Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects.
Simon Ruffell, Max Crosland-Wood, Rob Palmer, Nige Netzband, WaiFung Tsang, Brandon Weiss, Sam Gandy, Tessa Cowley-Court, Andreas Halman, Diana McHerron, Angelina Jong, Tom Kennedy, Eleanor White, Daniel Perkins, Devin B. Terhune, Jerome Sarris
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.146 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca DMT |
| Keywords | Ceremony Harmala alkaloids Psychedelics entheogens Hallucinogens Shamanic practices Addiction recovery Ceremonies Rituals Depression therapy |
| Citations | 37 |
| Key findings | Ayahuasca is a promising psychedelic agent that warrants greater empirical attention regarding its basic neurochemical mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic application. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and a plant containing the potent psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT), usually Psychotria viridis. Here we review the history of ayahuasca and describe recent work on its pharmacology, phenomenological responses, and clinical applications. There has been a significant increase in interest in ayahuasca since the turn of the millennium. Anecdotal evidence varies significantly, ranging from evangelical accounts to horror stories involving physical and psychological harm. The effects of the brew on personality and mental health outcomes are discussed in this review. Furthermore, phenomenological analyses of the ayahuasca experience are explored. Ayahuasca is a promising psychedelic agent that warrants greater empirical attention regarding its basic neurochemical mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic application.
Comparable studies
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Citations in the library
Cited by 38
- Effects of Ayahuasca on Gratitude and Relationships with Nature: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2025
- Harnessing Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Research on Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics September 30, 2024
- Flicker light stimulation enhances the emotional response to music: a comparison study to the effects of psychedelics Frontiers in Psychology February 14, 2024
- Long-term benefits to psychological health and well-being after ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in Middle Eastern and North African immigrants and refugees. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024
- Regulatory Challenges of Integrating Psychedelics into Mental Health Sector Psychoactives April 22, 2025
and 33 more in the library
Cites 181
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- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
and 176 more in the library