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Ayahuasca evidence profile

Ayahuasca is a preparation containing DMT and multiple beta-carboline alkaloids, each with its own concentration-time profile.

Category: psychedelic · Updated: August 7, 2026

Sources and model notes are maintained by . This page is educational, not clinical guidance. Corrections: admin@halflifedb.co.

Model statusNo curve publishedCurrent sources do not support one defensible human input
Evidence boundarySource note onlyNo animal, forensic, mixture, or proxy value is presented as a human half-life
Model scopeNot modeledThe profile explains what the available records can and cannot establish
References4Linked studies, labels, reviews, or identity records described below

Ayahuasca: evidence and interpretation notes

Why HalfLifeDB does not plot Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a preparation containing DMT and multiple beta-carboline alkaloids, each with its own concentration-time profile. Compressing the preparation into one number would hide the interaction that makes the human studies informative.

The direct citations include human ayahuasca pharmacology, Hoasca alkaloid pharmacokinetics, plasma measurement work, and a harmine compound record.

What each source contributes

  • Riba J et al. Human pharmacology of ayahuasca, including pharmacokinetics (2003). This human pharmacokinetic record adds measured route, analyte, and population context and does not become a universal result.
  • Callaway JC et al. Pharmacokinetics of Hoasca alkaloids in healthy humans (1999). This human pharmacokinetic record adds measured route, analyte, and population context and does not become a universal result.
  • Yritia M et al. Determination of DMT and beta-carboline alkaloids in plasma after ayahuasca (2002). This supporting literature record adds compound-specific background and is used only within the limits of its design.
  • PubChem: Harmine. This identity record confirms names and compound identity and does not supply a human half-life.

For Ayahuasca, the decision to withhold a curve turns on the limits visible in Riba J et al. Human pharmacology of ayahuasca, including pharmacokinetics (2003). This human pharmacokinetic record adds measured route, analyte, and population context, but it does not become a universal result.

What evidence would change the page

The publication threshold for a future Ayahuasca model is concrete: serial human plasma data, explicit analyte identification, a described route or preparation, and a reported half-life phase. Riba J et al. Human pharmacology of ayahuasca, including pharmacokinetics (2003) remains useful, but it does not cross that threshold.

InterpretationCategory context and evidence limits

psychedelic context

Psychedelic duration is shaped by pharmacodynamics as well as pharmacokinetics, so subjective effects may not track a simple elimination curve.

  • The curve does not predict psychological effects or functional safety.
  • Metabolites and downstream receptor activity are not separately modeled.
  • Published estimates may come from small or specialized study populations.
EvidenceSource trail and model decision

Sources and evidence context

A linked record is not automatically proof of the displayed value. Study, labeling, review, and compound identity sources serve different purposes; notes below identify limitations when they are known.

3 PubMed0 PMC0 DailyMed1 PubChem
  1. Research abstract Riba J et al. Human pharmacology of ayahuasca, including pharmacokinetics (2003).
    Direct pharmacokinetic context. Population, route, formulation, analyte, and sampling duration still determine how broadly the result can be applied.
  2. Research abstract Callaway JC et al. Pharmacokinetics of Hoasca alkaloids in healthy humans (1999).
    Direct pharmacokinetic context. Population, route, formulation, analyte, and sampling duration still determine how broadly the result can be applied.
  3. Research abstract Yritia M et al. Determination of DMT and beta-carboline alkaloids in plasma after ayahuasca (2002).
    Supporting literature record. Its role and study design should be read from the linked source before applying any numerical finding.
  4. Identity record PubChem Compound Summary: Harmine.
    Compound identity and naming record. It supplies chemistry context, not independent numerical support for the model.
BoundariesWhat this page cannot answer and where to continue

What this page does not answer

  • It does not estimate impairment, intoxication, or fitness to drive.
  • It does not predict urine, blood, saliva, or hair test results.
  • It does not model repeated exposure, tolerance, withdrawal, or interactions.
  • It does not replace clinician, pharmacist, toxicologist, or emergency guidance.

Continue with context

Read the medical disclaimer, methodology, and research standards before using the model for comparison.