O USO FITOTERÁPICO DA AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DE TRANSTORNOS MENTAIS: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA

Objective: To explore the therapeutic use of Ayahuasca in patients diagnosed with mental disorders. Methods: This literature review sought to answer the following question: “What is the scientific evidence involved in the therapeutic use of ayahuasca in the treatment of mental disorders?”. The descriptors “Mental Disorders”, “Ayahuasca” and “Banisteriopsis” were used to search the PubMed/MEDLINE, CAPES and BVS databases, using the following search formula: “Mental Disorders AND (Ayahuasca OR Banisteriopsis)”. Observational and experimental studies on the herbal use of ayahuasca in the context of mental disorders, published between 2019 and 2024, were included, as long as they were complete. Duplicate articles, those unrelated to the objective and those that touched on the theme were excluded. Results: Of the 201 articles found, after complete analysis, 22 met the defined criteria. The use of ayahuasca in the treatment of mental disorders has a scenario with favorable prognoses, given the mechanism of action of the components, as well as the effects observed in patients. However, the studies warn of the lack of research for greater scientific elucidation. Final considerations: The present study analyzes ayahuasca in the treatment of mental disorders, emphasizing the benefits already observed and reported. Ayahuasca is promising, but requires solid evidence and more research to optimize benefits and minimize risks regarding psychotherapeutic use.