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Review
. 2023 Oct 2;2(4):e146.
doi: 10.1002/pcn5.146. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects

Simon G D Ruffell  1   2   3 , Max Crosland-Wood  1   4 , Rob Palmer  1   5   6 , Nige Netzband  1 , WaiFung Tsang  1   7   8 , Brandon Weiss  1   9 , Sam Gandy  1 , Tessa Cowley-Court  2   3 , Andreas Halman  3 , Diana McHerron  2 , Angelina Jong  7   8 , Tom Kennedy  2 , Eleanor White  2 , Daniel Perkins  2   3   10 , Devin B Terhune  4 , Jerome Sarris  2   11   12
Affiliations
Review

Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects

Simon G D Ruffell et al. PCN Rep. .

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.

Keywords: DMT; ayahuasca; ceremony; harmala alkaloids; psychedelic.

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Conflict of interest statement

Simon G. D. Ruffell, Nige Netzband, and WaiFung Tsang are directors of a not‐for‐profit research institute. Jerome Sarris and Daniel Perkins are directors of a not‐for‐profit medicinal psychedelics research institute. Simon G. D. Ruffell, Tessa Cowley‐Court, and Diana McHerron are employed at this not‐for‐profit medicinal psychedelics research institute. Jerome Sarris is supported by an National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical (Fellowship APP1125000).

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