Researchers Claim That Ayahuasca Tea Stimulates The Formation of New Neurons

The Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) conducted a study proving that ayahuasca tea contributes to the formation of new neurons. The Amazonian drink is made by mixing together two plants – the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the chacruna bush (Psychotria viridis). 

Traditionally, ayahuasca is used in shamanic ceremonies, offering a hallucinogenic effect. This effect is enhanced when DMT binds to a type 2A serotonergic brain receptor. However, in this study, the binding was made with a sigma type receptor, which does not have these effects. According to the study, this “greatly facilitates its future administration to patients.”

In neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, it is the death of certain types of neurons that causes the symptoms of these diseases. Although humans have the ability to form new neuronal cells, it is not always possible as it depends on several factors. 

The four-year “in vitro” and “in vivo” experimentation was carried out on mice. According to José Antonio López, a researcher at the Faculty of Psychology of the Complutense University and co-author of the work, the study demonstrated that the mice exhibit “a greater cognitive capacity when treated with this substance.” 

“The challenge is to activate our dormant capacity to form neurons and thus replace the neurons that die as a result of the disease. This study shows that DMT is capable of activating neural stem cells and forming new neurons,” explained Ángel Morales, a researcher in the UCM and CIBERNED Department of Cellular Biology.