The therapeutic potentials of Ayahuasca

Abstract

Ayahuasca is a plant-derived psychoactive concoction cultural to indigenous tribes in the Amazonian region of South America. The multi-dimensional therapeutic potentials of this sacred plant medicine have been investigated for a variety of diseases, with the most compelling evidence for treatment of depression and substance abuse. Other diseases under investigation include grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Drawing on existing literature of preclinical, clinical and preliminary research, this review explores the therapeutic potentials of ayahuasca through cellular mechanism of its main components and the effects it has on the central nervous system, physiology and psychiatric conditions.