Botanical Overview
Banisteriopsis caapi, commonly known as Ayahuasca vine, Caapi, or Yagé, is a member of the Malpighiaceae family native to the Amazon Basin of South America. The stem or vine of this plant is traditionally used in preparing the psychoactive decoction known as ayahuasca. This plant is primarily associated with nervous system actions due to its potent alkaloids.
Energetics
The plant exhibits a neutral temperature and moisture energetics with a notably bitter taste. It is considered amphoteric in tonicity, balancing among functional states.
Primary Actions
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition
- Psychoactive nerve modulation
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use disorders
Syndromes
- Psychiatric disorders
- Neurological modulation
TCM
Syndromes
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains beta-carboline alkaloids primarily harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine which act as reversible MAO inhibitors, facilitating the psychoactive effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of stem or vine — traditional ayahuasca brew prepared and dosed per ritualistic context
Safety & Contraindications
Use is associated with significant psychoactive effects with contraindications for pregnancy, lactation, and concurrent use with serotonergic drugs due to risk of serotonin syndrome. Should only be used under expert supervision. Avoid in hypertension.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary and elemental rulers are not established for Banisteriopsis caapi based on available reputable sources.
Selected References
- Pharmacology of Banisteriopsis caapi and its alkaloids (Callaway JC, 1998)
- Banisteriopsis caapi and Ayahuasca: Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Frecska E, Bokor P, Winkelman M, 2011)
- Banisteriopsis caapi – Plants For A Future Database