Assessment of psychometric parameters and heart rate variability in experienced Ayahuasca users

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew of traditional ritualistic use from Amazon origin. It is made from an infusion of native plants mainly Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi that contains N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and beta-carbolines, which are pharmacologically associated with the mechanisms of serotonin action. The heart rate variability (HRV) measurement is a non-invasive method that allows the evaluation of autonomic nervous system and its brain control by central autonomic network. Its application to investigate the physiology of emotional regulation processes and has shown predictive outcomes for various mental conditions and psychiatric disorders. To date, there are no previous studies evaluating the long-term effects of Ayahuasca in heart rate variability and its corresponding psychometric changes.