Molecular pathways of the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca, a botanical psychedelic and potential rapid-acting antidepressant

Review of molecular pathways underlying ayahuasca's therapeutic effects. Covers serotonergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and sigma-1 receptor pathways. Discusses anti-inflammatory mechanisms, neuroplasticity via BDNF and mTOR, and endocannabinoid involvement. Positions ayahuasca as a potential rapid-acting antidepressant.