Antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of ayahuasca: a systematic literature review of animal and human studies

Santos, Rafael G. dos; Osório, Flávia de Lima; Crippa, José Alexandre de Souza; Hallak, Jaime Eduardo Cecílio

doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2015-1701

Cited by 115 publications

(101 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…Although ayahuasca has been internationally popularized as a personal growth enhancing spiritual tool (Kjellgren et al, 2009), and there is some evidence confirming its psychotherapeutic potential (dos Santos et al, 2016b;Sanches et al, 2016), little research has been conducted in attempting to understand the psychological processes, or factors, that may explain its outcome effects Thomas et al, 2013). In this study, we compared non-ayahuasca users with ayahuasca users in Decentering, Values and Public control of the experience of self, as well in classical psychopathological measures.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychological variables implied in the therapeutic effect of ayahuasca: A contextual approach

Franquesa

Sainz-Cort²,

Gandy

et al. 2018

Psychiatry Research

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Ayahuasca is a psychedelic decoction originating from Amazonia. The ayahuasca-induced introspective experience has been shown to have potential benefits in the treatment of several pathologies, to protect mental health and to improve neuropsychological functions and creativity, and boost mindfulness. The underlying psychological processes related to the use of ayahuasca in a psychotherapeutic context are not yet well described in the scientific literature, but there is some evidence to suggest that psychological variables described in psychotherapies could be useful in explaining the therapeutic effects of the brew. In this study we explore the link between ayahuasca use and Decentering, Values and Self, comparing subjects without experience of ayahuasca (n = 41) with subjects with experience (n = 81). Results confirm that ayahuasca users scored higher than non-users in Decentering and Positive self, but not in Valued living, Life fulfillment, Self in social relations, Self in close relations and General self. Scores in Decentering were higher in the more experienced subjects (more than 15 occasions) than in those with less experience (less than 15 occasions). Our results show that psychological process variables may explain the outcomes in ayahuasca psychotherapy. The introduction of these variables is warranted in future ayahuasca therapeutic studies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychological variables implied in the therapeutic effect of ayahuasca: A contextual approach

Franquesa

Sainz-Cort²,

Gandy

et al. 2018

Psychiatry Research

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“…As previously mentioned, ayahuasca consumption has been increasing and spreading all over the world, in some cases due to its reported health benefits [14,18]. In fact, some studies have described that, following a single dose of the drink, a rapid decrease in depressive symptoms is observed, which can last up to three weeks [19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxicological Aspects and Determination of the Main Components of Ayahuasca: A Critical Review

et al. 2019

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Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage prepared traditionally from a mixture of the leaves and stems of Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, respectively, being originally consumed by indigenous Amazonian tribes for ritual and medicinal purposes. Over the years, its use has spread to other populations as a means to personal growth and spiritual connection. Also, the recreational use of its isolated compounds has become prominent. The main compounds of this tea-like preparation are N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), β-Carbolines, and harmala alkaloids, such as harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline. The latter are monoamine-oxidase inhibitors and are responsible for DMT psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects on the central nervous system. Although consumers defend its use, its metabolic effects and those on the central nervous system are not fully understood yet. The majority of studies regarding the effects of this beverage and of its individual compounds are based on in vivo experiments, clinical trials, and even surveys. This paper will not only address the toxicological aspects of the ayahuasca compounds but also perform a comprehensive and critical review on the analytical methods available for their determination in biological and non-biological specimens, with special focus on instrumental developments and sample preparation approaches.

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“…While there was a small increase in HDRS scores at Day 14, they were still lower than at baseline and the HDRS scores on Day 21 were similar to those on Day 7. A systematic review conducted by dos Santos, Osório, et al () examined 21 studies of the effects of ayahuasca on anxiety and depression. They concluded that “the studies consistently show that … [ayahuasca has] anxiolytic and antidepressive properties” (p. 68).…”

Section: Psychedelics Prohibition and Stigmamentioning

confidence: 99%

Should Australian Psychology Consider Enhancing Psychotherapeutic Interventions with Psychedelic Drugs? A Call for Research

Bright

Williams

2018

Australian Psychologist

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International research is increasingly demonstrating that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can enhance psychotherapeutic outcomes and be effective for some treatment-refractory mental illnesses; however, there is an absence of any such research in Australia. A review of psychedelic science has been conducted with a focus on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to highlight the degree to which such research is occurring overseas. While some studies are in their early stages and the methods are undergoing continuous refinement, other areas are more advanced, including 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy which is commencing Phase III clinical trials. In all cases, evidence is mounting that psychedelics hold promise in enhancing psychotherapy and furthering current understandings of the brain. Given that there is no psychedelic science program in Australia, we propose that Australian psychologists join the global biomedical community and engage in formal psychedelic research.

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Antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of ayahuasca: a systematic literature review of animal and human studies

Abstract: Considering the need for new drugs that produce fewer adverse effects and are more effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptomatology, the described effects of ayahuasca and its alkaloids should be further investigated.

Cited by 115 publications

References 72 publications

Psychological variables implied in the therapeutic effect of ayahuasca: A contextual approach

Psychological variables implied in the therapeutic effect of ayahuasca: A contextual approach

Toxicological Aspects and Determination of the Main Components of Ayahuasca: A Critical Review

Should Australian Psychology Consider Enhancing Psychotherapeutic Interventions with Psychedelic Drugs? A Call for Research

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