Archaeology of psychotropic substances: The problem of analytical detection of ayahuasca
Archaeometry March 17, 2024 Enrico Greco, Laurent Rivier, Giorgio Samorini et al. 5 citations
Detecting ancient ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian hallucinogenic drink made from Banisteriopsis caapi liana and other plants, faces multiple challenges despite advanced analytical techniques. Harmine and harmaline found in Andean archaeological sites have led some to suggest Banisteriopsis was used as early as 500 CE. However, archaeological, ethnobotanical, biochemical, and analytical chemistry considerations make the true origins of these alkaloids in mummies and artifacts uncertain. The evidence does not convincingly prove ancient ayahuasca use.