Cited by 244Psychedelics and Drug StudiesAlkaloids: synthesis and pharmacologyForensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Risk assessment of ritual use of oral dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids.

Gable, Robert S.·2007·Addiction

Abstract

AIM: To extend previous reviews by assessing the acute systemic toxicity and psychological hazards of a dimethyltryptamine and beta-carboline brew (ayahuasca/hoasca) used in religious ceremonies. METHOD: A systematic literature search, supplemented by interviews with ceremony participants. RESULTS: No laboratory animal models were located that tested the acute toxicity or the abuse potential of ayahuasca. Separate animal studies of the median lethal dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and of several harmala alkaloids indicated that a lethal dose of these substances in humans is probably greater than 20 times the typical ceremonial dose. Adverse health effects may occur from casual use of ayahuasca, particularly when serotonergic substances are used in conjunction. DMT is capable of inducing aversive psychological reactions or transient psychotic episodes that resolve spontaneously in a few hours. There was no evidence that ayahuasca has substantial or persistent abuse potential. Long-term psychological benefits have been documented when ayahuasca is used in a well-established social context. CONCLUSION: A decoction of DMT and harmala alkaloids used in religious ceremonies has a safety margin comparable to codeine, mescaline or methadone. The dependence potential of oral DMT and the risk of sustained psychological disturbance are minimal.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01652.x

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Authors
Gable, R. S.
Affiliations
Claremont Graduate University (US)
Corresponding author
Gable, Robert S.
Venue
Addiction
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2006-12-20
Volume
102
Issue
1
Pages
24-34
ISSN
  • 0965-2140 (ISSN-L)
  • 1360-0443
OpenAlex
W2156120803
Cited by
244
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 40 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 12
FWCI
0.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Addiction (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Toxicology › Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
Keywords
dimethyltryptamine, harmala alkaloids, ayahuasca, ritual drug use, religious ceremonies, acute toxicity, median lethal dose, abuse liability, psychological harm, safety margin
MeSH terms
Alkaloids, Ceremonial Behavior, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, Female, Heart Diseases, Humans, Male, Risk Factors, Substance-Related Disorders, Banisteriopsis

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