ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a traditional South American psychoactive brew made primarily from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and leaves of Psychotria viridis or other DMT-containing plants. The main active compounds are N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent serotonergic hallucinogen, and harmala alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine) which act as reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitors (MAOIs). The MAOIs in B. caapi prevent rapid breakdown of orally ingested DMT by monoamine oxidase enzymes in the gut and liver, allowing DMT to become psychoactive when consumed orally. Ayahuasca produces profound alterations in consciousness including hallucinations and changes in perception due to agonism at serotonin receptors—primarily 5-HT2A—by both DMT and certain β-carbolines. Traditionally used for spiritual and religious purposes among Amazonian peoples, it is also being researched for potential therapeutic effects on depression and addiction[1][2][4][6][8].

Other names

ayahuascathe teathe vinela purgayagé