USE OF AYAHUASCA IN BRAZIL: AN ANALYSIS OF A DECADE

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61164/ectfbd76

Keywords:

Ayahuasca, Psychedelics, Mental health, Traditional medicine, Brazil

Abstract

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew of Amazonian origin, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and Brazilian-origin religious groups. Its composition combines plants rich in N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline alkaloids. In recent decades, there has been growing scientific interest in its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in the field of mental health, as well as in its risks, ethical implications, and regulatory aspects. This study aimed to critically analyze the scientific literature published over the last ten years on the use of ayahuasca in Brazil. This is an integrative literature review conducted through searches in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, BIREME, and Google Scholar databases, including articles published in Portuguese and English between 2015 and 2025. A total of 46 articles were analyzed. The results indicate preliminary evidence of rapid antidepressant effects, possible benefits in substance use disorders, and neurobiological changes associated with the modulation of brain networks. However, physical and psychological risks, significant methodological limitations, and gaps in scientific knowledge were also identified. It is concluded that, despite its therapeutic potential, the use of ayahuasca requires caution, scientific rigor, and careful consideration of the sociocultural and ethical contexts involved.

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Author Biographies

  • Marcos Lorran Paranhos Leão, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

    Médico pela Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), médico residente em Medicina da Família e Comunidade pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), pós-graduando em Preceptoria Médica pela Faculdade Moinhos de Vento e em Medicina do Trabalho e Perícia Médica pela UNIFAHE. Possui ampla experiência em pesquisa científica, escrita acadêmica e apresentações em eventos. É autor e coautor de diversos artigos científicos publicados em revistas renomadas, capítulos de livros e trabalhos apresentados em congressos nacionais e internacionais. Recebeu menções honrosas por contribuições científicas relevantes, como estudos sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e impactos do SARS-CoV-2, bem como recebeu a láurea acadêmica da UPE. Com habilidades em comunicação, ensino e escrita acadêmica, alia a prática médica a uma visão estratégica voltada para inovação, planejamento e políticas públicas em saúde. Seus interesses incluem tecnologias de saúde, gestão estratégica de recursos e melhoria da qualidade de vida através de práticas baseadas em evidências.

  • Estácio Amaro da Silva Júnior, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

    Possui graduação em Medicina pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Residência Médica em Psiquiatria pelo Hospital Dr. João Machado. Residência Médica em Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência pelo Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul). Títulos de Especialista em Psiquiatria e em Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência pela Associação Médica Brasileira. Doutor em Neurociência Cognitiva e Comportamento pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Mestre em Psiquiatria pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Professor e Coordenador do Curso de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Paraíba.

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Published

2025-12-28

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 05 (2025): REMUNOM - ISSN 2178-6925

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2025 Marcos Lorran Paranhos Leão, Estácio Amaro da Silva Júnior

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How to Cite

USE OF AYAHUASCA IN BRAZIL: AN ANALYSIS OF A DECADE. (2025). REMUNOM, 21(05), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.61164/ectfbd76