How the chemicals in ayahuasca interact with each other: a systematic review

Sixteen papers were selected to review the pharmacological mechanisms potentially interacting in ayahuasca.

• The primary focus of existing research is on how monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may prevent the breakdown of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
• DMT and harmine have been studied more extensively than the other harmala alkaloids present in ayahuasca.
• It remains unclear whether the interactions among the compounds in ayahuasca produce effects that are synergistic or additive.
• Current understanding of the preparation's mechanisms is limited, indicating that more complex processes may be at play.
• There is insufficient data to confirm any potential synergistic interactions between the known compounds in ayahuasca.
• A deeper understanding of the pharmacological effects of ayahuasca compounds is necessary to mitigate potential risks.

Simplified