Potential therapeutic use of ayahuasca: A literature review
Salvana Priscylla Manso Costa, Keith Cardoso Carvalho, Isabella Nunes Gomes, Carine Lopes Calazans, Morganna Thinesca Almeida Silva, Joseneide de Alves Miranda, Ighor Costa Barreto, Matheus Vinícius Guimarães de Melo, Keyla Emanuelle Ramos de Holanda, José Marcos Teixeira de Alencar Filho
Acta Amazonica 2024 DOI: 10.1590/1809-4392202301821 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2012-2022 |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Traditional medicine Ecology |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Evidence from 2012-2022 literature suggests ayahuasca has therapeutic potential for depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, alcoholism, and Parkinson's disease, but also possible adverse effects on reproduction and development. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a psychoactive decoction originally used in indigenous Amazonian culture. It consists of a dense brown liquid that most frequently results from the decoction of two plants native to the Amazon rainforest, Psychotria viridis (Rubiaceae) and Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae). The composition of the decoction is variable, as several plant species can be used in its preparation. Its psychoactive effect occurs due to the presence of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an agonist at serotonergic receptors (5-HT1A/2A/2C) that is metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), and also the presence of β-carbolines, which are reversible MAO-A inhibitors. This joint interaction promotes a sequence of psychedelic neurochemical effects. Due to the current expansion of research on psychedelic substances and the growing public interest in the benefits of ayahuasca beyond its traditional use in the Amazon, academic research on its therapeutic capacity has been increasing. This study aimed to carry out a literature review on the scientific evidence for the therapeutic potential of ingesting ayahuasca. The review covered the period 2012-2022, and resulted in evidence on the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on depression/anxiety, chemical dependency/alcoholism and Parkinson’s disease, as well as neuropsychological effects, and possible toxic effects on reproduction/embryonic development, among other adverse effects. The highest number of publications in the searched period dealt with the effects of ayahuasca on depression and anxiety. Further studies need to address the detailed mechanism of action of ayahuasca, as well as its potential toxicity, in order to demonstrate its safety.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ayahuasca, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Single Ayahuasca administration attenuates alcohol relapse and associated behavioral, neurochemical, and oxidative alterations in rats Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry July 1, 2026
- Ayahuasca Therapy: Possible Reduction of Suicidal Ideation in Treatment-Resistant Depression - A Systematic Review. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs April 23, 2026
- Bridging ancient substances and modern psychiatry: the role of classic psychedelics in depression treatment. Neuroscience January 22, 2026
- Single ayahuasca administration mitigates long-term behavioral and neurochemical effects of early-life stress in rats. Journal of Neural Transmission September 19, 2026
Cites 39
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial Psychological Medicine June 15, 2018
- Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2015
- Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients With Recurrent Depression Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology December 11, 2015
- Risk assessment of ritual use of oral dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids Addiction December 20, 2006
and 34 more in the library