5‐MeO‐DMT has not been found in traditional ayahuasca preparations and the combination of 5‐MeO‐DMT with MAOIs is dangerous

Summary & key facts

Researchers checked traditional ayahuasca drinks and did not find 5‑MeO‑DMT in them. They also warn that taking 5‑MeO‑DMT together with MAOIs — a type of drug that blocks an enzyme that breaks down certain brain chemicals — can be dangerous. The paper makes the data behind these statements available in the article and its supplements. This matters because people should not assume traditional ayahuasca contains 5‑MeO‑DMT, and because mixing 5‑MeO‑DMT with MAOIs has safety risks.

Key facts:

• The study tested traditional ayahuasca preparations and did not detect 5‑MeO‑DMT in those samples.
• The authors state that combining 5‑MeO‑DMT with MAOIs is dangerous.
• MAOIs are drugs that stop an enzyme from breaking down some brain chemicals; the paper highlights risk when they are combined with 5‑MeO‑DMT.
• The paper says the data that support these findings are included in the article and its supplementary materials.
• The main practical point is that traditional ayahuasca should not be assumed to contain 5‑MeO‑DMT, and mixing substances can create additional risks.

Abstract

The author confirms that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

Topics

Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Anthropology Ayahuasca Chemistry Sociology

Substances

Ayahuasca