Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce ex Griseb.) Morton Malpighiaceae)

Banisteriopsis caapi, a vine native to South America, is a primary ingredient in ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage also containing Psychotria viridis. Historically used by ethnic groups for ceremonial, therapeutic, and recreational purposes, ayahuasca has spread to religious groups in the United States and Europe in the past decade. The beverage contains beta-carbolines and the hallucinogenic tryptamine DMT, with approximately 80 mg of DMT per 100 ml infusion. Harmine and harmaline act as reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors, while tetrahydroharmine impedes serotonin reuptake. Adverse effects include anxiety, perspiration, vertigo, and visual hallucinations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce ex Griseb.) Morton, a vine native to South America and belonging to the Malpighiaceae plant family, is well known for its role as a primary component in the renowned psychoactive beverage known as ‘ayahuasca’, which also includes the herb Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pav. Ethnic groups have historically employed the concoction for ceremonial, therapeutic, and recreational intentions. In the past decade, the utilization of ayahuasca as NPS material has expanded beyond South America to include certain religious groups in the United States and Europe. Typically, the beverage is formulated by simmering or marinating two or more potent Amazonian psychotropic plants. Beta-carbolines and hallucinogenic tryptamine alkaloids (N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine or DMT) are present in the stem, leaves, and roots. Ayahuasca comprises tetrahydroharmine, harmaline, and harmine, three harmala alkaloids. Harmine and harmaline function as reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors, while tetrahydroharmine impedes serotonin reuptake. Ayahuasca, which contains approximately 80 mg of DMT per 100 ml infusion, is associated with the potential for adverse effects such as anxiety, perspiration, vertigo, and visual hallucinations. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive account of the cultural applications, botanical characteristics, habitat, and geographic range, chemical composition, clinical uses, and biological effects of Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce ex Griseb.) Morton.