Psychotria viridis
Chacruna
Psychotria viridis, commonly known as Chacruna, is a perennial shrub native to the Amazon rainforest. Renowned for its high concentration of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), it is a vital component in the traditional brew Ayahuasca. This sacred plant holds profound spiritual and medicinal significance within indigenous Amazonian shamanic practices.
- Scientific name: Psychotria viridis
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Gentianaales and falls into the family Rubiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Psychotria, specifically as the species Psychotria viridis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Psychotria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Psychotria viridis, is recognized by various names across different linguistic and cultural contexts. In Portuguese, it is commonly called Chacrona, while in Esperanto, it is referred to as Ĉakrono. Among the Quechua-speaking peoples, it holds the name Samiruka, and in Azerbaijani, it is identified as Yaşıl psixotriya. Additionally, in certain contexts, it is known by the Finnish name shamaanikahvikki.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Chacrona | Wikidata |
| eo | Ĉakrono | Wikidata |
| qu | Samiruka | Wikidata |
| az | Yaşıl psixotriya | Wikidata |
| fi | shamaanikahvikki | Wikidata |
| et | Nägemuse-rögajuur | Wikidata |
| fa | پسیکتریا ویریدیس | Wikidata |
| bg | зелена психотрия | Wikidata |
| ja | サイコトリア・ヴィリディス | Wikidata |
| azb | یاشیل پسیکوتری | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the Americas. In Mexico, its presence is specifically noted within the southeastern portion of the country. Moving into Central America, the species can be found growing in Belize and Guatemala. It is also documented within the borders of Nicaragua. Finally, the geographical range extends further south to include Costa Rica.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Guatemala | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Haiti | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Psychotria viridis, is a woody species that can manifest in different growth forms depending on its environment, ranging from a small bush to climbing lianas. The entire plant is highly valued in traditional practices, particularly for its chemical properties. While various parts may be studied, it is the vibrant green leaves that are most famously utilized in the preparation of ceremonial decoctions. Although the roots are part of the plant's biological structure, the foliage remains the primary component sought after for its specific medicinal and ritualistic importance.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lianas | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bush | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Psychotria viridis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT, dimethyltryptamine.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| N,N-dimethyltryptamine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| DMT | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dimethyltryptamine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Psychotria viridis has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hallucinogenic, Hallucinogen, Psychoactive, Psychotropic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hallucinogenic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hallucinogen | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Psychoactive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Psychotropic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Psychotria viridis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anxiety, anxiety disorders, depression, substance dependence.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| substance dependence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |