The Experts below are selected from a list of 192 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Jordi Riba - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of the Amazonian hallucinogen Ayahuasca, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro
Scientific Reports, 2017Co-Authors: Jose A. Morales-garcía, Amanda Feilding, Mario De La Fuente Revenga, Sandra Alonso-gil, María Isabel Rodríguez-franco, Ana Perez-castillo, Jordi RibaAbstract:Banisteriopsis caapi is the basic ingredient of ayahuasca, a psychotropic plant tea used in the Amazon for ritual and medicinal purposes, and by interested individuals worldwide. Animal studies and recent clinical research suggests that B . caapi preparations show antidepressant activity, a therapeutic effect that has been linked to hippocampal neurogenesis. Here we report that harmine, Tetrahydroharmine and harmaline, the three main alkaloids present in B . caapi , and the harmine metabolite harmol, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro . In neurospheres prepared from progenitor cells obtained from the subventricular and the subgranular zones of adult mice brains, all compounds stimulated neural stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into adult neurons. These findings suggest that modulation of brain plasticity could be a major contribution to the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca. They also expand the potential application of B . caapi alkaloids to other brain disorders that may benefit from stimulation of endogenous neural precursor niches.
-
Personality, Psychopathology, Life Attitudes and Neuropsychological Performance among Ritual Users of Ayahuasca: A Longitudinal Study
2016Co-Authors: José Carlos Bouso, Marta Cutchet, Sabela Fondevila, Manuel-josé Barbanoj, Ribeiro Barbosa, Wladimyr Sena Araújo, Josep Maria Fábregas, Jordi RibaAbstract:Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychoactive plant beverage containing the serotonergic 5-HT2A agonist N,N-dimethyltryp-tamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase-inhibiting alkaloids (harmine, harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine) that render it orally active. Ayahuasca ingestion is a central feature in several Brazilian syncretic churches that have expanded their activities to urban Brazil, Europe and North America. Members of these groups typically ingest ayahuasca at least twice per month. Prior research has shown that acute ayahuasca increases blood flow in prefrontal and temporal brain regions and that it elicits intense modifications in thought processes, perception and emotion. However, regular ayahuasca use does not seem to induce the pattern of addiction-related problems that characterize drugs of abuse. To study the impact of repeate
-
human pharmacology of ayahuasca subjective and cardiovascular effects monoamine metabolite excretion and pharmacokinetics
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2003Co-Authors: Jordi Riba, Marta Valle, Gloria Urbano, Mercedes Yritia, Adelaida Morte, Manuel-josé BarbanojAbstract:The effects of the South American psychotropic beverage ayahuasca on subjective and cardiovascular variables and urine monoamine metabolite excretion were evaluated, together with the drug's 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-hydroxytryptamine2A agonist activity, with monoamine oxidase (MAO)-inhibiting beta-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. Cmax values for DMT after the low and high ayahuasca doses were 12.14 ng/ml and 17.44 ng/ml, respectively. Tmax (median) was observed at 1.5 h after both doses. The Tmax 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.
Santo Davide Ferrara - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
a case of β carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of peganum harmala seed extract
Forensic Science International, 2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:Abstract β-Carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amine neurotransmitters, or by direct interaction with specific receptors; they are found in numerous plants, including Peganum harmala , Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi , and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing β-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient's urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings.
-
A case of beta-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract.
Forensic science international, 2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:Beta-carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amine neurotransmitters, or by direct interaction with specific receptors; they are found in numerous plants, including Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi, and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing beta-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient's urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings.
-
A case of β-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract
Forensic Science International, 2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:Beta-carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amine neurotransmitters, or by direct interaction with specific receptors; they are found in numerous plants, including Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi, and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing beta-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient's urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings.
-
Case report A case of b-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract
2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:b-Carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amineneurotransmitters,orbydirectinteractionwithspecificreceptors; theyarefoundinnumerousplants,includingPeganumharmala,Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi, and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing b-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient’s urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings. # 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Giampietro Frison - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
a case of β carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of peganum harmala seed extract
Forensic Science International, 2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:Abstract β-Carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amine neurotransmitters, or by direct interaction with specific receptors; they are found in numerous plants, including Peganum harmala , Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi , and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing β-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient's urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings.
-
A case of beta-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract.
Forensic science international, 2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:Beta-carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amine neurotransmitters, or by direct interaction with specific receptors; they are found in numerous plants, including Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi, and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing beta-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient's urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings.
-
A case of β-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract
Forensic Science International, 2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:Beta-carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amine neurotransmitters, or by direct interaction with specific receptors; they are found in numerous plants, including Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi, and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing beta-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient's urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings.
-
Case report A case of b-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract
2008Co-Authors: Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Giorgio Fazzin, Flavio Zancanaro, Santo Davide FerraraAbstract:b-Carboline alkaloids harmine, harmaline, and Tetrahydroharmine can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting the metabolism of amineneurotransmitters,orbydirectinteractionwithspecificreceptors; theyarefoundinnumerousplants,includingPeganumharmala,Passiflora incarnata and Banisteriopsis caapi, and in the entheogen preparation Ayahuasca, which is traditionally brewed using B. caapi to enhance the activity of amine hallucinogenic drugs. The ingestion of plant preparations containing b-carboline alkaloids may result in toxic effects, namely visual and auditory hallucinations, locomotor ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation. We report a case of intoxication following intentional ingestion of P. harmala seed infusion; P. harmala seeds were bought over the Internet. The harmala alkaloids were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in the seed extract and the patient’s urine. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of P. harmala intoxication corroborated by toxicological findings. # 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fernanda Palhano Xavier De ,fontes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Alterações da default mode network provocadas pela ingestão de Ayahuasca investigadas por Ressonância Magnética Funcional
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2014Co-Authors: Fernanda Palhano Xavier De ,fontesAbstract:A Ayahusca é uma bebida psicotrópica que tem sido utilizada há séculos por populações originais da América do Sul, notadamente da região Amazônica, com fins religiosos e medicinais. O chá é obtido pela decocção de folhas da Psychotria viridis com a casca e tronco de um arbusto, a Banisteriopsis caapi. A primeira é rica em N,N-dimetiltriptamina (DMT), que tem importante e bem conhecido efeito alucinógeno devido a sua atuação agonista nos receptores de serotonina, especificamente 5-HT2A. Por outro lado, as β-carbolinas presentes na B. caapi, particularmente a harmina e a harmalina, são potentes inibidores da monoamina oxidase (iMAO). Além disso, a tetrahidroharmina (THH), também presente na B. caapi, atua como leve inibidor seletivo da recaptação de serotonina e um fraco inibidor de MAO. Essa composição única provoca uma série de alterações afetivas, sensoriais, perceptuais e cognitivas em indivíduos sob o efeito da Ayahuasca. Por outro lado, existe um interesse crescente na rede de modo padrão, do inglês Default Mode Network (DMN), que tem sido consistentemente observada em estudos de neuroimagem funcional. As principais componentes dessa rede incluem estruturas da linha média do córtex cerebral, como o córtex frontomedial anterior, córtex frontomedial ventral, o giro cingulado posterior, o pré-cuneus e algumas regiões do lobo parietal inferior e do giro temporal médio. Acredita-se que a DMN participe de tarefas que envolvem autojulgamentos, evocação de memórias autobiográficas, realização de simulações mentais, pensar em perspectiva, estados meditativos, entre outros. De maneira geral, essas tarefas requerem um foco de atenção interno, daí a conclusão de que a DMN estaria associada à atividade mental introspectiva. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, por meio de ressonância magnética funcional (fMRI), as possíveis mudanças da DMN causadas pela ingestão da Ayahuasca em 10 voluntários saudáveis investigados enquanto se submeteram a dois protocolos: uma tarefa de fluência verbal e a aquisição de dados contínuos durante estado de repouso. De maneira geral, observa-se que a Ayahuasca provoca redução na amplitude do sinal de fMRI nos nodos centrais da DMN, tais como o cíngulo anterior, o córtex pré-frontal medial, o cíngulo posterior, o pré-cuneus e o lobo parietal inferior. Além disso, também foram observadas alterações no padrão de conectividade da DMN, em particular, diminuição da conectividade funcional no pré-cuneus. Juntos, esses achados indicam a possível associação entre o estado alterado de consciência experimentado pelos indivíduos sob efeito da Ayahuasca, e mudanças no fluxo de pensamentos espontâneos ligados ao aumento da introspecçãoAyahuasca is psychotropic beverage that has been used for ages by indigenous populations in South America, notably in the Amazon region, for religious and medicinal purposes. The tea is obtained by the decoction of leaves from the Psychotria viridis with the bark and stalk of a shrub, the Banisteriopsis caapi. The first is rich in N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which has an important and well-known hallucinogenic effect due to its agonistic action in serotonin receptors, specifically 5-HT2A. On the other hand, β-carbolines present in B. caapi, particularly harmine and harmaline, are potent monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi). In addition, the Tetrahydroharmine (THH), also present in B. caapi, acts as mild selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a weak MAOi. This unique composition induces a number of affective, sensitive, perceptual and cognitive changes in individuals under the effect of Ayahuasca. On the other hand, there is growing interest in the Default Mode Network (DMN), which has been consistently observed in functional neuroimaging studies. The key components of this network include structures in the brain midline, as the anterior medial frontal cortex, ventral medial frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and some regions within the inferior parietal lobe and middle temporal gyrus. It has been argued that DMN participate in tasks involving self-judgments, autobiographical memory retrieval, mental simulations, thinking in perspective, meditative states, and others. In general, these tasks require an internal focus of attention, hence the conclusion that the DMN is associated with introspective mental activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes in DMN caused via the ingestion of Ayahuasca by 10 healthy subjects while submitted to two fMRI protocols: a verbal fluency task and a resting state acquisition. In general, it was observed that Ayahuasca causes a reduction in the fMRI signal in central nodes of DMN, such as the anterior cingulate cortex, the medial prefrontal cortex, the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and inferior parietal lobe. Furthermore, changes in connectivity patterns of the DMN were observed, especially a decrease in the functional connectivity of the precuneus. Together, these findings indicate an association between the altered state of consciousness experienced by individuals under the effect of Ayahuasca, and changes in the stream of spontaneous thoughts leading to an increased introspective mental activit
-
Alterações da default mode network provocadas pela ingestão de Ayahuasca investigadas por Ressonância Magnética Funcional
Neurobiologia Celular e Molecular; Neurobiologia de Sistemas e Cognição; Neurocomputação Neuroengen, 2012Co-Authors: Fernanda Palhano Xavier De ,fontesAbstract:Ayahuasca is psychotropic beverage that has been used for ages by indigenous populations in South America, notably in the Amazon region, for religious and medicinal purposes. The tea is obtained by the decoction of leaves from the Psychotria viridis with the bark and stalk of a shrub, the Banisteriopsis caapi. The first is rich in N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which has an important and well-known hallucinogenic effect due to its agonistic action in serotonin receptors, specifically 5-HT2A. On the other hand, β-carbolines present in B. caapi, particularly harmine and harmaline, are potent monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi). In addition, the Tetrahydroharmine (THH), also present in B. caapi, acts as mild selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a weak MAOi. This unique composition induces a number of affective, sensitive, perceptual and cognitive changes in individuals under the effect of Ayahuasca. On the other hand, there is growing interest in the Default Mode Network (DMN), which has been consistently observed in functional neuroimaging studies. The key components of this network include structures in the brain midline, as the anterior medial frontal cortex, ventral medial frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and some regions within the inferior parietal lobe and middle temporal gyrus. It has been argued that DMN participate in tasks involving self-judgments, autobiographical memory retrieval, mental simulations, thinking in perspective, meditative states, and others. In general, these tasks require an internal focus of attention, hence the conclusion that the DMN is associated with introspective mental activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes in DMN caused via the ingestion of Ayahuasca by 10 healthy subjects while submitted to two fMRI protocols: a verbal fluency task and a resting state acquisition. In general, it was observed that Ayahuasca causes a reduction in the fMRI signal in central nodes of DMN, such as the anterior cingulate cortex, the medial prefrontal cortex, the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and inferior parietal lobe. Furthermore, changes in connectivity patterns of the DMN were observed, especially a decrease in the functional connectivity of the precuneus. Together, these findings indicate an association between the altered state of consciousness experienced by individuals under the effect of Ayahuasca, and changes in the stream of spontaneous thoughts leading to an increased introspective mental activityConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoA Ayahusca é uma bebida psicotrópica que tem sido utilizada há séculos por populações originais da América do Sul, notadamente da região Amazônica, com fins religiosos e medicinais. O chá é obtido pela decocção de folhas da Psychotria viridis com a casca e tronco de um arbusto, a Banisteriopsis caapi. A primeira é rica em N,N-dimetiltriptamina (DMT), que tem importante e bem conhecido efeito alucinógeno devido a sua atuação agonista nos receptores de serotonina, especificamente 5-HT2A. Por outro lado, as β-carbolinas presentes na B. caapi, particularmente a harmina e a harmalina, são potentes inibidores da monoamina oxidase (iMAO). Além disso, a tetrahidroharmina (THH), também presente na B. caapi, atua como leve inibidor seletivo da recaptação de serotonina e um fraco inibidor de MAO. Essa composição única provoca uma série de alterações afetivas, sensoriais, perceptuais e cognitivas em indivíduos sob o efeito da Ayahuasca. Por outro lado, existe um interesse crescente na rede de modo padrão, do inglês Default Mode Network (DMN), que tem sido consistentemente observada em estudos de neuroimagem funcional. As principais componentes dessa rede incluem estruturas da linha média do córtex cerebral, como o córtex frontomedial anterior, córtex frontomedial ventral, o giro cingulado posterior, o pré-cuneus e algumas regiões do lobo parietal inferior e do giro temporal médio. Acredita-se que a DMN participe de tarefas que envolvem autojulgamentos, evocação de memórias autobiográficas, realização de simulações mentais, pensar em perspectiva, estados meditativos, entre outros. De maneira geral, essas tarefas requerem um foco de atenção interno, daí a conclusão de que a DMN estaria associada à atividade mental introspectiva. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, por meio de ressonância magnética funcional (fMRI), as possíveis mudanças da DMN causadas pela ingestão da Ayahuasca em 10 voluntários saudáveis investigados enquanto se submeteram a dois protocolos: uma tarefa de fluência verbal e a aquisição de dados contínuos durante estado de repouso. De maneira geral, observa-se que a Ayahuasca provoca redução na amplitude do sinal de fMRI nos nodos centrais da DMN, tais como o cíngulo anterior, o córtex pré-frontal medial, o cíngulo posterior, o pré-cuneus e o lobo parietal inferior. Além disso, também foram observadas alterações no padrão de conectividade da DMN, em particular, diminuição da conectividade funcional no pré-cuneus. Juntos, esses achados indicam a possível associação entre o estado alterado de consciência experimentado pelos indivíduos sob efeito da Ayahuasca, e mudanças no fluxo de pensamentos espontâneos ligados ao aumento da introspecçã
Juan C. Pascual - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Four Weekly Ayahuasca Sessions Lead to Increases in “Acceptance” Capacities: A Comparison Study With a Standard 8-Week Mindfulness Training Program
Frontiers Media S.A., 2018Co-Authors: Joaquim Soler, Matilde Elices, Elisabeth Dominguez-clavé, Juan C. PascualAbstract:Background: The therapeutic effects of the Amazonian plant tea ayahuasca may relate to its ability to enhance mindfulness capacities. Ayahuasca induces a modified state of awareness through the combined action of its active principles: the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and a series of centrally acting β-carbolines, mainly harmine and Tetrahydroharmine. To better understand the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, here we compared the impact on mindfulness capacities induced by two independent interventions: (a) participation in four ayahuasca sessions without any specific purpose related to improving mindfulness capacities; and (b) participation in a standard mindfulness training course: 8 weeks mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), with the specific goal of improving these skills.Methods: Participants of two independent groups completed two self-report instruments: The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ). The MINDSENS Composite Index was also calculated, including those EQ and FFMQ items that have proven to be the most sensitive to meditation practice. Group A (n = 10) was assessed before and after the last of four closely spaced consecutive ayahuasca sessions. Group B (n = 10) was assessed before and after completion of a standard 8-week MBSR course.Results: MBSR training led to greater increases in overall mindfulness scores after the 8-week period. MBSR but not ayahuasca led to increases in the MINDSENS Composite Index. However, the ayahuasca sessions induced comparable increases in the Non-Judging subscale of the FFMQ, specifically measuring “acceptance.” Improving this capacity allows for a more detached and less judgmental stance toward potentially distressing thoughts and emotions.Results: The present findings suggest that a small number of ayahuasca sessions can be as effective at improving acceptance as more lengthy and costly interventions. Future studies should address the benefits of combining ayahuasca administration with mindfulness-based interventions. This will allow us to investigate if ayahuasca will improve the outcome of psychotherapeutic interventions