2025
Richard G. Alexander
AbstractThis chapter provides a critical overview of the ayahuasca phenomenon within the context of global psychedelic tourism. It begins by exploring the terminological and psychopharmacological details of ayahuasca, then surveys key interdisciplinary literature on its use in both indigenous and Western contexts. The chapter critiques the problematic application of the term ‘shamanism’,...
2025
Richard G. Alexander
AbstractThis chapter explores the city of Iquitos, Peru, as a dramaturgical setting for ayahuasca ‘shamanism’ tourism. It examines how foreign tourists and local actors co-construct narrative meanings around ayahuasca experiences through cultural, economic, and symbolic exchange. The chapter critiques motivational typologies in previous studies, arguing for a more nuanced, narrative-based...
Journal de la Société des Américanistes
2025
Françoise Barbira Freedman, Stephen Hugh‐jones
If ayahuasca shamanism is now well studied, the medicinal plant gardens that form a standard element of ayahuasca centers have received less attention. Based on detailed mapping, recorded commentaries, and an accompanying website (https://yakumamaylivepharmacy.org), this paper provides concise data about the range of plants found in one such garden. Exploring the medicinal gardens’ relations to...
Vibrant Virtual Brazilian Anthropology
2025
Pietro Benedito, Isabel Santana de Rose, Emilia Sanabria et al.
Abstract With the rapid advancement of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) trials, psychedelic clinics are set to become a tangible reality in the near future. Questions abound concerning the therapeutic modalities that will be adopted, the human and material infrastructures that will enable the delivery of this novel form of healthcare, and their funding model - which will have direct...
Journal of Restorative Medicine
2025
Payton Follestad, Patricia Filbin, Brice Thompson et al.
Psychedelic plant medicines such as Ayahuasca and Huachuma (San Pedro cactus) are gaining scientific attention for their potential to improve mental health. However, the interplay between these traditional medicines, the gut microbiome, and mental health outcomes remains underexplored. The main objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of Ayahuasca and Huachuma ceremonies on the...
PLOS mental health
2025
Óscar Andión, José Carlos Bouso, Jerome Sarris et al.
1 citation
Ayahuasca is a decoction native to the Amazon, where it plays a central role in the traditional medicine of many local cultures and has expanded internationally over the last decades. Ayahuasca has also attracted the interest of scientists for its potential benefits on mental health, but its adverse effects are under-researched. We analyzed data from the Global Ayahuasca Survey, including...
Revista Colombiana de psiquiatria
2025
Edgar A Estrella-Parra, José G. Avila-Acevedo, Ana M García-bores et al.
Ayahuasca is a psychotropic beverage from South America, derived from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. The beverage contains alkaloids such as β-carbolines and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which alter the psychoactive functions associated with perception and thought processes. Its consumption in the countries of origin, such as Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, is prevalent. Its use has been...
Drogues santé et société
2025
José López Sánchez, Silvia Mesturini Cappo
Cet article montre comment un onanya 1 shipibo travaillant dans le tourisme de l’ayahuasca perçoit, raconte et résiste à l’instrumentalisation de sa pratique. Respecter l’éthique propre à son savoir-faire et à son rôle nécessite, selon lui, non seulement une reconfiguration des pratiques, mais aussi une adaptation des discours. Il s’agit de répondre adroitement aux projections et aux attentes...
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
2025
Jacob S. Aday, Emily K. Bloesch, Alan K. Davis et al.
16 citations
Qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that experiences with ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew found in Central and South America, may be followed by individuals enduringly feeling more grateful and connected to nature. Yet, to date, these changes have been understudied. Here, participants (N = 54) completed validated surveys related to gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature...
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy
2025
Wigínio Gabriel de Lira-Bandeira, Lílian Andrade Carlos de Mendonça Batista, Andréa Silva de Medeiros Bandeira et al.
4 citations
The striatum (St) integrates cognitive, motor, and limbic functions and plays a critical role in processing emotions, motivation, and rewards. It may undergo several morphophysiological changes in neuropsychiatric diseases. Depression, a complex psychiatric disorder, affects millions of people around the world and leads to an increased risk of suicide, decreased quality of life, and functional...