Combining Ayahuasca Compound with Drugs Like Ozempic Could Treat Diabetes Mice

Researchers have found that combining harmine, a compound from the psychedelic drink ayahuasca, with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may significantly enhance the regeneration of insulin-producing beta cells in diabetic mice. A study published in Science Translational Medicine demonstrated that this combination could increase the number of human beta cells by approximately 700%. The study involved transplanting human beta cells into the kidneys of both diabetic and nondiabetic mice, followed by treatment with harmine and exendin-4, a GLP-1 analog. After three months, the treated mice showed increased insulin production, stabilized blood glucose levels, and a substantial increase in beta cell mass, which persisted for at least a month after treatment cessation.

The research suggests that harmine works by inhibiting an enzyme that limits cell replication, while GLP-1 drugs may enhance signaling pathways that promote cell growth. Although the results are promising, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings in humans and to explore the safety and long-term effects of the treatment. Concerns remain regarding the potential for unwanted cell growth and the need for immunotherapies to protect newly generated beta cells, especially in type 1 diabetes patients. The researchers aim to develop a treatment that could be more accessible than current therapies, potentially revolutionizing diabetes care.