Ayahuasca
(Banisteriopsis
caapi and Psychotria viridis)
Ayahuasca
is a tea prepared from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves
of Psychotria
viridis. Psychotria viridis
leaves contain Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT depending on the consumed dose
results can range from short-lived milder psychedelic states to
powerful immersive experiences. Banisteriopsis caapi contains three
main compounds that have physical effects: harmine, harmaline and
tetrahydroharmine. Harmine and harmaline are Monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOI) they specifically inhibit MAO-A (CALLAWAY
J.C. et al, 1999).
The presence of these compounds in the tea prevents the metabolism of
DMT in the stomach and intestines allowing it to reach the blood
stream and the brain. Tetrahydroharmine is a serotonin uptake
inhibitor (CALLAWAY
J.C. et al, 1999).
Ayahuasca
largely used for religious purposes but also has traditional
medicinal applications. The ritual is a spiritual it is intended as a
purification. Ayahuasca translates to “spirit vine” in Quechua.
The harsh diarrhea and vomiting associated with is used to purge the
body of parasitic worms. Harmala alkaloids themselves have been shown
to be anthelmintic
(ANDRITZKY, 1989).
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It
has been used in Amazonia for centuries. Christian missionaries
encountered its use in the 16th century. They equated its use with
Satan. The active compounds of Banisteriopsis caapi were isolated in
the 20th Century. A number of modern religious movenments in Brazil
extensively use Ayahuasca. Santo Daime, established in the 1930s
integrates ayahuasca with Christianity. Since the 1990’s the
movement has followers around the world.
Legally
DMT is still listed as a schedule one substance. Due to their usage
of ayahuasca as a sacrament and the spread of the religion, Santo
Daime has found itself the center of Court battles and legal
wrangling in various countries. In March 2009, there was court ruling
that the utilization of ayahuasca for religious ceremonies was legal
in the United States (ANDRITZKY, 1989).
References:
Callaway, J.C., et al. (1999). "Pharmacokinetics of Hoasca alkaloids in
healthy humans". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 65 (3): 243–256.
Andritzky,
W. (1989). "Sociopsychotherapeutic functions of ayahuasca
healing in Amazonia". J Psychoactive Drugs 21 (1): 77–89.