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Analysis of Ayahuasca (Santo Daime)


Pages: 296 - 299

Abstract

Recently, as part of a joint DEA - Bolivian counternarcotics operation, a suspected small cocaine laboratory was seized on the Bolivian - Brazilian border. Subsequent investigation of the site indicated that it was not a cocaine laboratory; however, approximately two gallons of an unidentified aqueous brown liquid was discovered. Individuals interviewed at the locale stated that the liquid was "ayahuasca" or "santo daime," and was used for religious ceremonies. In fact, a small religious-type altar arrangement was co-located at the laboratory site. The liquid was seized and a sample was submitted to this laboratory for analysis. The quantitative determination of the alkaloids via GC-FID gave: DMT - 0.36 mg/ml., harmine - 0.44 mg/ml., 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroharmine - 0.14 mg/ml., and harmaline - trace.