Blue Nile Flower Rituals from the Perspective of Transpersonal Psychology - The Role of Nuciferine and its Putative Value as an Antipsychotic Drug
November 19, 2018 DOI: 10.33805/2638-8073.112 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Nuciferine, an alkaloid found in the Blue Nile Flower (Nymphaea caerulea) used in neoshamanic rituals, shows pharmacological affinity for serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors, suggesting potential as a new atypical antipsychotic. Its anti-inflammatory activity may also aid in treating depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The ritual use of this plant addresses healing needs not fully met by Western medicine, but commercial extract quality varies.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Nuciferine and its derivatives might lead to a new family of atypical antipsychotic compounds and may play a role in treating depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. |
Abstract
Pharmacoor psycho-active compounds in traditional medicines or in plants used during neoshamanic rituals can sometimes lead to the (re-) discovery of new drugs for chronic pain, anxiety, depression or schizophrenia. Neoshamanic rituals fulfill the needs for healing and transformation of a number of people, who are partly dissatisfied with the absence of certain healing aspects in western medicine. A recent neoshamanic ritual is based on the administration of a resin from the Blue Nile Flower (Nymphaea caerulea), also referred to as Blue Lotus or Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile). This extract contains a number of alkaloids such as aporphine and nuciferine, although the quality of commercial available extracts is highly variable. We will discuss the biological effects of nuciferine, a compound which may be of value for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, and discuss the use of Blue Nile Flower in rituals from a transpersonal psychological perspective. Nuciferine has an enriched pharmacological profile, with affinities for a number of serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Nuciferine and its derivatives might lead to a new family of atypical antipsychotic compounds. Furthermore, a recent identified mechanism of action related to its anti-inflammatory activity, suggest this molecule might also play a role in the treatment of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.