The role of ayahuasca in cell viability and oxidative stress in gastric adenocarcinoma cell line.

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive Amazonian beverage, contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines that inhibit monoamine oxidase-A. Extracts from three plants used in ayahuasca preparation—Banisteriopsis caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala—were tested on gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells. All three extracts induced apoptosis and significantly reduced oxidative stress in these cancer cells, suggesting potential therapeutic effects against gastric cancer.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage native to the Amazon, originally derived from Banisteriopsis caapi stem scrapings and Psychotria viridis leaves, exhibits hallucinogenic properties due to N,N-dimethyltryptamine. When combined with β-carbolines, it enters the bloodstream and central nervous system, inhibiting monoamine oxidase-A. Over time, therapeutic effects have been associated to ayahuasca consumption. This study assessed the impact of extracts from three plant decoctions used in ayahuasca preparation on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). MTT reduction assays selected B. caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala samples as most effective. Lactate dehydrogenase activity evaluated membrane integrity loss, while oxidative stress induction was measured using dihydroethidium and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probes. Results revealed apoptosis induction in AGS cells, with all three samples significantly reducing oxidative stress.