Banisteriopsis is a taxonomically complex genus, with 57 species in the New World. The best-known species of the genus is Banisteriopsis caapi, culturally important as the principal component of Ayahuasca tea, used in religious ceremonies by the native peoples in the Northwestern Amazon, and now expanded worldwide. A study of the species and names related to a strongly supported clade which...
Abstract Ritually used in religious ceremonies and now popular culture, Banisteriopsis caapi (≡ Banisteria caapi ) is the most important ingredient in an inebriating drink known as Ayahuasca. The nomenclatural history of B. caapi and B. quitensis is presented, and both names are lectotypified.
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive infusion with a large pharmacological application normally prepared with Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains the monoamine oxidase inhibitors β-carbolines, and Psichotria virids, which contains the serotonin receptor agonist N,N dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The objectives of this study were to investigate the chemical profile of B. caapi and of ayahuasca collected in...