This work investigates the therapeutic potential of Ayahuasca for the treatment of neurological and physical disorders and diseases. Ayahuasca is a plant-based, ancient old brew, which has been used by Indigenous people for medicinal and spiritual purposes. It is still used as a sacred beverage by numerous religious communities in Brazil and North America, including União do Vegetal. History shows and numerous people testified to the positive life-altering changes of Ayahuasca, including the treatment of addiction (e.g., cocaine, tobacco, and alcohol), anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The main ingredients of Ayahuasca are derived from leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub and stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which are cleaned and smashed before being boiled to increase the extraction of its medicinal compounds. P. viridis contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an endogenous neurotransmitter, while B. caapi contains β-carboline derivatives, which act as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and prevent the degradation of DMT by MAO in the gut. DMT has strong affinity to the serotonergic system through interaction with multiple 5-HT receptors (i.e., 1A, 2A, 2B, and 2C) and the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), which are responsible for inhibiting neurodegeneration and regulating the production of brain antioxidants. These interactions are key in explaining the pharmacodynamics of Ayahuasca. Also, β-carbolines have shown anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and memory-boosting effects, and were able to increase the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Overall, the observed, long-term health benefits of Ayahuasca require more research to further identify and understand the synergetic, medicinal properties of its massive pool of bioactive molecules.

Investigating the historic and therapeutic potential of ayahuasca

ACS Fall 2021

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