The union of the vegetable: the ritualised use of hoasca tea
Eliseu Labigalini, John E. Dunn
Psychiatric Bulletin May 1, 1995 DOI: 10.1192/pb.19.5.313 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Hoasca tea, made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, contains DMT and beta-carbolines; the latter are monoamine oxidase inhibitors that prevent DMT degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Brazilian law allows its use only in recognised rituals. |
Abstract
In the Amazon rainforest there grow two plants: the mariri (Banisteriopsi caapi) and the chacrona (Psychotria viridis), which have been used by native Indians for hundreds of years to make an infusion. The infusion, known as ‘hoasca tea’, is no ordinary herbal brew but one with psychoactive properties. The leaves of these plants contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which has hallucinogenic effects, and beta-carbolines, which are monoamine oxidase inhibitors that prevent the degradation of DMT in the gastrointestinal tract. The preparation and consumption of these substances are legal in Brazil; although the Federal Council for Narcotics (CONFEN) states that they can only be used during recognised rituals.