some studies suggest that the creation of new neurons is possible in adulthood, though other researchers have disputed the findings.Ayahuasca, a tea that shamans in several South American countries use for ritual and healing purposes, is emerging as a surprising potential source of drugs that could stimulate neurogenesis.Preliminary studies have shown that the psychedelic brew has antidepressant properties.
Its newly reported potential ability to promote the growth of new nerves in the brain may partly explain these effects. Ayahuasca is made from the leaves of Psychotria viridis, a shrub that contains DMT, and the stem of Banisteriopsis caapi, a vine that contains chemicals called beta-carbolines.