← Back to all articles
PTSDPubMed VerifiedOpen Access

Hypothesis: The psychedelic ayahuasca heals traumatic memories via a sigma 1 receptor-mediated epigenetic-mnemonic process

Inserra A

Frontiers in Pharmacology (2018)

Theoretical / hypothesis
Abstract

Proposes a sigma-1 receptor-mediated mechanism by which ayahuasca may facilitate processing of traumatic memories. Integrates pharmacological, epigenetic, and memory reconsolidation evidence for potential PTSD treatment.

Citations80
Study TypeTheoretical / hypothesis
PTSDsigma-1 receptorepigenetictraumatic memorieshypothesis
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00330View on PubMed

Related Articles

PTSD

Exploring the therapeutic effects of psychedelics administered to military veterans in naturalistic retreat settings

Calnan M, Blest-Hopley G et al.

Brain and Behavior, 2025
PTSD

Prevalence and therapeutic impact of adverse life event reexperiencing under ceremonial ayahuasca

Weiss B, Wingert A et al.

Scientific Reports, 2023
PTSD

Ayahuasca ceremony in the treatment of a patient with PTSD: a case report

Coelho HF, Oliveira RD et al.

Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 2021
Reviews

The therapeutic potentials of ayahuasca: possible effects against various diseases of civilization

Frecska E, Bokor P et al.

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2016