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Ayahoasca: an experimental psychosis that mirrors the transmethylation hypothesis of schizophrenia
A B Pomilio1, A A Vitale, J Ciprian-Ollivier
1Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. proplame@qo.fcen.uba.ar
Abstract:
The experimental psychosis observed after drinking Ayahoasca, a South American hallucinogenic beverage from the Amazon Indians, reproduces the pathologic transmethylation theory of schizophrenia. This theory postulates a decrease in the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, which results in the accumulation of methylated indolealkylamines, such as bufotenin (5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. These substances are strong hallucinogens as has been previously confirmed experimentally. On the other hand, it is known that Ayahoasca is a beverage usually prepared by boiling two plants, one of them rich in beta-carbolines, which are naturally occurring strong inhibitors of MAO, and the other with high quantities of DMT. This particular combination reproduces what is supposed to occur under pathologic conditions of different psychoses. The effects of Ayahoasca were studied in subjects, assessing urine levels of DMT by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) before and after the intake of the beverage. The results of this study confirm that the hallucinogenic compounds detected in the healthy subjects' (post-Hoasca, but not before) urine samples are the same as those found in samples from acute psychotic unmedicated patients. The chemical composition of the Ayahoasca beverage, and of the plant material used for its preparation are also reported as well as psychometric and neuroendocrine subject parameters.
Insights
Ayahuasca consumption induces experimental psychosis, mirroring schizophrenia
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Ayahuasca, a South American beverage, contains DMT and MAO inhibitors.
- The transmethylation theory of schizophrenia suggests impaired MAO activity leads to toxic methylated indolealkylamines.
- Ayahuasca's composition may mimic pathological conditions in psychosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Ayahuasca consumption on healthy subjects.
- To compare urinary hallucinogen levels in Ayahuasca users with psychotic patients.
- To analyze the chemical composition of Ayahuasca and its preparation.
Main Methods:
- Subjects consumed Ayahuasca.
- Urinary levels of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) before and after consumption.
- Psychometric and neuroendocrine parameters were assessed.
Main Results:
- Hallucinogenic compounds, including DMT, were detected in urine samples post-Ayahuasca consumption.
- These compounds were identical to those found in unmedicated psychotic patients.
- The chemical makeup of the Ayahuasca beverage and plant sources was detailed.
Conclusions:
- Ayahuasca consumption can induce experimental psychosis in healthy individuals.
- The findings support the transmethylation theory of schizophrenia.
- Urinary analysis confirmed the presence of psychoactive compounds similar to those in psychosis.