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Jordi Riba - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential
    Brain Research Bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Elisabet Domínguez-clavé, Pablo Friedlander, Amanda Feilding, Matilde Elices, Juan C. Pascual, Mario De La Fuente Revenga, Enrique Alvarez, Joaquim Soler, Jordi Riba
    Abstract:

    Ayahuasca is the Quechua name for a tea obtained from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi, and used for ritual purposes by the indigenous populations of the Amazon. The use of a variation of the tea that combines B. caapi with the leaves of the shrub Psychotria viridis has experienced unprecedented expansion worldwide for its psychotropic properties. This preparation contains the psychedelic 5-HT 2A receptor agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from P. viridis, plus β-carboline alkaloids with monoamine-oxidase-inhibiting properties from B. caapi. Acute administration induces a transient modified state of consciousness characterized by introspection, visions, enhanced emotions and recollection of personal memories. A growing body of evidence suggests that ayahuasca may be useful to treat substance use disorders, anxiety and depression. Here we review the pharmacology and neuroscience of ayahuasca, and the potential psychological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic potential. We discuss recent findings indicating that ayahuasca intake increases certain mindfulness facets related to acceptance and to the ability to take a detached view of one's own thoughts and emotions. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that ayahuasca shows promise as a therapeutic tool by enhancing self-acceptance and allowing safe exposure to emotional events. We postulate that ayahuasca could be of use in the treatment of impulse-related, personality and substance use disorders and also in the handling of trauma. More research is needed to assess the full potential of ayahuasca in the treatment of these disorders.

  • Ayahuasca and the Treatment of Drug Addiction
    The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca, 2013
    Co-Authors: José Carlos Bouso, Jordi Riba
    Abstract:

    The public health impact of addiction, with its high relapse rates and the limited efficacy of available treatments, has prompted the search for alternative therapeutic approaches. In recent times, there has been renewed interest in the anti-addictive potential of psychedelics. Consumption of ayahuasca, the N,N-dimethyltryptamine-containing Amazonian plant tea, is experiencing unprecedented expansion. The ritual use of this brew, obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, in shamanistic and religious contexts is now popular in Europe and North America. Studies of long-term ayahuasca-church members in Brazil have recorded discontinuation of drug use after starting ayahuasca use. Furthermore, several centers that offer therapies based on ayahuasca as a means to treat addictive behavior claim higher success rates than more traditional approaches. In this chapter, we review the pharmacology of ayahuasca and the data available concerning its efficacy in the treatment of drug addiction. Although the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, based on the evidence examined, is promising, the lack of systematic studies precludes firm conclusions. Ideally, research methodology should be improved, with future studies implementing well-planned clinical protocols with adequate controls, end-points, and follow-up.

  • Metabolism and disposition of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and harmala alkaloids after oral administration of ayahuasca
    Drug Testing and Analysis, 2012
    Co-Authors: Jordi Riba, Marta Valle, José Carlos Bouso, Ethan H. Mcilhenny, Steven A. Barker
    Abstract:

    Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains β-carboline alkaloids, chiefly harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. The tea usually incorporates the leaves of Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana, which are rich in N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic 5-HT2A/1A/2C agonist. The β-carbolines reversibly inhibit monoamine-oxidase (MAO), effectively preventing oxidative deamination of the orally labile DMT and allowing its absorption and access to the central nervous system. Despite increased use of the tea worldwide, the metabolism and excretion of DMT and the β-carbolines has not been studied systematically in humans following ingestion of ayahuasca. In the present work, we used an analytical method involving high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/electrospray ionization (ESI)/selected reaction monitoring (SRM)/tandem mass spectrometry(MS/MS) to characterize the metabolism and disposition of ayahuasca alkaloids in humans. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were obtained from 10 healthy male volunteers following administration of an oral dose of encapsulated freeze-dried ayahuasca (1.0 mg DMT/kg body weight). Results showed that less than 1% of the administered DMT dose was excreted unchanged. Around 50% was recovered as indole-3-acetic acid but also as DMT-N-oxide (10%) and other MAO-independent compounds. Recovery of DMT plus metabolites reached 68%. Harmol, harmalol, and tetrahydroharmol conjugates were abundant in urine. However, recoveries of each harmala alkaloid plus its O-demethylated metabolite varied greatly between 9 and 65%. The present results show the existence in humans of alternative metabolic routes for DMT other than biotransformation by MAO. Also that O-demethylation plus conjugation is an important but probably not the only metabolic route for the harmala alkaloids in humans. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  • Autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunological effects of ayahuasca: a comparative study with d-amphetamine.
    Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Rafael G. Dos Santos, Manuel-josé Barbanoj, Marta Valle, José Carlos Bouso, Josep F. Nomdedeu, José Rodríguez-espinosa, Ethan H. Mcilhenny, Steven A. Barker, Jordi Riba
    Abstract:

    AbstractAyahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea combining the 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting β-carboline alkaloids that render DMT orally active. The tea, obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, has traditionally been used for

  • Effects of the South American Psychoactive Beverage Ayahuasca on Regional Brain Electrical Activity in Humans: A Functional Neuroimaging Study Using Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography
    Neuropsychobiology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Jordi Riba, Peter Anderer, Francesc Jané, Bernd Saletu, Manuel-josé Barbanoj
    Abstract:

    Ayahuasca, a South American psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis , combines monoamine oxidase-inhibi

Natalia Cavalcante Da Costa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • allelopathic effects of Psychotria viridis ruiz pavon on the germination and initial growth of lactuca sativa l
    The Journal of Agricultural Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Amanda Oliveira Andrade, Maria Arlene Pessoa Da Silva, Alison Honorio De Oliveira, Marcos Aurelio Figueiredo Dos Santos, Lilian Cortez Sombra Vandesmet, Maria Elizete Machado Generino, Helen Kerla Rodrigues Cabral Coelho, Hemerson Soares Landim, Ana Cleide Alcantara Morais Mendonca, Natalia Cavalcante Da Costa
    Abstract:

    The effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts and leaf fractions of Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pavon (chacrona) at different concentrations on the germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L. were tested, and the phenolic and flavonoid compounds of these extracts and fractions were assessed. The bioassays consisted of the following treatments: crude aqueous extract (CAE) at 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentration, crude ethanol extract (CEE) and ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol fractions at 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% concentration and a control group. All treatments consisted of five replicates. The CAE, CEE and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. viridis caused both positive and negative effects on the seeds and seedlings of L. sativa . By contrast, the dichloromethane and methanol fractions only caused negative effects on L. sativa . The following compounds were identified in the extracts and fractions: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, orientin, vitexin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin and luteolin, and the presence of the alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has also been reported in the literature. P. viridis had allelopathic effects in all types of plant extracts and fractions tested, and one of these compounds or their combined action may account for these effects.

  • Allelopathic effects of Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pavon on the germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L.
    The Journal of Agricultural Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Amanda Oliveira Andrade, Maria Arlene Pessoa Da Silva, Alison Honorio De Oliveira, Marcos Aurelio Figueiredo Dos Santos, Lilian Cortez Sombra Vandesmet, Maria Elizete Machado Generino, Helen Kerla Rodrigues Cabral Coelho, Hemerson Soares Landim, Ana Cleide Alcantara Morais Mendonca, Natalia Cavalcante Da Costa
    Abstract:

    The effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts and leaf fractions of Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pavon (chacrona) at different concentrations on the germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L. were tested, and the phenolic and flavonoid compounds of these extracts and fractions were assessed. The bioassays consisted of the following treatments: crude aqueous extract (CAE) at 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentration, crude ethanol extract (CEE) and ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol fractions at 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% concentration and a control group. All treatments consisted of five replicates. The CAE, CEE and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. viridis caused both positive and negative effects on the seeds and seedlings of L. sativa . By contrast, the dichloromethane and methanol fractions only caused negative effects on L. sativa . The following compounds were identified in the extracts and fractions: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, orientin, vitexin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin and luteolin, and the presence of the alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has also been reported in the literature. P. viridis had allelopathic effects in all types of plant extracts and fractions tested, and one of these compounds or their combined action may account for these effects.

Amanda Oliveira Andrade - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • allelopathic effects of Psychotria viridis ruiz pavon on the germination and initial growth of lactuca sativa l
    The Journal of Agricultural Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Amanda Oliveira Andrade, Maria Arlene Pessoa Da Silva, Alison Honorio De Oliveira, Marcos Aurelio Figueiredo Dos Santos, Lilian Cortez Sombra Vandesmet, Maria Elizete Machado Generino, Helen Kerla Rodrigues Cabral Coelho, Hemerson Soares Landim, Ana Cleide Alcantara Morais Mendonca, Natalia Cavalcante Da Costa
    Abstract:

    The effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts and leaf fractions of Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pavon (chacrona) at different concentrations on the germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L. were tested, and the phenolic and flavonoid compounds of these extracts and fractions were assessed. The bioassays consisted of the following treatments: crude aqueous extract (CAE) at 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentration, crude ethanol extract (CEE) and ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol fractions at 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% concentration and a control group. All treatments consisted of five replicates. The CAE, CEE and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. viridis caused both positive and negative effects on the seeds and seedlings of L. sativa . By contrast, the dichloromethane and methanol fractions only caused negative effects on L. sativa . The following compounds were identified in the extracts and fractions: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, orientin, vitexin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin and luteolin, and the presence of the alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has also been reported in the literature. P. viridis had allelopathic effects in all types of plant extracts and fractions tested, and one of these compounds or their combined action may account for these effects.

  • Allelopathic effects of Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pavon on the germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L.
    The Journal of Agricultural Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Amanda Oliveira Andrade, Maria Arlene Pessoa Da Silva, Alison Honorio De Oliveira, Marcos Aurelio Figueiredo Dos Santos, Lilian Cortez Sombra Vandesmet, Maria Elizete Machado Generino, Helen Kerla Rodrigues Cabral Coelho, Hemerson Soares Landim, Ana Cleide Alcantara Morais Mendonca, Natalia Cavalcante Da Costa
    Abstract:

    The effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts and leaf fractions of Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pavon (chacrona) at different concentrations on the germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa L. were tested, and the phenolic and flavonoid compounds of these extracts and fractions were assessed. The bioassays consisted of the following treatments: crude aqueous extract (CAE) at 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentration, crude ethanol extract (CEE) and ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol fractions at 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% concentration and a control group. All treatments consisted of five replicates. The CAE, CEE and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. viridis caused both positive and negative effects on the seeds and seedlings of L. sativa . By contrast, the dichloromethane and methanol fractions only caused negative effects on L. sativa . The following compounds were identified in the extracts and fractions: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, orientin, vitexin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin and luteolin, and the presence of the alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has also been reported in the literature. P. viridis had allelopathic effects in all types of plant extracts and fractions tested, and one of these compounds or their combined action may account for these effects.

Manuel-josé Barbanoj - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunological effects of ayahuasca: a comparative study with d-amphetamine.
    Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Rafael G. Dos Santos, Manuel-josé Barbanoj, Marta Valle, José Carlos Bouso, Josep F. Nomdedeu, José Rodríguez-espinosa, Ethan H. Mcilhenny, Steven A. Barker, Jordi Riba
    Abstract:

    AbstractAyahuasca is an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea combining the 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting β-carboline alkaloids that render DMT orally active. The tea, obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, has traditionally been used for

  • Effects of the South American Psychoactive Beverage Ayahuasca on Regional Brain Electrical Activity in Humans: A Functional Neuroimaging Study Using Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography
    Neuropsychobiology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Jordi Riba, Peter Anderer, Francesc Jané, Bernd Saletu, Manuel-josé Barbanoj
    Abstract:

    Ayahuasca, a South American psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis , combines monoamine oxidase-inhibi

  • Human Pharmacology of Ayahuasca: Subjective and Cardiovascular Effects, Monoamine Metabolite Excretion, and Pharmacokinetics
    Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2003
    Co-Authors: Jordi Riba, Marta Valle, Gloria Urbano, Mercedes Yritia, A. Morte, Manuel-josé Barbanoj
    Abstract:

    The effects of the South American psychotropic beverage ayahuasca on subjective and cardiovascular variables and urine monoamine metabolite excretion were evaluated, together with the drug9s pharmacokinetic profile, in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. This pharmacologically complex tea, commonly obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis , combines N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an orally labile psychedelic agent showing 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A agonist activity, with monoamine oxidase (MAO)-inhibiting β-carboline alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine). Eighteen volunteers with prior experience in the use of psychedelics received single oral doses of encapsulated freeze-dried ayahuasca (0.6 and 0.85 mg of DMT/kg of body weight) and placebo. Ayahuasca produced significant subjective effects, peaking between 1.5 and 2 h, involving perceptual modifications and increases in ratings of positive mood and activation. Diastolic blood pressure showed a significant increase at the high dose (9 mm Hg at 75 min), whereas systolic blood pressure and heart rate were moderately and nonsignificantly increased. C max values for DMT after the low and high ayahuasca doses were 12.14 ng/ml and 17.44 ng/ml, respectively. T max (median) was observed at 1.5 h after both doses. The T max for DMT coincided with the peak of subjective effects. Drug administration increased urinary normetanephrine excretion, but, contrary to the typical MAO-inhibitor effect profile, deaminated monoamine metabolite levels were not decreased. This and the negligible harmine plasma levels found suggest a predominantly peripheral (gastrointestinal and liver) site of action for harmine. MAO inhibition at this level would suffice to prevent first-pass metabolism of DMT and allow its access to systemic circulation and the central nervous system.

David A. Camfield - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Plant-Based Medicines for Anxiety Disorders, Part 2: A Review of Clinical Studies with Supporting Preclinical Evidence
    CNS Drugs, 2013
    Co-Authors: Jerome Sarris, Erica Mcintyre, David A. Camfield
    Abstract:

    Research in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has revealed a variety of promising medicines that may provide benefit in the treatment of general anxiety and specific anxiety disorders. However, a comprehensive review of plant-based anxiolytics has been absent to date. Thus, our aim was to provide a comprehensive narrative review of plant-based medicines that have clinical and/or preclinical evidence of anxiolytic activity. We present the article in two parts. In part one, we reviewed herbal medicines for which only preclinical investigations for anxiolytic activity have been performed. In this current article (part two), we review herbal medicines for which there have been both preclinical and clinical investigations of anxiolytic activity. A search of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted (up to 28 October 2012) for English language papers using the search terms ‘anxiety’ OR ‘anxiety disorder’ OR ‘generalized anxiety disorder’ OR ‘social phobia’ OR ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ OR ‘panic disorder’ OR ‘agoraphobia’ OR ‘obsessive compulsive disorder’ in combination with the search terms ‘Herb*’ OR ‘Medicinal Plants’ OR ‘Botanical Medicine’ OR ‘Chinese herb*’, in addition to individual herbal medicines. This search of the literature revealed 1,525 papers, of which 53 plants were included in the review (having at least one study using the whole plant extract). Of these plants, 21 had human clinical trial evidence (reviewed here in part two), with the other 32 having solely preclinical evidence (reviewed in part one). Support for efficacy was found for chronic use (i.e. greater than one day) of the following herbs in treating a range of anxiety disorders in human clinical trials: Piper methysticum, Matricaria recutita, Ginkgo biloba, Scutellaria lateriflora , Silybum marianum, Passiflora incarnata, Withania somniferum, Galphimia glauca, Centella asiatica, Rhodiola rosea, Echinacea spp., Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum . For several of the plants studied, conclusions need to be tempered due to methodological issues such as small sample sizes, brief intervention durations and non-replication. Current evidence does not support Hypericum perforatum or Valeriana spp. for any anxiety disorder. Acute anxiolytic activity was found for Centella asiatica, Salvia spp., Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata and Citrus aurantium. Bacopa monnieri has shown anxiolytic effects in people with cognitive decline. The therapeutic application of psychotropic plant-based treatments for anxiety disorders is also discussed, specifically Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caarti (ayahuasca), Psilocybe spp. and cannabidiol-enriched (low tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ^9-THC)) Cannabis spp.