Current research on the pharmacological effects of beta-carbolines and ayahuasca are being undertaken by research groups at the University of California at Los Angeles as part of the Hoasca Project. It is an acknowledged fact that visionary use of Ayahuasca by the indigenous people of tropical America has a long history and is integral in their culture. During native ceremonies, repeated references are made to the cleansing and purifying properties of these healing plants. The mode of this antihelminthic action is believed to be related to the similarity in structure of serotonin to the beta-carboline alkaloids. It is possible that these indole alkaloids are antagonists of serotonin in intestinal worm metabolism but little comparative data is available.
Research is currently underway.