Overview
A common tree in the Amazon rainforest of Surinam growing up to 100 feet tall; the blood red resin in the inner- bark has hallucinogenic effects.
The Amerindians use it as a snuff while the latex is used to treat check ulcers and abscesses. By Amazonian Peruvians and Colombians it is commonly used for fungal diseases and scabies; also used for bladder- and stomach ailments. It is also used by their Shamans as an ingredient in Ayahuasca (psychoactive infusions or decoctions, prepared from the Banisteriopsis vine from the Amazon rainforest).
Constituents The resin contains hallucinogenic alkaloids: 5-MeO-DMT, 5-OH-DMT (Bufotenine), and also N,N-DMT (of the Dimethyltryptamine family).
Further it contains beta-carboline harmala alkaloids, MAOIs,* that potentiate the effects of DMT.
Additional, leucanthocyanes, tannic acids, carbohydrates and 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(11'-piperonyl-n-undecyl)-butenolide; 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(7'-piperonyl-n-heptyl)-butanolide; 9'-(3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl)-nonanoic acid and 13'-(3,4-methylene-dioxyphenyl)-tridecanoic acid are present. The leaves contain the antitubercular compound galbacin, the anti-aggregant veraguensin, and the antischistosomal surinamensis.
Pharmacology The activity of the constituents is for the most part attributed to the tryptamine-like alkaloids in the inner bark.
The derivates of these may have a physiological function as neurotransmitters of the central nervous systems. The major tryptamines*** possess psychoactive potency and produce central nervous system effects in humans. These are similar to those of lysergic acid di-ethylamide.
Effects and side-effects depends on dosage, and concentration of the drug; it brings on an initial excitability, followed by numbness and tingling in various parts of the body, loss of somatic co-ordination, nausea, visual hallucinations, and finally a deep sleep.
Applications The cambium (inner bark) is used as a hallucinogen; this is a class of psychoactive drugs**.
Also used as an ingredient for psychedelic snuffs; this is called Ebene, Epena or Yakawana. When used, it gives a feeling of euphoria and a rushing sensation for several hours.
Other applications are against rheumatism, arthritis, stomach aches due to gases, malaria, bladder problems, bacterial infections from wounds and dyspepsia.
The dark red sap or resin from the bark has also antifungal properties, used against infected skin (cures ringworm and other dermatological conditions).
The resin is spread over infected areas of the skin. This seems not to have any relationship to the hallucinogenic properties of the species.
Amerindians in Suriname and Brazil use an infusion of the bark against hemorrhoids.
The Amazon Indians Waiãpi, treat malaria with an inhalation of vapor obtained from leaves.
Virola surinamensis and sebifera are also used in homeopathy.
Dosage Tincture: apply on infected skin against dermatological problems (ringworm, scabies) and wound treatment. For uses as a hallucinogenic, exacts amounts and dosage suggestions are not known and the dose is experimental. Amerindians smoke it or use as a snuff. Effects are varied depending on the dosage. Generally, it brings on initial excitability, followed by numbness and tingling in parts of the body, a loss of co-ordination, nausea, visual hallucinations and a deep sleep.
Safety And Warnings
The effects of the Virola species are very intense and unpleasant for many people.
Generally nausea, headache and related discomfort are reported.
These are accompanied with the states of dreaming, lucid dreaming and hallucinations.
* MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors), powerful antidepressant drugs prescribed and used for treatment of depression.
** Psychoactive drugs: cause subjective changes in perception, emotion and consciousness. However, unlike other psychoactive drugs (stimulants, opioids), hallucinogens do not only amplify states of mind but induce experiences that are different from those of ordinary consciousness.
These experiences are often compared to non-other forms of consciousness (trance, meditation, conversion experiences, and dreams). ***Tryptamines: monoamine alkaloid found in plants and animals. It is believed to play a role as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter.
Reference
The above presentation is for informational and educational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage.
For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over - the - counter medication is also available.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and / or pharmacist for any health problem and before using dietary supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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