Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a traditional South American psychoactive brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and other ingredients. Its use dates back to at least the 16th century, with indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin using it for spiritual and medicinal purposes.1 The brew contains N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful hallucinogenic compound, and various other alkaloids like harmala alkaloids acting as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).²

The effects of Ayahuasca are complex and multifaceted. They often include profound psychological experiences, vivid visions, emotional revelations, and sometimes physical symptoms like nausea or vomiting.^3,4 Some users report anxiety, panic-like symptoms, and even hopelessness in specific contexts.⁵ Cardiovascular effects have also been observed.⁴

In more recent times, Ayahuasca has attracted interest in Western medicine and psychotherapy. Preliminary studies have explored its potential in treating mental health disorders like addiction and depression, although more extensive research is needed to establish its efficacy.⁶ The legality of Ayahuasca varies by jurisdiction, with its active compound DMT classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including Class A in the UK.⁷

Appearance

Ayahuasca is typically a dark brown liquid, often resembling the colour of tea or coffee. The appearance may vary depending on the specific plants and preparation methods, but it usually retains this deep, murky hue.

Tastе

The taste of Ayahuasca is often reported as extremely bitter and pungent. It’s a distinctive flavour that some find challenging to consume, described as earthy, muddy, or even medicinal.

Smell

The smell of Ayahuasca is typically earthy and woody. Some individuals may detect a slightly sweet yet spicy scent, which can be attributed to the particular plants used in its preparation.

The dosage of Ayahuasca can vary widely depending on factors like the specific preparation and the intended purpose. As the brew’s active compounds include DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) and various harmala alkaloids, the concentrations of these substances can affect the experience.

• Minimum to feel something (mg): The minimum effective dose can vary widely and is not explicitly stated in the provided references. It would likely depend on individual sensitivity, the specific preparation of Ayahuasca, and other variables.
• Low dose: A low dose may produce milder effects but is not quantified in the provided sources.
• Common dose: The common dose can also vary significantly based on factors like the ritual or therapeutic context and individual preferences. The references do not provide a specific measurement for a “common” dose.
• High dose: A high dose of Ayahuasca might produce intense and potentially overwhelming effects. However, the references provided do not quantify a “high” dose.

Exceeding a high dose may lead to serious physical and psychological effects. Physical symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and increased heart rate, while psychological symptoms might include anxiety, paranoia, and a loss of touch with reality. ⁸

Users often report a profound psychological experience, including visions, deep emotional insights, and a feeling of connection to nature or a higher power. Depending on dosage, individual sensitivity, and context, the effects can vary widely.³

Possible physical sensations such as nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular effects.

The effects of Ayahuasca typically begin between 20 and 60 minutes after ingestion.⁴

The effects of Ayahuasca typically last between 4 and 8 hours.⁴

Risks include physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular issues, as well as psychological risks like anxiety, depression, and the triggering of latent mental health conditions. Overdose effects are not well-documented in the provided references. ^{8, 9}

 Ayahuasca does not appear to be associated with addiction or problematic use. Some even consider it a potential treatment for addiction to other substances.⁷

Ayahuasca falls under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The main active hallucinogenic component of Ayahuasca, N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), is classified as a Class A controlled substance in the UK.⁷  Possession, production, or distribution of DMT can lead to serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

The interaction of Ayahuasca with other drugs is complex and can be risky, especially with substances that affect serotonin levels due to the MAOIs in Ayahuasca. This can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. ^8,2

1. McKenna, D. J., Towers, G. H., & Abbott, F. (1984). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants: tryptamine and β-carboline constituents of Ayahuasca. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 10(2), 195-223. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6587171/
2. Callaway, J. C., et al. (1999). Pharmacokinetics of Hoasca alkaloids in healthy humans. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 65(3), 243-256. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10404423
3. Grob, C. S., et al. (1996). Human psychopharmacology of hoasca, a plant hallucinogen used in ritual context in Brazil. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 184(2), 86-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8596116/
4. Riba, J., et al. (2003). Human pharmacology of Ayahuasca: Subjective and cardiovascular effects, monoamine metabolite excretion, and pharmacokinetics. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 306(1), 73-83. https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/306/1/73
5. Santos, R. G. dos, et al. (2007). Effects of Ayahuasca on psychometric measures of anxiety, panic-like and hopelessness in Santo Daime members. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 112(3), 507-513. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17532158/
6. Thomas, G., et al. (2013). Ayahuasca-assisted therapy for addiction: Results from a preliminary observational study in Canada. Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 6(1), 30-42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627784/
7. UK Government. (1971). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/contents