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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine | 2016 | Review | |
| N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an Endogenous Hallucinogen: Past, Present, and Future Research to Determine Its Role and Function Humans and animals (general) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: metabolism, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and pharmacological actions. Humans (pharmacokinetics) | 2010 | Review | |
| Pharmahuasca: Human Pharmacology of Oral DMT Plus Harmine Human self-experimenters | 1999 | Review | n = 8 |
| The psychedelic model of schizophrenia: the case of N,N- dimethyltryptamine | 1976 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 89
- 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
- The Psychedelic State Induced by Ayahuasca Modulates the Activity and Connectivity of the Default Mode Network PLoS One February 18, 2015
- Dose-Response Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Humans Archives of General Psychiatry February 1, 1994
and 84 more in the library