Effects of Ayahuasca and its Alkaloids on Drug Dependence: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies in Animals and Humans

Nunes, Amanda Amorin; Santos, Rafael G. dos; Osório, Flávia de Lima; Sanches, Rafael Faria; Crippa, José Alexandre de Souza; Hallak, Jaime Eduardo Cecílio

doi:10.1080/02791072.2016.1188225

Cited by 74 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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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]. Other studies revealed that ayahuasca intake can significantly diminish anxiety and panic states [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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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2019

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“…The ayahuasca-induced introspective experience has been shown to have potential benefits for the improvement of several pathologies such as addiction (Nunes et al, 2016;Thomas et al, 2013;Fernández et al, 2014), treatmentresistant depression (Osório et al, 2015;Sanches et al, 2016) and suicidal and aggressive behavior (Frecska, 2008;Grob et al, 1996). Ayahuasca also displays potential mental health protection (Bouso et al, 2012;Grob et al, 1996;Halpern et al, 2008), improved neuropsychological functions (Bouso et al, 2012Bouso et al, 2013) and improved creativity (Frecska et al, 2012;Kuypers et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

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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“…Preclinical studies and observational studies of ayahuasca users suggest that ayahuasca has anxiolytic, antidepressive and antiaddictive effects (Table 3) 21,34,[37][38][39][40] . Regarding anxiolytic and antidepressive effects in humans, a double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with nine experienced ayahuasca users showed that a single ayahuasca dose was associated with less panic symptoms and reduced hopelessness 41 .…”

Section: Therapeutic Potentialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, recent studies with LSD and psilocybin for depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer reported promising results, and ayahuasca could also be evaluated in this clinical population 44,46,47 . Regarding drug dependence, although there is evidence from animal studies and from anecdotal reports and uncontrolled studies suggesting that ayahuasca has antiaddictive properties 21,38,40,48,49,54,57 , no controlled trials were ever performed and they are urgent needed.…”

Section: Suggestions For Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The fact is that we still do not know what DMT is doing in our bodies, so this is a very interesting topic to further investigate 9,10 . Moreover, preclinical studies suggest that DMT and the β-carbolines have not only antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive proprieties 39,40 , but also neuroprotective and neurotrophic potentials 69,[77][78][79] . For instance, a recent neuropsychological study in ayahuasca user suggested that ayahuasca may indeed improve cognition and have "nootropic" effect 80 .…”

Section: Suggestions For Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ayahuasca: what mental health professionals need to know

Santos

Bouso²,

Hallak

2017

Arch. Clin. Psychiatry (São Paulo)

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Background: Ayahuasca is a psychoactive ethnobotanical concoction that has been used for decades by indigenous groups of the Northwestern Amazon and by syncretic religious organizations for ritual and therapeutic purposes. In the last two decades, it is being used worldwide in evolving practices. Ayahuasca seem to therapeutic effects, but controlled studies are lacking. Moreover, its safety and toxicity are not completely understood. Objectives: To present an overview of the effects of ayahuasca based on the most recent human studies. Methods: Narrative review. Results: Ayahuasca administration in controlled settings appears to be safe from a subjective and physiological perspective, with few adverse reactions being reported. More frequent adverse reactions occur in non-controlled settings. Prolonged psychotic reactions are rare and seem to occur especially in susceptible individuals. Ayahuasca showed antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects in animal models, observational studies, and in open-label and controlled studies. Discussion: Ayahuasca administration in controlled settings appear to be safe. Moreover, ayahuasca seem to have therapeutic effects for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders that should be further investigated in randomized controlled clinical trials. However, medical complications and cases of prolonged psychotic reactions have been reported, and people with personal or family history of psychotic disorders should avoid ayahuasca intake.

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Effects of Ayahuasca and its Alkaloids on Drug Dependence: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Studies in Animals and Humans

Cited by 74 publications

References 55 publications

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

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

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

Ayahuasca: what mental health professionals need to know

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