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Werle I, Nascimento LMM, Dos Santos ALA, Soares LA, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC, Bertoglio LJ. Ayahuasca-enhanced extinction of fear behaviour: Role of infralimbic cortex 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 1A receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1671-1689. [PMID: 38320596 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ayahuasca (AYA) is a botanical psychedelic with promising results in observational and small clinical trials for depression, trauma and drug use disorders. Its psychoactive effects primarily stem from N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). However, there is a lack of research on how and where AYA acts in the brain. This study addressed these questions by examining the extinction of aversive memories in AYA-treated rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We focused on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, as DMT exhibits a high affinity for both of them, along with the infralimbic cortex in which activity and plasticity play crucial roles in regulating the mnemonic process under analysis. KEY RESULTS A single oral treatment with AYA containing 0.3 mg·kg-1 of DMT increased the within-session extinction of contextual freezing behaviour without affecting its recall. This protocol, when repeated twice on consecutive days, enhanced extinction recall. These effects were consistent for both 1- and 21-day-old memories in males and females. AYA effects on fear extinction were independent of changes in anxiety and general exploratory activity: AYA- and vehicle-treated animals showed no differences when tested in the elevated plus-maze. The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL-11,939 and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 infused into the infralimbic cortex respectively blocked within- and between-session fear extinction effects resulting from repeated oral administration of AYA. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings highlight complementary mechanisms by which AYA facilitates the behavioural suppression of aversive memories in the rat infralimbic cortex. These results suggest potential beneficial effects of AYA or DMT in stress-related disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Fear/drug effects
- Fear/physiology
- Male
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Extinction, Psychological/drug effects
- Rats
- Banisteriopsis/chemistry
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Hallucinogens/administration & dosage
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Pyridines/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Werle
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Laura M M Nascimento
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Aymee L A Dos Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Luciane A Soares
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- Departamento de Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Departamento de Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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2
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Lauria PSS, Gomes JDM, Abreu LS, Santana RC, Nunes VLC, Couto RD, Colavolpe PO, Silva MSD, Soares MBP, Villarreal CF. Ayahuasca and its major component harmine promote antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117710. [PMID: 38184028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ayahuasca (AYA) is a psychedelic brew used in religious ceremonies. It is broadly used as a sacred medicine for treating several ailments, including pain of various origins. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the antinociceptive effects of AYA and its mechanisms in preclinical models of acute and chronic pain in mice, in particular during experimental neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antinociceptive effects of AYA administered orally were assessed in the following models of pain: formalin test, Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation, tail flick test, and partial sciatic nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain. Antagonism assays and Fos immunohistochemistry in the brain were performed. AYA-induced toxicity was investigated. AYA was chemically characterized. The antinociceptive effect of harmine, the major component present in AYA, was investigated. RESULTS AYA (24-3000 μL/kg) dose-dependently reduced formalin-induced pain-like behaviors and CFA-induced mechanical allodynia but did not affect CFA-induced paw edema or tail flick latency. During experimental neuropathy, single treatments with AYA (24-3000 μL/kg) reduced mechanical allodynia; daily treatments once or twice a day for 14 days promoted consistent and sustained antinociception. The antinociceptive effect of AYA (600 μL/kg) was reverted by bicuculline (1 mg/kg) and methysergide (5 mg/kg), but not by naloxone (5 mg/kg), phaclofen (2 mg/kg), and rimonabant (10 mg/kg), suggesting the roles of GABAA and serotonergic receptors. AYA increased Fos expression in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and nucleus raphe magnus after 1 h, but not after 6 h or 14 days of daily treatments. AYA (600 μL/kg) twice a day for 14 days did not alter mice's motor function, spontaneous locomotion, body weight, food and water intake, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. Harmine (3.5 mg/kg) promoted consistent antinociception during experimental neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS AYA promotes consistent antinociceptive effects in different mouse models of pain without inducing detectable toxic effects. Harmine is at least partially accountable for the antinociceptive properties of AYA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana de Medeiros Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, 58.050-585, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Silva Abreu
- Chemistry Institute, Fluminense Federal University, 24.020-150, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Ricardo David Couto
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40.170-115, Salvador, BA, Brazil; School of Medicine, University Center of Technology and Science, 41.800-700, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| | | | - Marcelo Sobral da Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, 58.050-585, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 40.296-710, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Institute of Advanced Systems in Health, SENAI CIMATEC, 41.650-010, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Flora Villarreal
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40.170-115, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 40.296-710, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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3
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Williams M, Kingston Miller A, Lafrance A. Ayahuasca ceremony leaders' perspectives on special considerations for eating disorders. Eat Disord 2024; 32:120-139. [PMID: 37943076 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2023.2271201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are difficult conditions to resolve, necessitating novel treatments. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant medicine originating in Indigenous Amazonian communities, is being investigated. Aspects of ceremonial ayahuasca use (purging, dietary restrictions) appear similar to ED behaviors, raising questions about ayahuasca's suitability as an intervention for individuals with EDs. This study explored the perspectives of ayahuasca ceremony leaders on these and other considerations for ceremonial ayahuasca drinking among individuals with EDs. A qualitative content analysis of interviews was undertaken with 15 ayahuasca ceremony leaders, the majority of whom were from the West/Global North. Screening for EDs, purging and dietary restrictions, potential risks and dangers, and complementarity with conventional ED treatment emerged as categories. The findings offer ideas, including careful screening and extra support, to promote safe and beneficial ceremony experiences for ceremony participants with EDs. More research is needed to clarify the impacts of ceremony-related purging and preparatory diets. To evolve conventional models of treatment, the ED field could consider Indigenous approaches to mental health whereby ayahuasca ceremony leaders and ED researchers and clinicians collaborate in a decolonizing, bidirectional bridging process between Western and Indigenous paradigms of healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meris Williams
- Independent Researcher, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Annie Kingston Miller
- School of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Fletcher PJ, Li Z, Ji XD, Lê AD. Established sensitization of ethanol-induced locomotor activity is not reversed by psilocybin or the 5-HT 2A receptor agonist TCB-2 in male DBA/2J mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 235:173703. [PMID: 38154589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Psychedelic drugs, which share in common 5-HT2A receptor agonist activity, have shown promise in treating alcohol-use disorders (AUDs). Repeated exposure to ethanol (EtOH) induces molecular and behavioural changes reflective of neuroadaptations that may contribute to addiction. Psychedelic drugs can induce neuroplasticity also, raising the possibility that their potential clinical effects in AUD may involve an action to reverse or offset effects of long-term changes induced by EtOH. This possibility was examined by investigating whether psilocybin, or the 5-HT2A receptor agonist TCB-2, counteracted established sensitization of EtOH-induced locomotor activity. METHODS Male DBA/2J mice received repeated injections of 2.2 g/kg EtOH to induce a sensitized locomotor activity response. In two experiments separate groups of mice were then injected with psilocybin (0, 0.3 and 1 kg/kg) or TCB-2 (0, 1 and 3 mg/kg) on 5 consecutive days. Next, mice were challenged with 1.8 g/kg EtOH and locomotor activity measured for 15 min. RESULTS Relative to naïve controls, previously sensitized mice showed enhanced locomotor activity to the challenge dose. Despite reducing locomotor activity in their own right psilocybin and TCB-2 did not alter the strength of this sensitized response. CONCLUSION Psilocybin and TCB-2 at behaviourally effective doses did not reverse sensitization of EtOH-induced activity. This suggests that mechanisms involved in mediating short-term reductions in EtOH intake by psilocybin or TCB-2 may not involve a capacity of these drugs to offset enduring changes in behaviour and any underlying neural adaptations induced by repeated intermittent exposure to EtOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Fletcher
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Zhaoxia Li
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Dong Ji
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anh D Lê
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Aicher HD, Mueller MJ, Dornbierer DA, Suay D, Elsner C, Wicki I, Meling D, Caflisch L, Hempe A, Steinhart C, Mueller J, Von Rotz R, Kleim B, Scheidegger M. Potential therapeutic effects of an ayahuasca-inspired N,N-DMT and harmine formulation: a controlled trial in healthy subjects. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1302559. [PMID: 38264636 PMCID: PMC10804806 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1302559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing scientific evidence for the therapeutic benefits of the Amazonian plant-based psychedelic "ayahuasca" for neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, there are certain challenges when incorporating botanical ayahuasca into biomedical research and clinical therapy environments. Formulations inspired by ayahuasca, which contain specific and standardized active components, are a potential remedy. Methods We investigated subjective acute and persisting effects of a novel formulation containing the reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor harmine (orodispersible tablet containing 100 mg MAO-I) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (incremental intranasal dosing of up to 100 mg DMT), compared with two other conditions, namely harmine alone and placebo, in a crossover RCT in 31 healthy male subjects. Results DMT + harmine, but not harmine alone, induced a psychedelic experience assessed with the 5D-ASC rating scale [global score: F(2,60) = 80.21, p < 0.001] and acute experience sampling items over time, characterized by psychological insights [PIQ, F(2,58.5) = 28.514, p < 0.001], emotional breakthroughs [EBI, F(2,60) = 26.509, p < 0.001], and low scores on the challenging experience questionnaire [CEQ, F(2,60) = 12.84, p < 0.001]. Participants attributed personal and spiritual significance to the experience (GSR) with mainly positive persisting effects (PEQ) at 1- and 4-months follow-up. Acute drug effects correlated positively with persisting effects. We found no changes in trait measures of personality, psychological flexibility, or general well-being, and no increases in psychopathology (SCL-90-R) were reported. Discussion and Conclusion Our results suggest that the experience induced by the standardized DMT + harmine formulation induces a phenomenologically rich psychedelic experience, demonstrates good psychological safety and tolerability, is well tolerated, and induces beneficial psychological processes that could possibly support psychotherapy. Further studies are required to investigate the psychotherapeutic potential in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D. Aicher
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J. Mueller
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario A. Dornbierer
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dila Suay
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- MoMiLab, IMT School for Advanced Studies Luca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Claudius Elsner
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilhui Wicki
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Meling
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luzia Caflisch
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Hempe
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Camilla Steinhart
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jovin Mueller
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robin Von Rotz
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Psychedelic Research and Therapy Development, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Switzerland
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Luan LX, Eckernäs E, Ashton M, Rosas FE, Uthaug MV, Bartha A, Jagger S, Gascon-Perai K, Gomes L, Nutt DJ, Erritzøe D, Carhart-Harris RL, Timmermann C. Psychological and physiological effects of extended DMT. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:56-67. [PMID: 37897244 PMCID: PMC10851633 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231196877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic that induces a rapid and transient altered state of consciousness when inhaled or injected via bolus administration. Its marked and novel subjective effects make DMT a powerful tool for the neuroscientific study of consciousness and preliminary results show its potential role in treating mental health conditions. In a within-subjects, placebo-controlled study, we investigated a novel method of DMT administration involving a bolus injection paired with a constant-rate infusion, with the goal of extending the DMT experience. Pharmacokinetic parameters of DMT estimated from plasma data of a previous study of bolus intravenous DMT were used to derive dose regimens necessary to keep subjects in steady levels of immersion into the DMT experience over an extended period of 30 min, and four dose regimens consisting of a bolus loading dose and a slow-rate infusion were tested in eleven healthy volunteers (seven male, four female, mean age ± SD = 37.09 ± 8.93 years). The present method is effective for extending the DMT experience in a stable and tolerable fashion. While subjective effects were maintained over the period of active infusion, anxiety ratings remained low and heart rate habituated within 15 min, indicating psychological and physiological safety of extended DMT. Plasma DMT concentrations increased consistently starting 10 min into DMT administration, whereas psychological effects plateaued into the desired steady state, suggesting the development of acute psychological tolerance to DMT. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of continuous IV DMT administration, laying the groundwork for the further development of this method of administration for basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa X Luan
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Eckernäs
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Ashton
- Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Malin V Uthaug
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Somnivore Ply Ltd, Australia
| | - Alexander Bartha
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Samantha Jagger
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kiara Gascon-Perai
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lauren Gomes
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Erritzøe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Psychedelics Division–Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Timmermann
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Ruffell SGD, Crosland‐Wood M, Palmer R, Netzband N, Tsang W, Weiss B, Gandy S, Cowley‐Court T, Halman A, McHerron D, Jong A, Kennedy T, White E, Perkins D, Terhune DB, Sarris J. Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2023; 2:e146. [PMID: 38868739 PMCID: PMC11114307 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon G. D. Ruffell
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Max Crosland‐Wood
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Psychology and Psychotherapy departmentCentral and North West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Rob Palmer
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- School of MedicineUniversity of YaleNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | | | - WaiFung Tsang
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceSouth London and The Maudsley NHS TrustLondonUK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Brandon Weiss
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Division of PsychiatryImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Tessa Cowley‐Court
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andreas Halman
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Angelina Jong
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceSouth London and The Maudsley NHS TrustLondonUK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Daniel Perkins
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Devin B. Terhune
- Psychology and Psychotherapy departmentCentral and North West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Jerome Sarris
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyAustralia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
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8
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Dornbierer DA, Marten L, Mueller J, Aicher HD, Mueller MJ, Boxler M, Kometer M, Kosanic D, von Rotz R, Puchkov M, Kraemer T, Landolt HP, Seifritz E, Scheidegger M. Overcoming the clinical challenges of traditional ayahuasca: a first-in-human trial exploring novel routes of administration of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and harmine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1246892. [PMID: 38089057 PMCID: PMC10711279 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1246892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the Amazonian plant medicine "ayahuasca"-containing the psychedelic compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and numerous β-carboline alkaloids, such as harmine-has been suggested to exhibit beneficial effects in patients with affective and other mental health disorders. Although ayahuasca ingestion is considered safe, its pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and tolerability profile pose some challenges and may limit the clinical applicability in vulnerable patient populations. While overdosing and the admixture of intolerable plant constituents may explain some of the common adverse reactions, the peroral route of administration may represent another relevant source of gastro-intestinal intolerabilities and unpredictable pharmacokinetics across users. To overcome these challenges, the present work aimed at creating ayahuasca-analogue formulations with improved pharmacokinetics and tolerability profiles. To this end, we developed peroral formulas and compared them with parenteral formulas specifically designed to circumvent the gastro-intestinal tract. In more detail, peroral administration of a capsule (containing purified DMT and harmine) was tested against a combined administration of an oromucosal harmine tablet and an intranasal DMT spray at two dose levels in an open-label within-subject study in 10 healthy male subjects. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were assessed by means of continuous blood sampling, vital sign monitoring, and psychometric assessments. Common side effects induced by traditional herbal ayahuasca such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were significantly attenuated by our DMT/harmine formulations. While all preparations were well tolerated, the combined buccal/intranasal administration of harmine and DMT yielded substantially improved pharmacokinetic profiles, indicated by significantly reduced variations in systemic exposure. In conclusion, the combined buccal/intranasal administration of harmine and DMT is an innovative approach that may pave the way towards a safe, rapid-acting, and patient-oriented administration of DMT/harmine for the treatment of affective disorders. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04716335.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario A. Dornbierer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laurenz Marten
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jovin Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helena D. Aicher
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J. Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Science & Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Boxler
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Robin von Rotz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maxim Puchkov
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Landolt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2573. [PMID: 37447135 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Traditional therapies, resorting to the use of plants, have acquired a great demand over the years, both for economic reasons and the preference for natural treatments. Some studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial properties in treating some physical and psychological imbalances. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of studies published up to December 2022, where these themes were addressed. The search was carried out in the PubMed database, and only studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Thus, 228 publications were identified, of which 66 were included in the present study. The reviewed studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial effects on various physical and psychological conditions, namely in the treatment of depression, anxiety and various diseases of the neurobiological system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, demonstrating its therapeutic potential. The number of studies that address this issue has also been growing, demonstrating interest in the search for alternative treatments. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review where all the findings of therapeutic effects associated with the consumption of ayahuasca are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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10
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Sodré ME, Wießner I, Irfan M, Schenck CH, Mota-Rolim SA. Awake or Sleeping? Maybe Both… A Review of Sleep-Related Dissociative States. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3876. [PMID: 37373570 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have begun to understand sleep not only as a whole-brain process but also as a complex local phenomenon controlled by specific neurotransmitters that act in different neural networks, which is called "local sleep". Moreover, the basic states of human consciousness-wakefulness, sleep onset (N1), light sleep (N2), deep sleep (N3), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-can concurrently appear, which may result in different sleep-related dissociative states. In this article, we classify these sleep-related dissociative states into physiological, pathological, and altered states of consciousness. Physiological states are daydreaming, lucid dreaming, and false awakenings. Pathological states include sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Altered states are hypnosis, anesthesia, and psychedelics. We review the neurophysiology and phenomenology of these sleep-related dissociative states of consciousness and update them with recent studies. We conclude that these sleep-related dissociative states have a significant basic and clinical impact since their study contributes to the understanding of consciousness and the proper treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Wießner
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Muna Irfan
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carlos H Schenck
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sergio A Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
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11
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Vogt SB, Ley L, Erne L, Straumann I, Becker AM, Klaiber A, Holze F, Vandersmissen A, Mueller L, Duthaler U, Rudin D, Luethi D, Varghese N, Eckert A, Liechti ME. Acute effects of intravenous DMT in a randomized placebo-controlled study in healthy participants. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:172. [PMID: 37221177 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02477-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is distinct among classic serotonergic psychedelics because of its short-lasting effects when administered intravenously. Despite growing interest in the experimental and therapeutic use of intravenous DMT, data are lacking on its clinical pharmacology. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in 27 healthy participants to test different intravenous DMT administration regimens: placebo, low infusion (0.6 mg/min), high infusion (1 mg/min), low bolus + low infusion (15 mg + 0.6 mg/min), and high bolus + high infusion (25 mg + 1 mg/min). Study sessions lasted for 5 h and were separated by at least 1 week. Participant's lifetime use of psychedelics was ≤20 times. Outcome measures included subjective, autonomic, and adverse effects, pharmacokinetics of DMT, and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and oxytocin. Low (15 mg) and high (25 mg) DMT bolus doses rapidly induced very intense psychedelic effects that peaked within 2 min. DMT infusions (0.6 or 1 mg/min) without a bolus induced slowly increasing and dose-dependent psychedelic effects that reached plateaus after 30 min. Both bolus doses produced more negative subjective effects and anxiety than infusions. After stopping the infusion, all drug effects rapidly decreased and completely subsided within 15 min, consistent with a short early plasma elimination half-life (t1/2α) of 5.0-5.8 min, followed by longer late elimination (t1/2β = 14-16 min) after 15-20 min. Subjective effects of DMT were stable from 30 to 90 min, despite further increasing plasma concentrations, thus indicating acute tolerance to continuous DMT administration. Intravenous DMT, particularly when administered as an infusion, is a promising tool for the controlled induction of a psychedelic state that can be tailored to the specific needs of patients and therapeutic sessions.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04353024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin B Vogt
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ley
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Livio Erne
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Straumann
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna M Becker
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aaron Klaiber
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Holze
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Vandersmissen
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lorenz Mueller
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Duthaler
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Rudin
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dino Luethi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nimmy Varghese
- Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Eckert
- Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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12
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Kawakami A, Suzuki M. Ayahuasca in Western society and the metacognitive counselling approach. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Kawakami
- Division of Sociology, School of Behavioral Sciences Tarleton State University Stephenville Texas USA
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13
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Simionato NM, Favaro VM, Maia LO. The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110738. [PMID: 36863501 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The psychedelic brew ayahuasca is increasingly being investigated for its therapeutic potential. Animal models are essential to investigate the pharmacological effects of ayahuasca since they can control important factors influencing it, such as the set and setting. OBJECTIVE Review and summarise data available on ayahuasca research using animal models. METHODS We systematically searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, LILACS and PsycInfo) for peer-reviewed studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish published up to July 2022. The search strategy included ayahuasca- and animal model-related terms adapted from the SYRCLE search syntax. RESULTS We identified 32 studies investigating ayahuasca effects on toxicological, behavioural and (neuro)biological parameters in rodents, primates and zebrafish. Toxicological results show that ayahuasca is safe at ceremonial-based doses but toxic at high doses. Behavioural results indicate an antidepressant effect and a potential to reduce the reward effects of ethanol and amphetamines, while the anxiety-related outcomes are yet inconclusive; also, ayahuasca can influence locomotor activity, highlighting the importance of controlling the analysis for locomotion when using tasks depending on it. Neurobiological results show that ayahuasca affects brain structures involved in memory, emotion and learning and that other neuropathways, besides the serotonergic action, are important in modulating its effects. CONCLUSIONS Studies using animal models indicate that ayahuasca is toxicologically safe in ceremonial-comparable doses and indicates a therapeutic potential for depression and substance use disorder while not supporting an anxiolytic effect. Essential gaps in the ayahuasca field can still be sufficed using animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Vanessa Manchim Favaro
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care (CIECP), School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
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14
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Wießner I, Falchi M, Palhano-Fontes F, Feilding A, Ribeiro S, Tófoli LF. LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1151-1165. [PMID: 34253268 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with psychotic experiences and as therapeutic models for treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. This study sought to explore this paradoxical relationship connecting key parameters of the psychotic experience, psychotherapy, and psychedelic experience. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 24 healthy volunteers received 50 μg d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or inactive placebo. Psychotic experience was assessed by aberrant salience (Aberrant Salience Inventory, ASI), therapeutic potential by suggestibility (Creative Imagination Scale, CIS) and mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ; Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS; Experiences Questionnaire, EQ), and psychedelic experience by four questionnaires (Altered State of Consciousness Questionnaire, ASC; Mystical Experiences Questionnaire, MEQ; Challenging Experiences Questionnaire, CEQ; Ego-Dissolution Inventory, EDI). Relationships between LSD-induced effects were examined. RESULTS LSD induced psychedelic experiences, including alteration of consciousness, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and mildly challenging experiences, increased aberrant salience and suggestibility, but not mindfulness. LSD-induced aberrant salience correlated highly with complex imagery, mystical experiences, and ego-dissolution. LSD-induced suggestibility correlated with no other effects. Individual mindfulness changes correlated with aspects of aberrant salience and psychedelic experience. CONCLUSIONS The LSD state resembles a psychotic experience and offers a tool for healing. The link between psychosis model and therapeutic model seems to lie in mystical experiences. The results point to the importance of meaning attribution for the LSD psychosis model and indicate that psychedelic-assisted therapy might benefit from therapeutic suggestions fostering mystical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Wießner
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Falchi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Perkins D, Ruffell SGD, Day K, Pinzon Rubiano D, Sarris J. Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca: A proposed model and implications for therapeutic use. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:879221. [PMID: 36798604 PMCID: PMC9928213 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.879221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (Spruce ex Griseb. Morton, Malpighiaceae), which contains three primary harmala alkaloids, along with the leaves of Psychotria viridis (Ruiz et Pavon, Rubiaceae) in which the potent psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is found. DMT-harmaloid concoctions have gained popularity in recent years, due to growing anecdotal and scientific reports of therapeutic benefits associated with their consumption. Ayahuasca is now ingested in a variety of different settings across the globe, from traditional ethnobotanical to so called "neo-shamanic" ceremonies. Furthermore, related preparations involving alternative sources of DMT and harmala alkaloids are becoming increasingly common as knowledge of ayahuasca continues to spread internationally. This article reviews the existing literature and draws on original qualitative data from a large cross-sectional study of ayahuasca drinkers, to propose a model of psychotherapeutic processes associated with the consumption of ayahuasca. We assert that it is these processes, facilitated by a range of neurobiological effects, that lead to beneficial mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Our proposed model identifies five key psychotherapeutic processes or effects inherent to the ayahuasca experience; somatic effects; introspection and emotional processing; increased Self-connection; increased spiritual connection, and finally the gaining of insights and new perspectives. We note some important differences in these processes compared with other classic psychedelics as well as the implications of the model for the therapeutic use of ayahuasca. Improved understanding of the psychotherapeutic processes involved with the ayahuasca experience will better equip practitioners to work with this potentially transformative concoction and enable the optimization of therapeutic treatment models for potential clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Perkins
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,School of Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Psychae Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Daniel Perkins,
| | - Simon G. D. Ruffell
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Psychae Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Onaya Science, Iquitos, Peru
| | | | | | - Jerome Sarris
- Psychae Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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16
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Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential: What we know - and what not. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 66:45-61. [PMID: 36368095 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of the psychedelic brew ayahuasca has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, the most consistent evidence refers to depression. However, various studies suggest that ayahuasca may comprise therapeutic benefits in other health conditions. This narrative review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of ayahuasca's therapeutic effects in diverse clinical conditions in human (clinical, cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative) and preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies. In addition to summarizing and discussing the most commonly studied conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD), we also examine less frequently studied psychiatric, neurological, and physical conditions. Moreover, we discuss evidence from epidemiological studies on the impact of regular, long-term ayahuasca use on health and psychosocial outcomes. Overall, evidence for depression and SUD is more consistent, with numerous and diverse studies. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that other conditions equally relevant to public health might be promising targets for ayahuasca's therapeutic effects. This includes preliminary studies indicating potential for grief, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and severe physical illnesses (e.g., cancer, chronic conditions). Moreover, preliminary evidence in long-term ayahuasca users does not suggest detrimental effects but possible benefits for individual and collective health. In light of the emerging evidence of psychedelic drugs as therapeutic agents, it is essential to further investigate in rigorous designs the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in conditions other than depression.
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17
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Politi M, Tresca G, Menghini L, Ferrante C. Beyond the Psychoactive Effects of Ayahuasca: Cultural and Pharmacological Relevance of Its Emetic and Purging Properties. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:1275-1286. [PMID: 34794194 DOI: 10.1055/a-1675-3840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The herbal preparation ayahuasca has been an important part of ritual and healing practices, deployed to access invisible worlds in several indigenous groups in the Amazon basin and among mestizo populations of South America. The preparation is usually known to be composed of two main plants, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, which produce both hallucinogenic and potent purging and emetic effects; currently, these are considered its major pharmacological activities. In recent decades, the psychoactive and visionary effect of ayahuasca has been highly sought after by the shamanic tourism community, which led to the popularization of ayahuasca use globally and to a cultural distancing from its traditional cosmological meanings, including that of purging and emesis. Further, the field of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology has also produced relatively limited data linking the phytochemical diversity of ayahuasca with the different degrees of its purging and emetic versus psychoactive effects. Similarly, scientific interest has also principally addressed the psychological and mental health effects of ayahuasca, overlooking the cultural and pharmacological importance of the purging and emetic activity. The aim of this review is therefore to shed light on the understudied purging and emetic effect of ayahuasca herbal preparation. It firstly focuses on reviewing the cultural relevance of emesis and purging in the context of Amazonian traditions. Secondly, on the basis of the main known phytochemicals described in the ayahuasca formula, a comprehensive pharmacological evaluation of their emetic and purging properties is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Politi
- Department of Pharmacy, Botanic Garden "Giardino dei Semplici", Università degli Studi "Gabriele d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
- Research Department, Center for Drug Addiction Treatment and Research on Traditional Medicines - Takiwasi, Tarapoto, Peru
| | - Giorgia Tresca
- Department of Pharmacy, Botanic Garden "Giardino dei Semplici", Università degli Studi "Gabriele d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Luigi Menghini
- Department of Pharmacy, Botanic Garden "Giardino dei Semplici", Università degli Studi "Gabriele d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, Botanic Garden "Giardino dei Semplici", Università degli Studi "Gabriele d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
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Formagio ASN, Vilegas W, Volobuff CRF, Kassuya CAL, Cardoso CAL, Pereira ZV, Silva RMMF, Dos Santos Yamazaki DA, de Freitas Gauze G, Manfron J, Marangoni JA. Exploration of essential oil from Psychotria poeppigiana as an anti-hyperalgesic and anti-acetylcholinesterase agent: Chemical composition, biological activity and molecular docking. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115220. [PMID: 35358624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Leaves from Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg. (accepted as Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi), Rubiaceae, has traditionally been used in medicine for treatments of inflammation and pain; Synonymously, Cephaelis elata for the treatment of dementia; However, few scientific studies have been evidence demonstrating this activity. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of P. poeppigiana essential oil obtained from leaves (EOPP) and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Molecular docking simulations were carried out with the main constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS EOPP (hydrodistillation) was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fractionation of EOPP afforded germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene. The antioxidant activity of EOPP was determined by MDA assay. The inflammatory parameters were evaluated using CFA model (with paw edema, mechanical, thermal hyperalgesia, MPO and NAG) in EOPP (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg), germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene (30 mg/kg). The AChE inhibition was evaluated in rat brain structures and molecular docking simulations were carried out using Autodock v.4.3.2. RESULTS GC-MS analysis identified 19 compounds, and the major compounds were germacrene D (29.38%) and bicyclogermacrene (25.21%). EOPP exhibited high antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 12.78 ± 1.36 μg/mL). All the tested doses of EOPP and both major constituents significantly inhibited cold and mechanical hyperalgesia and significantly blocked the increase in MPO activity 24 h after the CFA injection. There was significant AChE inhibition by EOPP and germacrene D in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (>50%). Enzyme-ligand molecular modelling showed that the major constituents of EOPP interacted differently with AChE. CONCLUSIONS The chemical compounds of the essential oil from the leaves of P. poeppigiana is based mainly on terpenes, the sesquiterpenes germacrene D (29.38%) and bicyclogermacrene (25.21%) being the major compounds. EOPP presented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Besides, enzyme-ligand molecular modelling showed the EOPP may act as an anti-hyperalgesic and AChE inhibitory agent. Taken together, these results might be in accordance with if folk use for pain- and inflammation-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wagner Vilegas
- Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - São Paulo State University, São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Zefa Valdevina Pereira
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Jane Manfron
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil.
| | - Janaine Alberto Marangoni
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
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19
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Goulart da Silva M, Daros GC, Santos FP, Yonamine M, de Bitencourt RM. Antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects of ayahuasca in rats subjected to LPS-induced neuroinflammation. Behav Brain Res 2022; 434:114007. [PMID: 35843462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral response of ayahuasca in rats submitted to neuroinflammation through the intraperitoneal application of lipopolysaccharide (0.63 mg/kg/mL). Eighty animals, male, about 90 days old, were divided into control and LPS groups and later into prevention and treatment subgroups. The prevention subgroup was administered ayahuasca or saline solution, via gavage, at a dose of 4 mL/kg one hour before applying LPS or saline, while the treatment subgroup received the same dose of the respective substances 24 h after intraperitoneal applications. Behavioral parameters were evaluated using open field (anxiety-like) and forced swimming (depressive-like) tests. A decrease in LPS/AYA rats in the prevention and treatment subgroups regarding anxiety-like behavior was observed. As for the depressive-like behavior, there was a decrease in the group induced to the disease model, both in the prevention subgroup (when compared to the SAL/SAL, SAL/AYA, and LPS/AYA with LPS/SAL groups) and in the treatment (when comparing SAL/SAL and LPS/AYA with LPS/SAL). This study concludes the anxiolytic and antidepressant potential of ayahuasca in an animal model of neuroinflammation, possibly due to the antineuroinflammatory effects already reported of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Goulart da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory. University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Cabreira Daros
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory. University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana Pereira Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Duarte-Filho LAMDS, Amariz IA, Nishimura RHV, Massaranduba ABR, Menezes PMN, Damasceno TA, Brys I, Rolim LA, Silva FS, Ribeiro LADA. β-carboline-independent antidepressant-like effect of the standardized extract of the barks of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. occurs via 5-HT 2A/2C receptors in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:836-848. [PMID: 35723216 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221104050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a psychiatric disorder with limited therapy options. Psychedelics are new antidepressant candidates, being the ayahuasca one of the most promising ones. A synergistic combination of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carbolines allows ayahuasca antidepressant properties. Another psychedelic and DMT-containing beverage is the jurema wine used religiously by indigenous people from Northeastern Brazil. AIMS To evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of standardized extract of Mimosa tenuiflora (SEMT), associated or not with harmine (β-carboline), in behavioral models of depression. METHODS The SEMT was submitted to (+) ESI-IT-LC/MS analysis for DMT quantification. To assess the antidepressant-like effect of SEMT, the open field (OFT), tail suspension (TST), and forced swim (FST) tests were performed. To verify the participation of serotonergic systems, the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head twitch test was performed. RESULTS The content of DMT found in SEMT was 24.74 ± 0.8 mg/g. Yuremamine was also identified. SEMT presented an antidepressant-like effect in mice submitted to the TST and FST, independent from harmine, with no significant alterations on the OFT. The sub-dose interaction between SEMT and ketamine also produced an anti-immobility effect in the TST, with no changes in the OFT. SEMT potentiated the head twitch behavior induced by 5-HTP and ketanserin prevented its antidepressant-like effect in the TST (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS SEMT presented a harmine-independent antidepressant-like effect in mice submitted to the TST and FST. This effect occurs possibly via activation of serotonergic systems, particularly the 5-HT2A/2C receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabela Araujo Amariz
- Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (RENORBIO), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Central de Análise de Fármacos, Medicamentos e Alimentos (CAFMA) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Beatriz Rodrigues Massaranduba
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas (PGCSB) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurociências e Psicologia Experimental (Neurovale) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa em Processamento de Sinais e Visão Computacional (SigProCV) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ivani Brys
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde e Biológicas (PGCSB) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurociências e Psicologia Experimental (Neurovale) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Larissa Araújo Rolim
- Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PGB) UNIVASF, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (RENORBIO), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Central de Análise de Fármacos, Medicamentos e Alimentos (CAFMA) UNIVASF, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Souza Silva
- Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PGB) UNIVASF, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Luciano Augusto de Araújo Ribeiro
- Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PGB) UNIVASF, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
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21
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Maia LO, Massarentti CM, Tófoli LF. Ayahuasca and tobacco smoking cessation: results from an online survey in Brazil. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1767-1782. [PMID: 35179623 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Smoking-related disease is a major problem globally. Effective smoking cessation treatments are however limited. Increasing evidence suggests that psychedelics have potential as treatments for substance use disorders and may therefore prove an option in aiding smoking cessation. OBJECTIVES To establish which factors predict smoking cessation in people who reported quitting or reducing smoking following ayahuasca consumption. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional mixed-method study (quantitative and qualitative design) was undertaken using data from an online survey evaluating peoples' experiences before and after drinking ayahuasca. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with smoking condition (cessation or reduction/relapse) as a dependent variable and demographics, smoking, ayahuasca-related variables and the mystical experience (MEQ30) as predicting factors. RESULTS A total of 441 responses were grouped according to self-reported smoking status: cessation (n = 305) or reduction/relapse (n = 136) smoking. Logistic regression showed that mystical experience (OR: 1.03; 95% CI [1.00-1.05]) and frequency of ayahuasca intake (OR: 2.16[1.00-4.70]) were protective factors, while positive mood (measured by the MEQ30) during the ayahuasca experience was a risk factor (OR: 0.91[0.85-0.97]). Qualitative thematic analysis identified eight themes (e.g. acquired awareness, spiritual experience, increased motivation) related to the ayahuasca experience and the process of smoking cessation/reduction. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that ayahuasca could be used as a potential tool for smoking cessation, and that effects may be mediated by mystical experience. Given the current burden of smoking-related disease and the limited treatment options, studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of psychedelics in smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Carolina Marcolino Massarentti
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil.
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22
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James E, Keppler J, L Robertshaw T, Sessa B. N,N-dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2835. [PMID: 35175662 PMCID: PMC9286861 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reports have indicated possible uses of ayahuasca for the treatment of conditions including depression, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and specific psychoneuroendocrine immune system pathologies. The article assesses potential ayahuasca and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) integration with contemporary healthcare. The review also seeks to provide a summary of selected literature regarding the mechanisms of action of DMT and ayahuasca; and assess to what extent the state of research can explain reports of unusual phenomenology. DESIGN A narrative review. RESULTS Compounds in ayahuasca have been found to bind to serotonergic receptors, glutaminergic receptors, sigma-1 receptors, trace amine-associated receptors, and modulate BDNF expression and the dopaminergic system. Subjective effects are associated with increased delta and theta oscillations in amygdala and hippocampal regions, decreased alpha wave activity in the default mode network, and stimulations of vision-related brain regions particularly in the visual association cortex. Both biological processes and field of consciousness models have been proposed to explain subjective effects of DMT and ayahuasca, however, the evidence supporting the proposed models is not sufficient to make confident conclusions. Ayahuasca plant medicine and DMT represent potentially novel treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms of action and develop treatments which can be made available to the general public. Integration between healthcare research institutions and reputable practitioners in the Amazon is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward James
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | - Ben Sessa
- Centre for NeuropsychopharmacologyDivision of Brain SciencesFaculty of MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
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23
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Rodríguez L, López A, Moyna G, Seoane GA, Davyt D, Vázquez Á, Hernández G, Carrera I. New Insights into the Chemical Composition of Ayahuasca. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:12307-12317. [PMID: 35449956 PMCID: PMC9016809 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic beverage originally from the Amazon rainforest used in different shamanic settings for medicinal, spiritual, and cultural purposes. It is prepared by boiling in water an admixture of the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi, which is a source of β-carboline alkaloids, with plants containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine, usually Psychotria viridis. While previous studies have focused on the detection and quantification of the alkaloids present in the drink, less attention has been given to other nonalkaloid components or the composition of the solids suspended in the beverage, which may also affect its psychoactive properties. In this study, we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to study the composition of ayahuasca samples, to determine their alkaloid qualitative and quantitative profiles, as well as other major soluble and nonsoluble components. For the first time, fructose was detected as a major component of the samples, while harmine (a β-carboline previously described as an abundant alkaloid in ayahuasca) was found to be present in the solids suspended in the beverage. In addition, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), harmine, tetrahydroharmine, harmaline, and harmol were identified as the major alkaloids present in extracts of all samples. Finally, a novel, easy, and fast method using quantitative NMR was developed and validated to simultaneously quantify the content of these alkaloids found in each ayahuasca sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisina Rodríguez
- Laboratorio
de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Laboratorio
de Síntesis Orgánica, Departamento de Química
Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Arché-
Núcleo Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Psicodélicos-
Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad
de la República, José Enrique Rodó 1843, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay
| | - Andrés López
- Departamento
de Química del Litoral, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral
Norte, Universidad de la República, Ruta 3, km 363, Paysandú 60000, Uruguay
| | - Guillermo Moyna
- Departamento
de Química del Litoral, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral
Norte, Universidad de la República, Ruta 3, km 363, Paysandú 60000, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo A. Seoane
- Laboratorio
de Síntesis Orgánica, Departamento de Química
Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Arché-
Núcleo Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Psicodélicos-
Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad
de la República, José Enrique Rodó 1843, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay
| | - Danilo Davyt
- Laboratorio
de Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química
Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Álvaro Vázquez
- Laboratorio
de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Arché-
Núcleo Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Psicodélicos-
Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad
de la República, José Enrique Rodó 1843, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay
| | - Gonzalo Hernández
- Laboratorio
de Resonancia Magnética Nuclear, Departamento de Química
Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Ignacio Carrera
- Laboratorio
de Síntesis Orgánica, Departamento de Química
Orgánica, Universidad de la República, Avenue General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Arché-
Núcleo Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Psicodélicos-
Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad
de la República, José Enrique Rodó 1843, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay
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24
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Kirchweger B, Klein-Junior LC, Pretsch D, Chen Y, Cretton S, Gasper AL, Heyden YV, Christen P, Kirchmair J, Henriques AT, Rollinger JM. Azepine-Indole Alkaloids From Psychotria nemorosa Modulate 5-HT 2A Receptors and Prevent in vivo Protein Toxicity in Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:826289. [PMID: 35360162 PMCID: PMC8963987 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.826289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemorosine A (1) and fargesine (2), the main azepine-indole alkaloids of Psychotria nemorosa, were explored for their pharmacological profile on neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) applying a combined in silico–in vitro–in vivo approach. By using 1 and 2 as queries for similarity-based searches of the ChEMBL database, structurally related compounds were identified to modulate the 5-HT2A receptor; in vitro experiments confirmed an agonistic effect for 1 and 2 (24 and 36% at 10 μM, respectively), which might be linked to cognition-enhancing properties. This and the previously reported target profile of 1 and 2, which also includes BuChE and MAO-A inhibition, prompted the evaluation of these compounds in several Caenorhabditis elegans models linked to 5-HT modulation and proteotoxicity. On C. elegans transgenic strain CL4659, which expresses amyloid beta (Aβ) in muscle cells leading to a phenotypic paralysis, 1 and 2 reduced Aβ proteotoxicity by reducing the percentage of paralyzed worms to 51%. Treatment of the NL5901 strain, in which α-synuclein is yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged, with 1 and 2 (10 μM) significantly reduced the α-synuclein expression. Both alkaloids were further able to significantly extend the time of metallothionein induction, which is associated with reduced neurodegeneration of aged brain tissue. These results add to the multitarget profiles of 1 and 2 and corroborate their potential in the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kirchweger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luiz C Klein-Junior
- School of Health Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Quality Control of Phytomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Dagmar Pretsch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ya Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvian Cretton
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - André L Gasper
- Herbarium Dr. Roberto Miguel Klein, Department of Natural Sciences, Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Yvan Vander Heyden
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemometrics and Molecular Modeling, Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Christen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kirchmair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amélia T Henriques
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Quality Control of Phytomedicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Principales plantes et champignons psychotropes. ACTUALITES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actpha.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Favaro VM, Morais P, Sussulini A, Oliveira MGM. Effects of repeated ayahuasca administration on behaviour and c-Fos expression in male rats exposed to the open field. Behav Brain Res 2022; 427:113878. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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27
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Berlowitz I, O'Shaughnessy DM, Heinrich M, Wolf U, Maake C, Martin-Soelch C. Teacher plants - Indigenous Peruvian-Amazonian dietary practices as a method for using psychoactives. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 286:114910. [PMID: 34933085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Indigenous groups of the Amazon have developed intricate methods for the application of psychoactives, among which particularly the dieta or diet method of Peruvian-Amazonian traditional medicine stands out. It is a retreat-like intervention involving lengthy periods of social, behavioural, and alimentary restrictions, while ingesting specially prepared plant substances. The interplay of the dietary conditions and plants ingested sensitizes the dieter to receive healing, strength, guidance, and knowledge. From a clinical scientific point of view, the method has remained largely underexplored, but seems more pertinent than ever given the increasing interest in Amazonian psychoactive preparations including ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapies in general. AIM OF THE STUDY This study offers a descriptive account and emic interpretation of the Peruvian-Amazonian dieta. More specifically we document in detail the procedure, its context and purpose of application, effects, modes of action, adverse effects, and risks, from the perspectives of a sample of Peruvian traditional healers. The Peruvian-Amazonian dieta is a multi-purpose method for making use of medicinal plants, many of which (but not all), are psychoactive; the current work especially focuses on its therapeutic applications in conjunction with psychoactives. METHODS We interviewed 16 healers working in the Ucayali, San Martín, and Loreto provinces of Peru using a semi-structured interview approach. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The extensive data derived from these interviews were analysed by means of computer-assisted manifest qualitative content analysis using a theory-advancing approach. Over 500 coded text segments were categorized, resulting in 7 main theme clusters and corresponding sub-themes. RESULTS The interviewed healers described a complex intervention with multifaceted applications (treatment, prevention, training) and effects in various domains (body, mind, spirit, energy). The process was portrayed as transformative, with benefits attributed to the effects of the so-called teacher plants in conjunction with the diet's conditions, along with the skill of the healer guiding the intervention. Further, a detailed risk assessment revealed sophisticated safety measures and tools designed to address adverse responses. The importance of adequate training of the healer that administers the diet was particularly highlighted in this context. CONCLUSIONS The dieta is a central therapeutic concept and tool in Peruvian-Amazonian traditional medicine and a unique method for using psychoactive plants. Multidisciplinary health research that includes traditional treatment methods from Indigenous cultures, Amazonian and other, should not be neglected in the current global interest in psychedelic therapies; such research may in the long-term contribute to a more inclusive psychedelic research paradigm as well as healthcare practice in countries where rich traditional healing systems exist, and perhaps beyond. It may also contribute to the recognition of the Indigenous healers as not only historical forerunners, but also current leading experts in psychedelic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Berlowitz
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Ursula Wolf
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Maake
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Gianfratti B, Tabach R, Sakalem ME, Stessuk T, Maia LO, Carlini EA. Ayahuasca blocks ethanol preference in an animal model of dependence and shows no acute toxicity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114865. [PMID: 34822961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage prepared from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, is originally used by Amazon-based indigenous and mestizo groups for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. Nowadays, ayahuasca is used in religious and shamanic contexts worldwide, and preliminary evidence from preclinical and observational studies suggests therapeutic effects of ayahuasca for the treatment of substance (including alcohol) use disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the initial pharmacological profile of ayahuasca and its effects on ethanol rewarding effect using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ayahuasca beverage was prepared using extracts of B. caapi and P. viridis, and the concentration of active compounds was assessed through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The following behavioral tests were performed after ayahuasca administration: general pharmacological screening (13, 130, or 1300 mg/kg - intraperitoneally - i.p., and 65, 130, 1300, or 2600 mg/kg - via oral - v.o.); acute toxicity test with elevated doses (2600 mg/kg - i.p., and 5000 mg/kg - v.o.); motor activity, motor coordination, and hexobarbital-induced sleeping time potentiation (250, 500, or 750 mg/kg ayahuasca or vehicle - v.o.). For the CPP test, the animals received ayahuasca (500 mg/kg - v.o.) prior to ethanol (1.8 g/kg - i.p.) or vehicle (control group - i.p.) during conditioning sessions. RESULTS Ayahuasca treatment presented no significant effect on motor activity, motor coordination, hexobarbital-induced sleeping latency or total sleeping time, and did not evoke signs of severe acute toxicity at elevated oral doses. Ayahuasca pre-treatment successfully inhibited the ethanol-induced CPP and induced CPP when administered alone. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that ayahuasca presents a low-risk acute toxicological profile when administered orally, and presents potential pharmacological properties that could contribute to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gianfratti
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Tabach
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; UNISA - Universidade Santo Amaro, Rua Prof Eneas de Siqueira Neto, 340 - Jardim das Imbuias, CEP 04829-300, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marna Eliana Sakalem
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Anatomy, State University of Londrina (UEL), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Universitário s/n, Caixa Postal 10011, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Talita Stessuk
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415 - Edifício ICB - III Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Avenida Dom Antônio 2100, CEP 19806-900, Assis, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, CEP 13083-887, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Elisaldo Araujo Carlini
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Nižnanský Ľ, Nižnanská Ž, Kuruc R, Szórádová A, Šikuta J, Zummerová A. Ayahuasca as a Decoction Applied to Human: Analytical Methods, Pharmacology and Potential Toxic Effects. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1147. [PMID: 35207420 PMCID: PMC8880227 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ahyahuasca is a term commonly used to describe a decoction prepared by cooking the bark or crushed stems of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi (contains β-carbolines) alone or in combination with other plants, most commonly leaves of the shrub Psychotria viridis (contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine-DMT). More than 100 different plants can serve as sources of β-carbolines and DMT, which are the active alkaloids of this decoction, and therefore it is important to know the most accurate composition of the decoction, especially when studying the pharmacology of this plant. The aim was to summarize the latest sensitive methods used in the analysis of the composition of the beverage itself and the analysis of various biological matrices. We compared pharmacokinetic parameters in all of the studies where decoction of ayahuasca was administered and where its composition was known, whereby minimal adverse effects were observed. The therapeutic benefit of this plant is still unclear in the scientific literature, and side effects occur probably on the basis of pre-existing psychiatric disorder. We also described toxicological risks and clinical benefits of ayahuasca intake, which meant that the concentrations of active alkaloids in the decoction or in the organism, often not determined in publications, were required for sufficient evaluation of its effect on the organism. We did not find any post-mortem study, in which the toxicological examination of biological materials together with the autopsy findings would suggest potential lethality of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ľuboš Nižnanský
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Žofia Nižnanská
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Roman Kuruc
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Szórádová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Šikuta
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anežka Zummerová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Glavonic E, Mitic M, Adzic M. Hallucinogenic drugs and their potential for treating fear-related disorders: Through the lens of fear extinction. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:947-969. [PMID: 35165930 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fear-related disorders, mainly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, are highly prevalent, debilitating disorders that pose a significant public health problem. They are characterized by aberrant processing of aversive experiences and dysregulated fear extinction, leading to excessive expression of fear and diminished quality of life. The gold standard for treating fear-related disorders is extinction-based exposure therapy (ET), shown to be ineffective for up to 35% of subjects. Moreover, ET combined with traditional pharmacological treatments for fear-related disorders, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, offers no further advantage to patients. This prompted the search for ways to improve ET outcomes, with current research focused on pharmacological agents that can augment ET by strengthening fear extinction learning. Hallucinogenic drugs promote reprocessing of fear-imbued memories and induce positive mood and openness, relieving anxiety and enabling the necessary emotional engagement during psychotherapeutic interventions. Mechanistically, hallucinogens induce dynamic structural and functional neuroplastic changes across the fear extinction circuitry and temper amygdala's hyperreactivity to threat-related stimuli, effectively mitigating one of the hallmarks of fear-related disorders. This paper provides the first comprehensive review of hallucinogens' potential to alleviate symptoms of fear-related disorders by focusing on their effects on fear extinction and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We overview both preclinical and clinical studies and emphasize the advantages of hallucinogenic drugs over current first-line treatments. We highlight 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and ketamine as the most effective therapeutics for fear-related disorders and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for their potency with implications for improving hallucinogen-assisted psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilija Glavonic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kelley DP, Venable K, Destouni A, Billac G, Ebenezer P, Stadler K, Nichols C, Barker S, Francis J. Pharmahuasca and DMT Rescue ROS Production and Differentially Expressed Genes Observed after Predator and Psychosocial Stress: Relevance to Human PTSD. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:257-274. [PMID: 34990116 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with cognitive deficits, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Animal models have recapitulated features of PTSD, but no comparative RNA sequencing analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the brain between PTSD and animal models of traumatic stress has been carried out. We compared DEGs from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of an established stress model to DEGs from the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) of humans. We observed a significant enrichment of rat DEGs in human PTSD and identified 20 overlapping DEGs, of which 17 (85%) are directionally concordant. N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a known indirect antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective compound with antidepressant and plasticity-facilitating effects. We tested the capacity of DMT, the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) harmaline, and "pharmahuasca" (DMT + harmaline) to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory gene expression and to modulate neuroplasticity-related gene expression in the model. We administered DMT (2 mg/kg IP), harmaline (1.5 mg/kg IP), pharmahuasca, or vehicle every other day for 5 days, following a 30 day stress regiment. We measured ROS production in the PFC and hippocampus (HC) by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and sequenced total mRNA in the PFC. We also performed in vitro assays to measure the affinity and efficacy of DMT and harmaline at 5HT2AR compared to 5-HT. DMT and pharmahuasca reduced ROS production in the PFC and HC, while harmaline had mixed effects. Treatments normalized 9, 12, and 14 overlapping DEGs, and pathway analysis implicated that genes were involved in ROS production, inflammation, growth factor signaling, neurotransmission, and neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Parker Kelley
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Katy Venable
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Aspasia Destouni
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Gerald Billac
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Philip Ebenezer
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Krisztian Stadler
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, United States
| | - Charles Nichols
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Steven Barker
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Joseph Francis
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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32
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Domínguez-Clavé E, Soler J, Elices M, Franquesa A, Álvarez E, Pascual JC. Ayahuasca may help to improve self-compassion and self-criticism capacities. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2807. [PMID: 34411343 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that originated in the Amazon basin. The psychological effects of this drug are becoming better understood due to the growing research interest in identifying new potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of emotion dysregulation and other disorders. Previous studies suggest that ayahuasca enhances mindfulness-related capacities (decentering, non-judging, non-reacting and acceptance) and emotion regulation. The aim of the present exploratory study was to determine the effects of ayahuasca on self-compassion in a community sample. METHODS We administered validated questionnaires (the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form and Forms of Self-Criticism and Self-Reassurance) to evaluate pre-post changes in self-compassion and self-criticism/self-reassurance in 45 volunteers (27 women; 60%) before and after (≤24 h) an ayahuasca ceremony. Most participants (n = 29; 67.4%) had previously used ayahuasca. RESULTS Ayahuasca resulted in significant improvements, with medium to large effect sizes (η2 = 0.184-0.276), in measures of self-compassion (p < 0.05), self-criticism (p < 0.01) and self-reassurance (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that ayahuasca promotes well-being and self-compassion, which could have a therapeutic effect on individuals with negative affect and other psychopathological conditions. Large, controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Domínguez-Clavé
- Psychiatry Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Soler
- Psychiatry Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde Elices
- Psychiatry Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Franquesa
- Psychiatry Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enric Álvarez
- Psychiatry Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan C Pascual
- Psychiatry Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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Jones GM, Nock MK. Psilocybin use is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests in US adults: A replication and extension. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:66-73. [PMID: 35090364 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211058933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States boasts the largest prison population in the world, conferring significant direct and indirect costs (e.g. lost wages for the incarcerated, increased morbidity/mortality, etc.) to society. Recidivism rates are high for the imprisoned and most interventions to reduce criminality are minimally effective. Thus, in addition to the need for criminal justice reform, there is a need to better understand factors linked to lowered criminal behavior. AIM The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the use of classic psychedelic substances (psilocybin, LSD, peyote, and mescaline) and past year arrests for various crimes (i.e. property, violence, alcohol and substance use, miscellaneous crimes). METHODS This study used nationally representative data from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2015-2019) (N = 211,549) to test the aforementioned associations. RESULTS Lifetime psilocybin use was associated with lowered odds of seven of 11 past year arrest variables (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) range = 0.30-0.73). Peyote was associated with reduced odds of motor vehicle theft (aOR = 0.30) and driving under the influence (aOR = 0.52), and mescaline was associated with reduced odds of drug possession/sale (aOR = 0.51). Virtually all other substances either shared no relationship to our outcomes or conferred higher odds of arrest. CONCLUSION This study suggests that use of classic psychedelic substances is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests. Future research should explore whether causal factors and/or third variable factors (e.g. personality, political orientation) underlie the relationship between classic psychedelic use and reduced criminal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M Jones
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew K Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Révész D, Morais PR, Barbosa PCR, Maia LO. Psychosocial and Drug Use Assessment of Regular vs. Non-Regular Ayahuasca Users in a Brazilian Sample: a Web-Based Survey. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1072-1081. [PMID: 35466853 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2063896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that long-term ayahuasca use is associated with better psychosocial outcomes and less drug use; however, available data on the association between ayahuasca intake frequency and psychosocial outcomes is limited. Objectives: We sought to characterize and investigate the association of regular ayahuasca use, as compared to non-regular use, on licit (alcohol and tobacco) and illicit (cannabis, psychostimulants, psychedelics, and non-medical opioids) drug use and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: An online-based cross-sectional survey was taken among people who use ayahuasca in Brazil assessing sociodemographic, drug and ayahuasca use, anxiety and depression (HAD-S), intrinsic religiosity (IRI), negative and positive affects (PANAS), satisfaction with life (SWLS), and five quality of life domains (WHOQOL-Brief). Multivariate regressions for each psychosocial outcome and drug use were performed comparing regular to non-regular ayahuasca users while correcting for sociodemographic variables. Results: A total of 286 valid answers were retrieved, divided into people with regular (n = 101) and non-regular (n = 185) ayahuasca use. Groups had similar sociodemographic profiles and lifetime use of drugs. In the multivariate analysis, regular use of ayahuasca was associated with lower anxiety (B: -0.97), negative affect (B: -2.62), general (B: 0.22) and physical (B: 0.17) quality of life, higher intrinsic religiosity scores (B: 4.16), and less past-month licit (OR = 0.30) and illicit (OR = 0.49) use of substances. Conclusions: Our results show that ceremonial regular ayahuasca compared to non-regular use is associated with better psychosocial and mental health outcomes and less drug use. Studies with repeated ayahuasca administration and extended follow-ups are essential to clarify the nature of ayahuasca's therapeutic effects and to guide future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Paulo Rogério Morais
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.,Observatory of Violence, Health and Work (OBSAT), Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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van den Berg M, Magaraggia I, Schreiber R, Hillhouse TM, Porter JH. How to account for hallucinations in the interpretation of the antidepressant effects of psychedelics: a translational framework. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1853-1879. [PMID: 35348806 PMCID: PMC9166823 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Recent trials with psychedelics in major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression showed remarkable improvements in depressive symptoms that can last for up to several months after even a single administration. The lack of an appropriate placebo control group-as patients are often able to discriminate the subjective effects of the drug-and an incomplete understanding of the role of the hallucinogenic and mystical experience, hampers the interpretation of these therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVES To control for these factors, we developed a translational framework based on establishing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships in rodents and humans for hallucinogenic (i.e., discriminative stimulus effects in rodents and humans; head twitch responses in rodents; questionnaires in humans) and therapeutic effects. For the latter, we selected the pattern separation and attentional set-shifting tasks as measures for cognitive flexibility because of their high translational value. We predict that these PK/PD analyses will lead to a more objective evaluation of improvements in patients compared to relying only on the currently used self-reported questionnaires. We hypothesize that-if the role of the hallucinogenic experience is not central in the antidepressant effects of psychedelics-the ED50's for the therapeutic effects will be significantly lower than for the hallucinogenic and mystical effects. CONCLUSION Our framework will help to inform future studies that aim at the elucidation of the mechanism(s) of action of psychedelics in depression, and the role of the acute subjective and/or hallucinogenic experience in their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon van den Berg
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Igor Magaraggia
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy Schreiber
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Todd M. Hillhouse
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, WI USA
| | - Joseph H. Porter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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Geck MS, Lecca D, Marchese G, Casu L, Leonti M. Ethnomedicine and neuropsychopharmacology in Mesoamerica. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114243. [PMID: 34129899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The burden of disease caused by mental and neurological disorders is increasing globally, to a disproportionate degree in Latin America. In contrast to the many psychoactive plants with a use history in Mesoamerican cultures, the translation to the wider population of knowledge around numerous botanicals used contemporarily by indigenous Mesoamerican societies to treat psychological and neurological disorders did not receive the same attention. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used the previously published Mesoamerican Medicinal Plant Database to extract species and associated botanical drugs used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system by Mesoamerican cultures in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. With the critical use of published pharmacological literature, the cross-culturally most salient genera are systematically reviewed. RESULTS From 2188 plant taxa contained in the database 1324 are used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system. The ethnomedical data was critically confronted with the available biomedical literature for the 58 cross-culturally most salient genera. For a considerable proportion of the frequently used taxa, preclinical data are available, mostly validating ethnomedicinal uses. CONCLUSION This quantitative approach facilitates the prioritization of taxa for future pre-clinical, clinical and treatment outcome studies and gives patients, practitioners, and legislators a fundamental framework of evidence, on which to base decisions regarding phytomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias S Geck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy; Biovision - Foundation for Ecological Development, Heinrichstrasse 147, 8005, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Lecca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giorgio Marchese
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology UOS of Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Casu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Castelhano J, Lima G, Teixeira M, Soares C, Pais M, Castelo-Branco M. The Effects of Tryptamine Psychedelics in the Brain: A meta-Analysis of Functional and Review of Molecular Imaging Studies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:739053. [PMID: 34658876 PMCID: PMC8511767 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in the neural effects of psychoactive drugs, in particular tryptamine psychedelics, which has been incremented by the proposal that they have potential therapeutic benefits, based on their molecular mimicry of serotonin. It is widely believed that they act mainly through 5HT2A receptors but their effects on neural activation of distinct brain systems are not fully understood. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of brain imaging studies to investigate the effects of substances within this class (e.g., LSD, Psilocybin, DMT, Ayahuasca) in the brain from a molecular and functional point of view. We investigated the question whether the changes in activation patterns and connectivity map into regions with larger 5HT1A/5HT2A receptor binding, as expected from indolaemine hallucinogens (in spite of the often reported emphasis only on 5HT2AR). We did indeed find that regions with changed connectivity and/or activation patterns match regions with high density of 5HT2A receptors, namely visual BA19, visual fusiform regions in BA37, dorsal anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and regions involved in theory of mind such as the surpramarginal gyrus, and temporal cortex (rich in 5HT1A receptors). However, we also found relevant patterns in other brain regions such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, many of the above-mentioned regions also have a significant density of both 5HT1A/5HT2A receptors, and available PET studies on the effects of psychedelics on receptor occupancy are still quite scarce, precluding a metanalytic approach. Finally, we found a robust neuromodulatory effect in the right amygdala. In sum, the available evidence points towards strong neuromodulatory effects of tryptamine psychedelics in key brain regions involved in mental imagery, theory of mind and affective regulation, pointing to potential therapeutic applications of this class of substances.
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Favaro VM, Tófoli LF, Sussulini A, Cassas F, Oliveira MGM. Ayahuasca Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) Protocol with Pre- and Post-procedure Alkaloids Quantification. J Psychoactive Drugs 2021; 54:278-283. [PMID: 34530685 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2021.1971342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from the decoction of different Amazonian plants, traditionally used in several cultures, religions, and rituals. Scientific studies with ayahuasca are rapidly increasing due to its subjective effects and therapeutic potential. Although ayahuasca is traditionally used in its liquid presentation, lyophilized (freeze-dried) ayahuasca is often used in scientific experimentation settings. However, there is no standard process or guideline to freeze-dry ayahuasca nor comparison of the chemical profile between the liquid and freeze-dried presentations. Therefore, we describe a reproducible five-day protocol for ayahuasca lyophilization with alkaloids quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry of both the liquid and the final freeze-dried ayahuasca. By the end of the protocol, approximately 295 g of freeze-dried extract with similar alkaloids concentration were obtained from two liters of ayahuasca (dry matter: 14.75 %). The final extract was stored for three years inside a vacuum desiccator (approximately 6°C) with its texture quality preserved. Further studies should address the impact of different storage conditions and the lyophilization on the alkaloids' quantity of the freeze-dried ayahuasca, especially the use of heat in regards to the β-carbolines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil.,Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (Icaro), School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Manchim Favaro
- Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (Icaro), School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Otto Richard Gottlieb Bioorganic Chemistry Lab (Labiorg), Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Icaqf/unifesp), Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Sussulini
- Laboratory of Bioanalytics and Integrated Omics (Labiomics), Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando Cassas
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (Icaro), School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Otto Richard Gottlieb Bioorganic Chemistry Lab (Labiorg), Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Icaqf/unifesp), Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Gabriela Menezes Oliveira
- Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil.,Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (Icaro), School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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de Abreu MS, Costa F, Giacomini ACVV, Demin KA, Petersen EV, Rosemberg DB, Kalueff AV. Exploring CNS effects of American traditional medicines using zebrafish models. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:550-559. [PMID: 34254921 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210712153329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although American traditional medicine (ATM) has been practiced for millennia, its complex multi-target mechanisms of therapeutic action remain poorly understood. Animal models are widely used to elucidate the therapeutic effects of various ATMs, including their modulation of brain and behavior. Complementing rodent models, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a promising novel organism in translational neuroscience and neuropharmacology research. Here, we emphasize the growing value of zebrafish for testing neurotropic effects of ATMs and outline future directions of research in this field. We also demonstrate the developing utility of zebrafish as complementary models for probing CNS mechanisms of ATM action and their potential to treat brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Fabiano Costa
- Toxicological Biochemistry, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Elena V Petersen
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, United States
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Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 139:71-81. [PMID: 34048997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelics are a hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drugs with the primary effect of activating non-ordinary states of consciousness. Due to the positive preliminary findings of these drugs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, the number of registered clinical studies has risen significantly. In this paper, clinical studies registered on clinicaltrials.gov that evaluate the treatment of any psychiatric disorder with psychedelics (excluding ketamine) are summarized and analyzed. 70 registered studies were identified from a clinicaltrials.gov search on December 3, 2020. The majority of studies aim to investigate methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (45.7%) and psilocybin (41.4%). Studies evaluating ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ibogaine hydrochloride, salvia divinorum, 5-MeO-DMT and DMT fumarate were less common at 1.4%, 4.2%, 2.8%, 1.4%, 1.4% and 1.4% of total registered studies, respectively. Most of the studies on MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca and salvia divinorum investigated their therapeutic effect on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). LSD was investigated for MDD, anxiety, and severe somatic disorders and ibogaine hydrochloride was investigated for substance and alcohol use disorders. 5-MeO-DMT and DMT fumarate were both investigated for MDD. Only 21/70 registered studies had published results with the majority not yet completed. In view of the large number of ongoing studies investigating psychedelics, it is imperative that these studies are considered by researchers and stakeholders in deciding the most relevant research priorities for future proposed studies.
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Ruffell SGD, Netzband N, Tsang W, Davies M, Inserra A, Butler M, Rucker JJH, Tófoli LF, Dempster EL, Young AH, Morgan CJA. Ceremonial Ayahuasca in Amazonian Retreats-Mental Health and Epigenetic Outcomes From a Six-Month Naturalistic Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:687615. [PMID: 34177670 PMCID: PMC8221532 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.687615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a natural psychoactive brew, used in traditional ceremonies in the Amazon basin. Recent research has indicated that ayahuasca is pharmacologically safe and its use may be positively associated with improvements in psychiatric symptoms. The mechanistic effects of ayahuasca are yet to be fully established. In this prospective naturalistic study, 63 self-selected participants took part in ayahuasca ceremonies at a retreat centre in the Peruvian Amazon. Participants undertook the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Self-compassion Scale (SCS), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), as well as secondary measures, pre- and post-retreat and at 6-months. Participants also provided saliva samples for pre/post epigenetic analysis. Overall, a statistically significant decrease in BDI-II (13.9 vs. 6.1, p < 0.001), STAI (44.4 vs. 34.3 p < 0.001) scores, and CORE-OM scores were observed (37.3 vs. 22.3 p < 0.001) at post-retreat, as well as a concurrent increase in SCS (3.1 vs. 3.6, p < 0.001). Psychometric improvements were sustained, and on some measures values further decreased at 6-month follow-up, suggesting a potential for lasting therapeutic effects. Changes in memory valence were linked to the observed psychometric improvements. Epigenetic findings were equivocal, but indicated that further research in candidate genes, such as sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (SIGMAR1), is warranted. This data adds to the literature supporting ayahuasca's possible positive impact on mental health when conducted in a ceremonial context. Further investigation into clinical samples, as well as greater analyses into the mechanistic action of ayahuasca is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon G. D. Ruffell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London & South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Nige Netzband
- Department of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - WaiFung Tsang
- Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Merlin Davies
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew Butler
- Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - James J. H. Rucker
- Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emma Louise Dempster
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Allan H. Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London & South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, United Kingdom
| | - Celia J. A. Morgan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Rush B, Marcus O, García S, Loizaga-Velder A, Loewinger G, Spitalier A, Mendive F. Protocol for Outcome Evaluation of Ayahuasca-Assisted Addiction Treatment: The Case of Takiwasi Center. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:659644. [PMID: 34093190 PMCID: PMC8170098 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.659644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study describes the protocol for the Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project (ATOP) with a special focus on the evaluation of addiction treatment services provided through Takiwasi Center, the first ATOP study site. The goal of the project is to assess treatment outcomes and understand the therapeutic mechanisms of an Ayahuasca-assisted, integrative treatment model for addiction rehabilitation in the Peruvian Amazon. The proposed intervention protocol highlights the significance of treatment setting in the design, delivery, and efficacy of an addiction rehabilitation program that involves the potent psychedelic tea known as Ayahuasca. After describing the context of the study, we put forth details about our mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis, with which we seek to gain an understanding of why, how, and for whom this specific ayahuasca-assisted treatment program is effective across a range of outcomes. The ATOP protocol employs qualitative research methods as a means to determine which aspects of the setting are meaningful to clients and practitioners, and how this may correlate with outcome measures. This paper delineates the core principles, methods, and measures of the overall ATOP umbrella, then discusses the role of ATOP in the context of the literature on long-term residential programs. To conclude, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the protocol and the intended future of the project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rush
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Marcus
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Sara García
- Takiwasi Center for Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts and Research on Traditional Medicine, Tarapoto, Peru
| | - Anja Loizaga-Velder
- Nierika Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Loewinger
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Fernando Mendive
- Takiwasi Center for Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts and Research on Traditional Medicine, Tarapoto, Peru
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Sanches M, Quevedo J, Soares JC. New agents and perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110157. [PMID: 33159975 PMCID: PMC7750246 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite the important advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD, a large proportion of depressed patients do not respond well to currently available pharmacological agents. The present review focuses on new targets and future directions in the pharmacological treatment of MDD. Novel agents and their efficacy in the treatment of depression are discussed, with a focus on the respectively target pathophysiological pathways and the level of available evidence. Although it is expected that classic antidepressants will remain the cornerstone of MDD treatment, at least for the near future, a large number of novel compounds is currently under investigation as for their efficacy in the treatment of MDD, many of which with promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsal Sanches
- UT Health Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Joao Quevedo
- UT Health Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA; Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jair C Soares
- UT Health Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
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Guimarães IC, Tófoli LF, Sussulini A. Determination of the Elemental Composition of Ayahuasca and Assessments Concerning Consumer Safety. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:1179-1184. [PMID: 32504397 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of ayahuasca, a brew prepared from the decoction of two Amazon plants, has increased worldwide in the last decades. This fact raised questions about the safety in its oral administration. In this sense, information concerning the chemical composition of ayahuasca is essential to find a comprehensive reply. Therefore, the aim of this study consisted of determining the elemental composition of ready-to-consume ayahuasca samples produced in Brazil, in order to evaluate the safety in the oral administration of this beverage, considering recommended macroelement and microelement daily intake values and the permitted limits of potentially toxic heavy metals. Real ayahuasca samples, obtained from Brazilian religious groups, underwent microwave radiation-assisted acid decomposition, and Li, Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb concentrations were determined by ICP-MS, while Ca, Mg, K, and P concentrations were determined by ICP OES. Method accuracy was assessed by analyte addition and recovery assays. Recoveries ranged from 80 and 118%, indicating satisfactory accuracy. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were lower than 1 mg L-1 for the macroelements determined by ICP OES and lower than 3.5 μg L-1 for the microelements determined by ICP-MS. The concentrations of the elements determined in the samples were lower than the recommended or tolerable limits; hence, it is possible to affirm that ayahuasca presents safe administration levels regarding total elemental content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanilce Cristina Guimarães
- Laboratory of Bioanalytics and Integrated Omics (LaBIOmics), Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), P.O. Box 6154, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Sussulini
- Laboratory of Bioanalytics and Integrated Omics (LaBIOmics), Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), P.O. Box 6154, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Bioanalytics - INCTBio, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), P.O. Box 6154, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil.
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Healy CJ. The acute effects of classic psychedelics on memory in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:639-653. [PMID: 33420592 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Memory plays a central role in the psychedelic experience. The spontaneous recall and immersive reliving of autobiographical memories has frequently been noted by researchers and clinicians as a salient phenomenon in the profile of subjective effects of classic psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca. The ability for psychedelics to provoke vivid memories has been considered important to their clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE This review aims to examine and aggregate the findings from experimental, observational, and qualitative studies on the acute modulation of memory by classic psychedelics in humans. METHOD A literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycInfo as well as manual review of references from eligible studies. Publications reporting quantitative and/or qualitative findings were included; animal studies and case reports were excluded. RESULTS Classic psychedelics produce dose-dependently increasing impairments in memory task performance, such that low doses produce no impairment and higher doses produce increasing levels of impairment. This pattern has been observed in tasks assessing spatial and verbal working memory, semantic memory, and non-autobiographical episodic memory. Such impairments may be less pronounced among experienced psychedelic users. Classic psychedelics also increase the vividness of autobiographical memories and frequently stimulate the recall and/or re-experiencing of autobiographical memories, often memories that are affectively intense (positively or negatively valenced) and that had been avoided and/or forgotten prior to the experience. CONCLUSIONS Classic psychedelics dose-dependently impair memory task performance but may enhance autobiographical memory. These findings are relevant to the understanding of psychological mechanisms of action of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Healy
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, 80 5th Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY, USA.
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Oña G, Bouso JC. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Psychoactive Drugs for Central Nervous System Disorders: A Perspective from Polypharmacology. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:53-68. [PMID: 31830883 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666191212103330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the drug development, the formation of highly selective ligands has been unsuccessful in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Multi-target ligands, from the polypharmacology paradigm, are being proposed as treatments for these complex disorders, since they offer enhanced efficacy and a strong safety profile. Natural products are the best examples of multi-target compounds, so they are of high interest within this paradigm. Additionally, recent research on psychoactive drugs of natural origin, such as ayahuasca and cannabis, has demonstrated the promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of some psychiatric and neurological disorders. In this text, we describe how research on psychoactive drugs can be effectively combined with the polypharmacology paradigm, providing ayahuasca and cannabis research as examples. The advantages and disadvantages are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genís Oña
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
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de Vos CMH, Mason NL, Kuypers KPC. Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:724606. [PMID: 34566723 PMCID: PMC8461007 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, and LSD, in stress-related disorders. These substances induce cognitive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects suggested to arise from biological changes similar to conventional antidepressants or the rapid-acting substance ketamine. The proposed route is by inducing brain neuroplasticity. This review attempts to summarize the evidence that psychedelics induce neuroplasticity by focusing on psychedelics' cellular and molecular neuroplasticity effects after single and repeated administration. When behavioral parameters are encountered in the selected studies, the biological pathways will be linked to the behavioral effects. Additionally, knowledge gaps in the underlying biology of clinical outcomes of psychedelics are highlighted. The literature searched yielded 344 results. Title and abstract screening reduced the sample to 35; eight were included from other sources, and full-text screening resulted in the final selection of 16 preclinical and four clinical studies. Studies (n = 20) show that a single administration of a psychedelic produces rapid changes in plasticity mechanisms on a molecular, neuronal, synaptic, and dendritic level. The expression of plasticity-related genes and proteins, including Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), is changed after a single administration of psychedelics, resulting in changed neuroplasticity. The latter included more dendritic complexity, which outlasted the acute effects of the psychedelic. Repeated administration of a psychedelic directly stimulated neurogenesis and increased BDNF mRNA levels up to a month after treatment. Findings from the current review demonstrate that psychedelics induce molecular and cellular adaptations related to neuroplasticity and suggest those run parallel to the clinical effects of psychedelics, potentially underlying them. Future (pre)clinical research might focus on deciphering the specific cellular mechanism activated by different psychedelics and related to long-term clinical and biological effects to increase our understanding of the therapeutic potential of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cato M H de Vos
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Natasha L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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O'Shaughnessy DM, Berlowitz I, Rodd R, Sarnyai Z, Quirk F. Within-treatment changes in a novel addiction treatment program using traditional Amazonian medicine. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125320986634. [PMID: 33717431 PMCID: PMC7841703 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320986634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The therapeutic use of psychedelics is regaining scientific momentum, but similarly psychoactive ethnobotanical substances have a long history of medical (and other) uses in indigenous contexts. Here we aimed to evaluate patient outcomes in a residential addiction treatment center that employs a novel combination of Western and traditional Amazonian methods. METHODS The study was observational, with repeated measures applied throughout treatment. All tests were administered in the center, which is located in Tarapoto, Peru. Data were collected between 2014 and 2015, and the study sample consisted of 36 male inpatients who were motivated to seek treatment and who entered into treatment voluntarily. Around 58% of the sample was from South America, 28% from Europe, and the remaining 14% from North America. We primarily employed repeated measures on a psychological test battery administered throughout treatment, measuring perceived stress, craving frequency, mental illness symptoms, spiritual well-being, and physical and emotional health. Addiction severity was measured on intake, and neuropsychological performance was assessed in a subsample from intake to at least 2 months into treatment. RESULTS Statistically significant and clinically positive changes were found across all repeated measures. These changes appeared early in the treatment and were maintained over time. Significant improvements were also found for neuropsychological functioning. CONCLUSION These results provide evidence for treatment safety in a highly novel addiction treatment setting, while also suggesting positive therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Ilana Berlowitz
- Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Robin Rodd
- Division of Social Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zoltán Sarnyai
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Discovery, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Frances Quirk
- New England Institute of Healthcare Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Kubicskó K, Farkas Ö. Quantum chemical (QM:MM) investigation of the mechanism of enzymatic reaction of tryptamine and N,N-dimethyltryptamine with monoamine oxidase A. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:9660-9674. [PMID: 33215182 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01118e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous psychedelic (mind-altering) N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) molecule has an important role in tissue protection, regeneration, and immunity via sigma-1 receptor activation as its natural ligand. The immunologic properties of DMT suggest this biogenic compound should be investigated thoroughly in other aspects as well. In our in silico project, we examined the metabolism of DMT and its primary analogue, the tryptamine (T), by the monoamine oxidase (MAO) flavoenzyme. MAO has two isoforms, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAOs perform the oxidation of various monoamines by their flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor. Two-layer QM:MM calculations at the ONIOM(M06-2X/6-31++G(d,p):UFF=QEq) level were performed including the whole enzyme to explore the potential energy surface (PES) of the reactions. Our findings reinforced that a hybrid mechanism, a mixture of pure H+ and H- transfer pathways, describes precisely the rate-determining step of amine oxidation as suggested by earlier works. Additionally, our results show that the oxidation of tertiary amine DMT requires a lower activation barrier than the primary amine T. This may reflect a general rule, thus we recommend further investigations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that at pH 7.4 the protonated form of these substrates enter the enzyme. As the deprotonation of substrates is crucial, we presumed protonated cofactor, FADH+, may form. Surprisingly, the activation barriers are much lower compared to FAD with both substrates. Therefore, we suggest further investigations in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Károly Kubicskó
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
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50
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da Silva MG, Daros GC, de Bitencourt RM. Anti-inflammatory activity of ayahuasca: therapeutical implications in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Behav Brain Res 2020; 400:113003. [PMID: 33166569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a decoction with psychoactive properties, used for millennia for therapeutic and religious purposes by indigenous groups and the population of amazonian countries. As described in this narrative review, it is essentially constituted by β-carbolines and tryptamines, and it has therapeutic effects on behavioral disorders due to the inhibition of the monoamine oxidase enzyme and the activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, demonstrated through preclinical and clinical studies. It was recently observed that the pharmacological response presented by ayahuasca is linked to its anti-inflammatory action, attributed mainly to dimethyltryptamines (N, N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine), which act as endogenous systemic regulators of inflammation and immune homeostasis, also through sigma-1 receptors. Therefore, since neuroinflammation is among the main pathophysiological mechanisms related to the development of neurological and psychiatric diseases, we suggest, based on the available evidence, that ayahuasca is a promising and very safe therapeutic strategy since extremely high doses are required to reach toxicity. However, even so, additional studies are needed to confirm such evidence, as well as the complete elucidation of the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Goulart da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Dehon, 88704-900, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Cabreira Daros
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Dehon, 88704-900, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Mariano de Bitencourt
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Dehon, 88704-900, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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