Validation of an analytical method for the determination of the main ayahuasca active compounds and application to real ayahuasca samples from Brazil
Rita C. Z. Souza, Flávia Da Silva Zandonadi, Donizete P. Freitas, Luís Fernando Tófoli, Alessandra Sussulini
Journal of Chromatography B June 8, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.06.014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Method development and validation Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 38 |
| Population | Ayahuasca samples from the state of São Paulo, Brazil |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Harmine Context archaeology Harmaline Decoction Traditional medicine Chromatography Active compound Pharmacology Combinatorial chemistry |
| Citations | 42 |
| Key points | A selective, sensitive, and reproducible analytical method for quantifying DMT, THH, HME, and HML in ayahuasca was established with minimal matrix interference. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a brew prepared from the water decoction of two Amazonian plants, which is legally used for religious, cultural or therapeutic activities. The potential use of ayahuasca as a natural or phytotherapeutic drug is directly linked to the action of its active compounds and their connection with the therapeutic efficacy of the beverage. In this context, the aim of the present study was to establish a selective, sensitive and reproducible analytical method for the quantification of the main active ayahuasca compounds. Thirty-eight samples from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed and the simultaneous quantifications of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine (HME) and harmaline (HML) were performed. This study enabled the development of a fast validated analytical method with minimal matrix interference and high reproducibility for the tracing of active ayahuasca compound concentrations for the first time. This method is important as an auxiliary tool for the study of active compound effects in biological responses using different multi-omic platforms.