Ayahuasca, DMT, and Mental Health: A Current Review of Scientific Studies
Draulio B Araujo, Lucas O. Maia, Tiago Arruda Sanchez, Nicole Leite Galvão‐coelho, Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
Current Addiction Reports February 21, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-026-00721-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Topics | Ayahuasca Default mode network DMT |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Human studies Personality Scientific evidence Functional neuroimaging Randomized controlled trial Altered state Substance use Preclinical research Indigenous Clinical trial Scientific literature Mental health |
| Key findings | Ayahuasca shows promise for treating multiple mental health disorders by modulating neuroplasticity, inflammation, and stress response, but evidence is mainly observational and randomized trials are needed. |
Abstract
Summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence on ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian brew combining N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carbolines—in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, eating, and personality disorders. Preclinical work shows enhanced neuroplasticity, reduced inflammation, and oxidative stress. Human neuroimaging reveals decreased default mode network activity, increased functional connectivity and brain entropy, indicating a flexible neural state and modulation of pathways related to neuroplasticity, inflammation, and stress response. While promising, the evidence is mainly observational. Users report emotional breakthroughs, increased self-awareness, and mystical experiences tied to therapeutic outcomes. Ayahuasca appears to target core psychological and neurobiological processes across disorders but requires caution in psychotic or bipolar individuals and should be administered with support. Randomized trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. In structured, culturally sensitive settings, ayahuasca/DMT may offer a novel treatment and, by integrating indigenous wisdom with modern science, deepen our understanding of healing and consciousness.