Blue Nile Flower Rituals from the Perspective of Transpersonal Psychology - The Role of Nuciferine and its Putative Value as an Antipsychotic Drug

Compounds used in neoshamanic rituals, such as nuciferine from the Blue Nile Flower (Nymphaea caerulea), may offer new treatments for psychiatric disorders. Nuciferine has a broad pharmacological profile, acting on serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors, and may lead to a new class of atypical antipsychotics. Its anti-inflammatory activity also suggests potential for treating depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The quality of commercial extracts varies widely. The ritual use of the Blue Nile Flower addresses healing needs not fully met by Western medicine.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Pharmacoor psycho-active compounds in traditional medicines or in plants used during neoshamanic rituals can sometimes lead to the (re-) discovery of new drugs for chronic pain, anxiety, depression or schizophrenia. Neoshamanic rituals fulfill the needs for healing and transformation of a number of people, who are partly dissatisfied with the absence of certain healing aspects in western medicine. A recent neoshamanic ritual is based on the administration of a resin from the Blue Nile Flower (Nymphaea caerulea), also referred to as Blue Lotus or Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile). This extract contains a number of alkaloids such as aporphine and nuciferine, although the quality of commercial available extracts is highly variable. We will discuss the biological effects of nuciferine, a compound which may be of value for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, and discuss the use of Blue Nile Flower in rituals from a transpersonal psychological perspective. Nuciferine has an enriched pharmacological profile, with affinities for a number of serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Nuciferine and its derivatives might lead to a new family of atypical antipsychotic compounds. Furthermore, a recent identified mechanism of action related to its anti-inflammatory activity, suggest this molecule might also play a role in the treatment of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.