A trip through the psychiatric use of psychedelics in Brazil: A scoping review

A scoping review mapped Brazilian research on psychedelics for psychiatric disorders, identifying 18 studies with 831 participants. Most research focused on Ayahuasca (13 studies), followed by Ibogaine and DMT. Key findings suggest rapid antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca and vaporized DMT, while Ibogaine showed potential for extending abstinence in substance use disorders. Limitations include small sample sizes, regional centralization of research (primarily in São Paulo and Rio Grande do Norte), and challenges regarding functional unblinding. The review concludes that Brazilian scientific production connects traditional Ayahuasca practices with clinical research, but future studies need larger multicentric trials and more rigorous blinding strategies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background Contemporary psychiatry is associated with several challenges, including limited remission rates in complex and severe psychiatric disorders. In this context, psychedelics have re-emerged globally as a promising therapeutic paradigm. Brazil occupies a unique position in this scenario, mainly due to the legal protection and cultural integration of Ayahuasca, which fosters a distinct environment for research. Objective This scoping review aims to map and synthesize the Brazilian scientific literature regarding the use of psychedelics for the management of psychiatric disorders and its associated outcomes. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Scielo, and La Referencia databases for studies published up to May 7th, 2025. We included observational and interventional studies involving Brazilian samples that investigated the use of Psychedelic compounds in the management of mental health conditions. The selection process was conducted in a double-blind manner, and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. The included studies were summarized in a narrative manner. Results A total of 1320 references were identified in database searches, and 18 studies involving 831 participants were included, which were synthesized into 16 units of analysis to prevent duplicate reporting of patient samples. The majority of research focused on Ayahuasca (n=13 studies), followed by Ibogaine and DMT. Key findings suggest rapid antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca and vaporized DMT, while Ibogaine showed potential for extending abstinence in SUD. However, limitations include small sample sizes, regional centralization of research (primarily in Sao Paulo and Rio Grande do Norte), and challenges regarding functional unblinding. Conclusion Brazilian scientific production offers distinct contributions to the field, connecting traditional Ayahuasca practices with clinical research. While findings are promising, future research necessitates larger multicentric trials and more rigorous blinding strategies to rule out expectancy effects and validate these outcomes.