Influence of Environmental Factors and Cultural Methods on the Content of N,N‑Dimethyltryptamine in Psychotria viridis (Rubiaceae)

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) content in Psychotria viridis, a key ingredient in ayahuasca, varies with environmental and cultivation factors. Leaf samples from 25 locations across 14 Brazilian states and the Federal District were collected over four seasons. DMT levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and correlated with environmental parameters, plant nutrients, and farming methods. Seasonality, altitude, latitude, and biome type had the strongest effects on DMT content. A positive correlation between nitrogen and magnesium levels and DMT concentration was found. Regression analysis identified foliar nutrient levels that would yield DMT concentrations in cultivated plants similar to those of Amazonian specimens.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychotria viridis is one of the species that produces N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Its decoction \ntogether with other species, such as Banisteriopsis caapi, produces ayahuasca, a beverage used for \nritualistic and medicinal purposes. The goal of this study was to understand how environmental \nfactors and cultivation methods influenced the content of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in P. viridis. \nOver all four seasons, leaf samples were collected from 25 different locations in 14 Brazilian \nstates, and Federal District. Environmental parameters, micro and macronutrients, plant \ncharacteristics, information on farming methods were correlated with N,N-dimethyltryptamine \ncontent, determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Greatest \neffects on the N,N-dimethyltryptamine amount were associated with seasonality, altitude, latitude \nand biome type. A positive correlation between N and Mg content and N,N-dimethyltryptamine \nlevels was statistically established. By regression analysis, the adequate foliar nutrient levels that \nwould result in the concentration of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in cultivated plants similar to that \nof Amazonian P. viridis were equated.