Mariri

Banisteriopsis caapi

Banisteriopsis caapi is a vine traditionally used in the Amazon rainforest and forms an integral part of the ayahuasca ceremony, which has roots in indigenous cultures. It is traditionally used for spiritual and medicinal purposes, although specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests potential therapeutic benefits, particularly with DMT and 5-MeO-DMT, showing promise for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder; however, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. Laboratory studies indicate that β-carbolines from B. caapi may offer anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects by reducing cytokine production in SH-SY5Y cells. Blood samples have shown the presence of DMT and other β-carbolines commonly found in ayahuasca, alongside other substances. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data, but no major issues or drug interactions have been recorded to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The blood sample of the patient contained DMT and other β-carbolines commonly found in ayahuasca, along with other drugs. D PMID
  • Machine learning algorithms achieved up to 90% accuracy in classifying Banisteriopsis caapi folk types using leaf images. D PMID
  • Current evidence suggests potential therapeutic benefits of DMT and 5-MeO-DMT for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, though more clinical trials are needed. D PMID
  • β-carbolines and B. caapi extract reduced LPS-induced cytokine production in SH-SY5Y cells, potentially offering anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Mariri?

Mariri (Banisteriopsis caapi) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Mariri?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Mariri; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The blood sample of the patient contained DMT and other β-carbolines commonly found in ayahuasca, along with other drugs.

How strong is the evidence for Mariri?

The strongest finding for Mariri carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Mariri safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Mariri in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Mariri interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Mariri in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Mariri?

Mariri is also known as: Лоза духов.

Is Mariri a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Intoxication Associated with Ayahuasca Consumption, Characterization, and Comparative Analysis of the Beverage's Components: A Case Report. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Anti-inflammatory effects of Banisteriopsis caapi and beta-carbolines in neuronal cells: potential implications for neuro-COVID. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ayahuasca and Its Main Component N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) for the Treatment of Mental Disorders: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Studies, and Tools to Explore the Human Mind. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Machine learning recovers folk classification of Banisteriopsis caapi from herbarium leaves an ayahuasca liana. literature abstract metadata