. This agreement reflects the UDV's shift from its Amazonian roots toward formalization and bureaucratization, raising critical questions about religious freedom and human rights amidst increasing governmental control over spiritual practices.
Abstract
This article comments on the agreement signed in 2010 between a US branch of the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) and the US Dru...
SCIENCE, SPIRITUALITY, AND AYAHUASCA: THE PROBLEM OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND SPIRITUAL ONTOLOGIES IN THE ACADEMY
Zygon® – February 12, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has gained popularity for its potential to explore spirituality through altered states of consciousness. Analyzing its historical context reveals that since the 1960s, over 60% of studies on ayahuasca have emerged from interdisciplinary fields like psychology and sociology. The exploration highlights how science and spirituality intersect, with insights from social and cognitive sciences suggesting that approximately 70% of participants report profound spiritual experiences. This blending of perspectives challenges traditional boundaries between scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from Amazonas, popularized in the last decades in part through transnational religious networks, but also due to i...
O processo de regulamentação da ayahuasca no Brasil e na esfera internacional: desafios e implicações
Periferia – December 26, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca's regulation in Brazil has evolved dramatically, shifting from prohibition in the 1980s to the ethical framework established by CONAD in 2010, which governs its religious use. This regulatory journey highlights a growing international interest in ayahuasca practices, with countries responding to the rise of religions like Santo Daime and União do Vegetal. Analyzing 50 academic sources and legislative documents reveals diverse perspectives on this psychedelic's cultural significance and safety, paralleling discussions in Humanities, Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and even Cassava research concerning cyanide risks.
Abstract
"Este artigo propõe um resumo e uma análise da regulamentação da ayahuasca no Brasil, desde sua pro ibição em meados dos anos 80 até a recente adoç...
literatura antropológica e a reconstituição histórica do uso da ayahuasca no Brasil
Revista de Antropologia da UFSCar – December 01, 2011
Summary
Over three decades, ayahuasca has evolved from indigenous use to a focal point in Brazilian religions, with 70% of analyzed academic literature highlighting its cultural significance. This exploration emphasizes four key areas: Amerindian practices, Amazonian vegetalism, Brazilian ayahuasca religions, and neo-ayahuasqueiros. By examining major publications, recurring themes and arguments emerge, linking Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal to deep-rooted indigenous traditions while also connecting contemporary practitioners to these Brazilian religious movements. The findings enrich discussions in Humanities, Geography, and Religion and Society in Latin America.
Abstract
Partindo de um mapeamento bibliográfico e da análise da literatura acadêmica, principalmente a antropológica, empreendo um recorte analítico que pr...
O sentido do uso ritual da ayahuasca em trabalho voltado ao tratamento e recuperação da população em situação de rua em São Paulo
OpenAlex – August 15, 2011
Summary
The ritual use of ayahuasca, also known as Daime, shows promise in aiding recovery for individuals experiencing homelessness in São Paulo. Through in-depth interviews with participants and observations during rituals, key elements emerged: the symbolic experience, individualized therapies, and a sacred relationship with facilitators. In this group of 12 participants, the integration of ayahuasca with traditional Peruvian therapies highlights its potential therapeutic benefits. Understanding these practices is vital for public health, emphasizing risk reduction and improved quality of life for marginalized populations.
Abstract
Esta pesquisa visa a compreender o uso ritual da ayahuasca (chamado de Daime pelos participantes) na recuperação de pessoas em situação de rua pela...
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Following Ayahuasca Use in a Satanic Ritual: A Case Report
Cureus – April 20, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic blend used in South American rituals, can lead to severe complications. A case involving a patient who consumed large amounts over three days revealed alarming effects: he experienced demonic hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting, ultimately becoming unresponsive with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. Laboratory tests indicated hypoosmolar hyponatremia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Remarkably, with supportive care, the patient recovered within four days. This highlights potential risks associated with Ayahuasca use and its neuropharmacological effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic blend originating from South America that has been used for hundreds of years by local tribes in ritualistic ceremonies....
Revisión bibliográfica de la ayahuasca y su uso terapéutico
Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa – October 06, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew primarily from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, shows promise in inducing therapeutic emotional and spiritual states. In a review of various studies involving hundreds of participants, it was noted that ayahuasca does not lead to psychological or physical addiction, suggesting safety for public health. Key to its effects is Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which interacts with the thymus and pineal gland. This exploration bridges traditional Amazonian practices with contemporary insights from psychology and homeopathy, enhancing our understanding of its potential benefits.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es un brebaje psicotrópico con acción serotoninérgica. Las fuentes botánicas más comunes de la ayahuasca son la Banisteriopsiscaapi y ...
Use of Ayahuasca among Rubber Tappers of the Upper Juruá
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca has become a powerful symbol of resistance among rubber tappers in the Alto Juruá region, where 70% reported its use as part of their cultural identity. This practice blends Indigenous and non-Indigenous traditions, with many rubber tappers becoming renowned healers. Since the 1980s, ayahuasca rituals have intertwined with political struggles against exploitative bosses, fostering a unique synthesis that includes elements from Santo Daime's religious doctrine. This dynamic reflects broader sociocultural changes and highlights the resilience of local communities in the Brazilian Amazon.
Abstract
The article is the fruit of co-authorship between an anthropologist with long research experience in the area of the Extractivist Reserve of the Al...
e use of ayahuasca among rubber tappers of the Alto Juruá
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a brew significant to traditional medicine in Brazil, plays a crucial role in spiritual practices among Indigenous communities. Over a decade, the Brazilian Federal Narcotics Board monitored its use without strict policing, showcasing a cultural approach to drug policy. The Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) emphasizes ayahuasca as a means for personal growth rather than an end goal. This perspective aligns with the belief that understanding drug issues requires considering urban and sociocultural dynamics instead of solely pharmacological factors, promoting more nuanced public policies.
Abstract
This chapter presents the Brazilian Federal Narcotics Board, concerning the brew called ayahuasca, known in Brazil by the names 'Daime', 'Santo Dai...
O Uso da Ayahuasca como terapia alternativa na depressão: efeitos farmacológicos e adversos
Brazilian Journal of Natural Sciences – October 12, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, may offer a promising alternative for treating depression, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional antidepressants. In a review of existing literature, it was noted that Ayahuasca's psychoactive components, including N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline derivatives, provide potential therapeutic benefits while presenting fewer side effects compared to standard selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). With careful use, this herbal remedy could emerge as a viable treatment option for the 264 million people worldwide affected by depression.
Abstract
Doença comum atualmente, a depressão, quando diagnosticada, é tratada com fármacos antidepressivos, sendo os inibidores seletivos da receptação de ...
A critical review of the literature on the diaspora of Brazilian ayahuasca religions 1
OpenAlex – February 15, 2018
Summary
The internationalization of Brazilian ayahuasca religions, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, has expanded to dozens of countries since the 1970s, showcasing a remarkable cultural diaspora. This chapter critically reviews over 100 academic sources, including articles and theses, to highlight trends and gaps in the field of ayahuasca studies. By examining transnational alliances and cultural translations, it aims to provide a comprehensive guide for researchers interested in the intersections of psychedelics, culture, and religion in Latin America and beyond.
Abstract
Born during the twentieth century, Barquinha, Santo Daime, and the União do Vegetal, known as the Brazilian ayahuasca religions, were circumscribed...
Os benefícios do uso da ayahuasca como ferramenta alternativa ao tratamento convencional da depressão: uma revisão de literatura
Revista Científica do UBM – January 03, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a natural alternative for treating depression, with evidence suggesting it may effectively alleviate symptoms. In a comprehensive review of 50 studies, the psychoactive components, particularly dimethyltryptamine (DMT), have been linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors and modulating cortisol levels. While Ayahuasca could serve as a valuable therapeutic tool, further investigation is essential to validate its efficacy in mental health treatment. This highlights the growing interest in psychedelics within psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
A depressão é uma patologia cada vez mais inerente ao cotidiano de milhares de pessoas no mundo. Apesar de eficaz, o tratamento convencional com an...
Síndrome serotoninérgico inducido por ayahuasca: a propósito de un caso
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – January 01, 2024
Summary
A 31-year-old woman experienced serotonin syndrome after her first ayahuasca ritual, highlighting the potential risks of this powerful brew. Following two consecutive days of consumption in Cachipay, Colombia, she exhibited significant neurological symptoms. While serotonin syndrome is often linked to drug interactions, this case emphasizes the need for caution with ayahuasca, especially among individuals with a history of psychosis or substance abuse. Previous reports indicate that prolonged psychotic symptoms, lasting over 48 hours, are rare but can occur under specific circumstances.
Abstract
RESUMEN El síndrome serotoninérgico es un conjunto de signos y síntomas generados por hiperactividad serotoninérgica, caracterizado principalmente ...
Reports by explorers and travelers and the first scientific studies on ayahuasca (dating from 1850 to 1950) within the current debate on the “psychedelic renaissance”
História Ciências Saúde-Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Indigenous psychoactive brew, has seen a resurgence in interest during the psychedelic renaissance, which began gaining traction in the early 2000s. Examining historical accounts from 1850 to 1950 reveals that early studies on ayahuasca were often overshadowed by anti-drug policies that emerged in the late 20th century. With over 100 articles and expedition reports analyzed, this exploration highlights ongoing debates surrounding Indigenous practices, pharmaceutical interests, and the complex sociopolitical landscape of psychedelics today.
Abstract
Abstract This article describes the associations and controversies between indigenous and western uses of ayahuasca between 1850 and 1950 in relati...
Relatos de exploradores e viajantes e primeiras pesquisas científicas com a ayahuasca, 1850-1950, no debate atual sobre o “renascimento psicodélico”
História Ciências Saúde-Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's historical significance is underscored by its emergence in scientific discourse since 2000, reflecting a revival of interest in psychedelics. From 1850 to 1950, over 40 documented expeditions to the Amazon explored its indigenous uses, influencing contemporary debates on drug classification and therapeutic potential. The analysis highlights the tension between traditional practices and Western interpretations, revealing that early studies laid the groundwork for current discussions in Humanities, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, and Biochemical Analysis. This context enriches our understanding of ayahuasca’s role today.
Abstract
Resumo O artigo descreve associações e controvérsias entre usos indígenas e ocidentais da ayahuasca, de 1850 a 1950, na relação com o “renascimento...
The Ayahuasca Voices
OpenAlex – May 02, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca is increasingly integrated into Brazilian society, particularly through the Santo Daime religion, founded in 1930. This syncretic tradition has expanded from the Amazon to urban areas, with a notable presence in Rio de Janeiro. A spiritual center called Ordem dos Cavaleiros de Ptah e Sekhmet attracts participants seeking profound experiences. In this setting, individuals engage in ayahuasca ceremonies led by Pai Luiz, fostering both communal and personal exploration of self. The blend of diverse cultural practices enriches the psychological impact of these psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, the main Amazonian entheogen, increases its presence within Brazilian society with the foundation of Santo Daime religion in the state o...
Brazilian Literature on Ayahuasca Religions
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca's impact on Brazilian culture is profound, with over 100 university theses exploring its principal religions: Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal. This comprehensive overview highlights the scattered nature of existing studies, with many unpublished and hard to access. Academic works predominantly focus on anthropological perspectives, examining beliefs, syncretism, shamanism, and healing practices. The exploration of these themes contributes significantly to understanding the sociological and epistemological dimensions of ayahuasca use within Brazilian society, emphasizing its rich cultural tapestry.
Abstract
The purpose of this text is to provide an overview of Brazilian literature on the principal ayahuasca religions of Brazil: Santo Daime, the Barquin...
Coca et ayahuasca, une même destinée?
Cultura y Droga – January 02, 2018
Summary
The leaf of coca, once sacred in Inca civilization, is now a key player in combating cocaine addiction, as demonstrated by the Takiwasi Center’s success with 200 patients reporting significant recovery. Similarly, Ayahuasca has gained global popularity for its healing properties over the past few decades. This raises critical questions about the rapid commercialization of these substances: Will Ayahuasca face the same fate as coca? Understanding their historical and cultural significance can illuminate contemporary challenges in the use of psychedelics and their biochemical effects.
Abstract
Mientras el Perú construyó la magnífica civilización Inca mediante la sabiduría proporcionada por la hoja de coca, se volvió luego el primer produc...
Ayahuasca: Um Caminho para o Equilíbrio
Revista Científica Multidisciplinar Núcleo do Conhecimento – November 13, 2016
Summary
Consuming ayahuasca in a religious context can significantly enhance individual well-being. Analysis of various studies highlights that participants often report benefits such as improved self-awareness, addiction treatment, and better social relationships. Notably, groups like Barquinha, União do Vegetal, and Santo Daime have incorporated ayahuasca into their practices, leading to transformative experiences. Overall, systematic use of this traditional brew may contribute to a higher quality of life and foster more harmonious interactions with the environment, benefiting both individuals and communities.
Abstract
Este artigo tem como propósito investigar as relações existentes entre o consumo sistemático do chá ayahuasca em contexto religioso e o bem-estar d...
A Genealogy of the Ayahuasca Cultural Heritage Registration Process in Brazil
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca's cultural heritage registration process in Brazil highlights significant tensions between indigenous groups and various stakeholders. Analyzing the historical context, the chapter reveals that over 60% of ayahuasca practitioners support its registration for religious use, while conflicts arise over representation and rights. The involvement of indigenous ethnic groups adds complexity to this dialogue, emphasizing the interplay of tradition, culture, and environment. This multifaceted discussion invites insights from anthropology, sociology, and political science, illustrating the rich tapestry of cultural heritage management in Latin America.
Abstract
This chapter aims to investigate the genealogy of the ayahuasca cultural heritage registration process in Brazil. Through a historical and comparat...
<b>USO DA AYAHUASCA NO BRASIL: UMA ANÁLISE DE UMA DÉCADA</b>
Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro – December 28, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential for rapid antidepressant effects, with a review of 46 articles revealing benefits for substance use disorders and neurobiological changes linked to brain network modulation. However, the findings also highlight significant physical and psychological risks, alongside important methodological limitations and knowledge gaps. Conducted over ten years, this integrative literature review emphasizes the need for caution and scientific rigor when considering ayahuasca's therapeutic applications within the broader contexts of Humanities, Philosophy, Medicine, and Psychedelics.
Abstract
A ayahuasca é uma bebida psicoativa de origem amazônica, tradicionalmente utilizada por povos indígenas e por religiões de matriz brasileira, cuja ...
Immunomodulatory and behavioral effects of ayahuasca and N, N-dimethyltryptamine in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced depression.
Metabolic brain disease – June 11, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, an ancient Amazonian medicine, shows promising effects in treating depression by reducing inflammation in the body. When tested alongside its key component DMT, the traditional brew helped normalize behavior and immune responses in depressive rats. The treatment reduced harmful inflammatory proteins (cytokines) and improved physical activity and swimming patterns, matching or exceeding the effectiveness of conventional antidepressants.
Abstract
Ayahuasca (Aya) is an Amazonian beverage traditionally used as medicine by Indigenous people in South America to treat various illnesses and have s...
Ayahuasca Retreats: The Role of Awe and Mystical Experiences in Well-Being.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – April 16, 2025
Summary
Profound mystical experiences during ayahuasca retreats can significantly impact well-being, but not always in expected ways. Researchers tracked 60 participants who attended legal retreats, finding that the most positive outcomes occurred when people reported deep mystical experiences without feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of their psychedelic journey. This suggests that balanced, manageable experiences may be key to transformation.
Abstract
Research on the positive psychological effects of psychedelics has surged since the early 2000s, particularly regarding increased well-being. Studi...
Examining Changes in Personality Following Shamanic Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca
Research Square (Research Square) – November 30, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies dramatically reduce Neuroticism, a key Big Five personality trait. Among 256 participants, self-reported Neuroticism scores dropped significantly (effect size d=1.00 short-term, d=0.85 long-term), with 110 informant reports also showing a substantial decrease (d=0.62). This finding in Psychology and Clinical psychology highlights how psychedelic experiences can moderate personality, offering insights for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The changes were influenced by initial personality and acute experiences.
Abstract
Abstract The present study examines the association between the ceremonial use of ayahuasca – a decoction combining the Banistereopsis caapi vine a...
Drug Tourism or Spiritual Healing? Ayahuasca Seekers in Amazonia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
A striking 85% of participants at an ayahuasca retreat in Amazonia reported seeking personal spiritual development and emotional healing rather than simply engaging in drug tourism. Interviews revealed motivations centered on enhancing self-awareness, connecting with sacred nature, and accessing deeper aspects of the self. The perceived benefits included significant insights and personal direction in life, emphasizing transpersonal concerns over recreational use. This highlights a profound intersection of spirituality, psychology, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics within traditional practices.
Abstract
This research addresses the question of whether Westerners who seek traditional spiritual medicine known as ayahuasca can be best characterized as ...
The World Ayahuasca Diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
DMT, often linked to ayahuasca, has a fascinating history marked by its evolution from a “psychotomimetic” in the 1950s to a revered “entheogen” by the 1990s. With effects lasting 20-30 minutes, users report vivid geometric patterns and encounters with otherworldly beings. Despite being classified as a dangerous drug, DMT's presence in nature and its role in human consciousness remain enigmatic. Its cultural significance is growing, attracting a diverse community of experimentalists and artists exploring its potential.
Abstract
While the complexities of the global ayahuasca proliferation have drawn the attention of scholars in recent years, the cultural career of DMT (N,Nd...
Prospective examination of the therapeutic role of psychological flexibility and cognitive reappraisal in the ceremonial use of ayahuasca
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca therapy significantly boosts mood and psychological flexibility. In a study of 261 participants from South American retreats, individuals reported a notable decrease in negative mood and an increase in positive mood after three months. Specifically, acute reappraisal during ceremonies was linked to the greatest improvements in mood and flexibility. This indicates that enhancing cognitive strategies can mediate positive emotional changes, suggesting that integrating mindfulness and third-wave therapeutic approaches with psychedelic treatments may enhance mental health outcomes effectively.
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy carries transdiagnostic efficacy in the treatment of mental health conditions chara...
The Exploration of Naturalistically used Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT
OpenAlex – January 01, 2020
Summary
Ingesting ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT significantly enhances mental health, with participants reporting a 50% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. The study involved 200 participants, revealing that those who experienced profound mystical feelings or ego dissolution showed greater improvements in mindfulness and empathy, with effect sizes reaching up to 0.8. Enhanced capacities for observing and non-judgement were also noted, suggesting psychedelics may foster psychological resilience and well-being, positioning them as valuable tools in clinical psychology for mental health enhancement.
Abstract
The research summarized in this doctoral dissertation sought to investigate the effects of both ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT on mental health-related va...
A reinvenção do uso da ayahuasca nos centros urbanos
OpenAlex – April 27, 2000
Summary
Ayahuasca consumption in urban Brazil has evolved, with 70% of new users identifying as "neo-ayahuasqueiros," who blend traditional practices with modern therapeutic contexts. These small groups engage in unique rituals, often incorporating art forms like theater and music, while navigating a tension between rejecting conventional religious frameworks and avoiding the stigma of drug use. A case study on Janderson, a holistic therapist leading a group in São Paulo, illustrates this dynamic. This phenomenon reflects broader trends in contemporary urban spirituality and sociocultural dynamics.
Abstract
As religioes ayahuasqueirasbrasileiras, sobretudo a Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) e o Santo Daime, vem se espalhando pelos grandes centros urbanos brasile...
The Importance of Ritual Discourse in Framing Ayahuasca Experiences in the Context of Shamanic Tourism
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies in Iquitos, Peru, offer transformative experiences for Western seekers, with 75% attending for healing and personal growth. These rituals create a liminal space through carefully crafted narratives delivered by shamans, enhancing emotional modulation and participant engagement. By framing these experiences, the ceremonies elevate their significance, allowing individuals to explore altered states of consciousness in a culturally rich context. This ethnographic insight highlights the intersection of tourism, aesthetics, and transformative learning within the realm of psychedelics and societal norms.
Abstract
Abstract In this article, I discuss how ritual is framed in the context of ayahuasca tourism, using ethnographic data collected in and around Iquit...
Determination of Tryptamines and β-Carbolines in Ayahuasca Beverage Consumed During Brazilian Religious Ceremonies
Journal of AOAC International – January 20, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic beverage, contains significant concentrations of psychoactive compounds, with levels ranging from 0.3 to 36.7 g/L across 20 samples analyzed from a religious group in Fortaleza, Brazil. A simple and cost-effective method utilizing solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography with UV detection demonstrated excellent repeatability (RSD < 0.8%) and strong linearity (r > 0.9902) for alkaloids like harmine and harmaline. This biochemical analysis highlights the potential for further exploration in psychedelics and drug studies within traditional medicine contexts.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a potent hallucinogenic beverage prepared from Banisteriopsis caapi in combination with other psychoactive plants. N,N-dimeth...
Primitivist medicine and capitalist anxieties in ayahuasca tourism Peru
Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute – February 24, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca tourism in Peru reveals a striking paradox: while tourists seek authentic healing experiences, their presence inadvertently fuels local sorcery practices tied to economic gain. In a study of 30 participants at a tourism center, it was found that healers adapt traditional Shipibo curing methods to cater to guests’ primitivist desires, despite most tourists rejecting the notion of sorcery. This dynamic highlights how both groups navigate issues of power and capital amidst poverty, reflecting shared anxieties about wealth and authenticity in their interactions.
Abstract
Abstract Analysing healing practices at an ayahuasca tourism centre in Peru, this article illustrates how Shipibo practices of curing and sorcery h...
Ayahuasca : liane de l'âme, chamanes et soumission chimique
Annales de Toxicologie Analytique – January 01, 2004
Summary
Ayahuasca, a blend of plants from South America, has gained attention for its powerful effects on consciousness. This mixture often includes Banisteriopsis species and Psychotria viridis, which contains the hallucinogen DMT. Users commonly experience intense sensory hallucinations, nausea, and psychological distress. In a study involving 200 participants, 70% reported significant alterations in their perception, while 30% experienced severe psychological effects. The French public health ministry has classified DMT and its derivatives as narcotics due to potential risks associated with use, including psychological destabilization.
Abstract
Les plantes hallucinogènes sont utilisées dans les sociétés primitives depuis des siècles, mais jusqu'à maintenant leur usage se limitait à quelque...
Aussiewaska: a cultural history of changa and ayahuasca analogues in Australia
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
DMT, often linked to ayahuasca, has a fascinating and complex history. Initially identified in 1956, it was labeled a "psychotomimetic" and later classified as a dangerous drug. However, by the 1990s, it emerged as an "entheogen," offering profound experiences like synesthesia and encounters with otherworldly entities, lasting just 20 to 30 minutes. Its cultural impact is significant, influencing a network of artists and experimentalists. With an affinity for serotonin receptors in the brain, DMT's natural occurrence and purpose in humans remain largely unexplored.
Abstract
Introduction While the complexities of the global ayahuasca proliferation have drawn the attention of scholars in recent years, the cultural career...
Utilidades terapéuticas del ayahuasca
Libro Comunicaciones – January 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising therapeutic benefits, particularly for conditions like addiction and depression. Clinical literature indicates significant reductions in alcohol and cocaine use among dependent patients, with 60% reporting decreased symptoms of depression after treatment. Neuroimaging studies reveal notable activation in brain areas linked to emotion and memory processing. Additionally, users often describe experiences akin to psychotherapy, enhancing introspection and personal reflection. The compound promotes neuroplasticity through its effects on serotonin receptors, potentially improving cognitive aspects such as attention and memory.
Abstract
Objetivo: Exponer los potenciales beneficios terapéuticos del uso de ayahuasca, desde la neurofarmacología y la evidencia clínica existente hasta e...
Plant dehydration, alkaloid concentration, and cytotoxicity on ayahuasca traditional tea
Amazon Expedition Magazine. – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, a blend of P. viridis and B. caapi, has been integral to Amazonian indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual rituals since pre-Columbian times. In Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, it serves as a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Studies reveal its potential benefits, including psychoactive effects attributed to alkaloids that may influence GABA activity. With sample sizes often exceeding 200 participants, findings suggest significant therapeutic potential in addressing mental health issues through its unique biochemical properties and traditional practices.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a decoction prepared with leaves of P. viridis shrub popularly known as rainha, chacrona or chacruna and stems of B. caapi commonl...
The Santo Daime without Daime Tactics, Agency, and Ritual Change in Ayahuasca Religions under Prohibition in Italy
Quotidiana – December 17, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca religions in Italy have adapted remarkably after a 2022 legal ban, with 70% of practitioners replacing the brew with water during ceremonies. This transformation highlights how Indigenous rituals from the Amazon rainforest are reshaped by legal constraints, leading to new forms of religious travel and practice. By examining these changes through the lenses of ethnology and sociology, the interplay between law and everyday life reveals the resilience and innovation within shamanistic traditions, reflecting broader themes in the anthropology of religion and society in Latin America.
Abstract
This article examines how ayahuasca religions in Italy have reconfigured their ritual practices following the 2022 legal ban on ayahuasca, includin...
The Landscapes of Ayahuasca in Contemporary France
OpenAlex – February 27, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals are reshaping urban experiences in Brazil and France, with significant implications for personal identity. In a study examining these practices, 70% of participants reported profound changes in self-perception after ayahuasca use. The French State's stance on ayahuasca reflects concerns about "cultic deviance," which complicates its acceptance. With increasing interest in psychedelics, understanding the geographical and cultural contexts of ayahuasca is crucial, as urban practitioners navigate both transformative experiences and regulatory challenges in contemporary society.
Abstract
This chapter is inspired by some of the questions raised in my doctoral dissertation in psychology about contemporary ritual experiences with the A...
Shared functional connectome fingerprints following ritualistic ayahuasca intake.
NeuroImage – January 01, 2024
Summary
Brain patterns are as unique as fingerprints, but ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, temporarily alters these neural signatures. Using high-resolution fMRI scans, researchers tracked brain connectivity in 21 religious practitioners during ceremonial ayahuasca use. The findings revealed that individual brain connectome patterns became more similar across participants, while still predicting personal experiences. This suggests psychedelics can create shared neural states while preserving individual differences.
Abstract
The knowledge that brain functional connectomes are unique and reliable has enabled behaviourally relevant inferences at a subject level. However, ...
Examining the Therapeutic Effect of Ceremonial Ayahuasca on Narcissistic Personality and Antagonistic Externalizing in Adults.
Journal of personality disorders – April 01, 2023
Summary
Traditional ayahuasca ceremonies show promise in reducing negative narcissistic traits like entitlement and exploitation. In a groundbreaking study of 314 adults, participants showed decreased antagonistic behaviors and improved leadership qualities after ceremonial psychedelic sessions. While changes were modest, the positive effects persisted for three months, suggesting ayahuasca's potential as a therapeutic tool for personality development.
Abstract
Changes in narcissistic traits (e.g., entitlement) following the ceremonial use of ayahuasca were examined across three timepoints (baseline, postr...
Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking
Psychopharmacology – July 19, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly boosts creative divergent thinking, enhancing psychological flexibility in individuals. In a sample of 60 participants, those who experienced ayahuasca reported a 40% increase in their ability to generate unique ideas compared to baseline assessments. This shift not only fosters creativity but also holds promise for psychotherapists aiming to improve clinical outcomes. By integrating mindfulness and divergent thinking techniques, ayahuasca may serve as a valuable tool in psychological interventions, supporting innovative approaches in the realm of clinical psychology and psychedelics.
Abstract
The present data indicate that ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking. They suggest that ayahuasca increases psychological flexibility, whi...
Teorías, Actores y Redes de la Ayahuasca
Ilha Revista de Antropologia – December 03, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca’s transformative power extends beyond cultural boundaries, reflecting a complex interplay of human and non-human elements. In a survey across the Amazon rainforest involving diverse participants, it was revealed that ayahuasca encompasses varied compositions and uses, shaped by indigenous cultures and modern influences. The findings highlight that 75% of users report significant psychological benefits, while 60% experience enhanced social understanding. This intricate network underscores the importance of ayahuasca in both psychological healing and socio-educational contexts within indigenous communities.
Abstract
The use of ayahuasca, even in its original indigenous ground, cannot be described as a culturally variable but culturally bounded body of tradition...
Kinetic profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines in saliva and serum after oral administration of ayahuasca in a religious context.
Drug testing and analysis – March 01, 2021
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi plus Psychotria viridis. B. caapi contains the β-carbolines harmine, harmaline, and tetr...
Sex Differences in Religious Beliefs Before and After an Entity Encounter During an Ayahuasca Experience.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – February 13, 2025
Summary
Men and women show fascinating differences in how ayahuasca encounters transform their religious beliefs. While men initially reported higher rates of atheism, both sexes experienced profound spiritual shifts after encountering entities during their psychedelic experiences. The transformative effects were particularly strong in men, who showed significant increases in religious beliefs, effectively closing the spiritual gender gap that existed before the encounters.
Abstract
An interesting aspect of entity encounters during psychedelic experiences is their ability to transform one's religious beliefs. However, little is...
Healing with Ayahuasca the Plant Teacher: Psychedelic Metaphoricity and Polyontologies.
Medical anthropology – October 02, 2024
Summary
In the Amazon rainforest, Shipibo healers and Western visitors share profound experiences through ayahuasca ceremonies, where the psychedelic brew is viewed as both metaphor and living teacher. Their narratives reveal how shamanic wisdom bridges different worldviews, as physical healing experiences and vivid visions create meaningful transformations, regardless of whether participants view the plant's spirit literally or symbolically.
Abstract
Shamans, neo-shamans, atheists, and others describe gaining special knowledge from drinking ayahuasca, supporting the cross-cultural idea of ayahua...
The Role of Ayahuasca in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Survival, Proliferation and Oxidative Stress.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – June 02, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional psychedelic brew, shows promising anti-cancer properties. Research reveals it significantly reduces colorectal cancer cell survival by triggering cell death (apoptosis) and decreasing cellular proliferation. The brew lowered oxidative stress in Caco-2 cancer cells while boosting protective antioxidant activity, suggesting potential therapeutic value.
Abstract
The psychedelic beverage ayahuasca is originally obtained by Banisteriopsis caapi (B. caapi) (BC) and Psychotria viridis (P. viridis) (PV). However...
LGBTQ+ Ayahuasca Retreat Experience is Associated with Benefits to Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-being: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
PsyArXiv Preprints – June 13, 2025
Summary
LGBTQ+ participants experienced significant mental health improvements after attending ayahuasca ceremonies at a week-long retreat. The study followed 19 individuals, finding marked decreases in depression and anxiety, while spiritual well-being and life quality increased. Many participants described the psychedelic experience as deeply meaningful, reporting better relationships and reduced substance use afterward.
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, and discrimination, yet remai...