Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) is a jungle vine with hallucinogenic properties used in ancient ritual celebrations in countries of the Amazon basin. The vine is ingested as a concoction, also called ayahuasca, and prepared by combining it with other botanicals such as the shrub Psychotria viridis or the liana Diplopterys cabrerana. The active ingredients of ayahuasca include the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine and potent inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase-A (MAO) that prevent its degradation. Ayahuasca may have therapeutic effects in psychiatric illnesses such as substance abuse and depression. It decreased dependence symptoms, cravings and use among cocaine users. Acute and chronic ayahuasca use decreased depression, anxiety, and panic symptoms and improve neuropsychological performance.