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Anadenanthera peregrina Facts

Psychedelic; Substituted tryptamine; Serotonin 2A receptor agonist

Description

Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina, Fabaceae) — cohoba, paricá — is a neotropical tree with one of the highest natural concentrations of bufotenine, a tryptamine alkaloid. It activates serotonin receptors in the cortex, generating intense hallucinations and cognitive disruption within minutes.

Subjective effects include intense geometric visuals, ego dissolution, disorientation, a racing heart, and nausea. The experience unfolds within one to five minutes and resolves within an hour — short and self-contained, but often overwhelming.[1]

Yopo does not produce physical dependence; rapid serotonin receptor adaptation makes repeated dosing self-limiting.[2] The primary acute risk is cardiovascular — tachycardia and blood pressure spikes are prominent at psychoactive doses — and combining yopo with monoamine oxidase inhibitors multiplies alkaloid exposure up to 9.9-fold,[3] creating serious risk of a life-threatening serotonergic reaction.

Dose and duration

No dose or duration recorded for any route.

Body and dependence

Acute toxicity
Moderate
Chronic toxicity
Low
Physical dependence
None
Psychological dependence
Negligible
Withdrawal
None recorded
Compulsive redosing
Negligible

Tolerance

Builds
Rapid
Fully resets after
7 days
Carries over to
LSD; psilocybin; DMT; mescaline; DOI

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
Color alteration; Ganzfeld effect; Geometry; Holotropic state; +28 possible, including Spatial disorientation, Vestibular distortion, Visual haze / noise
Body
Body scan awareness; Dizziness; Excessive sweating; Motor control impairment; Nausea; Pupil dilation; +25 possible, including Trembling, Vomiting, Heart rate perception changes
Thinking
none likely · 33 possible, including Cognitive impairment, Confusion, Decision impairment
Feeling
none likely · 9 possible, including Anxiety, Emotional lability, Dysphoria
Self
none likely · 7 possible, including Derealization, Communication suppression, Depersonalization
Time
Time alteration; +2 possible, including Temporal disorientation
Transpersonal
none likely · 1 possible
Awareness
none likely · 2 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Cardiovascular disease; Psychotic disorders; Pregnancy; MAO inhibitor co-administration
Relative
Seizure disorders; Bipolar disorder (manic phase); Severe anxiety disorders; Hepatic impairment; SSRI/SNRI use; CYP2D6 inhibitor use

Combinations60 recorded

Lethal (6)
Amphetamines; MDMA, Amphetamines; MDMA, MDA; Psychedelics; SNRIs; Stimulants
Dangerous (29)
5-HTP, Tryptophan; Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist; Buspirone; Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine; Opioids; Antihistamines; Antipsychotics; Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates; Caffeine; Cannabis; Clonidine, Guanfacine; Dopamine agonists; DXM; GHB, Baclofen; GHB, GBL; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; L-Tyrosine; Lithium; Local anesthetics; Naltrexone; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); NRIs; NSAIDs; and 5 more, see full page
Caution (21)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/anadenanthera-peregrina
Not graded (4)
Not listed never means safe.

Seek help immediately if

Most difficulty is psychological (intense fear, panic, confusion) and passes with calm support — the signs below mean seek emergency help:

  • Very high body temperature; hot, dry skin
  • Seizures
  • Chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Severe muscle rigidity, tremor, or twitching (possible serotonin syndrome)
  • Cold, pale, or blue fingers/toes — severe vasoconstriction (notably NBOMe / DOx)
  • Persistent vomiting; unconsciousness; uncontrollable agitation or risk of self-harm

What to do

  1. Stay calm and reassure — remind them they took a drug and the effect will pass
  2. Move to a calm, quiet, safe space with low light; reduce noise and sensory input
  3. Keep them from harm — they may act on fear or confusion; stay with them, don't leave them alone
  4. Talk them down gently; don't grab or restrain unless they're in danger
  5. For the medical signs above (overheating, seizure, chest pain, vasoconstriction, unresponsive) call emergency services
  6. If overheating, cool the body; be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR

The experience is time-limited and usually resolves with calm reassurance in a safe setting — psychological first aid, not medication. Serious physical harm is uncommon for classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) but real for some potent phenethylamines (NBOMe, DOx), where hyperthermia, seizures, and vasoconstriction warrant emergency care.

988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE

Version r2 · Not medical advice

References

  1. [1]
    ^ICEERS (2023) Yopo: Basic Info
  2. [2]
    ^de la Fuente Revenga M, Jaster AM, McGinn J, Silva G, Saha S, Gonzalez-Maeso J (2022) Tolerance and Cross-Tolerance among Psychedelic and Nonpsychedelic 5-HT2A Receptor Agonists in Mice — ACS Chemical Neuroscience doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00170
  3. [3]
    ^Shen HW, Wu C, Jiang XL, Yu AM (2010) Effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitor and cytochrome P450 2D6 status on 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine metabolism and pharmacokinetics — Biochemical Pharmacology doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2010.02.020
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