Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness
Author:
Hamill Jonathan1, Hallak Jaime1, Dursun Serdar M.1, Baker Glen1
Affiliation:
1. Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Abstract
Background:
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian decoction with psychoactive properties,
is made from bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (containing beta-carboline alkaloids) and
leaves of the Psychotria viridis bush (supplying the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT).
Originally used by indigenous shamans for the purposes of spirit communication, magical experiences,
healing, and religious rituals across several South American countries, ayahuasca has been
incorporated into folk medicine and spiritual healing, and several Brazilian churches use it routinely
to foster a spiritual experience. More recently, it is being used in Europe and North America, not
only for religious or healing reasons, but also for recreation.
Objective:
To review ayahuasca’s behavioral effects, possible adverse effects, proposed mechanisms
of action and potential clinical uses in mental illness.
Method:
We searched Medline, in English, using the terms ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, Banisteriopsis
caapi, and Psychotria viridis and reviewed the relevant publications.
Results:
The following aspects of ayahuasca are summarized: Political and legal factors; acute and
chronic psychological effects; electrophysiological studies and imaging; physiological effects; safety
and adverse effects; pharmacology; potential psychiatric uses.
Conclusion:
Many years of shamanic wisdom have indicated potential therapeutic uses for ayahuasca,
and several present day studies suggest that it may be useful for treating various psychiatric
disorders and addictions. The side effect profile appears to be relatively mild, but more detailed
studies need to be done. Several prominent researchers believe that government regulations with
regard to ayahuasca should be relaxed so that it could be provided more readily to recognized, credible
researchers to conduct comprehensive clinical trials.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Psychiatry and Mental health,Clinical Neurology,Neurology,Pharmacology,General Medicine
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