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Banisteriopsis caapi Facts

Psychedelic; Indole alkaloid; Monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Description

Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae) — caapi, yagé, ayahuasca vine — is a woody Amazonian liana whose bark and stems are brewed into psychoactive preparations. Its alkaloids are β-carbolines, dominated by harmine, which block MAO-A — the enzyme that breaks down serotonin. Combined with a DMT-containing plant, this blockade allows DMT to survive digestion and reach the brain.

Subjective effects include vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, emotional enhancement, deep introspection, and somatic intensity. Whether a DMT-containing admixture plant is present determines the experience's character — B. caapi alone produces mainly mild introspective and somatic effects, while classic ayahuasca produces a dense, multi-layered altered state.

No physical dependence or withdrawal has been documented,[1] and no autopsy has attributed death to ayahuasca alone.[2] The dominant risk is serotonin syndrome — a dangerous overheating and seizure response — when B. caapi's MAO-A blockade combines with serotonergic medications like SSRIs.[3]

Dose and duration

No dose or duration recorded for any route.

Body and dependence

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

Tolerance

Builds
Slow
Fully resets after
Not recorded
Carries over to
DMT; psilocybin; LSD

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
none likely · 5 possible, including Spatial disorientation, Vestibular distortion
Body
Nausea; Vomiting; +18 possible, including Diarrhea, Dizziness, Trembling
Thinking
none likely · 10 possible, including Cognitive impairment, Confusion, Decision impairment
Feeling
none likely · 6 possible, including Emotional lability, Anxiety, Dysphoria
Self
none likely · 1 possible
Time
none likely · 3 possible, including Temporal disorientation
Transpersonal
none likely · 1 possible
Awareness
none likely · 3 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
Psychotic disorders; Bipolar disorder type I; Concurrent serotonergic medications
Relative
Severe cardiovascular disease; Family history of psychotic disorders; Hepatic impairment; Pregnancy; Concurrent lithium use; Tyramine-rich foods (MAOI class)

Combinations60 recorded

Lethal (6)
Amphetamines; MDMA, Amphetamines; MDMA, MDA; Psychedelics; SNRIs; Stimulants
Dangerous (32)
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist; Buspirone; Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine; Local anesthetics; NRIs; Opioids; SSRIs; 5-HTP, Tryptophan; Anticholinergics; Antihistamines; Antipsychotics; Atypical antipsychotics; Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates; Caffeine; Cannabis; Clonidine, Guanfacine; Dopamine agonists; DXM; GHB, Baclofen; GHB, GBL; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; L-Tyrosine; Lithium; and 8 more, see full page
Caution (18)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/banisteriopsis-caapi
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]
    ^Bouso JC, González D, Fondevila S, et al. (2012) Personality, psychopathology, life attitudes and neuropsychological performance among ritual users of Ayahuasca: a longitudinal study — PLoS ONE doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042421
  2. [2]
    ^Nižnanský Ľ et al. (2022) Ayahuasca as a Decoction Applied to Human: Analytical Methods, Pharmacology and Potential Toxic Effects — Journal of Clinical Medicine doi:10.3390/jcm11041147
  3. [3]
    ^Rossi GN, Guerra LTL, Baker GB, Dursun SM, Saiz JCB, Hallak JEC, Dos Santos RG (2022) Molecular Pathways of the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca — Biomolecules doi:10.3390/biom12111618
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