Banisteriopsis caapi
Banisteriopsis caapi, commonly known as the ayahuasca vine, is a central component of sacred Amazonian brews. Renowned for its potent psychoactive properties, this woody climber contains harmala alkaloids that act as MAO inhibitors. For centuries, indigenous cultures have utilized this plant for profound spiritual healing and ritualistic visionary experiences.
- Scientific name: Banisteriopsis caapi
- Family: Malpighiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Malpighiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed within the genus Banisteriopsis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Malpighiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Banisteriopsis | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found across the diverse landscapes of Northern and Western South America. In the northern region, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, the species maintains a significant distribution throughout Colombia and Ecuador. It is also widely documented across the expansive territories of Peru. Finally, the geographical range extends further south into the western reaches of Bolivia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northwest | WCVP |
Chemicals
Banisteriopsis caapi has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include harmine, tetrahydroharmine, harmaline, harmol, N,N-dimethyltryptamine.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| harmine | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| tetrahydroharmine | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| harmaline | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| harmol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| N,N-dimethyltryptamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Banisteriopsis caapi has 2 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Psychoactive, Psychotropic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Psychotropic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Banisteriopsis caapi has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, addictive behaviors, anxiety, anxiety disorders.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| addictive behaviors | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacterial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| brain disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neurodegenerative disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neurological disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |