Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. Fabaceae)
January 23, 2025 Noureddine Chaachouay, Allal Douira, Lahcen Zidane
Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg., known as Cohoba or Yopo, is a woody plant of the Fabaceae family native to South America and the Caribbean. Indigenous cultures have used it in shamanic and religious ceremonies and as a diagnostic tool in traditional medicine. Its psychoactive effects stem from tryptamine compounds including DMT, bufotenin, 5-HO-DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT, which have significant hallucinogenic properties. This chapter describes the plant's botanical characteristics, historical uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxic effects.