chaliponga

Chaliponga is the common name for the tropical vine Diplopterys cabrerana, a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. The leaves of chaliponga contain the psychedelic compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and are used in traditional Amazonian herbal preparations, most notably ayahuasca.

Distribution and description: chaliponga is found in the Amazon basin, including parts of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. It is a woody liana with glossy green leaves; the leaves are harvested for their DMT content and prepared for ceremonial use either fresh or dried and ground into a powder.

Preparation and use: in traditional ayahuasca brews, chaliponga is combined with Banisteriopsis caapi, which provides monoamine oxidase inhibitors that enable DMT to be orally active. The ratio of chaliponga to other ingredients varies by community and ceremony. The plant material may be used in fresh form or as a dried preparation, and it is typically prepared and consumed under the supervision of experienced shamans or practitioners.

Legal status and safety: DMT is a controlled substance in many countries, and plant material containing DMT can be regulated. In places where ayahuasca is legally permitted under religious or ceremonial exemptions, chaliponga may be used within those frameworks; otherwise possession and use can be illegal. Safety considerations include the powerful psychological effects, potential nausea and vomiting, and interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or certain medications. Use is generally discouraged outside traditional or supervised contexts.

See also: ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis, Diplopterys cabrerana.