AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DA DEPRESSÃO

Abstract

Introduction: ayahuasca was and is used by indigenous populations throughout history, and may represent an advantage in terms of safety and establishment of its use. Over the two years, ayahuasca was re-signified from a native indigenous drink to a drink with religious purposes. Among the preparations that use medicinal plants for the treatment of depression, Ayahuasca stands out; A drink prepared from a decoction of two plants (or Banisteriopsis vine and Psychotria Viridis leaf), which according to studies, can reduce the symptoms of depression. Objective: to analyze the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca for the treatment of depression. Methodology: study of the integrative literature review type, whose databases used for the research were: Google Scholar, Scielo, Fiocruz, PubMed; LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences); in the period from 2012 to 2023. Results and discussion: it was observed that depression significantly decreased after a single dose of ayahuasca and in repeated doses, in studies observed with humans, primates, hikers and others. In addition to blood perfusion in the brain region involved in mood regulation and two emotional studies, studies suggest that ayahuasca acts as a serotonergic agonist, which acts on sound rhythm, mood, among others. Final considerations: the use of the drink is promising and further studies are needed for knowledge and safe establishment of its use.