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Savoldi R, Polari D, Pinheiro-da-Silva J, Silva PF, Lobao-Soares B, Yonamine M, Freire FAM, Luchiari AC. Behavioral Changes Over Time Following Ayahuasca Exposure in Zebrafish. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:139. [PMID: 28804451 PMCID: PMC5532431 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined infusion of Banisteriopsis caapi stem and Psychotria viridis leaves, known as ayahuasca, has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes. The infusion is rich in N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, with properties similar to those of serotonin. Despite substantial progress in the development of new drugs to treat anxiety and depression, current treatments have several limitations. Alternative drugs, such as ayahuasca, may shed light on these disorders. Here, we present time-course behavioral changes induced by ayahuasca in zebrafish, as first step toward establishing an ideal concentration for pre-clinical evaluations. We exposed adult zebrafish to five concentrations of the ayahuasca infusion: 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 3 ml/L (n = 14 each group), and behavior was recorded for 60 min. We evaluated swimming speed, distance traveled, freezing and bottom dwelling every min for 60 min. Swimming speed and distance traveled decreased with an increase in ayahuasca concentration while freezing increased with 1 and 3 ml/L. Bottom dwelling increased with 1 and 3 ml/L, but declined with 0.1 ml/L. Our data suggest that small amounts of ayahuasca do not affect locomotion and reduce anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish, while increased doses of the drug lead to crescent anxiogenic effects. We conclude that the temporal analysis of zebrafish behavior is a sensitive method for the study of ayahuasca-induced functional changes in the vertebrate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson Savoldi
- Luchiari Lab, Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Polari
- Luchiari Lab, Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila F Silva
- Luchiari Lab, Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lobao-Soares
- Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fulvio A M Freire
- Aquatic Fauna Lab, Botany and Zoology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Ana C Luchiari
- Luchiari Lab, Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
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103
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Morales-García JA, de la Fuente Revenga M, Alonso-Gil S, Rodríguez-Franco MI, Feilding A, Perez-Castillo A, Riba J. The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of the Amazonian hallucinogen Ayahuasca, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5309. [PMID: 28706205 PMCID: PMC5509699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Banisteriopsis caapi is the basic ingredient of ayahuasca, a psychotropic plant tea used in the Amazon for ritual and medicinal purposes, and by interested individuals worldwide. Animal studies and recent clinical research suggests that B. caapi preparations show antidepressant activity, a therapeutic effect that has been linked to hippocampal neurogenesis. Here we report that harmine, tetrahydroharmine and harmaline, the three main alkaloids present in B. caapi, and the harmine metabolite harmol, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro. In neurospheres prepared from progenitor cells obtained from the subventricular and the subgranular zones of adult mice brains, all compounds stimulated neural stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into adult neurons. These findings suggest that modulation of brain plasticity could be a major contribution to the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca. They also expand the potential application of B. caapi alkaloids to other brain disorders that may benefit from stimulation of endogenous neural precursor niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Morales-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, UCM, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario de la Fuente Revenga
- Human Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group. Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau). Sant Antoni María Claret, 167. 08025, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain.,MFR currently at: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Sandra Alonso-Gil
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Amanda Feilding
- The Beckley Foundation, Beckley Park, Oxford, OX3 9SY, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Perez-Castillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jordi Riba
- Human Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group. Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau). Sant Antoni María Claret, 167. 08025, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Planta, 028029, Madrid, Spain.
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104
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Brown T, Shao W, Ayub S, Chong D, Cornelius C. A Physician's Attempt to Self-Medicate Bipolar Depression with N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:294-296. [PMID: 28686543 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1344898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychoactive substance that has been gaining popularity in therapeutic and recreational use. This is a case of a physician who chronically took DMT augmented with phenelzine in an attempt to self-medicate refractory bipolar depression. His presentation of altered mental status, mania, and psychosis is examined in regards to his DMT use. This case discusses DMT, the possible uses of DMT, and the theorized mechanism of DMT in psychosis and treatment of depression, particularly involving its agonist activity at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C. It is also important to recognize the dangers of self-medication, particularly amongst physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanida Brown
- a Psychiatry Resident Physician, Banner-University Medical Center , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - Wanda Shao
- a Psychiatry Resident Physician, Banner-University Medical Center , Phoenix , AZ , USA.,b Clinical Associate Instructor, University of Arizona College of Medicine , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - Shehzad Ayub
- c Attending Faculty Psychiatrist, Banner-University Medical Center , Phoenix , AZ , USA.,d Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - David Chong
- a Psychiatry Resident Physician, Banner-University Medical Center , Phoenix , AZ , USA.,b Clinical Associate Instructor, University of Arizona College of Medicine , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - Christian Cornelius
- c Attending Faculty Psychiatrist, Banner-University Medical Center , Phoenix , AZ , USA.,d Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine , Phoenix , AZ , USA
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105
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ALSUntangled 40: Ayahuasca. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18:627-631. [PMID: 28618842 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1337877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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González D, Carvalho M, Cantillo J, Aixalá M, Farré M. Potential Use of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2017; 79:260-285. [DOI: 10.1177/0030222817710879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The death of a loved one is ultimately a universal experience. However, conventional interventions employed for people suffering with uncomplicated grief have gathered little empirical support. The present study aimed to explore the potential effects of ayahuasca on grief. We compared 30 people who had taken ayahuasca with 30 people who had attended peer-support groups, measuring level of grief and experiential avoidance. We also examined themes in participant responses to an open-ended question regarding their experiences with ayahuasca. The ayahuasca group presented a lower level of grief in the Present Feelings Scale of Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, showing benefits in some psychological and interpersonal dimensions. Qualitative responses described experiences of emotional release, biographical memories, and experiences of contact with the deceased. Additionally, some benefits were identified regarding the ayahuasca experiences. These results provide preliminary data about the potential of ayahuasca as a therapeutic tool in treatments for grief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora González
- ICEERS—International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research & Service, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - María Carvalho
- ICEERS—International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research & Service, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
- Centro de Estudos em Desenvolvimento Humano (CEDH), Faculdade de Educação e Psicologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho, Portugal
| | - Jordi Cantillo
- ICEERS—International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research & Service, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Aixalá
- ICEERS—International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research & Service, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - Magí Farré
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
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Reproductive effects of the psychoactive beverage ayahuasca in male Wistar rats after chronic exposure. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Dos Santos RG, Osório FL, Crippa JAS, Hallak JEC. Classical hallucinogens and neuroimaging: A systematic review of human studies: Hallucinogens and neuroimaging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:715-728. [PMID: 27810345 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic hallucinogens produce alterations of perceptions, mood, and cognition, and have anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antiaddictive properties. These drugs act as agonists of frontocortical 5-HT2A receptors, but the neural basis of their effects are not well understood. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging studies analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens in man. Studies published in the PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases until 12 April 2016 were included using the following keywords: "ayahuasca", "DMT", "psilocybin", "LSD", "mescaline" crossed one by one with the terms "mri", "fmri", "pet", "spect", "imaging" and "neuroimaging". Of 279 studies identified, 25 were included. Acute effects included excitation of frontolateral/frontomedial cortex, medial temporal lobe, and occipital cortex, and inhibition of the default mode network. Long-term use was associated with thinning of the posterior cingulate cortex, thickening of the anterior cingulate cortex, and decreased neocortical 5-HT2A receptor binding. Despite the high methodological heterogeneity and the small sample sizes, the results suggest that hallucinogens increase introspection and positive mood by modulating brain activity in the fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Flávia L Osório
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
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Kuypers KPC, Riba J, de la Fuente Revenga M, Barker S, Theunissen EL, Ramaekers JG. Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3395-403. [PMID: 27435062 PMCID: PMC4989012 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4377-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ayahuasca is a South American psychotropic plant tea traditionally used in Amazonian shamanism. The tea contains the psychedelic 5-HT2A receptor agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), plus β-carboline alkaloids with monoamine oxidase-inhibiting properties. Increasing evidence from anecdotal reports and open-label studies indicates that ayahuasca may have therapeutic effects in treatment of substance use disorders and depression. A recent study on the psychological effects of ayahuasca found that the tea reduces judgmental processing and inner reactivity, classic goals of mindfulness psychotherapy. Another psychological facet that could potentially be targeted by ayahuasca is creative divergent thinking. This mode of thinking can enhance and strengthen psychological flexibility by allowing individuals to generate new and effective cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies. The present study aimed to assess the potential effects of ayahuasca on creative thinking. METHODS We visited two spiritual ayahuasca workshops and invited participants to conduct creativity tests before and during the acute effects of ayahuasca. In total, 26 participants consented. Creativity tests included the "pattern/line meanings test" (PLMT) and the "picture concept test" (PCT), both assessing divergent thinking and the latter also assessing convergent thinking. RESULTS While no significant effects were found for the PLMT, ayahuasca intake significantly modified divergent and convergent thinking as measured by the PCT. While convergent thinking decreased after intake, divergent thinking increased. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicate that ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking. They suggest that ayahuasca increases psychological flexibility, which may facilitate psychotherapeutic interventions and support clinical trial initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - J Riba
- Human Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M de la Fuente Revenga
- Human Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Sant Pau Institute of Biomedical Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Barker
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - E L Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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