Banisteriopsis
Banisteriopsis, commonly known as Ayahuasca vine, is a powerful medicinal plant central to Amazonian shamanic traditions. Rich in harmala alkaloids, it acts as a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Historically used in ritual healing, this botanical holds significant scientific interest for its profound psychoactive properties and potential therapeutic applications.
- Scientific name: Banisteriopsis
- Family: Malpighiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
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 | 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 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 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | El Salvador | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
Chemicals
Banisteriopsis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include harmine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| harmine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Banisteriopsis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Psychoactive.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Banisteriopsis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include presbyopia, vision.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| presbyopia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vision | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |