Banisteriopsis laevifolia
Banisteriopsis laevifolia, commonly known as a key component of traditional ayahuasca brews, is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its potent psychoactive properties, it contains harmala alkaloids that act as reversible MAO inhibitors, facilitating profound spiritual and therapeutic experiences within indigenous healing rituals.
- Scientific name: Banisteriopsis laevifolia
- Family: Malpighiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, it is specifically nested within the family Malpighiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Banisteriopsis, with the specific epithet laevifolia.
| 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 exhibits a diverse presence across the vast landscapes of Western South America, specifically within Bolivia. Its range extends significantly into Brazil, where it is found throughout the North region. The species also inhabits the central areas of the country, specifically within Brazil West-Central. Furthermore, the distribution covers the Southeast region of Brazil. Finally, the plant can be located within the Southern reaches of Brazil.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
Chemicals
Banisteriopsis laevifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |