Banisteriopsis
Banisteriopsis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Banisteriopsis, scientifically known as Banisteriopsis caapi, is a perennial vine native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its potent psychoactive properties, it serves as the foundational component of the sacred brew Ayahuasca. Traditionally used by indigenous shamans, this plant offers profound spiritual insights and deep medicinal healing potential.
- Family
- Malpighiaceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
BanisteriopsisRegional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Jubistylis
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Malpighiaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Banisteriopsis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Genus | Banisteriopsis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans multiple regions across North and Central America. In Mexico, it can be found growing in the Northeast, the Southwest, and the Southeast. Its range extends southward into Central America, where it is established in countries like El Salvador. Additionally, the species is documented as being present in Costa Rica. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the plant thrives.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast |
| Central America | Costa Rica |
| Central America | El Salvador |
| Central America | Guatemala |
| Central America | Honduras |
| Central America | Nicaragua |
| Central America | Panamá |
| Caribbean | Cuba |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Banisteriopsis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include HARMINE.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| HARMINE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
HARMINE
- Medical hypotheses
Activities
Banisteriopsis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Psychoactive.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Psychoactive
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Conditions
Banisteriopsis has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include presbyopia, vision.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Presbyopia | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Vision | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Presbyopia
- Medical hypotheses
Vision
- Medical hypotheses