Ayahuasca

Alexis Clarke, 2 nd Professional Year pharmacy student Fall 2022

HISTORY/BACKGROUND OF USE

Ayahuasca originates from the Banisteriosis caapi vine and is typically consumed as a brew. It produces a hallucinogenic effect upon its users and is sometimes combined with other hallucinogens to extend its properties. Ayahuasca has been used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have healing properties.

The first record of Ayahuasca use for psychoactive effects was recorded in 1852 in the Brazilian Amazon. The drug was most likely used for these effects many years before this; however, it was not recorded. Ayahuasca became popular in Western culture during the late 1900s through writing and other recordings of its effect. Most uses of the drug are reported in South America, as people desire to experience it in a “traditional setting.”

PHARMACOLOGY & DRUG EFFECTS

Ayahuasca exhibits its acute effects at about 15-30 minutes after ingestion, then reaches its peak level at about 1.5-2 hours after ingestion. Its duration is approximately 2-6 hours.

Ayahuasca is traditionally used for its neurologic and CNS effects. It has been used for the treatment of depression and anxiety and has been shown to decrease blood perfusion in areas of the brain associated with these disorders. However, it is also thought that the treatment of depression or anxiety from ayahuasca is simply placebo effect.

There has been research on using ayahuasca for patients experiencing addiction It was shown in a small trial that taking ayahuasca twice during a 4-day period improved feelings of hopefulness and empowerment.

https://www.floridarehab.com/drugs/ ayahuasca/

SLANG TERMS

Appane, Caapi, Chacrona, Cacruna, Chaliponga, Daime, Hoasca, Jagube, Jurema, Kawa, Mariri, Mihi, Natem, Ooasca, Orhoasca, Queen, Rainha, Soulvine, Yagé, Yajé https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayahuasca

Drug Interactions and Toxicology

There is not much evidence regarding the use of ayahuasca with OTC or prescription drugs. The one known interaction is between ayahuasca and MDMA or ayahuasca and antidepressants. Ayahuasca contains MAOIs, so combining it with other drugs that alter serotonin levels could be dangerous and should be avoided.

Laws

Ayahuasca and the other plants that make up the brew are not specifically defined as illegal in the United States. However, DMT is Schedule I in the US, and ayahuasca does contain DMT, so it can be treated as an illegal substance.

Monitoring and Drug Screens

There are not typical drug monitoring screens for ayahuasca use. In one study, researchers were able to use a participant’s sweat to detect the main components of ayahuasca and this did show to be effective.

Professional Opinion

Ayahuasca is a strong psychedelic that is traditionally used for religious ceremonies. It is becoming more popular in media, so I can see that more people will want to try this drug. I think it is important for people to consider the effects this could have on their mental status and consider the fact that there is not much clinical data regarding the after effects of using the drug. A. Clarke https://www.enigmaperu.com/blog/what-is-ayahuasca/ https://www.tikvahlake.com/blog/understanding-ayahuasca/

References

1. Ayahuasca. The Vaults of Erowid. Accessed October 12, 2022.

https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/ayahuasca/

2. Ayahuasca. Natural Medicines. Accessed October 12, 2022. https://naturalmedicinestherapeuticresearchcom.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/databases/food,herbssupplements/professional.aspx?productid=1550

3. Ayahuasca. Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2022. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ayahuasca/

4.) Tavares L, Monedeiro F, Bordin DM, De Martinis BS. Investigation of Ayahuasca βCarboline Alkaloids and Tryptamine in Sweat Samples from Religious Community Participants by GC-MS. J Anal Toxicol. 2020;44(6):601-609. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz116