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Rodrigues LS, Reis JAS, Rossi GN, Guerra LTL, Maekawa RM, de Lima Osório F, Bouso JC, Santos FP, Paranhos BAPB, Yonamine M, Hallak JEC, Dos Santos RG. Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in College Students With Harmful Alcohol Use: A Single-blind, Feasibility, Proof-of-Concept Trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2024:00004714-990000000-00257. [PMID: 38820373 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ayahuasca is a South American plant hallucinogen rich in the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines (mainly harmine). Preclinical and observational studies suggest that ayahuasca exerts beneficial effects in substance use disorders, but these potentials were never assessed in a clinical trial. METHODS Single-center, single-blind, feasibility, proof-of-concept study, assessing the effects of one dose of ayahuasca accompanied by psychological support (without psychotherapy) on the drinking patterns (primary variable) of 11 college students with harmful alcohol consumption. Secondary variables included safety and tolerability, craving, personality, anxiety, impulsivity, self-esteem, and social cognition. FINDINGS Ayahuasca was well tolerated (no serious adverse reactions were observed), while producing significant psychoactive effects. Significant reductions in days per week of alcohol consumption were found between weeks 2 and 3 (2.90 ± 0.28 vs 2.09 ± 0.41; P < 0.05, uncorrected), which were not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. There were no statistically significant effects for other variables, except for a significant reduction in reaction time in an empathy task. CONCLUSIONS A significant reduction in days of alcohol consumption was observed 2-3 weeks after ayahuasca intake, but this effect did not survive after Bonferroni correction. The lack of significant effects in alcohol use and other variables may be related to the small sample size and mild/moderate alcohol use at baseline. The present study shows the feasibility of our protocol, paving the way for future larger, controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Rodrigues
- From the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Augusto Silva Reis
- From the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giordano Novak Rossi
- From the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lorena T L Guerra
- From the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renan Massanobu Maekawa
- From the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiana Pereira Santos
- Department of Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Department of Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hilal FF, Jeanblanc J, Deschamps C, Naassila M, Pierrefiche O, Ben Hamida S. Epigenetic drugs and psychedelics as emerging therapies for alcohol use disorder: insights from preclinical studies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:525-561. [PMID: 38554193 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide leading to physical, mental and socio-economic consequences. While current treatments for AUD have provided relief to individuals, their effectiveness on the long term is often limited, leaving a number of affected individuals without sustainable solutions. In this review, we aim to explore two emerging approaches for AUD: psychedelics and epigenetic drugs (i.e., epidrugs). By examining preclinical studies, different animal species and procedures, we delve into the potential benefits of each of these treatments in terms of addictive behaviors (alcohol drinking and seeking, motivation to drink alcohol and prevention of relapse). Because psychedelics and epidrugs may share common and complementary mechanisms of action, there is an exciting opportunity for exploring synergies between these approaches and their parallel effectiveness in treating AUD and the diverse associated psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahd François Hilal
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Jerome Jeanblanc
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Chloé Deschamps
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France.
| | - Olivier Pierrefiche
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Sami Ben Hamida
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France.
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Fletcher PJ, Li Z, Ji XD, Lê AD. Established sensitization of ethanol-induced locomotor activity is not reversed by psilocybin or the 5-HT 2A receptor agonist TCB-2 in male DBA/2J mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 235:173703. [PMID: 38154589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Psychedelic drugs, which share in common 5-HT2A receptor agonist activity, have shown promise in treating alcohol-use disorders (AUDs). Repeated exposure to ethanol (EtOH) induces molecular and behavioural changes reflective of neuroadaptations that may contribute to addiction. Psychedelic drugs can induce neuroplasticity also, raising the possibility that their potential clinical effects in AUD may involve an action to reverse or offset effects of long-term changes induced by EtOH. This possibility was examined by investigating whether psilocybin, or the 5-HT2A receptor agonist TCB-2, counteracted established sensitization of EtOH-induced locomotor activity. METHODS Male DBA/2J mice received repeated injections of 2.2 g/kg EtOH to induce a sensitized locomotor activity response. In two experiments separate groups of mice were then injected with psilocybin (0, 0.3 and 1 kg/kg) or TCB-2 (0, 1 and 3 mg/kg) on 5 consecutive days. Next, mice were challenged with 1.8 g/kg EtOH and locomotor activity measured for 15 min. RESULTS Relative to naïve controls, previously sensitized mice showed enhanced locomotor activity to the challenge dose. Despite reducing locomotor activity in their own right psilocybin and TCB-2 did not alter the strength of this sensitized response. CONCLUSION Psilocybin and TCB-2 at behaviourally effective doses did not reverse sensitization of EtOH-induced activity. This suggests that mechanisms involved in mediating short-term reductions in EtOH intake by psilocybin or TCB-2 may not involve a capacity of these drugs to offset enduring changes in behaviour and any underlying neural adaptations induced by repeated intermittent exposure to EtOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Fletcher
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Zhaoxia Li
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Dong Ji
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anh D Lê
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ruffell SGD, Crosland‐Wood M, Palmer R, Netzband N, Tsang W, Weiss B, Gandy S, Cowley‐Court T, Halman A, McHerron D, Jong A, Kennedy T, White E, Perkins D, Terhune DB, Sarris J. Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2023; 2:e146. [PMID: 38868739 PMCID: PMC11114307 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and a plant containing the potent psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT), usually Psychotria viridis. Here we review the history of ayahuasca and describe recent work on its pharmacology, phenomenological responses, and clinical applications. There has been a significant increase in interest in ayahuasca since the turn of the millennium. Anecdotal evidence varies significantly, ranging from evangelical accounts to horror stories involving physical and psychological harm. The effects of the brew on personality and mental health outcomes are discussed in this review. Furthermore, phenomenological analyses of the ayahuasca experience are explored. Ayahuasca is a promising psychedelic agent that warrants greater empirical attention regarding its basic neurochemical mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon G. D. Ruffell
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Max Crosland‐Wood
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Psychology and Psychotherapy departmentCentral and North West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Rob Palmer
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- School of MedicineUniversity of YaleNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | | | - WaiFung Tsang
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceSouth London and The Maudsley NHS TrustLondonUK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Brandon Weiss
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Division of PsychiatryImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Tessa Cowley‐Court
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andreas Halman
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Angelina Jong
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceSouth London and The Maudsley NHS TrustLondonUK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Daniel Perkins
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Devin B. Terhune
- Psychology and Psychotherapy departmentCentral and North West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Jerome Sarris
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyAustralia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
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Ubhayarathna M, Langmead CJ, Diepenhorst NA, Stewart GD. Molecular and structural insights into the 5-HT 2C receptor as a therapeutic target for substance use disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 37679998 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition, with maintained abuse of a substance leading to physiological and psychological alterations and often changes in cognitive and social behaviours. Current therapies include psychotherapy coupled with medication; however, high relapse rates reveal the shortcomings of these therapies. The signalling, expression profile, and neurological function of the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2C receptor) make it a candidate of interest for the treatment of SUD. Recently, psychedelics, which broadly act at 5-HT2 receptors, have indicated potential for the treatment of SUD, implicating the 5-HT2C receptor. The modern psychedelic movement has rekindled interest in the 5-HT2C receptor, resulting in many new studies, especially structural analyses. This review explores the structural, molecular and cellular mechanisms governing 5-HT2C receptor function in the context of SUD. This provides the basis of the preclinical and clinical evidence for their role in SUD and highlights the potential for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleesha Ubhayarathna
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Natalie A Diepenhorst
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gregory D Stewart
- Drug Discovery Biology and Neuroscience & Mental Health Therapeutic Program Area, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
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Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2573. [PMID: 37447135 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Traditional therapies, resorting to the use of plants, have acquired a great demand over the years, both for economic reasons and the preference for natural treatments. Some studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial properties in treating some physical and psychological imbalances. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of studies published up to December 2022, where these themes were addressed. The search was carried out in the PubMed database, and only studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Thus, 228 publications were identified, of which 66 were included in the present study. The reviewed studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial effects on various physical and psychological conditions, namely in the treatment of depression, anxiety and various diseases of the neurobiological system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, demonstrating its therapeutic potential. The number of studies that address this issue has also been growing, demonstrating interest in the search for alternative treatments. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review where all the findings of therapeutic effects associated with the consumption of ayahuasca are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Simionato NM, Favaro VM, Maia LO. The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110738. [PMID: 36863501 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The psychedelic brew ayahuasca is increasingly being investigated for its therapeutic potential. Animal models are essential to investigate the pharmacological effects of ayahuasca since they can control important factors influencing it, such as the set and setting. OBJECTIVE Review and summarise data available on ayahuasca research using animal models. METHODS We systematically searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, LILACS and PsycInfo) for peer-reviewed studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish published up to July 2022. The search strategy included ayahuasca- and animal model-related terms adapted from the SYRCLE search syntax. RESULTS We identified 32 studies investigating ayahuasca effects on toxicological, behavioural and (neuro)biological parameters in rodents, primates and zebrafish. Toxicological results show that ayahuasca is safe at ceremonial-based doses but toxic at high doses. Behavioural results indicate an antidepressant effect and a potential to reduce the reward effects of ethanol and amphetamines, while the anxiety-related outcomes are yet inconclusive; also, ayahuasca can influence locomotor activity, highlighting the importance of controlling the analysis for locomotion when using tasks depending on it. Neurobiological results show that ayahuasca affects brain structures involved in memory, emotion and learning and that other neuropathways, besides the serotonergic action, are important in modulating its effects. CONCLUSIONS Studies using animal models indicate that ayahuasca is toxicologically safe in ceremonial-comparable doses and indicates a therapeutic potential for depression and substance use disorder while not supporting an anxiolytic effect. Essential gaps in the ayahuasca field can still be sufficed using animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Vanessa Manchim Favaro
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care (CIECP), School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Brazil
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Marinho EAV, Oliveira-Lima AJ, Reis HS, Santos-Baldaia R, Wuo-Silva R, Hollais AW, Yokoyama TS, Frussa-Filho R, Berro LF. Context-dependent effects of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant on morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in female mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1100527. [PMID: 36814501 PMCID: PMC9939462 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1100527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the neurobiology of opioid use disorder. While the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant has been shown to block some of the behavioral effects of opioids, studies suggest that the treatment environment (i.e., receiving treatment in the drug-associated environment, and/or novelty) can influence its effects. In the present study, we investigated the role of the treatment environment in the effects of rimonabant on the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Methods: Adult female Swiss mice were submitted to a behavioral sensitization protocol, during which they received morphine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) in the open-field apparatus, and were subsequently treated with vehicle or rimonabant (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) either in the open-field, in the home-cage or in an activity box (novel environment). The expression of conditioned locomotion (increased locomotor activity in the open-field apparatus in the absence of morphine) and of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization (increased locomotor activity in animals sensitized to morphine) was evaluated during asubsequent saline and morphine challenge, respectively. Results: Animals treated with morphine expressed behavioral sensitization, showing a significant increase in locomotor activity over time. Animals sensitized to morphine and treated with vehicle in the home-cage expressed conditioned locomotion, an effect that was blocked by home-cage treatment with rimonabant. During a saline challenge, only animals sensitized to morphine and treated with saline in the home-cage expressed morphine-induced conditioned locomotion. All morphine-treated animals that received saline during the treatment phase (control groups) expressed behavioral sensitization during the morphine challenge. Treatment with rimonabant in the open-field and in the activity box, but not in the home-cage, blocked the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Discussion: Our findings suggest that CB1 receptor antagonism can modulate conditioned responses to morphine even when administered in the home-cage. However, exposure to the drug-associated environment or to a novel environment is necessary for the expression of rimonabant's effects on morphine-induced behavioral sensitization during a morphine challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A. V. Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil,Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Justo Oliveira-Lima
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil,Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique S. Reis
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Renan Santos-Baldaia
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raphael Wuo-Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andre W. Hollais
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais S. Yokoyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Frussa-Filho
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lais F. Berro
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil,Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States,*Correspondence: Lais F. Berro,
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Distinctive Neuroanatomic Regions Involved in Cocaine-Induced Behavioral Sensitization in Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020383. [PMID: 36830920 PMCID: PMC9953661 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterize the phenomenon of behavioral sensitization to cocaine and to identify neuroanatomical structures involved in the induction and expression phases of this phenomenon. For this, in experiment 1 (induction phase), mice were treated with saline or cocaine every second day for 15 days (conditioning period), in the open-field or in their home-cages. In experiment 2 (expression phase), the same protocol was followed, except that after the conditioning period the animals were not manipulated for 10 days, and after this interval, animals were challenged with cocaine. Neuroanatomical structures involved in the induction and expression phases were identified by stereological quantification of c-Fos staining in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), nucleus accumbens core (NAc core and shell (NAc shell), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Neuroanatomical analysis indicated that in the induction phase, cocaine-conditioned animals had higher expression of c-Fos in the dmPFC, NAc core, BLA, and VTA, whereas in the expression phase, almost all areas had higher expression except for the VTA. Therefore, environmental context plays a major role in the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization, although not all structures that compose the mesolimbic system contribute to this phenomenon.
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Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential: What we know - and what not. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 66:45-61. [PMID: 36368095 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of the psychedelic brew ayahuasca has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, the most consistent evidence refers to depression. However, various studies suggest that ayahuasca may comprise therapeutic benefits in other health conditions. This narrative review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of ayahuasca's therapeutic effects in diverse clinical conditions in human (clinical, cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative) and preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies. In addition to summarizing and discussing the most commonly studied conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD), we also examine less frequently studied psychiatric, neurological, and physical conditions. Moreover, we discuss evidence from epidemiological studies on the impact of regular, long-term ayahuasca use on health and psychosocial outcomes. Overall, evidence for depression and SUD is more consistent, with numerous and diverse studies. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that other conditions equally relevant to public health might be promising targets for ayahuasca's therapeutic effects. This includes preliminary studies indicating potential for grief, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and severe physical illnesses (e.g., cancer, chronic conditions). Moreover, preliminary evidence in long-term ayahuasca users does not suggest detrimental effects but possible benefits for individual and collective health. In light of the emerging evidence of psychedelic drugs as therapeutic agents, it is essential to further investigate in rigorous designs the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in conditions other than depression.
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Calleja‐Conde J, Morales‐García JA, Echeverry‐Alzate V, Bühler KM, Giné E, López‐Moreno JA. Classic psychedelics and alcohol use disorders: A systematic review of human and animal studies. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13229. [PMID: 36301215 PMCID: PMC9541961 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Classic psychedelics refer to substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, ayahuasca, and mescaline, which induce altered states of consciousness by acting mainly on 5-HT2A receptors. Recently, the interest of psychedelics as pharmacological treatment for psychiatric disorders has increased significantly, including their use on problematic use of alcohol. This systematic review is aimed to analyse the last two decades of studies examining the relationship between classic psychedelics and alcohol consumption. We searched PubMed and PsycInfo for human and preclinical studies published between January 2000 to December 2021. The search identified 639 publications. After selection, 27 studies were included. Human studies (n = 20) generally show promising data and seem to indicate that classic psychedelics could help reduce alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, some of these studies present methodological concerns such as low number of participants, lack of control group or difficulty in determining the effect of classic psychedelics in isolation. On the other hand, preclinical studies (n = 7) investigating the effect of these compounds on voluntary alcohol consumption are scarce and show some conflicting data. Among these compounds, psilocybin seems to show the most consistent data indicating that this compound could be a potential candidate to treat alcohol use disorders. In the absence of understanding the biological and/or psychological mechanisms, more studies including methodological quality parameters are needed to finally determine the effects of classic psychedelics on alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Víctor Echeverry‐Alzate
- School of Life and Nature SciencesNebrija UniversityMadridSpain,Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Somosaguas CampusComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Kora Mareen Bühler
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Somosaguas CampusComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Elena Giné
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of MedicineComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Jose Antonio López‐Moreno
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Somosaguas CampusComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
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Vorobyeva N, Kozlova AA. Three Naturally-Occurring Psychedelics and Their Significance in the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927984. [PMID: 35837277 PMCID: PMC9274002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical psychedelics represent a family of psychoactive substances with structural similarities to serotonin and affinity for serotonin receptors. A growing number of studies have found that psychedelics can be effective in treating various psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Mental health disorders are extremely prevalent in the general population constituting a major problem for the public health. There are a wide variety of interventions for mental health disorders, including pharmacological therapies and psychotherapies, however, treatment resistance still remains a particular challenge in this field, and relapse rates are also quite high. In recent years, psychedelics have become one of the promising new tools for the treatment of mental health disorders. In this review, we will discuss the three classic serotonergic naturally occurring psychedelics, psilocybin, ibogaine, and N, N-dimethyltryptamine, focusing on their pharmacological properties and clinical potential. The purpose of this article is to provide a focused review of the most relevant research into the therapeutic potential of these substances and their possible integration as alternative or adjuvant options to existing pharmacological and psychological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Vorobyeva
- Hive Bio Life Sciences Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Nataliya Vorobyeva,
| | - Alena A. Kozlova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Rodrigues LS, Rossi GN, Rocha JM, L Osório F, Bouso JC, Hallak JEC, Dos Santos RG. Effects of ayahuasca and its alkaloids on substance use disorders: an updated (2016-2020) systematic review of preclinical and human studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:541-556. [PMID: 33914164 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01267-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic/psychedelic traditionally used for ritual and therapeutic purposes. One such therapeutic use is related to Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). A previous systematic review of preclinical and human studies published until 2016 suggested that ayahuasca and its alkaloids have therapeutic effects in the treatment of SUDs. To conduct an update of this previous review. A systematic review of quantitative studies which analyzed the effects of ayahuasca and its alkaloids on drug use (primary outcome) and other measures (secondary outcomes) related to SUDs was conducted, including articles from 2016 to 2020. Nine studies (four preclinical, five observational) were included in the review. Preclinical studies in rodents reported reductions in amphetamine self-administration and anxiety, and in alcohol- and methylphenidate-induced conditioned place preference. Observational studies among healthy ritual ayahuasca users and patients with SUDs reported reductions in drug use, anxiety, and depression, and increases in quality of life and well-being. We replicated the findings of the previous review suggesting that ayahuasca and its alkaloids have therapeutic effects in the treatment of SUDs. However, translation of preclinical data to humans is limited, observational studies do not allow us to infer causality, and there is a lack of standardization on ayahuasca doses. Although promising, randomized, controlled trials are needed to better elucidate these results. The PROSPERO ID for this study is CRD42020192046.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Rodrigues
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Giordano Novak Rossi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mendes Rocha
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Osório
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- ICEERS Foundation, International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthopology Research Center, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jaime E Cecílio Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
- ICEERS Foundation, International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services, Barcelona, Spain.
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Maia LO, Massarentti CM, Tófoli LF. Ayahuasca and tobacco smoking cessation: results from an online survey in Brazil. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1767-1782. [PMID: 35179623 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Smoking-related disease is a major problem globally. Effective smoking cessation treatments are however limited. Increasing evidence suggests that psychedelics have potential as treatments for substance use disorders and may therefore prove an option in aiding smoking cessation. OBJECTIVES To establish which factors predict smoking cessation in people who reported quitting or reducing smoking following ayahuasca consumption. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional mixed-method study (quantitative and qualitative design) was undertaken using data from an online survey evaluating peoples' experiences before and after drinking ayahuasca. Multivariate logistic regression was performed with smoking condition (cessation or reduction/relapse) as a dependent variable and demographics, smoking, ayahuasca-related variables and the mystical experience (MEQ30) as predicting factors. RESULTS A total of 441 responses were grouped according to self-reported smoking status: cessation (n = 305) or reduction/relapse (n = 136) smoking. Logistic regression showed that mystical experience (OR: 1.03; 95% CI [1.00-1.05]) and frequency of ayahuasca intake (OR: 2.16[1.00-4.70]) were protective factors, while positive mood (measured by the MEQ30) during the ayahuasca experience was a risk factor (OR: 0.91[0.85-0.97]). Qualitative thematic analysis identified eight themes (e.g. acquired awareness, spiritual experience, increased motivation) related to the ayahuasca experience and the process of smoking cessation/reduction. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that ayahuasca could be used as a potential tool for smoking cessation, and that effects may be mediated by mystical experience. Given the current burden of smoking-related disease and the limited treatment options, studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of psychedelics in smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Carolina Marcolino Massarentti
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz Campinas, Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil.
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Serra YA, Barros-Santos T, Anjos-Santos A, Kisaki ND, Jovita-Farias C, Leite JPC, Santana MCE, Coimbra JPSA, de Jesus NMS, Sulima A, Barbosa PCR, Malpezzi-Marinho ELA, Rice KC, Oliveira-Lima AJ, Berro LF, Marinho EAV. Role of 5-HT 2A receptors in the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol self-administration using a two-bottle choice paradigm in male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1679-1687. [PMID: 35253069 PMCID: PMC10750423 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06104-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ayahuasca has been proposed as a potential treatment of alcohol (ethanol) use disorder (AUD). The serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is the main psychoactive component of ayahuasca, suggesting that its therapeutic effects may be mediated by 5-HT2A receptors. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ayahuasca on the expression of ethanol self-administration using a two-bottle choice procedure and the role of 5-HT2A receptors in those effects. METHODS Male mice had intermittent access to ethanol (10% v/v) in a two-bottle choice procedure for 30 days. Animals were then submitted to 3 treatment phases, each followed by ethanol re-exposure tests. During the treatment phase, every 3 days, animals received i.p. injections of either vehicle or the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 (M100, 1 mg/kg) followed by an i.g. (gavage) administration of vehicle or ayahuasca (100 mg/kg) and were exposed to the self-administration apparatus with no ethanol availability. During re-exposure tests, animals were submitted to the same conditions as during acquisition, with no treatments prior to those sessions. RESULTS Treatment with ayahuasca blocked the expression of ethanol self-administration, decreasing ethanol intake and preference during re-exposure tests. Pretreatment with M100 blocked the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol drinking without significantly attenuating ethanol self-administration. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with ayahuasca during alcohol abstinence blocked the expression of alcohol self-administration in mice, and 5-HT2A receptor activation is critical for those effects to emerge. Our findings support a potential for ayahuasca and other 5-HT2A receptor agonists as adjunctive pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmim A Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil
| | - Thaísa Barros-Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Alexia Anjos-Santos
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute On Drug Abuse and the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Natali D Kisaki
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil
| | - Caio Jovita-Farias
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil
| | - João P C Leite
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Maria C E Santana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - João P S A Coimbra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Nailton M S de Jesus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute On Drug Abuse and the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paulo C R Barbosa
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil
| | | | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute On Drug Abuse and the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexandre J Oliveira-Lima
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil
| | - Laís F Berro
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Innovation and Discovery in Addictions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Eduardo A V Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-0, Brazil.
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James E, Keppler J, L Robertshaw T, Sessa B. N,N-dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2835. [PMID: 35175662 PMCID: PMC9286861 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reports have indicated possible uses of ayahuasca for the treatment of conditions including depression, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and specific psychoneuroendocrine immune system pathologies. The article assesses potential ayahuasca and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) integration with contemporary healthcare. The review also seeks to provide a summary of selected literature regarding the mechanisms of action of DMT and ayahuasca; and assess to what extent the state of research can explain reports of unusual phenomenology. DESIGN A narrative review. RESULTS Compounds in ayahuasca have been found to bind to serotonergic receptors, glutaminergic receptors, sigma-1 receptors, trace amine-associated receptors, and modulate BDNF expression and the dopaminergic system. Subjective effects are associated with increased delta and theta oscillations in amygdala and hippocampal regions, decreased alpha wave activity in the default mode network, and stimulations of vision-related brain regions particularly in the visual association cortex. Both biological processes and field of consciousness models have been proposed to explain subjective effects of DMT and ayahuasca, however, the evidence supporting the proposed models is not sufficient to make confident conclusions. Ayahuasca plant medicine and DMT represent potentially novel treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms of action and develop treatments which can be made available to the general public. Integration between healthcare research institutions and reputable practitioners in the Amazon is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward James
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | - Ben Sessa
- Centre for NeuropsychopharmacologyDivision of Brain SciencesFaculty of MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Santos BWL, Moreira DC, Borges TKDS, Caldas ED. Components of Banisteriopsis caapi, a Plant Used in the Preparation of the Psychoactive Ayahuasca, Induce Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Microglial Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082500. [PMID: 35458698 PMCID: PMC9025580 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Banisteriopsis caapi is used to prepare the psychoactive beverage ayahuasca, and both have therapeutic potential for the treatment of many central nervous system (CNS) conditions. This study aimed to isolate new bioactive compounds from B. caapi extract and evaluate their biological activity, and that of the known β-carboline components of the plant (harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine), in BV-2 microglial cells, the in vivo activation of which is implicated in the physiopathology of CNS disorders. B. caapi extract was fractionated using semipreparative liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and the exact masses ([M + H]+m/z) of the compounds in the 5 isolated fractions were determined by high-resolution LC-MS/MS: F1 (174.0918 and 233.1289), F2 (353.1722), F3 (304.3001), F4 (188.1081), and F5 (205.0785). Harmine (75.5–302 µM) significantly decreased cell viability after 2 h of treatment and increased the number of necrotic cells and production of reactive oxygen species at equal or lower concentrations after 24 h. F4 did not impact viability but was also cytotoxic after 24 h. Most treatments reduced proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, and/or TNF), especially harmaline and F5 at 2.5 µM and higher concentrations, tetrahydroharmine (9.3 µM and higher), and F5 (10.7 µM and higher). The results suggest that the compounds found in B. caapi extract have anti-inflammatory potential that could be explored for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Werneck Lopes Santos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Carneiro Moreira
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (D.C.M.); (T.K.d.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana Karla dos Santos Borges
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (D.C.M.); (T.K.d.S.B.)
| | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil;
- Correspondence:
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Favaro VM, Morais P, Sussulini A, Oliveira MGM. Effects of repeated ayahuasca administration on behaviour and c-Fos expression in male rats exposed to the open field. Behav Brain Res 2022; 427:113878. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Gianfratti B, Tabach R, Sakalem ME, Stessuk T, Maia LO, Carlini EA. Ayahuasca blocks ethanol preference in an animal model of dependence and shows no acute toxicity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114865. [PMID: 34822961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage prepared from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, is originally used by Amazon-based indigenous and mestizo groups for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. Nowadays, ayahuasca is used in religious and shamanic contexts worldwide, and preliminary evidence from preclinical and observational studies suggests therapeutic effects of ayahuasca for the treatment of substance (including alcohol) use disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the initial pharmacological profile of ayahuasca and its effects on ethanol rewarding effect using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ayahuasca beverage was prepared using extracts of B. caapi and P. viridis, and the concentration of active compounds was assessed through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The following behavioral tests were performed after ayahuasca administration: general pharmacological screening (13, 130, or 1300 mg/kg - intraperitoneally - i.p., and 65, 130, 1300, or 2600 mg/kg - via oral - v.o.); acute toxicity test with elevated doses (2600 mg/kg - i.p., and 5000 mg/kg - v.o.); motor activity, motor coordination, and hexobarbital-induced sleeping time potentiation (250, 500, or 750 mg/kg ayahuasca or vehicle - v.o.). For the CPP test, the animals received ayahuasca (500 mg/kg - v.o.) prior to ethanol (1.8 g/kg - i.p.) or vehicle (control group - i.p.) during conditioning sessions. RESULTS Ayahuasca treatment presented no significant effect on motor activity, motor coordination, hexobarbital-induced sleeping latency or total sleeping time, and did not evoke signs of severe acute toxicity at elevated oral doses. Ayahuasca pre-treatment successfully inhibited the ethanol-induced CPP and induced CPP when administered alone. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that ayahuasca presents a low-risk acute toxicological profile when administered orally, and presents potential pharmacological properties that could contribute to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gianfratti
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Tabach
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; UNISA - Universidade Santo Amaro, Rua Prof Eneas de Siqueira Neto, 340 - Jardim das Imbuias, CEP 04829-300, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marna Eliana Sakalem
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Anatomy, State University of Londrina (UEL), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Universitário s/n, Caixa Postal 10011, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Talita Stessuk
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415 - Edifício ICB - III Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Assis, Avenida Dom Antônio 2100, CEP 19806-900, Assis, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, CEP 04724-000, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, CEP 13083-887, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Elisaldo Araujo Carlini
- Centro Brasileiro de Informações sobre Drogas Psicotrópicas (CEBRID), Rua Marselhesa, 557, Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Almeida CAF, Pereira-Junior AA, Rangel JG, Pereira BP, Costa KCM, Bruno V, Silveira GO, Ceron CS, Yonamine M, Camarini R, Garcia RCT, Marcourakis T, Torres LH. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic beverage, modulates neuroplasticity induced by ethanol in mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113546. [PMID: 34437939 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder needs more effective treatments because relapse rates remain high. Psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, have been used to treat substance use disorders. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of ayahuasca on ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization (EIBS). Swiss mice received 2.2 g/kg ethanol or saline IP injections every other day across nine days (D1, D3, D5, D7, and D9), and locomotor activity was evaluated 10 min after each injection. Then, animals were treated daily with ayahuasca (corresponding to 1.76 mg/kg of N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT) or water by oral gavage for eight consecutive days. On the seventh day, mice were evaluated in the elevated plus maze. Then, mice were challenged with a single dose of ethanol to measure their locomotor activity. Dopamine receptors, serotonin receptors, dynorphin, and prodynorphin levels were quantified in the striatum and hippocampus by blot analysis. Repeated ethanol administration resulted in EIBS. However, those animals treated with ayahuasca had an attenuated EIBS. Moreover, ayahuasca reduced the anxiogenic response to ethanol withdrawal and prevented the ethanol-induced changes on 5-HT1a receptor and prodynorphin levels in the hippocampus and reduced ethanol effects in the dynorphin/prodynorphin ratio levels in the striatum. These results suggest a potential application of ayahuasca to modulate the neuroplastic changes induced by ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Aparecida Faria Almeida
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio Alves Pereira-Junior
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Gonçalves Rangel
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Pinheiro Pereira
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Karla Cristinne Mancini Costa
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Vitor Bruno
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bl. 13B, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Oliveira Silveira
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bl. 13B, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Speroni Ceron
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bl. 13B, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, Prédio 1, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raphael Caio Tamborelli Garcia
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, 1° Andar, 09913-030, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Tania Marcourakis
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bl. 13B, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa Helena Torres
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro Da Silva, 700, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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Farias CP, Victoria PP, Xavier J, Sekine FG, Ribeiro ES, Cognato GDP, Carvalho HW. Behavioral characterization of ayahuasca treatment on Wistar rats in the open field test. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e21110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Daldegan-Bueno D, Révész D, Morais PR, Barbosa PCR, Maia LO. Psychosocial and Drug Use Assessment of Regular vs. Non-Regular Ayahuasca Users in a Brazilian Sample: a Web-Based Survey. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1072-1081. [PMID: 35466853 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2063896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that long-term ayahuasca use is associated with better psychosocial outcomes and less drug use; however, available data on the association between ayahuasca intake frequency and psychosocial outcomes is limited. Objectives: We sought to characterize and investigate the association of regular ayahuasca use, as compared to non-regular use, on licit (alcohol and tobacco) and illicit (cannabis, psychostimulants, psychedelics, and non-medical opioids) drug use and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: An online-based cross-sectional survey was taken among people who use ayahuasca in Brazil assessing sociodemographic, drug and ayahuasca use, anxiety and depression (HAD-S), intrinsic religiosity (IRI), negative and positive affects (PANAS), satisfaction with life (SWLS), and five quality of life domains (WHOQOL-Brief). Multivariate regressions for each psychosocial outcome and drug use were performed comparing regular to non-regular ayahuasca users while correcting for sociodemographic variables. Results: A total of 286 valid answers were retrieved, divided into people with regular (n = 101) and non-regular (n = 185) ayahuasca use. Groups had similar sociodemographic profiles and lifetime use of drugs. In the multivariate analysis, regular use of ayahuasca was associated with lower anxiety (B: -0.97), negative affect (B: -2.62), general (B: 0.22) and physical (B: 0.17) quality of life, higher intrinsic religiosity scores (B: 4.16), and less past-month licit (OR = 0.30) and illicit (OR = 0.49) use of substances. Conclusions: Our results show that ceremonial regular ayahuasca compared to non-regular use is associated with better psychosocial and mental health outcomes and less drug use. Studies with repeated ayahuasca administration and extended follow-ups are essential to clarify the nature of ayahuasca's therapeutic effects and to guide future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Paulo Rogério Morais
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.,Observatory of Violence, Health and Work (OBSAT), Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Henriques GM, Anjos-Santos A, Rodrigues IRS, Nascimento-Rocha V, Reis HS, Libarino-Santos M, Barros-Santos T, Yokoyama TS, Bertagna NB, Favoretto CA, Moraes CRG, Cruz FC, Barbosa PCR, Marinho EAV, Oliveira-Lima AJ, Berro LF. Ibogaine Blocks Cue- and Drug-Induced Reinstatement of Conditioned Place Preference to Ethanol in Male Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:739012. [PMID: 34621171 PMCID: PMC8490685 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychedelic extracted from the plant Tabernanthe iboga Baill. (Apocynaceae), natural from Africa, and has been proposed as a potential treatment for substance use disorders. In animal models, ibogaine reduces ethanol self-administration. However, no study to date has investigated the effects of ibogaine on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated treatment with ibogaine on the reinstatement of CPP to ethanol in male mice. The rewarding effects of ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i. p.) or ibogaine (10 or 30 mg/kg, p. o.) were investigated using the CPP model. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of repeated treatment with ibogaine (10 or 30 mg/kg, p. o.) on the reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP. Reinstatement was evaluated under two conditions: 1) during a priming injection re-exposure test in which animals received a priming injection of ethanol and had free access to the CPP apparatus; 2) during a drug-free test conducted 24 h after a context-paired re-exposure, in which subjects received an injection of ethanol and were confined to the compartment previously conditioned to ethanol. Our results show that ethanol, but not ibogaine, induced CPP in mice. Treatment with ibogaine after conditioning with ethanol blocked the reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP, both during a drug priming reinstatement test and during a drug-free test conducted after re-exposure to ethanol in the ethanol-paired compartment. Our findings add to the literature suggesting that psychedelics, in particular ibogaine, may have therapeutic properties for the treatment of alcohol use disorder at doses that do not have rewarding effects per se.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexia Anjos-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isa R S Rodrigues
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Henrique S Reis
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Thaísa Barros-Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Thais S Yokoyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalia B Bertagna
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fábio C Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal De São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo C R Barbosa
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A V Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Laís F Berro
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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Rush B, Marcus O, García S, Loizaga-Velder A, Loewinger G, Spitalier A, Mendive F. Protocol for Outcome Evaluation of Ayahuasca-Assisted Addiction Treatment: The Case of Takiwasi Center. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:659644. [PMID: 34093190 PMCID: PMC8170098 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.659644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study describes the protocol for the Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project (ATOP) with a special focus on the evaluation of addiction treatment services provided through Takiwasi Center, the first ATOP study site. The goal of the project is to assess treatment outcomes and understand the therapeutic mechanisms of an Ayahuasca-assisted, integrative treatment model for addiction rehabilitation in the Peruvian Amazon. The proposed intervention protocol highlights the significance of treatment setting in the design, delivery, and efficacy of an addiction rehabilitation program that involves the potent psychedelic tea known as Ayahuasca. After describing the context of the study, we put forth details about our mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis, with which we seek to gain an understanding of why, how, and for whom this specific ayahuasca-assisted treatment program is effective across a range of outcomes. The ATOP protocol employs qualitative research methods as a means to determine which aspects of the setting are meaningful to clients and practitioners, and how this may correlate with outcome measures. This paper delineates the core principles, methods, and measures of the overall ATOP umbrella, then discusses the role of ATOP in the context of the literature on long-term residential programs. To conclude, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the protocol and the intended future of the project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rush
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Marcus
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Sara García
- Takiwasi Center for Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts and Research on Traditional Medicine, Tarapoto, Peru
| | - Anja Loizaga-Velder
- Nierika Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Loewinger
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Fernando Mendive
- Takiwasi Center for Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts and Research on Traditional Medicine, Tarapoto, Peru
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Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051397. [PMID: 33807728 PMCID: PMC7961374 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been increasing, and this problem affects several countries worldwide. There is a class of NPSs of natural origin, consisting of plants and fungi, which have a wide range of alkaloids, responsible for causing relaxing, stimulating or hallucinogenic effects. The consumption of some of these substances is prompted by religious beliefs and cultural reasons, making the legislation very variable or even ambiguous. However, the abusive consumption of these substances can present an enormous risk to the health of the individuals, since their metabolism and effects are not yet fully known. Additionally, NPSs are widely spread over the internet, and their appearance is very fast, which requires the development of sophisticated analytical methodologies, capable of detecting these compounds. Thus, the objective of this work is to review the toxicological aspects, traditional use/therapeutic potential and the analytical methods developed in biological matrices in twelve plant specimens (Areca catechu, Argyreia nervosa, Ayahuasca, Catha edulis, Datura stramonium, Lophophora williamsii, Mandragora officinarum, Mitragyna speciosa, Piper methysticum Forst, Psilocybe, Salvia divinorum and Tabernanthe iboga).
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26
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Libarino-Santos M, Brandão NRN, Borges ÁLN, Anjos-Santos A, Cata-Preta EG, Barros-Santos T, Oliveira-Campos D, Brito ACL, Oliveira TS, Kisaki ND, Silva AAF, Cruz FC, Berro LF, Marinho EAV, Oliveira-Lima AJ. Aripiprazole and topiramate, alone or in combination, block the expression of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference in mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108520. [PMID: 33485011 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol is the most largely consumed drug in the world. Because of its complex mechanisms of action, studies suggest that the combination of drugs with distinct pharmacological effects may be a promising alternative for treating ethanol use disorder. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of topiramate, alone and in combination with aripiprazole, on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). METHODS Adult male mice were conditioned with ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i.p.) in the conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus. Animals were then treated with vehicle, topiramate (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.), aripiprazole (0.025, 0.05, 0.075 or 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) or a combination of subthreshold doses of topiramate and aripiprazole (5 and 0.075 mg/kg, respectively) in the ethanol-paired compartment for 8 consecutive days. The expression of ethanol-induced CPP was then evaluated during a drug-free test performed 24 h after a re-exposure to ethanol in the ethanol-paired compartment. RESULTS Treatment with 10 mg/kg topiramate or 0.1 mg/kg aripiprazole blocked the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. Combined treatment with 5 mg/kg topiramate and 0.075 mg/kg aripiprazole, doses that alone were not effective, also blocked the expression of CPP to ethanol. CONCLUSIONS Topiramate and aripiprazole, alone or in combination, blocked the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. By showing that a combination of lower, subthreshold doses or topiramate and aripiprazole was effective in blocking the conditioned reinforcing properties of the ethanol-paired environment in mice, our current findings provide important insights into the therapeutic use of these drugs in ethanol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Libarino-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Nina R N Brandão
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Áurea L N Borges
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Alexia Anjos-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Elisângela G Cata-Preta
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Thaísa Barros-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Daniella Oliveira-Campos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina L Brito
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Thaynara S Oliveira
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Natali D Kisaki
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Aline A F Silva
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Fabio C Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, São Paulo Federal University, Leal Prado Building, Botucatu 862 Street, 04024-002, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís F Berro
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Eduardo A V Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Alexandre J Oliveira-Lima
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
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A review on β-carboline alkaloids and their distribution in foodstuffs: A class of potential functional components or not? Food Chem 2021; 348:129067. [PMID: 33548760 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacologically active β-carboline alkaloids (βCs) such as harman, norharman and some others are naturally present in plants and occur in many foodstuffs. They have a lot of pharmacological properties, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and possess the potential for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression and other central nervous system diseases. Dietary intake is proven to be an important source of βCs. Therefore, it is important to know the amounts of βCs that can be gotten from daily diets. This review summarizes the pharmacological activities, toxicology and formation of βCs, and gives collective information on contents of βCs in different foodstuffs.
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O'Shaughnessy DM, Berlowitz I, Rodd R, Sarnyai Z, Quirk F. Within-treatment changes in a novel addiction treatment program using traditional Amazonian medicine. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125320986634. [PMID: 33717431 PMCID: PMC7841703 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320986634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The therapeutic use of psychedelics is regaining scientific momentum, but similarly psychoactive ethnobotanical substances have a long history of medical (and other) uses in indigenous contexts. Here we aimed to evaluate patient outcomes in a residential addiction treatment center that employs a novel combination of Western and traditional Amazonian methods. METHODS The study was observational, with repeated measures applied throughout treatment. All tests were administered in the center, which is located in Tarapoto, Peru. Data were collected between 2014 and 2015, and the study sample consisted of 36 male inpatients who were motivated to seek treatment and who entered into treatment voluntarily. Around 58% of the sample was from South America, 28% from Europe, and the remaining 14% from North America. We primarily employed repeated measures on a psychological test battery administered throughout treatment, measuring perceived stress, craving frequency, mental illness symptoms, spiritual well-being, and physical and emotional health. Addiction severity was measured on intake, and neuropsychological performance was assessed in a subsample from intake to at least 2 months into treatment. RESULTS Statistically significant and clinically positive changes were found across all repeated measures. These changes appeared early in the treatment and were maintained over time. Significant improvements were also found for neuropsychological functioning. CONCLUSION These results provide evidence for treatment safety in a highly novel addiction treatment setting, while also suggesting positive therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Ilana Berlowitz
- Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Robin Rodd
- Division of Social Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zoltán Sarnyai
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Discovery, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Frances Quirk
- New England Institute of Healthcare Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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Konrath EL, Arbo MD, Arbo BD, Hort MA, Elisabetsky E, Leal MB. Plants with Anti-Addictive Potential. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1308:185-215. [PMID: 33861445 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-64872-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction is prevalent among individuals of modern society, being a major cause of disability and premature loss of life. Although the drug addiction have profound social, economical and health impact in the world population, its management remains a challenge as available pharmacological treatments remains ineffective for most people. The limited efficacy and adverse effects have led to a search for alternative therapies to treat drug addiction. In this context, natural products are an important source for new chemical substances with a potential therapeutic applicability. Therefore, this chapter will present data obtained after an extensive literature search regarding the use of medicinal plants as a pharmacological alternative for drug addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luis Konrath
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dutra Arbo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dutra Arbo
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mariana Appel Hort
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Elaine Elisabetsky
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mirna Bainy Leal
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Ayahuasca blocks the reinstatement of methylphenidate-induced conditioned place preference in mice: behavioral and brain Fos expression evaluations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3269-3281. [PMID: 32676773 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Accumulating evidence suggests that ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage used in traditional Amazonian communities for ritualistic and curative purposes, has been associated with reduced rates of substance use disorders. However, the brain mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca have not yet been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of treatment with ayahuasca on the rewarding properties of the psychostimulant methylphenidate. METHODS The rewarding properties of ayahuasca (100 mg/kg, orally) and methylphenidate (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were investigated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) model. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of repeated treatment with ayahuasca on the reinstatement of methylphenidate-induced CPP. Fos expression was evaluated in different limbic structures (cingulate cortex-area 1, prelimbic cortex, infralimbic cortex, orbitofrontal cortex-lateral orbital area, nucleus accumbens core and shell, ventral tegmental area, dorsal striatum, and basolateral amygdala) upon each experimental phase. RESULTS Both ayahuasca and methylphenidate induced CPP in mice. However, ayahuasca had limited effects on Fos expression, while methylphenidate altered Fos expression in several brain regions associated with the behavioral effects of drugs of abuse. Treatment with ayahuasca after conditioning with methylphenidate blocked the reinstatement of methylphenidate-induced CPP. Those behavioral effects were accompanied by changes in Fos expression patterns, with ayahuasca generally blocking the changes in Fos expression induced by conditioning with methylphenidate and/or reexposure to methylphenidate. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that ayahuasca restored normal brain function in areas associated with the long-term expression of drug wanting/seeking in animals conditioned to methylphenidate.
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Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Gradillas A, García A, Restolho J, Fernández N, Domingues F, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. Ayahuasca Beverages: Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110731. [PMID: 33114334 PMCID: PMC7690887 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage, originally consumed by indigenous Amazon tribes, of which consumption has been increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile, as well as the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of decoctions of four individual plants, a commercial mixture and four mixtures of two individual plants used in the Ayahuasca preparation. For this purpose, a phytochemical characterization was performed, determining the content of flavonoids, total phenolic compounds, and analyzing the phenolic profile. Besides, 48 secondary metabolites were investigated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and their concentration estimated with real standards when present. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by both the β-carotene bleaching test and DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and the anti-inflammatory activity was determined by a protein denaturation method. Finally, the antimicrobial properties were evaluated using the disc diffusion assay, resazurin microtiter method, anti-quorum sensing and anti-biofilm activity assays. The obtained results showed that, in general, the samples have a high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids with noticeable differences, reflecting on remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Significant antimicrobial properties were also observed, with emphasis on the effect of B. caapi and P. harmala on planktonic and biofilm cells of A. baumannii, inhibiting both the biofilm formation and the production of violacein pigment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (J.R.); (F.D.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBI Medical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (J.R.); (F.D.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBI Medical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
- Correspondence: (Â.L.); (E.G.); Tel.: +351-275-329-002/3 (Â.L.); +351-275-329-002/3 (E.G.)
| | - Ana Gradillas
- CEMBIO, Center for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, CEU Universities, Campus Monteprincipe, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonia García
- CEMBIO, Center for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, CEU Universities, Campus Monteprincipe, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.); (A.G.)
| | - José Restolho
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (J.R.); (F.D.); (A.P.D.)
| | - Nicolás Fernández
- Cátedra de Toxicología y Química Legal, Laboratorio de Asesoramiento Toxicológico Analítico (CENATOXA), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina;
| | - Fernanda Domingues
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (J.R.); (F.D.); (A.P.D.)
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (J.R.); (F.D.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBI Medical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
- Correspondence: (Â.L.); (E.G.); Tel.: +351-275-329-002/3 (Â.L.); +351-275-329-002/3 (E.G.)
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.G.); (J.R.); (F.D.); (A.P.D.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBI Medical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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Colaço CS, Alves SS, Nolli LM, Pinheiro WO, de Oliveira DGR, Santos BWL, Pic-Taylor A, Mortari MR, Caldas ED. Toxicity of ayahuasca after 28 days daily exposure and effects on monoamines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain of Wistar rats. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:739-751. [PMID: 32103409 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00547-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage that affects the serotonergic system and have therapeutic potential for many diseases and disorders, including depression and drug addiction. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential toxic effects of ayahuasca on rats after chronic exposure, and the levels of monoamines, their metabolites and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. Female and male rats were treated orally for 28 days with H2O (control), fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, or ayahuasca (Aya) at doses of 0.5X, 1X and 2X the ritualistic dose (7 to 10 animals/group). Clinical, hematological and macroscopic results showed that ayahuasca was safe to the rats. Behavior tests conducted one hour after the last treatment showed that male rats from the Aya1 group explored the open field central area less than the control group, and the number of entries in the central area compared to total locomotion was also significantly lower in this group and in the FLX group. The hippocampus was removed for BDNF analysis and the remaining brain was used for monoamine analysis by HPLC-FL. Serotonin levels were significantly higher than control only in the Aya2 female group, while a significant reduction of its metabolite 5-HIAA was observed in the FLX group. Dopamine levels were similar among the experimental groups, but the levels of its metabolite DOPAC increased significantly in the Aya1 and Aya2 groups compared to controls, especially in females, and the DOPAC/dopamine turnover was significantly higher in Aya2 group. The levels of HVA, another dopamine metabolite, did not change with the treatments compared to controls, but HVA/DOPAC ratio was significantly lower in all ayahuasca male groups. Norepinephrine was not detected in any brain sample, and the levels of its metabolite MHPG did not change significantly among the groups. BDNF levels in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the FLX and Aya2 female groups compared to controls when expressed in relation to the total brain weight. The mechanisms involved in the increase in serotonin, dopamine turnover and BDNF levels observed in ayahuasca treated animals should be further investigated in specific brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Schoueri Colaço
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Stefany Sousa Alves
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Luciana Marangni Nolli
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Willie Oliveira Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Embryology and Developmental Biology, Department of Genetic and Morphology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Danilo Gustavo Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Werneck Lopes Santos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Aline Pic-Taylor
- Laboratory of Embryology and Developmental Biology, Department of Genetic and Morphology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Nolli LM, de Oliveira DGR, Alves SS, von Zuben MV, Pic-Taylor A, Mortari MR, Caldas ED. Effects of the hallucinogenic beverage ayahuasca on voluntary ethanol intake by rats and on cFos expression in brain areas relevant to drug addiction. Alcohol 2020; 84:67-75. [PMID: 31698029 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic infusion used in religious rituals that has serotoninergic properties and may be a potential therapeutic option for drug addiction. In this study, Wistar rats had intermittent access to ethanol for 8 weeks, receiving water (control), naltrexone (NTX, 2 mg/kg body weight [bw] intraperitoneally [i.p.]) or ayahuasca (Aya) at 0.5x, 1x, or 2x the ritual dose in the final 5 days. A naïve group had access only to water. Ethanol intake was estimated throughout the experiment, and cFos expression was evaluated in medial orbital cortex (MO), ventral orbital cortex (VO), lateral orbital cortex (LO), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and striatum. Treatment with either NTX or Aya (oral) did not decrease ethanol intake compared to the baseline level (5th to 7th week), but the NTX group intake was significantly lower than controls (p < 0.05). Ethanol significantly increased cFos expression in the MO region for control (p < 0.0001), NTX (p < 0.05), Aya1 (p < 0.001), and Aya2 (p < 0.0001) groups. This increase was also observed in the VO for the Aya1 group (p = 0.035), in the LO for the Aya2 group (p < 0.01), and in NAc for NTX and ayahuasca groups (p < 0.005). Furthermore, NTX and Aya0.5 treatment decreased cFos expression compared to controls in the MO region (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), but only the ayahuasca group reached levels not significantly different from the naïve group. Studies using other protocols and dose regime are necessary to better investigate the impact of ayahuasca on alcohol intake by rats to support the observations in humans. Additionally, the role of ayahuasca in mediating cFos expression in other selected brain regions and its relationship with the serotoninergic/dopaminergic systems and drug addiction need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Marangni Nolli
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Danilo Gustavo Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Stefany Sousa Alves
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Aline Pic-Taylor
- Laboratory of Embryology and Developmental Biology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Libarino-Santos M, de Santana Santos ACG, Cata-Preta EG, Barros-Santos T, Nunes Brandão NR, Borges ALN, Santos-Baldaia R, Hollais AW, Baldaia MA, Berro LF, Marinho EAV, Frussa-Filho R, Oliveira-Lima AJ. Role of the treatment environment in the effects of aripiprazole on ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference in female mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 208:107856. [PMID: 31954952 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that aripiprazole, a partial dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, show significant efficacy in reducing alcohol use. We have previously demonstrated that treatment with aripiprazole blocked the reinstatement of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in a context-dependent manner, suggesting that the treatment environment may modulate the therapeutic effects of aripiprazole. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with aripiprazole on ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference in female mice, and the role of the treatment environment in those effects. METHODS Adult female mice were either sensitized with ethanol injections in the open-field apparatus, or conditioned with ethanol in the conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus. Animals were then treated with vehicle or 0.1 mg/kg aripiprazole paired to the test environment (open-field or CPP apparatus) or not (home-cage treatments) for 4 alternate days, and the subsequent expression of behavioral sensitization or CPP to ethanol was evaluated during or following an ethanol re-exposure, respectively. RESULTS Repeated treatment with aripiprazole attenuated the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization regardless of the treatment environment. Treatment with aripiprazole was only effective at preventing the reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP when paired with the ethanol-associated environment, but not when administered in the home-cage. CONCLUSIONS The present findings corroborate previous studies suggesting the effectiveness of aripiprazole for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Our results also point to an important role of the treatment environment in the therapeutic effects of aripiprazole in rodent models of ethanol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thaísa Barros-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Renan Santos-Baldaia
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André W Hollais
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marilia A Baldaia
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís F Berro
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.
| | - Eduardo A V Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Roberto Frussa-Filho
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Brandão N, Libarino-Santos M, Marinho E, Oliveira T, Borges A, Oliveira A, Oliveira-Campos D, Azevedo-Souza N, Santos V, Berro L, Oliveira-Lima A. Treatment with zolpidem after ethanol administration potentiates the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice. Braz J Med Biol Res 2020; 53:e10034. [PMID: 32609258 PMCID: PMC7326377 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x202010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N.R.N. Brandão
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - M. Libarino-Santos
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - E.A.V. Marinho
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - T.S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - A.L.N. Borges
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - A.P. Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - D. Oliveira-Campos
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - N. Azevedo-Souza
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - V.F.L. Santos
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
| | - L.F. Berro
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil; University of Mississippi Medical Center, USA
| | - A.J. Oliveira-Lima
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brasil
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Effects of the synthetic psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) on ethanol consumption and place conditioning in male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3567-3578. [PMID: 31309240 PMCID: PMC6895420 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Approximately 20 million adults in the USA have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). There are clinical and preclinical data suggesting that psychedelics may have benefits for AUD. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of the synthetic psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) on the behavioral effects of ethanol. METHODS The effects of DOI were examined using ethanol-induced place conditioning (1.8 g/kg ethanol) and 2-bottle choice ethanol drinking (20% v/v), using a dose of DOI (3 mg/kg) that produced the maximal response in the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor-dependent head-twitch assay. Interactions between DOI and ethanol (3 g/kg) were examined using the ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex procedure and blood-ethanol analysis. To examine additional mechanisms by which psychedelics may interact with ethanol, we determined whether DOI reverses ethanol-induced nitric oxide release in macrophages, a marker of inflammation. RESULTS DOI significantly attenuated ethanol-induced place conditioning and ethanol drinking. DOI-induced suppression of alcohol drinking depended upon 5-HT2A receptors, was selective for alcohol over water, and was selective for high alcohol-preferring subjects. DOI had no apparent pharmacokinetic interactions with ethanol, and DOI reduced ethanol-induced nitric oxide release. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that DOI blocks ethanol place conditioning and selectively reduces voluntary ethanol consumption. This may be related to modulation of the effects of ethanol in the reward circuitry of the brain, ethanol-induced neuroinflammation, or a combination of both. Additional studies to elucidate the mechanisms through which psychedelics attenuate the effects of ethanol would inform the pathophysiology of AUD and potentially provide new treatment options.
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Toxicological Aspects and Determination of the Main Components of Ayahuasca: A Critical Review. MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6040106. [PMID: 31635364 PMCID: PMC6963515 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6040106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage prepared traditionally from a mixture of the leaves and stems of Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, respectively, being originally consumed by indigenous Amazonian tribes for ritual and medicinal purposes. Over the years, its use has spread to other populations as a means to personal growth and spiritual connection. Also, the recreational use of its isolated compounds has become prominent. The main compounds of this tea-like preparation are N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), β-Carbolines, and harmala alkaloids, such as harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline. The latter are monoamine-oxidase inhibitors and are responsible for DMT psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects on the central nervous system. Although consumers defend its use, its metabolic effects and those on the central nervous system are not fully understood yet. The majority of studies regarding the effects of this beverage and of its individual compounds are based on in vivo experiments, clinical trials, and even surveys. This paper will not only address the toxicological aspects of the ayahuasca compounds but also perform a comprehensive and critical review on the analytical methods available for their determination in biological and non-biological specimens, with special focus on instrumental developments and sample preparation approaches.
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Garcia-Romeu A, Davis AK, Erowid F, Erowid E, Griffiths RR, Johnson MW. Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1088-1101. [PMID: 31084460 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119845793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meta-analysis of randomized studies using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) showed large, significant effects for LSD efficacy compared to control conditions. Clinical studies suggest potential anti-addiction effects of LSD and mechanistically-related classic psychedelics for alcohol and other substance use disorders. AIMS To supplement clinical studies, reports of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings can provide further data regarding potential effects of psychedelics on alcohol use. METHODS An anonymous online survey of individuals with prior AUD reporting cessation or reduction in alcohol use following psychedelic use in non-clinical settings. RESULTS 343 respondents, mostly White (89%), males (78%), in the USA (60%) completed the survey. Participants reported seven years of problematic alcohol use on average before the psychedelic experience to which they attributed reduced alcohol consumption, with 72% meeting retrospective criteria for severe AUD. Most reported taking a moderate or high dose of LSD (38%) or psilocybin (36%), followed by significant reduction in alcohol consumption. After the psychedelic experience 83% no longer met AUD criteria. Participants rated their psychedelic experience as highly meaningful and insightful, with 28% endorsing psychedelic-associated changes in life priorities or values as facilitating reduced alcohol misuse. Greater psychedelic dose, insight, mystical-type effects, and personal meaning of experiences were associated with a greater reduction in alcohol consumption, controlling for prior alcohol consumption and related distress. CONCLUSIONS Although results cannot demonstrate causality, they suggest that naturalistic psychedelic use may lead to cessation or reduction in problematic alcohol use, supporting further investigation of psychedelic-assisted treatment for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan K Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Roland R Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Xu S, Kang UG. Behavioral cross-sensitization between cocaine and ethanol is accompanied by parallel changes in the activity of AMPK system. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 183:32-37. [PMID: 31199934 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral sensitization is thought to be relevant to the psychopathology of drug addiction. A previous study from our research group demonstrated cross-sensitization between cocaine and ethanol. Although these findings suggest a common mechanism of action between these two drugs, little is known about the molecular or cellular aspects of this commonality. The AMPK pathway functions as an intracellular energy sensor and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. Thus, the present study examined AMPK signaling following reciprocal cross-sensitization between cocaine and ethanol in the rat prefrontal cortex and dorsal striatum. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were repeatedly treated with either cocaine (15 mg/kg, 5 times) or ethanol (0.5 g/kg, 15 times) and then challenged reciprocally with the other drug. When sensitized to either cocaine or ethanol, the phosphorylation in response to additional challenges with the same drug was enhanced, indicating the development of sensitization. However, responses to the cocaine challenge were enhanced in the ethanol-sensitized state, whereas the responses to the ethanol challenge were not apparently enhanced in the cocaine-sensitized state. This was likely due to the ceiling effect of cocaine sensitization, which suggested that cocaine had more robust effects than ethanol. Although the same changes were found for two upstream kinases of AMPK (LKB1 and CaMK4), TAK1 responded differently and was not affected by acute challenges from either cocaine or ethanol. In the prefrontal cortex, there was an increase in activity, whereas there was a decrease in activity in the dorsal striatum. This difference might be due to dopamine D1 receptor dominance in the prefrontal cortex and D2 receptor dominance in the dorsal striatum. Taken together, these results suggest that both cocaine and ethanol may share overlapping molecular pathways in the process of behavioral sensitization. However, the action of cocaine was stronger than that of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Xu
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ung Gu Kang
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Hamill J, Hallak J, Dursun SM, Baker G. Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:108-128. [PMID: 29366418 PMCID: PMC6343205 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180125095902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian decoction with psychoactive properties, is made from bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (containing beta-carboline alkaloids) and leaves of the Psychotria viridis bush (supplying the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT). Originally used by indigenous shamans for the purposes of spirit communi-cation, magical experiences, healing, and religious rituals across several South American countries, ayahuasca has been in-corporated into folk medicine and spiritual healing, and several Brazilian churches use it routinely to foster a spiritual experi-ence. More recently, it is being used in Europe and North America, not only for religious or healing reasons, but also for rec-reation. Objective: To review ayahuasca’s behavioral effects, possible adverse effects, proposed mechanisms of action and potential clinical uses in mental illness. Method: We searched Medline, in English, using the terms ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, Banisteriopsis caapi, and Psy-chotria viridis and reviewed the relevant publications. Results: The following aspects of ayahuasca are summarized: Political and legal factors; acute and chronic psychological ef-fects; electrophysiological studies and imaging; physiological effects; safety and adverse effects; pharmacology; potential psychiatric uses. Conclusion: Many years of shamanic wisdom have indicated potential therapeutic uses for ayahuasca, and several present day studies suggest that it may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders and addictions. The side effect profile ap-pears to be relatively mild, but more detailed studies need to be done. Several prominent researchers believe that government regulations with regard to ayahuasca should be relaxed so that it could be provided more readily to recognized, credible re-searchers to conduct comprehensive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hamill
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaime Hallak
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences and Behavior and National Institute of Science and Technology (Translational Medicine), Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Serdar M Dursun
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Glen Baker
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Rodrigues AVSL, Almeida FJ, Vieira-Coelho MA. Dimethyltryptamine: Endogenous Role and Therapeutic Potential. J Psychoactive Drugs 2019; 51:299-310. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1602291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra VSL Rodrigues
- Department of Biomedicine-Pharmacology and Therapeutics unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Jcg Almeida
- Department of Biomedicine-Pharmacology and Therapeutics unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria A Vieira-Coelho
- Department of Biomedicine-Pharmacology and Therapeutics unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Clinic, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal
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Barsuglia JP, Polanco M, Palmer R, Malcolm BJ, Kelmendi B, Calvey T. A case report SPECT study and theoretical rationale for the sequential administration of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 242:121-158. [PMID: 30471678 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ibogaine is a plant-derived alkaloid and dissociative psychedelic that demonstrates anti-addictive properties with several substances of abuse, including alcohol. 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a naturally occurring psychedelic known to occasion potent mystical-type experiences and also demonstrates anti-addictive properties. The potential therapeutic effects of both compounds in treating alcohol use disorder require further investigation and there are no published human neuroimaging findings of either treatment to date. We present the case of a 31-year-old male military veteran with moderate alcohol use disorder who sought treatment at an inpatient clinic in Mexico that utilized a sequential protocol with ibogaine hydrochloride (1550mg, 17.9mg/kg) on day 1, followed by vaporized 5-MeO-DMT (bufotoxin source 50mg, estimated 5-MeO-DMT content, 5-7mg) on day 3. The patient received SPECT neuroimaging that included a resting-state protocol before, and 3 days after completion of the program. During the patient's ibogaine treatment, he experienced dream-like visions that included content pertaining to his alcohol use and resolution of past developmental traumas. He described his treatment with 5-MeO-DMT as a peak transformational and spiritual breakthrough. On post-treatment SPECT neuroimaging, increases in brain perfusion were noted in bilateral caudate nuclei, left putamen, right insula, as well as temporal, occipital, and cerebellar regions compared to the patient's baseline scan. The patient reported improvement in mood, cessation of alcohol use, and reduced cravings at 5 days post-treatment, effects which were sustained at 1 month, with a partial return to mild alcohol use at 2 months. In this case, serial administration of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT resulted in increased perfusion in multiple brain regions broadly associated with alcohol use disorders and known pharmacology of both compounds, which coincided with a short-term therapeutic outcome. We present theoretical considerations regarding the potential of both psychedelic medicines in treating alcohol use disorders in the context of these isolated findings, and areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Barsuglia
- Crossroads Treatment Center, Tijuana, Mexico; Mission Within, Oakland, CA, United States; New School Research, LLC, North Hollywood, CA, United States; Terra Incognita Project, NGO, Ben Lomond, CA, United States.
| | - Martin Polanco
- Crossroads Treatment Center, Tijuana, Mexico; Mission Within, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Robert Palmer
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Benjamin J Malcolm
- College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin Kelmendi
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Tanya Calvey
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Cameron LP, Olson DE. Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2344-2357. [PMID: 30036036 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Though relatively obscure, N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an important molecule in psychopharmacology as it is the archetype for all indole-containing serotonergic psychedelics. Its structure can be found embedded within those of better-known molecules such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. Unlike the latter two compounds, DMT is ubiquitous, being produced by a wide variety of plant and animal species. It is one of the principal psychoactive components of ayahuasca, a tisane made from various plant sources that has been used for centuries. Furthermore, DMT is one of the few psychedelic compounds produced endogenously by mammals, and its biological function in human physiology remains a mystery. In this review, we cover the synthesis of DMT as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss the history of DMT in chemical neuroscience and why this underappreciated molecule is so important to the field of psychedelic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay P. Cameron
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, 1544 Newton Ct., Davis, California 95618, United States
| | - David E. Olson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2700 Stockton Blvd., Suite 2102, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, 1544 Newton Ct., Davis, California 95618, United States
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Lobao-Soares B, Eduardo-da-Silva P, Amarilha H, Pinheiro-da-Silva J, Silva PF, Luchiari AC. It's Tea Time: Interference of Ayahuasca Brew on Discriminative Learning in Zebrafish. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:190. [PMID: 30210319 PMCID: PMC6119691 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in shamanistic and vegetalistic rituals and has recently received lot of attention due to potential cognitive benefits. Ayahuasca effects are caused by the synergistic interaction of β-carbolines (harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroarmine) contained in Banisteriopsis caapi stalks combined with the N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from Psychotria viridis leaves, a potent agonist to serotonin (5-HT) receptors. The present study approaches the effects of chronic and acute exposure to two Ayahuasca concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 ml/L) on the cognitive ability to discriminate objects in a one-trial learning task in zebrafish. Based on the combination of concentrations and exposure regimens, we divided adult zebrafish in five treatment groups: acute 0.1 and 0.5 ml/L, chronic 0.1 and 0.5 ml/L, and control 0.0 (n = 20 for each group). Then we tested them in a memory task of object discrimination. Acute Ayahuasca exposed groups performed similarly to the control group, however chronically treated fish (13 days) presented both impaired discriminative performance and locomotor alterations. Overall, these results indicate that Ayahuasca is a potent psychoactive drug that, in chronic exposure, negatively affects mnemonic parameters in zebrafish. In single exposure it does not affects cognitive performance, but the higher concentration (0.5) affected locomotion. Moreover, we reinforce the importance of the zebrafish for behavioral pharmacological studies of drug screening, in special to psychedelic drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lobao-Soares
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Paulianny Eduardo-da-Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hugo Amarilha
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila F. Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Luchiari
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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45
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Cata-Preta EG, Serra YA, Moreira-Junior EDC, Reis HS, Kisaki ND, Libarino-Santos M, Silva RRR, Barros-Santos T, Santos LC, Barbosa PCR, Costa JL, Oliveira-Lima AJ, Berro LF, Marinho EAV. Ayahuasca and Its DMT- and β-carbolines - Containing Ingredients Block the Expression of Ethanol-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice: Role of the Treatment Environment. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:561. [PMID: 29896106 PMCID: PMC5986901 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage produced from the decoction of Banisteriopsis caapi (Bc) and Psychotria viridis (Pv), β-carboline- and N,N-dimethyltryptamine(DMT)-containing plants, respectively. Accumulating evidence suggests that ayahuasca may have therapeutic effects on ethanol abuse. It is not known, however, whether its effects are dependent on the presence of DMT or if non-DMT-containing components would have therapeutic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rewarding properties of ayahuasca (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, orally), Bc (132, 440, and 1320 mg/kg, orally) and Pv (3.75, 12.5 and 37.5 mg/kg, i.p.) extracts and their effects on ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i.p.) reward using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in male mice. Animals were conditioned with ayahuasca, Bc or Pv extracts during 8 sessions. An intermediate, but not a high, dose of ayahuasca induced CPP in mice. Bc and Pv did not induce CPP. Subsequently, the effects of those extracts were tested on the development of ethanol-induced CPP. Ayahuasca, Bc or Pv were administered before ethanol injections during conditioning sessions. While Bc and Pv exerted no effects on ethanol-induced CPP, pretreatment with ayahuasca blocked the development of CPP to ethanol. Finally, the effects of a post-ethanol-conditioning treatment with ayahuasca, Bc or Pv on the expression of ethanol-induced CPP were tested. Animals were conditioned with ethanol, and subsequently treated with either ayahuasca, Bc or Pv in the CPP environment previously associated with saline or ethanol for 6 days. Animals were then reexposed to ethanol and ethanol-induced CPP was quantified on the following day. Treatment with all compounds in the ethanol-paired environment blocked the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. Administration of an intermediate, but not a high, dose of ayahuasca and Bc, as well as Pv administration, in the saline-paired compartment blocked the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. The present study sheds light into the components underlying the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on ethanol abuse, indicating that ayahuasca and its plant components can decrease ethanol reward at doses that do not exert abuse liability. Importantly, the treatment environment seems to influence the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca and Bc, providing important insights into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasmim A. Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Henrique S. Reis
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Natali D. Kisaki
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | | | - Raiany R. R. Silva
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Thaísa Barros-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Lucas C. Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Paulo C. R. Barbosa
- Department of Philosophy and Human Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - José L. Costa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Lais F. Berro
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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46
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Barbosa PCR, Tófoli LF, Bogenschutz MP, Hoy R, Berro LF, Marinho EAV, Areco KN, Winkelman MJ. Assessment of Alcohol and Tobacco Use Disorders Among Religious Users of Ayahuasca. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:136. [PMID: 29740355 PMCID: PMC5928846 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the impact of ceremonial use of ayahuasca-a psychedelic brew containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline -and attendance at União do Vegetal (UDV) meetings on substance abuse; here we report the findings related to alcohol and tobacco use disorder. A total of 1,947 members of UDV 18+ years old were evaluated in terms of years of membership and ceremonial attendance during the previous 12 months. Participants were recruited from 10 states from all major regions of Brazil. Alcohol and tobacco use was evaluated through questionnaires first developed by the World Health Organization and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Analyses compared levels of alcohol and tobacco use disorder between the UDV and a national normative sample (n = 7,939). Binomial tests for proportions indicated that lifetime use of alcohol and tobacco was higher in UDV sample compared to the Brazilian norms for age ranges of 25-34 and over 34 years old, but not for the age range of 18-24 years old. However, current use disorders for alcohol and tobacco were significantly lower in the UDV sample than the Brazilian norms. Regression analyses revealed a significant impact of attendance at ayahuasca ceremonies during the previous 12 months and years of UDV membership on the reduction of alcohol and tobacco use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luís F Tófoli
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Robert Hoy
- University of New Mexico, Simpson Hall, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Lais F Berro
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Eduardo A V Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Kelsy N Areco
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael J Winkelman
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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47
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The renaissance in psychedelic research: What do preclinical models have to offer. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 242:25-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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48
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Dakic V, Minardi Nascimento J, Costa Sartore R, Maciel RDM, de Araujo DB, Ribeiro S, Martins-de-Souza D, Rehen SK. Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-MeO-DMT. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12863. [PMID: 28993683 PMCID: PMC5634411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dimethyltryptamines are entheogenic serotonin-like molecules present in traditional Amerindian medicine recently associated with cognitive gains, antidepressant effects, and changes in brain areas related to attention. Legal restrictions and the lack of adequate experimental models have limited the understanding of how such substances impact human brain metabolism. Here we used shotgun mass spectrometry to explore proteomic differences induced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) on human cerebral organoids. Out of the 6,728 identified proteins, 934 were found differentially expressed in 5-MeO-DMT-treated cerebral organoids. In silico analysis reinforced previously reported anti-inflammatory actions of 5-MeO-DMT and revealed modulatory effects on proteins associated with long-term potentiation, the formation of dendritic spines, including those involved in cellular protrusion formation, microtubule dynamics, and cytoskeletal reorganization. Our data offer the first insight about molecular alterations caused by 5-MeO-DMT in human cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Dakic
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Minardi Nascimento
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Costa Sartore
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Institute of Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stevens K Rehen
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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49
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Silva AAF, Barbosa-Souza E, Confessor-Carvalho C, Silva RRR, De Brito ACL, Cata-Preta EG, Silva Oliveira T, Berro LF, Oliveira-Lima AJ, Marinho EAV. Context-dependent effects of rimonabant on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference in female mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 179:317-324. [PMID: 28837947 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant has been previously found to prevent behavioral effects of drugs of abuse in a context-dependent manner, suggesting an important role of endocannabinoid signaling in drug-induced environmental conditioning. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of rimonabant on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in female mice. METHODS Animals were conditioned with saline or ethanol (1.8g/kg) during 8 sessions, and subsequently treated with either saline or rimonabant (1 or 10mg/kg) in the CPP environment previously associated with saline (unpaired) or ethanol (paired) for 6 consecutive days. Animals were then challenged with ethanol (1.8g/kg) in the ethanol-paired environment and ethanol-induced CPP was quantified on the following day. RESULTS While treatment with 1mg/kg rimonabant in the saline-associated environment had no effects on the subsequent expression of ethanol-induced CPP, it blocked the expression of CPP to ethanol when paired to the ethanol-associated environment. When given in the ethanol-paired environment, 10mg/kg rimonabant induced aversion to the ethanol-associated environment. The same aversion effect was observed for 10mg/kg rimonabant when given in the saline-associated environment, thereby potentiating the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. Importantly, rimonabant did not induce CPP or conditioned place aversion on its own. Controlling for the estrous cycle phase showed no influences of hormonal cycle on the development and expression of ethanol-induced CPP. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that rimonabant reduces the rewarding properties of ethanol by abolishing drug-environment conditioning in the CPP paradigm in a context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline A F Silva
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Barbosa-Souza
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Cassio Confessor-Carvalho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Raiany R R Silva
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina L De Brito
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Elisangela G Cata-Preta
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Thaynara Silva Oliveira
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Lais F Berro
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Alexandre J Oliveira-Lima
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A V Marinho
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod. Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 16, 45662-0, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
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50
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Post-sensitization treatment with rimonabant blocks the expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization and c-Fos protein in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 156:16-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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