Comparing ayahuasca and esketamine for premenstrual symptoms

Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca or Esketamine on the Menstrual Cycle and Premenstrual Symptoms: a Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Sao Paulo · NCT07317232

This study tests whether a single oral dose of ayahuasca or esketamine can reduce premenstrual symptoms in healthy women.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ribeirão Preto)
Trial IDNCT07317232 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a double-blind, randomized interventional trial that gives a single oral dose of either ayahuasca or esketamine to healthy female volunteers with premenstrual symptoms. Participants are randomly assigned and both participants and staff are blinded to the assignment. The protocol excludes individuals with psychiatric or other medical comorbidities and is conducted at Hospital das Clínicas da FMRP-USP in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. The registry entry does not provide detailed outcome measures or follow-up timing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy women who experience premenstrual symptoms, have no psychiatric or other medical comorbidities, and can attend the Ribeirão Preto site are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Women with psychiatric disorders, other medical comorbidities, or who cannot travel to the study site would be ineligible and unlikely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a rapid, single-dose option to relieve premenstrual symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Both ayahuasca and esketamine have shown rapid antidepressant effects in prior small studies, but their use specifically for premenstrual symptoms is largely untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy volunteers

Exclusion Criteria:

* psychiatric and other medical comorbidities

Where this trial is running

Ribeirão Preto

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Healthy Women Volunteers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.