Influence of Environmental Factors and Cultural Methods on the Content of N,N‑Dimethyltryptamine in Psychotria viridis (Rubiaceae)
Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society – January 01, 2017
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
N,N-dimethyltryptamine levels in Psychotria viridis are significantly influenced by environmental factors. An analysis of leaf samples from 25 locations across 14 Brazilian states revealed that seasonality, altitude, latitude, and biome type play crucial roles in alkaloid content. Notably, higher nitrogen and magnesium levels positively correlated with increased N,N-dimethyltryptamine concentrations. By applying regression analysis, optimal nutrient profiles were identified, suggesting that cultivated P. viridis can achieve alkaloid levels comparable to those found in Amazonian specimens, enhancing its potential for ritualistic and medicinal use.
Abstract
Psychotria viridis is one of the species that produces N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Its decoction \ntogether with other species, such as Banisteriopsis caapi, produces ayahuasca, a beverage used for \nritualistic and medicinal purposes. The goal of this study was to understand how environmental \nfactors and cultivation methods influenced the content of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in P. viridis. \nOver all four seasons, leaf samples were collected from 25 different locations in 14 Brazilian \nstates, and Federal District. Environmental parameters, micro and macronutrients, plant \ncharacteristics, information on farming methods were correlated with N,N-dimethyltryptamine \ncontent, determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Greatest \neffects on the N,N-dimethyltryptamine amount were associated with seasonality, altitude, latitude \nand biome type. A positive correlation between N and Mg content and N,N-dimethyltryptamine \nlevels was statistically established. By regression analysis, the adequate foliar nutrient levels that \nwould result in the concentration of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in cultivated plants similar to that \nof Amazonian P. viridis were equated.