EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS OF THE USE OF AYAHUASCA BY DEPRESSIVE PATIENTS
Catarina Rodrigues Damasceno Murucci, Rita de Cássia Ramos Queiroz de Freitas, Grazielly Ribeiro Viana, Thales Andrade Martins, Alessandra Tosta, Andreza Gonçalves Vieira Amaro, Luciano Carvalho Rapagnã, Maria Sandra Ramos Queiroz, Gilson Viana Da Silva, Cassius de Souza
Revista Contemporânea September 5, 2023 DOI: 10.56083/rcv3n9-011 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAyahuasca, a tea used in indigenous rituals, contains DMT from Psychotria viridis leaves (0.1% to 0.6%), which acts as an agonist at 5-HT2A receptors, and β-carboline alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine) from Banisteriopsis caapi that inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO). Some studies suggest it may be a potent antidepressant with fewer side effects than conventional treatments, but research on its neurotoxic and therapeutic potential remains limited, similar to challenges faced with Cannabis sativa. Further investigation into safe parameters is needed before it can serve depressive patients.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Pharmacology Harmaline Traditional medicine Hallucinogen |
| Key finding | Ayahuasca shows potential as an antidepressant with reduced side effects, but research on its safety and efficacy is still limited. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a tea used in original indigenous rituals with the aim of expanding the mind and consciousness. Some studies have pointed to Ayahuasca as a potent antidepressant with reduced side effects when compared to other conventional synthetic allopathic treatments. Over the years, tea has come to be known by both the popular community and the scientific community. The species used are Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, the leaves of Psychotria viridis have around 0.1% to 0.6% DMT. Psychotria viridis alkaloid, when ingested through Ayahuasca, exerts an agonist effect on 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, while Banisteriopsis caapi has a high concentration of β-carboline alkaloids such as Harmine, Harmaline and tetrahydroarmine, responsible for inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO), however, as well as the difficulties encountered in studies associated with the therapeutic benefits of the Cannabis sativa plant, especially in the face of traditional conservative movements, there are also few studies that indicate or position themselves on the neurotoxic and therapeutic potential, especially when used as possible treatments for the depression. Therefore, new natural therapies, including Ayahuasca, should be investigated for their toxic and therapeutic potential so that, as soon as safe parameters are identified, they can serve society, especially for depressive patients.