Preliminary analysis of ayahuasca-induced anatomical alterations in the somatosensory cortex of juvenile non-human primates (Callithrix jacchus) subjected to chronic stress
Luís Carlos Pereira, Wigínio Gabriel Lira-Bandeira, Andréa Silva Medeiros-Bandeira, Lilían Andrade Carlos de Mendonça, Fernando Vagner Lobo Ladd, Maria Lara Porpino de Meiroz Grilo, Jeferson Souza Cavalcante, Nicole Leite Galvão‐coelho, Expedito Silva Nascimento Jr
Translational Psychiatry February 19, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-026-03887-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled experiment (social isolation model) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Juvenile male common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Somatosensory system Neuropathology Juvenile Cortex anatomy Atrophy Chronic stress Cerebral cortex Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Brain size Somatosensory evoked potential Brain morphometry Endophenotype |
| Key findings | Ayahuasca prevented the reduction in somatosensory cortex neuronal volume caused by chronic social isolation stress in juvenile male marmosets. |
Abstract
Major depressive disorder remains a debilitating mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide, with growing prevalence among adolescents. Recent studies highlight the critical role of the somatosensory cortex in the neuropathology of depression, including structural alterations that impair cortical function. This study investigates the prophylactic effects of ayahuasca, a classic psychedelic brew, on morphological changes in the somatosensory cortex induced by chronic stress in juvenile male non-human primates (Callithrix jacchus). Using a model of social isolation to simulate chronic stress, we employed stereological techniques to assess neuronal volume, density, and cortical organization in three groups: a family group (FG), an isolated group (IG), and an ayahuasca-treated group (AG). Ayahuasca was administered before and during the isolation period. Results revealed a significant reduction in neuronal volume in the IG compared to the FG, while the AG exhibited neuronal volumes comparable to FG, suggesting a prophylactic effect of ayahuasca. Although differences in neuronal density and cortical volume could not be statistically confirmed, trends indicated potential preservation of cortical structure in the AG. These preliminary findings underscore ayahuasca's potential to mitigate stress-induced cortical atrophy and highlight its influence on neural plasticity. Future research should expand sample sizes, incorporate female subjects, and investigate molecular mechanisms underlying these structural changes. This work provides foundational evidence for exploring ayahuasca as a novel therapeutic strategy for stress-related psychiatric disorders, particularly in adolescent populations.
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
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
- Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine Brain Research Bulletin April 30, 2016
- Long-term use of psychedelic drugs is associated with differences in brain structure and personality in humans European Neuropsychopharmacology January 16, 2015
- Modulation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by a Single Dose of Ayahuasca: Observation From a Randomized Controlled Trial Frontiers in Psychology June 4, 2019
and 16 more in the library