Ololiuqui: The Ancient Aztec Narcotic
Journal of Mental Science – July 01, 1955
Source: CrossRef
Summary
Ancient Aztec traditions utilized a powerful plant, ololiuqui, whose seeds were found to induce distinct psychological states. Researchers explored the effects of ingesting *Rivea corymbosa* seeds, the botanical source of ololiuqui. Through careful botanical identification and controlled observation, a clear "model psychosis" was successfully produced. This demonstrated the plant's profound impact on perception and mental state, offering valuable insights into its historical use and pharmacological properties.
Abstract
This is an account of a model psychosis (6) produced by eating the seed of a tropical American plant which is known in Mexico as ololiuqui. It is only quite recently that Schultes (16) has made order from chaos in the matter of the identity of a climbing vine calledRivea corymbosa.I was introduced to ololiuqui by Mr. Leslie LeCron during a visit to Los Angeles in which he showed me Taylor's (22) article where he compares it with the peyote. Mr. LeCron discovered that seeds ofRivea corymbosacould be obtained from Dr. I. D. Clement, Director of the Atkins Gardens and Research Laboratory of Harvard University. I am indebted to Dr. Clement for sending me a supply of the seeds which would otherwise have been very difficult to obtain. It is reassuring for the investigator to know that the substances with which he is experimenting have been collected by skilled scientists who exercise meticulous care, for medical and pharmacological investigators have very often suffered from improper or imperfect botanical determination.