This study (2005) conducted phytochemical analysis on 32 Banisteriopsis caapi samples and 36 Psychotria viridis (ayahuasca brews) samples. All B. caapi samples had detectable amounts of harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, while some samples of P. viridis had minimal detectable levels of DMT.
Abstract of Phytochemical analyses of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis
“A total of 32 Banisteriopsis caapi samples and 36 samples of Psychotria viridis were carefully collected from different plants on the same day from 22 sites throughout Brazil for phytochemical analyses. A broad range in alkaloid distribution was observed in both sample sets. All B. caapi samples had detectable amounts of harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine (THH), while some samples of P. viridis had little or no detectable levels of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Leaves of P. viridis were also collected from one plant and analyzed for DMT throughout a 24-hour cycle.”
Authors: J. C. Callaway, Glacus S. Brito & Edison S. Neves
Summary of Phytochemical analyses of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis
Traditional South American sacraments are made from the pounded woody portions of the Iiana Banisteriopsis caapi and the care fully washed leaves of the shrub Psychotria viridis. They contain harmala alkaloids, which inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase in the liver and central nervous system.
This article provides a phytochemical overview of the alkaloid content in B. caapi and P. viridis, and discusses the relationship between these plants.
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Phytochemical analyses of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis
https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2005.10399795
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Cite this paper (APA)
Callaway, J. C., Brito, G. S., & Neves, E. S. (2005). Phytochemical analyses of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 37(2), 145-150.