Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects (2023)

Review
Written By Simon Ruffell

Simon Ruffell, Max Crosland-Wood, Rob Palmer, Nige Netzband, WaiFung Tsang, Brandon Weiss, Sam Gandy, Tessa Cowley-Court, Andreas Halman, Diana McHerron, Angelina Jong, Tom Kennedy, Eleanor White, Daniel Perkins, Devin Terhune, & Jerome Sarris

Ayahuasca preparation by ICEERS

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and a plant containing the potent psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT), usually Psychotria viridis.

Here we view the history of ayahuasca and describe recent work on its pharmacology, phenomenological responses, and clinical applications. There has been a significant increase in interest in ayahuasca since the turn of the millennium. Anecdotal evidence varies significantly, ranging from evangelical accounts to horror stories involving physical and psychological harm.

The effects of the brew on personality and mental health outcomes are discussed in this review. Furthermore, phenomenological analyses of the ayahuasca experience are explored.

Ayahuasca is a promising psychedelic agent that warrants greater empirical attention regarding its basic neurochemical mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic application

Simon Ruffell
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Insights, life changes and lifestyle changes reported by individuals consuming ayahuasca in naturalistic settings: Nature, frequency and associations with mental health and wellbeing (2023)
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Ayahuasca (in Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications, 2023)