Psychotria Viridis is a tropical shrub native to the lush rainforests of South America, primarily found in regions like Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. P. viridis is one of the main components used in the preparation of ayahuasca, an entheogenic brew used traditionally by indigenous Amazonian tribes. It provides the DMT content of the brew, while Banisteriopsis caapi provides MAO inhibitors that allow oral DMT activity according to “The complete organellar genomes of the entheogenic plant Psychotria viridis (Rubiaceae), a main component of the ayahuasca brew” published by Peer J Life and Environment Research.
The effects of Psychotria Viridis in the context of Ayahuasca ceremonies typically involve vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, shifts in perception of time, emotional release, and a sense of ego dissolution, which leads to heightened self-awareness and insights into personal or spiritual matters. These experiences are often described as transformative, aiding in personal growth and healing. More severe but rare effects can include seizures (2%), respiratory arrest (1%), and cardiac arrest (1%) according to “Adverse effects of ayahuasca: Results from the Global Ayahuasca Survey” by Bouso, J et. al. 2022.
To safely use Psychotria Viridis and Ayahuasca, it is important to participate in ceremonies led by a skilled shaman or guide with extensive experience in traditional practices. Such practitioners are trained to manage the complex dynamics of dosing and to assess participants’ readiness, considering mental, emotional, and physical health factors.
Safety considerations for working with Psychotria Viridis are the risks involved for individuals with a history of psychosis and other severe mental illnesses and heart, liver, or kidney health concerns. Anyone taking an SSRI or SNRI, as these conditions and medications are contraindicated for drinking ayahuasca. It’s important to note that people with a history of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, should avoid ayahuasca as it could potentially worsen symptoms according to Kubala, J et. al. in “ What Is Ayahuasca? Experience, Benefits, and Side Effects’ published by Healthline.
The legal status of Psychotria Virdis is complex and varies significantly by country. Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the main psychoactive component of ayahuasca, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance according to the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This classification generally prohibits the use, manufacture, and sale of DMT, except for very limited medical and scientific purposes. The ayahuasca brew itself is not under international control. This has been confirmed by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
What is Psychotria Viridis?
Psychotria viridis is a tropical flowering shrub from the Amazon rainforest and parts of South America, known for its glossy leaves containing the psychoactive compound dimethyltryptamine (DMT), commonly used in traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies. Also known as Chacruna in Quechua, the native language of Peru, Psychotria Viridis is from the Rubiaceae family, which includes coffee plants. Psychotria viridis is one of the primary ingredients in Ayahuasca, a psychoactive tea traditionally used in shamanic ceremonies in the Amazon jungle for spiritual and healing purposes.
What is the Role of Psychotria Viridis in Ayahuasca?
The role of Psychotria Virids in Ayahuasca is to induce powerful visionary experiences and altered states of consciousness the medicinal brew is renowned for. The leaves of Psychotria viridis contain high levels of DMT, a powerful psychoactive compound. When combined with the ayahuasca vine, which contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), the DMT in the Psychotria Viridis becomes activated. These two plants work together to create profound visual and spiritual experiences when consumed as a tea.
How Does Psychotria Viridis Contribute to Ayahuasca?
Psychotria Viridis contributes to Ayahuasca by providing DMT, which induces powerful visionary experiences. It is the psychedelic component in Ayahuasca, a tea traditionally brewed in the Amazon for healing and spiritual practices.
When consumed alone, DMT is broken down by MAO enzymes in the digestive system which prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream and reaching the brain. The ayahuasca vine contains MAOIs, which inhibit the MAO enzyme, allowing the DMT from the Psychotria viridis to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once DMT reaches the brain, it interacts with serotonin receptors, producing intense hallucinogenic effects.
What are the General Effects of Psychotria Viridis?
The general effects of Psychotria Viridis are psychoactive in nature, inducing visions and heightened awareness. Here’s a list of some of the key effects of this plant:
- Intense Visual Hallucinations: These visions include kaleidoscopic imagery, often with geometric patterns, spiritual beings, or visions of other realms.
- Altered Perception of Time: Time may feel slowed down, sped up, or completely irrelevant during the experience.
- Emotional Catharsis: Profound emotional release, often involving deep insights into personal trauma, relationships, or life challenges.
- Ego Dissolution: A sense of losing the self or ego, leading to feelings of unity with others, nature, or the universe.
- Enhanced Awareness: Heightened sensory perception, increased awareness of one’s surroundings, and a deep connection to the present moment.
What are the Effects of Psychotria Viridis When Used in Ayahuasca?
The effects of Psychotria Viridis when used in Ayahuasca include intense visual hallucinations and mystical experiences. Many people have shared encounters with spiritual entities, visions of divine beings, and feelings of interconnectedness with the cosmos. On the physical side of the experience, people experience elevated heart rate due to the DMT in Psychotria Viridis, dizziness, sweating, and mild feelings of muscle weakness or shaking. Vomiting and nausea are very common, reported by 68.2% of users in a large-scale study titled “How Safe Is Ayahuasca?” published by Technology Networks Biopharma.
Psychotria Viridis in Ayahuasca has significant psychological effects, with 55.9% of users reporting adverse mental health impacts like anxiety, panic, fear, and disorientation in the weeks or months after use, though 88% view these effects as part of a positive growth process according to Bouso J et. al. 2022 in “Adverse effects of ayahuasca: Results from the Global Ayahuasca Survey” by PLOS Global Public Health.
What are Potential Medicinal Applications of Psychotria Viridis?
The potential medical applications of Psychotria Viridis include addiction treatment and treating mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety. This is due to the DMT content in Psychotria Viridis that gives the ayahuasca brew its visionary effects.
The Medicinal Applications of Psychotria Viridis include:
- Treatment of Depression: According to Sanches, R.F., et al.’s 2016 study, “Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients with Recurrent Depression”, ayahuasca often has rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects. The DMT compounds from Psychotria Virids promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new neural connections, which may alleviate depressive symptoms.
- Anxiety Relief: According to Palhano-Fontes, F., et al.’s 2019 study, “Rapid Antidepressant Effects of the Psychedelic Ayahuasca in Treatment-Resistant Depression”, ayahuasca’s ability to induce emotional catharsis and ego dissolution has been associated with reduced anxiety, particularly for individuals dealing with existential distress or fear of death.
- PTSD and Trauma: According to Nielson, J.L., & Megler, J.D. ‘s 2014 study, “Ayahuasca as a Candidate Therapy for PTSD”, the deep emotional processing facilitated by ayahuasca allows participants to confront and release past traumas. This has led to promising results in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where individuals can work through painful memories in a supportive setting.
- Addiction Treatment: According to Thomas, G., Lucas, P., Capler, N.R., Tupper, K.W., & Martin, G.’s 2013 study, “Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction”, the visionary experiences and personal insights gained during ayahuasca ceremonies have been reported to help people overcome substance addictions, particularly to alcohol and drugs. The brew is thought to help individuals address the root causes of addiction and break harmful behavioral patterns.
- Improved Emotional Regulation: According to Domínguez-Clavé, E., et al. ‘s 2016 study, “Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Therapeutic Potential”, ayahuasca promotes emotional release and introspection. This is conducive to helping individuals with emotional regulation issues, treating conditions such as chronic emotional instability.
How to Use Psychotria Viridis Safely?
To use Psychotria Viridis safely, consult a professional for guidance. An experienced shaman or curandero who brews ayahuasca will be able to provide guidance for safe consumption in a ceremonial context. Psychotria Viridis is most commonly consumed as part of an ayahuasca brew, and the dosage will vary based on the concentration of DMT in the plant and brew.
The strength of the brew will be tested and determined by an experienced shaman or facilitator before they serve it to others. There is no standardized medicinal dosage for Psychotria Virids. Every ayahuasca brew is different, and each shaman or facilitator prepares their own brew differently, with different amounts of Psychotria Viridis. A study in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that ayahuasca use in ritual contexts is associated with improved health status, psychosocial well-being, and lifestyle among a large sample of users.
In general, drinking ayahuasca often leads to overwhelming and intense psychological and physical effects, so it’s important to work with an experienced guide. A particularly strong ayahuasca brew with high levels of DMT can lead to intense ego dissolution, which is difficult and dangerous for individuals to navigate without safe support. Professional guidance is important when working with ayahuasca as an experienced shaman will ensure that you are dosed properly and supported during the ceremony and integration process. Keep in mind that Individuals on prescription medications, especially antidepressants or other MAOIs, must consult a healthcare provider before consuming ayahuasca. These medications can dangerously interact with the DMT and MAOIs in the brew, leading to severe health complications.
Can You Smoke Psychotria Viridis?
Yes, you can smoke Psychotria Viridis, but it is ineffective, because it must be consumed with an MAOI to become orally active. Without MAOIs, DMT is broken down too quickly in the body, preventing psychoactive effects. When DMT is extracted from Psychotria viridis, it can be smoked, but this is different from smoking the leaves directly.
Smoking extracted DMT produces short, intense hallucinations. However, smoking DMT in this form is risky due to the rapid onset and overwhelming nature of the experience. It is not recommended without expert guidance, as it results in intense visual and mental effects, including ego dissolution and disorientation.
What are Potential Risks and Side Effects of Psychotria Viridis?
The potential risks and side effects of Psychotria viridis, particularly as a component of ayahuasca are both physical and psychological. Most of the side effects are part of the ceremony experience and should be expected, but there are some health risks to be aware of. Here are the key potential risks and side effects of Psychotria Viridis:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and Vomiting are common side effects of consuming ayahuasca. The purging process is part of the ceremony but may lead to dehydration and discomfort.
- Diarrhea: Along with vomiting, diarrhea is another form of purging. Excessive diarrhea leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance if not monitored.
- Hypertensive Crisis: Psychotria viridis contains DMT, which is consumed with MAOIs from Banisteriopsis caapi. When combined with tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheeses, processed meats), this leads to dangerously high blood pressure.
- Serotonin Syndrome: Individuals on antidepressants or other serotonergic medications (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs) face the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of serotonin in the brain. This condition causes confusion, rapid heart rate, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
- Cardiovascular Strain: Ayahuasca increases heart rate and blood pressure. This poses a risk to individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or high blood pressure.
- Psychological Distress: Those with a history of mental health disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) are at risk for psychotic episodes or emotional instability. The intense introspective nature of ayahuasca often brings unresolved traumas to the surface.
- Stimulants: Substances like amphetamine-based medications, recreational drugs, or caffeine does interact negatively with ayahuasca, causing overstimulation or heart issues.
- Pregnant or Nursing Women: Ayahuasca is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as its effects on the fetus or infant are not well studied.
- Individuals with Heart or Liver Conditions: The physiological strain from ayahuasca exacerbates conditions related to the heart or liver, especially given its effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
How Safe is Psychotria Viridis?
Psychotria viridis is safe for use under specific conditions. Its safety depends on the context of use, who is administering it, pre-existing health conditions of the individuals taking it, and their adherence to medical and dietary guidelines. Psychotria viridis has been used safely for centuries in traditional Amazonian ceremonies as part of ayahuasca. When consumed in a supervised ceremonial context under the guidance of a knowledgeable facilitator, and with proper preparation (dietary restrictions, health screening), ayahuasca and Psychotria viridis are typically considered safe.
According to Riba, J., et al.’s 2001 study, “Subjective Effects and Tolerability of the South American Psychoactive Beverage Ayahuasca in Healthy Volunteers”, the ayahuasca brew, which contains Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, is relatively well-tolerated in clinical settings with controlled doses. Physical side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting are common but not long lasting.
What Should Be Considered When Using Psychotria Viridis?
When using Psychotria viridis consider the context in which it will be consumed and your personal health conditions. While 55.9% of users reported adverse mental health effects, such as anxiety, panic, fear, and disorientation in the weeks or months following Ayahuasca consumption, 88% perceived these effects as part of a positive growth process according to Bouso, J et. al. 2022. These factors help ensure both safety and respect for the traditional use of the plant:
- Context: Psychotria viridis is traditionally consumed as part of the ayahuasca brew in a ceremonial setting under the guidance of an experienced shaman. Do not attempt to prepare your own brew and drink it on your own without training as a curandero. Proper mental and physical preparation, including dietary restrictions, mental focus, and environment, is critical for reducing risks and enhancing the spiritual journey.
- Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder are at higher risk of exacerbating these conditions when using Psychotria viridis in ayahuasca. Psychological screening and mental preparation are essential to minimize risks. People with pre-existing heart conditions, hypertension, or severe liver or kidney issues should exercise caution, as ayahuasca can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
What are the Potential Drug Interactions and Contraindications When Using Psychotria Viridis?
Potential drug interactions and contraindications when using Psychotria viridis include serotonin syndrome, hypertension, and high blood pressure. Ayahuasca interacts dangerously with various medications, including antidepressants (especially SSRIs), psychiatric drugs, medications for Parkinson’s disease, cough medicines, and weight loss medications according to Kubala, J et. al. 2024 “What is Ayahuasca?” published by Healthline. The potential drug interaction and contraindications when using Psychotria Viridis include:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs): Combining with Psychotria viridis leads to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition due to excess serotonin.
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): Using additional MAOI medications dangerously amplifies their effects, increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
- Antipsychotic Medications: These medications interact unpredictably with DMT, worsening mental health symptoms or causing severe disorientation.
- Medications for Parkinson’s Disease: Drugs such as Levodopa produce dangerous cardiovascular effects when combined with Psychotria viridis, especially in the presence of MAOIs in Ayahuasca.
- Cough Medicines (Dextromethorphan): Combining with Psychotria viridis increases serotonin levels and triggers serotonin syndrome, especially in cough medicines containing dextromethorphan.
- Weight Loss Medications: Many weight loss drugs contain stimulants that raise heart rate and blood pressure, compounding the effects of DMT in Ayahuasca.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Psychotria viridis interacts with blood pressure medications, resulting in dangerously high or low blood pressure, depending on the substance.
- Certain Pain Medications (Tramadol, Meperidine):These increase serotonin levels, leading to serotonin syndrome when used with Psychotria viridis in Ayahuasca ceremonies.
Is Psychotria Viridis Legal?
Psychotria Viridis is not legal in the United States but is legal in other countries, including Peru, Columbia, and Costa Rica. DMT is classified as a controlled substance in the United States, which means that possessing Psychotria Viridis is illegal in most contexts. Certain religious groups, such as the Santo Daime and União do Vegetal (UDV), have obtained legal exemptions to use ayahuasca, which is made with Psychotria viridis, in ceremonial contexts for religious purposes. These exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
Psychotria Viridis vs. Mimosa Hostilis in Ayahuasca Preparations
Mimosa hostilis is a tree native to to Brazil and other parts of South America. Also known as Jurema PretaIts, the bark of Mimosa hostilis is rich in DMT, making it a suitable alternative to Psychotria viridis in ayahuasca brews, though its use is less common in traditional Amazonian practices. Here’s a closer look at the differences and similarities between these two plants:
| Aspect | Psychotria Viridis | Mimosa Hostilis |
| Primary Use in Ayahuasca | Primary source of DMT in traditional ayahuasca brews | Alternative source of DMT used in some ayahuasca variants |
| Part of Plant Used | Leaves | Root bark |
| Active Compound | DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) | DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) |
| Traditional Usage | Used primarily in Amazonian and South American ayahuasca rituals | Traditional Brazilian shamanic practices. |
| Strength of Psychoactive Effects | Considered milder in effect when compared to Mimosa hostilis | Known for producing stronger psychoactive effects due to higher DMT concentration |
| Legality | Illegal in most countries unless part of religious exemptions (e.g., UDV, Santo Daime) | Illegal in most places due to DMT content, but less common in ceremonial exemptions |
| Preparation Method | Leaves are brewed with Banisteriopsis caapi to create ayahuasca | Root bark is sometimes substituted in modern variants, also brewed with Banisteriopsis caapi |
| Availability | Readily available in South America and used by indigenous groups | More commonly sourced through online vendors, especially for non-traditional brews |