Chacruna
Psychotria viridis
Photo credit: Pisofrix
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: Contains a potent serotonergic hallucinogen (DMT, 5-HT2A agonist); psychological risk in vulnerable individuals; combined-brew serotonin-syndrome risk via the MAOI partner.
Contraindications: Same as the ayahuasca brew — serotonergic medication, psychotic/bipolar disorders, serious cardiovascular disease, pregnancy.
Interactions: Major when used in the brew (DMT + MAOI synergy) — serotonergic drugs, sympathomimetics, tyramine foods.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
ceremonial admixture leaf to the caapi brew (general category only — FLAGGED) · leaves
Part used: leaves
Traditional use: principal DMT-containing admixture combined with caapi vine in ayahuasca; 'teacher plant' integral to ceremonial healing, divination, cultural identity
Proposed mechanism: N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT, 5-HT2A agonist), orally active only because the vine's beta-carbolines inhibit MAO
Dosage note (descriptive only): No method or dosing
Reference only — not a dosage instruction
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not relevant.
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- The pharmacological interaction of compounds in ayahuasca: a systematic review, 2020 (PMC7678905)
- Toxicological Aspects and Determination of the Main Components of Ayahuasca: A Critical Review, 2019 (PMC6963515)