A Review of the Psychotherapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca

Adam Bertroche, D.O.

Volume 2 Issue 1

Abstract:

Objective: This paper aims to outline the background, pharmacology, subjective effects, and tolerability of the South American hallucinogenic tea, ayahuasca.

Methods: Literature Review

Discussion: Ayahuasca is a South American hallucinogenic tea that has been used in shamanistic practices for centuries and has become popularized globally through use by Brazilian churches and has potential implications for the treatment of psychiatric conditions due to its serotonergic activity. It relies on monoamine oxidase inhibition to prevent degradation of its psychoactive ingredient, DMT, allowing it to be absorbed into the systemic circulation and act centrally. Subjective effects acutely include perceptual, cognitive, affective, and somatic changes and is generally well tolerated with mild increased in cardiovascular parameters, possible gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, and rarely prolonged psychosis