The preparation and pharmacological testing of an alkaloidal extract of Banisteriopsis quitensis are presented. The extract was found to exert numerous effects on the CNS in mice, including sedation, transient paralysis, ataxia, prolongation of hexobarbital “sleeping” times, and prevention of reserpine-induced hypothermia. The preparation was without effect on the ECG, blood pressure, or respiration in unanesthetized rats. A testing method for analgesia is presented, utilizing a grid-shock apparatus. The extract produced an analgesic effect which was dependent upon intact supplies of serotonin but not norepinephrine. Keyphrases - Banisteriopsis quitensis, alkaloid extract-pharmacological screening, mice, rats - CNS activity - B. quifensis extract, mice