Research on Ayahuasca in Mental Health Settings

Ayahuasca, an Amazonian brew made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, has captured the interest of many seeking healing beyond conventional psychiatry. It lies at the heart of Indigenous Peoples’ ceremonies in South America and has increasingly been studied by researchers interested in its effects on depression, trauma, addiction, and overall psychological well-being. While experiences with ayahuasca often involve mystical visions and personal breakthroughs, a growing body of scientific research is helping to clarify how, and why, ayahuasca may support deep mental and emotional shifts.

The studies gathered below reflect the most salient and up-to-date findings in the field. Spanning neuroimaging, clinical outcomes, and qualitative accounts, they explore how ayahuasca influences brain networks, emotional processing, and long-standing psychological patterns. Some studies emphasise measurable reductions in depression and anxiety; others highlight ayahuasca’s ability to evoke autobiographical insights, support trauma resolution, or foster a renewed sense of meaning and connectedness. Several also discuss the unique therapeutic frameworks that have emerged around its use.

The studies listed here are not exhaustive but offer a window into how the scientific community is beginning to understand the psychological potential of this plant medicine.