Antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of ayahuasca: a systematic literature review of animal and human studies
Rafael G. Dos Santos, Flávia de Lima Osório, José Alexandre S. Crippa, Jaime E. C. Hallak
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2015-1701 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Harmaline Anxiolytic Harmine Depression economics Hallucinogen Pharmacology |
| Citations | 158 |
| Key findings | Ayahuasca and its alkaloids warrant further investigation as potential treatments for anxiety and depression with fewer adverse effects. |
Abstract
Considering the need for new drugs that produce fewer adverse effects and are more effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptomatology, the described effects of ayahuasca and its alkaloids should be further investigated.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Concludes that ayahuasca and its alkaloids warrant further investigation as potential treatments for anxiety and depression with fewer adverse effects.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ayahuasca for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential | 2016 | Review | |
| Ayahuasca, an ancient substance with traditional and contemporary use in neuropsychiatry and neuroscience | 2019 | Review | |
| Hallucinogenic/psychedelic 5HT2A receptor agonists as rapid antidepressant therapeutics: Evidence and mechanisms of action | 2021 | Review | |
| Dimethyltryptamine: Endogenous Role and Therapeutic Potential Humans | 2019 | Review | |
| Psychedelics and Personality | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 125
- Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients With Recurrent Depression Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology December 11, 2015
- Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): a systematic review of clinical trials published in the last 25 years Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology March 18, 2016
- Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use Journal of Psychopharmacology May 14, 2019
- Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics for the management of mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology August 13, 2018
- Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness Current Neuropharmacology March 2, 2018
and 120 more in the library
Cites 52
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Psilocybin in 9 Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry November 15, 2006
and 47 more in the library