Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Ayahuasca Beverages

Abstract

Ayahuasca is a beverage consumed at shamanic ceremonies and currently has gained popularity on recreational scenarios. It contains beta-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, which possesses hallucinogenic effects. Only a few studies have elicited the psychoactive effects and the dose of such compounds on neurological dopaminergic cells or animals. In this work, we aimed to study the cytotoxic effects of these compounds present in ayahuasca beverages and on five different teas (Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis, Peganum harmala, Mimosa tenuiflora and Dc Ab (commercial name)) preparations on dopaminergic immortalized cell lines. Moreover, a characterization of the derivative alkaloids was also performed. All the extracts were characterized by chromatographic systems and the effect of those compounds in cell viability and total protein levels were analyzed in N27 dopaminergic neurons cell line. This is the first article where cytotoxicity of ayahuasca tea is studied on neurological dopaminergic cells. Overall, results showed that both cell viability and protein contents decreased when cells were exposed to the individual compounds, as well as to the teas and to the two mixtures based on the traditional ayahuasca beverages.

Ayahuasca as a Decoction Applied to Human: Analytical Methods, Pharmacology and Potential Toxic Effects

“…A plant containing these substances-Peganum harmala (P. harmala), is used in some cases as a substitute for B. caapi, [29]. Some other plants containing DMT such as Psychotria viridis or Mimosa tenuiflora (M. tenuiflora) are added to the decoction to increase its psychoactive properties [18,28,30]. Depending on the origin and development of the plants used in the preparation of ayahuasca beverages, the chemical composition may vary, both qualitatively and quantitatively [10].…”

“…When the aldehyde is acetaldehyde or pyruvic acid, simple carboline alkaloids are formed and are referred to as "beta-carbolines" (in the case of acetaldehyde) or as "harmala alkaloids" (harmine, harmaline), as they were originally isolated from the plant Peganum harmala. They are also found, for example, in the plants of Passiflora incarnata L. These substances are able to reversibly block the activity of MAO enzyme subtype A [18,29]. MAO naturally degrades endogenous neurotransmitters and potentially dangerous exogenous amines that could be accidentally consumed in the diet.…”

“…It becomes orally active when ingested in the presence of a MAO inhibitor such as β-carbolines. This allows DMT to cross the blood-brain barrier intactly and exert its effect in the central nervous system [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Following the administration of ayahuasca, DMT and β-carboniles are present in the human organism and are metabolized and excreted in the urine [20,21].…”

Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples

“…However, there are several studies that report therapeutic properties. Recently their proprieties were reported as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents [ 52 ], as well as their effect over dopaminergic neuron cells [ 53 ]. Studies have shown that a single dose of Ayahuasca leads to a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms, and this reduction is maintained for three weeks [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Correction: Simão, A.Y., et al. Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Ayahuasca Beverages. Molecules 2020, 25, 5594

“…This paper [ 1 ] reports important data on the cytotoxicity of Ayahuasca beverages on dopaminergic cells. However, some of the reported information could be misinterpreted; as such, we would like to clarify a few issues in order to avoid misleading the reader.…”