Traditional Knowledge and Therapeutic Application of Chiric Sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora) in an Amazonian Rehabilitation Center.

Abstract

The use of traditional medicinal plants in therapeutic settings has gained increasing attention for their potential in mental health and addiction treatment. This study explores the ethnomedical use of Brunfelsia grandiflora (chiric sanango) within the therapeutic framework of the Takiwasi Center in the Peruvian Amazon, where it is integrated into strict plant-based dietary regimens ("dietas") to support addiction recovery and psychological well-being. The research combines data from semi-structured interviews with therapists, traditional healers, and other staff members, along with patient-reported experience data from the institution's database. A total of 74 case reports were analyzed to assess both the physiological and psychological effects of chiric. Findings indicate that the plant induces notable physical effects, including numbness, tingling, dizziness, and cold sensations, while also facilitating deep psychological introspection, emotional processing, and enhanced social engagement. Participants frequently reported shifts from distressing emotions to states of clarity, acceptance, and resilience. These effects suggest that chiric sanango may serve as an important adjunct in psychotherapy and addiction treatment. This study highlights the intersection of Amazonian ethnomedicine and modern therapeutic practices, emphasizing the need for further pharmacological and clinical investigations into the psychoactive properties of B. grandiflora and its potential role in mental health interventions.