Os potenciais efeitos terapêuticos da Ayahuasca e de seus compostos no organismo

Abstract

Introduction: Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew originating from indigenous traditions in South America, traditionally consumed by the natives of the region, but not exclusively by them, as its use has expanded widely beyond these communities and eventually to countries around the world. This preparation contains a variety of compounds in its composition that perform different activities in the human body, although its mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Objective: To map and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the therapeutic benefits of this substance, as well as its metabolism, mechanisms of action, and impact on mental health and overall well-being of ayahuasca consumers. Method: A scoping review was conducted following the five-step framework of Arksey and O'Malley (2005), along with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Results: After screening and selection, 21 scientific articles were included (10 clinical trials and 11 surveys) that met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: The review highlights a growing body of evidence pointing to the therapeutic benefits of ayahuasca in various conditions. However, it emphasizes the need for further studies to consolidate the evidence and to further explore the underlying adverse effects, therapeutic pathways, and safety of ayahuasca use