Current Research
Onaya Science currently has a number of projects underway at the Riosbo research centre.
Following on from a UK government funded study, the team have begun the next stage of this experiment. The former study revealed some unprecedented findings – showing drastic reductions in anxiety and depression as well extensive psychometric data on a range of measures suggested positive therapeutic potential.
Preliminary findings also showed markers for epigenetic changes in DNA. This project is underway and is in the process of being scaled up to incorporate neuroimaging techniques and microbiome analyses.
In March 2023, in collaboration with Heroic Hearts Project, we aim to test a group of military veterans with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many thanks to Grant Town for their generous support.
Experiments at Riosbo:
Ceremonial ayahuasca in Amazonian retreats—mental health and epigenetic outcomes from a six-month naturalistic study
Results: A study looking at the impact of traditional ayahuasca on trauma-related conditions. In a sample group of 63, preliminary analysis showed significant improvements in anxiety, depression, self-compassion and wellbeing, also sustained at 6 month follow up. Results have been shown to be holistic in nature and highly correlated with each other. Improvements in positive autobiographical memory also observed. Pilot data from epigenetic analyses indicate changes to the sigma-1 receptor, as related to PTSD treatment. In regards to epigenetics, this study must be scaled up in order to draw more definitive conclusions.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.687615/full
Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
Results: In a sample of 24 participants, this study found that a retreat including 6 ayahuasca ceremonies caused significant long-term changes in human personality. These changes were deemed to be positive shifts, with decreases in Neuroticism (high levels associated with anxiety, depression OCD etc), significant increases in levels of Agreeableness and a trend level increase in how open people are to new experiences.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-020-05601-0
A phenomenology of subjectively relevant experiences induced by ayahuasca
Results: Using interviews that were carried out the following morning after an ayahuasca ceremony, this project describes the subjective effects of ayahuasca. The study looked at trends and differences in experience between participants and found significant references of reprocessing traumatic events or gaining fresh insight into life dilemmas.
https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/3/3/article-p295.xml
Synergistic pharmacological interaction of compounds present in ayahuasca – A systematic review
Results: Using a systematic review format (an assessment of the existing literature), this paper investigated how the primary chemicals within the ayahuasca brew interact in the human body. It was determined that further research is required but that the preliminary data suggests additive effect is going on, as well as potential synergy. It is hypothesised that ayahuasca has an antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect in the brain. A number of studies implied that ayahuasca may trigger growth of neural tissue, as well as up-regulating aspects of the serotonin system.
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/s6rDBPvF99z7JccZf3gHNdz/?lang=en
Ayahuasca, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms and socio-emotional experiences – A six month follow up pilot study
Results: Data from this pilot study showed that six months following participation in ayahuasca retreats, significant improvements in ADHD symptomatology and socio-emotional difficulties were found. The findings were not affected by length of retreat or number of ceremonies attended. Gender differences in outcomes were also identified. This study suggests possible positive effects of ayahuasca use for ADHD, where further controlled trials are recommended.
Currently it is difficult to raise funds for scientific research into plant medicines. To date, most of the projects have been personally funded by members of our collaborative research team in the UK (Onaya Science).
In 2019 the team was awarded a grant from the Medical Research Council UK, which we are delighted about. However, due to us being a not for profit more data means we require more support.
If you think you can contribute, however great or small, please click here. Every donation helps.
