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Biochemistry

Principal active biochemicals have not been identified but may be tropane alkaloids.

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General Comments: Uses and Preparation
 

The Cocama Indians of the Peruvian Amazon use this plant as a hallucinogen and admixture in Ayahuasca preparations.  Two branches or three leaves are boiled for over ten hours with ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi).  When used alone, about ten leaves are gently boiled for seven hours.  The psychoactive effects last for about three days, during which there is conversation with the spirit of the plant.  Ingestion of this plant reportedly may cause loss of sight for three days.

NOTE: Brugmansia, Datura and other tropane-bearing plants are potential very dangerous and can cause serious mental and physical reactions or death. Permanent mental damage can result from frequent or excessive use. These plants should not be consumed carelessly.

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REFERENCES

Schultes, R.E. and R. A. Raffauf. 1995.  The Healing Forest: Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the Northwest Amazonia. Dioscorides Press. Hong Kong. p. 48.

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