Evaluation of the In Vitro Wound-Healing Potential of Ayahuasca.
Joana Gonçalves, Ângelo Luís, Eugenia Gallardo, Ana Paula Duarte
Molecules September 6, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185760 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | NHDF cell line (normal human dermal fibroblasts) |
| Intervention | four individual plants |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Hplc-dad Pampa assay Wound-healing activity Traditional-medicine Natural-compounds Pharmaceutical-research |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Decoctions of ayahuasca-related plants promoted skin fibroblast migration without cytotoxicity, and psychoactive compounds were not absorbed by the cell layer. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian drink, which contains β-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing potential of decoctions of a commercial mixture, four individual plants and four mixtures of two plants used in the ayahuasca preparation. Thus, the cytotoxic potential of the samples was evaluated and a wound-healing assay was performed with a NHDF cell line. Subsequently, a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay was also performed, to verify if any psychoactive compound could be absorbed by skin fibroblasts. The integrity and permeability of the cell layer were also evaluated, using the transepithelial electrical resistance assay and Lucifer yellow permeability assay, respectively. The compounds absorbed by the cell layer were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector. The results showed that only one sample showed cytotoxicity and all the others promoted the migration of skin fibroblasts. Additionally, it was also verified that β-carbolynic alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltriptamine were not absorbed by the cell layer, and in general, did not interfere with its permeability and integrity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where ayahuasca's wound-healing potential was evaluated.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on ayahuasca, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seeing with the eyes shut: Neural basis of enhanced imagery following ayahuasca ingestion Human participants (number not stated) | 2011 | Within-subjects experimental study | |
| Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking Participants at spiritual ayahuasca workshops | 2016 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 26 |
| Metabolism and disposition of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and harmala alkaloids after oral administration of ayahuasca Healthy male volunteers | 2012 | Observational pharmacokinetic study | n = 10 |
| New World Tryptamine Hallucinogens and the Neuroscience of Ayahuasca. | 2018 | Review with original neuroimaging and neurophysiological data | |
| Stability Evaluation of DMT and Harmala Alkaloids in Ayahuasca Tea Samples Ayahuasca tea samples | 2020 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca. Plants July 7, 2023
- Ayahuasca Pretreatment Prevents Sepsis-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Oxidative Stress, and Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Molecular Neurobiology May 1, 2025
- Effects of ayahuasca in preclinical studies with animals: a systematic review Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research September 2, 2025
- The Role of Ayahuasca in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Survival, Proliferation and Oxidative Stress. Pharmaceuticals June 2, 2024
- Chronos vs Kairos - The Perception of Time in Near-Death Experiences, Mystical States of Consciousness, and Psychedelic-Induced States of Consciousness Preprints.org July 16, 2024
Cites 21
- 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
- Clinical investigations of the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca: rationale and regulatory challenges. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2004
- Chemical evidence for the use of multiple psychotropic plants in a 1,000-year-old ritual bundle from South America. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences June 4, 2019
- Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-MeO-DMT. Scientific Reports October 9, 2017
and 16 more in the library