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Osteophiloeum Platyspermum and Virola Duckei (Myristicaceae): Newly Reported as Hallucinogens from Amazonian Ecuador.


Pages: 152 - 158

Abstract

Quijos Quichua collaborators identified Osteophloeum platyspermum and Virola duckei (Myristicaceae) as sources of a psychoactive sap. This is the first reported hallucinogenic use of Myristicaceae from Ecuador. Species in Malpighiaceae and Solanaceae are more common sources of hallucinogens, but older Quichua still employ these myristicaceous species. Virola is used widely as a hallucinogen in other parts of Amazonia but there are no previous reports on the psychoactive use of 0. platyspermum. Field tests for the presence of alkaloids using Dragendorff's reagent were positive for both species. Like the Bora and Witoto in Peru, the Quijos Quichua consume myristicaceous hallucinogens orally. Most other indigenous peoples prepare psychoactive snuffs from the bark and sap.