Ayahuasca Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) Protocol with Pre- and Post-procedure Alkaloids Quantification
Dimitri Daldegan‐bueno, Vanessa Manchim Favaro, Luís Fernando Tófoli, Alessandra Sussulini, Fernando Cassas, Maria Gabriela Menezes Oliveira
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 17, 2021 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2021.1971342 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA reproducible five-day protocol for freeze-drying ayahuasca produces a stable extract with alkaloid concentrations similar to the original liquid. From two liters of ayahuasca, approximately 295 grams of freeze-dried extract were obtained, with a dry matter content of 14.75%. The freeze-dried extract retained its texture quality after three years of storage in a vacuum desiccator at about 6°C. The protocol includes alkaloid quantification by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for both liquid and freeze-dried forms. Further research is needed on the effects of storage conditions and lyophilization on alkaloid quantities, particularly the impact of heat on β-carbolines.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Protocol description Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Duration | Five-day protocol |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Freeze-drying Decoction Chemistry Chromatography |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | A reproducible five-day lyophilization protocol yields freeze-dried ayahuasca with similar alkaloid concentration to the liquid form and stable texture for at least three years. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from the decoction of different Amazonian plants, traditionally used in several cultures, religions, and rituals. Scientific studies with ayahuasca are rapidly increasing due to its subjective effects and therapeutic potential. Although ayahuasca is traditionally used in its liquid presentation, lyophilized (freeze-dried) ayahuasca is often used in scientific experimentation settings. However, there is no standard process or guideline to freeze-dry ayahuasca nor comparison of the chemical profile between the liquid and freeze-dried presentations. Therefore, we describe a reproducible five-day protocol for ayahuasca lyophilization with alkaloids quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry of both the liquid and the final freeze-dried ayahuasca. By the end of the protocol, approximately 295 g of freeze-dried extract with similar alkaloids concentration were obtained from two liters of ayahuasca (dry matter: 14.75 %). The final extract was stored for three years inside a vacuum desiccator (approximately 6°C) with its texture quality preserved. Further studies should address the impact of different storage conditions and the lyophilization on the alkaloids' quantity of the freeze-dried ayahuasca, especially the use of heat in regards to the β-carbolines.