Ayahuasca, Harmala Alkaloids, and Dimethyltryptamines
February 2, 2012 DOI: 10.1002/9781118105955.ch53 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis chapter provides a reference overview of the toxicology of Peganum harmala (Syrian rue), covering its history, identifying characteristics, exposure, dose, toxicokinetics, histopathology, pathophysiology, clinical response, diagnostic testing, and treatment. It describes how the plant's alkaloids, particularly harmine and harmaline, act as reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors, leading to potential serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents. The chapter outlines clinical signs of poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and cardiovascular effects, and recommends supportive care and benzodiazepines for treatment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Peganum harmala Toxicokinetics Histopathology Medicine |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | Peganum harmala contains harmala alkaloids that are reversible MAO inhibitors, and poisoning can cause serotonin syndrome, gastrointestinal distress, and neurological effects, managed with supportive care and benzodiazepines. |
Abstract
This chapter contains sections titled: History Identifying Characteristics Exposure Dose Effect Toxicokinetics Histopathology and Pathophysiology Clinical Response Diagnostic Testing Treatment References