caapi

Caapi, scientifically known as Banisteriopsis caapi, is a woody climbing vine in the Malpighiaceae family native to the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin in South America. It is best known as one of the primary ingredients of ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive brew used by indigenous peoples for ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual purposes.

Botany and distribution

Banisteriopsis caapi is a vigorous liana that climbs trees using its aerial roots. It thrives in humid, forested environments and is distributed across parts of Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia. The plant grows in dense understories and riverine habitats, where it can reach substantial lengths.

Chemistry and pharmacology

The vine contains beta-carboline alkaloids, primarily harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. These compounds act as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). In ayahuasca formulations, MAO-A inhibition by caapi compounds prolongs and intensifies the effects of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from other plant additives, making the oral ingestion of DMT viable. The effects associated with caapi itself can include mild psychoactivity, altered mood, and heightened suggestibility, but the most notable impacts arise in combination with DMT-containing plants.

Cultural and contemporary context

Caapi has a central role in many Amazonian healing and religious practices. Traditional preparations vary by community and region, but the general purpose is to facilitate ritualized introspection, healing, and communication with perceived spiritual dimensions. In modern contexts, caapi is also used in alt- and neo-shamanic settings and in various ethnobotanical studies.

Legal status and safety

Legal status of caapi and ayahuasca varies by country, reflecting concerns about safety, abuse, and MAOI interactions. Cautions include dietary restrictions related to monoamine oxidase inhibition and potential contraindications with certain medications or medical conditions. As with any psychoactive preparation, use is subject to local laws and health considerations.