Ayahuasca – a review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects

Simon Ruffell; Nige Netzband; Wai Fung Tsang; Stephen Gandy; D. Perkins; T. Cowley-Court; A. Halman; D. McHerron; T. Kennedy; E. White; Devin B. Terhune; J Sarris

doi:10.1002/pcn5.146

Ayahuasca – a review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects

Simon Ruffell, Nige Netzband, Wai Fung Tsang, Stephen Gandy, D. Perkins, T. Cowley-Court, A. Halman, D. McHerron, T. Kennedy, E. White, Devin B. Terhune, J Sarris

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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 review 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.

Original language	English
Journal	Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/pcn5.146
Publication status	Published - 2 Oct 2023

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AU - Netzband, Nige

AU - Tsang, Wai Fung

AU - Gandy, Stephen

AU - Perkins, D.

AU - Cowley-Court, T.

AU - Halman, A.

AU - McHerron, D.

AU - Kennedy, T.

AU - White, E.

AU - Terhune, Devin B.

AU - Sarris, J

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Ayahuasca – a review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects

Abstract

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