Ayahuasca experiences for sale on the internet—systematic analysis of health information provided to travellers in commercial websites

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Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) is a jungle vine with hallucinogenic properties used in ancient ritual celebrations in countries of the Amazon basin. The vine is ingested as a concoction, also called ayahuasca, and prepared by combining it with other botanicals such as the shrub Psychotria viridis or the liana Diplopterys cabrerana. The active ingredients of ayahuasca include the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine and potent inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase-A (MAO) that prevent its degradation.1,2 Ayahuasca may have therapeutic effects in psychiatric illnesses such as substance abuse and depression.2–4 It decreased dependence symptoms, cravings and use among cocaine users.2 Acute and chronic ayahuasca use decreased depression, anxiety, and panic symptoms and improve neuropsychological performance.5

Recreational ayahuasca consumption is expanding among occidental consumers, generating concerns about its safety. The combination of ayahuasca with prescribed medications, illicit drugs or other botanical preparations may cause serious and fatal side effects.6,7 The United States Poison Control Centers recorded 538 telephone calls for reported ayahuasca exposures in a 10-year period. Most (83%) of the calls originated in healthcare facilities, 11% involved patients admitted to regular wards, and 17% patients admitted to the intensive care unit. In all, 5% of the patients were endotracheal intubated, 2% had seizures and 2% had cardiorespiratory arrest. The authors pointed out that no information on dosing, concomitant medications or illicit drug use was available to attribute ayahuasca causality.8 Reports of tourist deaths associated with ayahuasca ceremonies are found in the non-scientific literature.9 Importantly, ayahuasca experiences are offered to travellers to South America and other regions through the internet. Although, it is speculated that adverse outcomes cannot be attributed to ayahuasca directly, the indiscriminate commercialization of ayahuasca experiences is at the root of this risk exposure. Pre-travel preparation is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. This study aimed to determine the information provided about potential health risks and contraindications of ayahuasca consumption in commercial websites selling ayahuasca ceremonies to travellers.cheap Ayahuasca for sale near me

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