Ayahuasca, Ibogaine, and 5-MeO-DMT

Psychedelics have been making headlines in their emerging role as a possible alternative treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. 

 

Ayahuasca

 

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew made from two different plants that are found in the Amazon region of South America. The vine of the Banisteriopsis caapi is combined with Psychotria viridis. The brew contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The DMT is the psychedelic component and the MAOI is the antidepressant. Ayahuasca stimulates the brain’s serotonin receptors which can affect mood and emotions. The experience typically lasts 4-6 hours, and effects can vary significantly between people. Ayahuasca has been used in shamanic healing ceremonies for many years. In the 20th century, Ayahuasca started to become more popular around the world.

 

The side effects of Ayahuasca can be unfavorable. More than 8,200 respondents from the Global Ayahuasca Survey answered all the questions about negative physical side effects and just over 7,800 reported on negative mental health side effects. Whether an individual had tried ayahuasca just once or many times, negative side effects were common. Vomiting or nausea was most common, reported by 62% of respondents. In all, 18% reported headaches and 13% abdominal pain. Only about 2% said they needed medical attention as a result. "Challenging" psychological or emotional effects were reported by 55% of the respondents. Those included hearing or seeing things (29%); feeling alone or disconnected (21%); and/or having nightmares or disturbing thoughts (19%).

 

In recent years its antidepressant properties have been put to the test. Evidence from open and randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials has shown encouraging results. Further research is needed to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy. Ayahuasca is illegal in the United States and is considered a scheduled I drug. 

 

 

Ibogaine

 

Ibogaine is a compound derived from the root bark of the Central West African Tabernanthe Iboga plant. The iboga plant has been used for many years in shamanic healing ceremonies by the Bwiti people in Africa. Ibogaine, the psychoactive alkaloid in the Iboga plant, is currently being researched for its therapeutic properties. Most commonly known, is the medicine’s effect on addiction and opioid detoxification. Ibogaine has shown positive effects in diminishing acute opioid withdrawal symptoms and eliminating cravings for a long period of time after the experience. It is also being used for other drug and process addictions. This experience can last from 18-36 hours. “The mechanisms by which ibogaine exerts its psychoactive effects in the brain are only poorly understood, which is attributable to the alkaloid’s complex pharmacology. Effects on multiple neurotransmitter systems via numerous brain targets have been reported. Among those, ibogaine interacts with neurotransmitter transporters, opioid receptors, sigma receptors, glutamate receptors, and nicotinic receptors in low micromolar concentrations. Long-lasting effects after ibogaine intake are attributed to the alkaloid’s long-lived active metabolite noribogaine.” Read more here.

 

Ibogaine’s complex pharmacology entails a considerable potential to generate adverse effects. Ibogaine affects the cardiovascular system and has been associated with life-threatening complications and sudden cardiac death cases. It is hypothesized that the sudden cardiac deaths are related to ibogaine’s propensity to induce QT interval prolongation which can lead to life threatening arrhythmias. Ibogaine can also cause bradycardia or slowing of the electrical activity of the heart.

 

Ibogaine is currently banned in the United States and is classified as a Schedule 1 substance. Ibogaine does have some possible benefits, especially in the treatment of addiction. However, serious risks are associated.

 

 

5-MeO-DMT

 

Recent publication notes that 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors. DMT has gained recent attention, however, is still poorly understood. Studies have suggested that single exposure to 5‐MeO‐DMT can cause rapid and sustained reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 5‐MeO‐DMT also stimulates neuroendocrine function, immunoregulation, and anti‐inflammatory processes, which may contribute to changes in mental health outcomes. Subjective effects following 5‐MeO‐DMT administration include distortions in auditory and time perception, amplification of emotional states, and feelings of ego dissolution that usually are short‐lasting, depending on the route of administration. Possible side effects of DMT include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, chest pain or tightness, agitation, dilated pupils, rapid eye movements, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

 

Observational studies and surveys have suggested that single exposure to 5‐MeO‐DMT can cause rapid and sustained reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. To date, only one clinical trial has been published on 5‐MeO‐DMT, demonstrating the safety of vaporized dosing up to 18 mg. Fundamental research will also be needed to increase understanding of the neurophysiological and neural mechanisms that contribute to the potential clinical effects of 5‐MeO‐DMT and its sustainability.

 

DMT is not as well-researched or understood as other hallucinogens, leaving long-term effects largely unknown. Scientists are conducting clinical trials to explore the potential benefits of DMT for mental health treatment. Researchers are investigating its effectiveness in managing conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. These trials aim to discover if DMT can provide alternative treatment options for individuals who have not responded well to traditional therapies. DMT is illegal in the United States.