Phytochemical analyses of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis
This study (2005) conducted phytochemical analysis on 32 Banisteriopsis caapi samples and 36 samples of Psychotria viridis (ayahuasca brews). All B. caapi samples had detectable amounts of harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, while some samples of P. viridis minimal detectable levels of DMT.
Authors
- Brito, G. S.
- Callaway, J. C.
- Neves, E. S.
Published
Abstract
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.