These recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight ayahuasca’s potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. These studies also note that ayahuasca may influence personality traits, such as increasing openness and self-transcendence, which could contribute to its therapeutic effects. However, while the findings are promising, researchers emphasize the need for more rigorous, controlled studies to fully understand ayahuasca’s efficacy and safety profiles.
Last updated June 2026.
Araújo, Maia, Arruda-Sanchez, Galvão-Coelho & Palhano-Fontes
Summary: A current synthesis from the Brazilian group behind the landmark trials, reviewing the preclinical and clinical evidence for ayahuasca and DMT across conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use and eating disorders.
Key Findings: Preclinical work shows enhanced neuroplasticity and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and neuroimaging a more flexible brain state — but the human evidence remains mainly observational, with a favourable safety profile in structured settings.
Read the full articleSheth, A., et al.
Summary: This review focused on ayahuasca’s effects on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and eating disorders, analyzing 43 studies published between 2017 and 2023.
Key Findings: The review underscores ayahuasca’s potential as a therapeutic tool, particularly when considering the ritualistic and “mystical” aspects of its use, though it notes limitations due to the reliance on self-reported data.
Read the full articleGonçalves, J., Luís, Â., Gallardo, E., & Duarte, A.P
Summary: This comprehensive review analyzed 66 peer-reviewed studies up to December 2022, highlighting ayahuasca’s potential benefits in treating depression, anxiety, neurobiological disorders, and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Key Findings: The studies suggest significant therapeutic potential, though they also emphasize the need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm these effects.
Read the full articleApud, I.
Summary: This study examined the relationship between long-term ayahuasca use and personality traits, providing insights into how ayahuasca may influence aspects like openness and conscientiousness.
Key Findings: The analysis suggests that ayahuasca use is associated with certain personality changes, though the authors call for more longitudinal studies to better understand these effects.
Read the full articleRini Hartman
Summary: An Ayahuasca Nexus article relating two landmark trials — DMT for stroke (Science Advances, 2025) and for major depression (Nature Medicine, 2026) — to ayahuasca and its wider therapeutic context.
Key Findings: It weighs the neuroprotective and antidepressant evidence, distinguishes isolated intravenous DMT from the full ayahuasca brew, and stresses that both trials remain early-stage.
Read the full articleThis page offers honest, balanced and serious information about ayahuasca. It is not an invitation to drink nor a substitute for a proper medical assessment or for the specific guidance of a qualified facilitator.
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