Archaeology of psychotropic substances: The problem of analytical detection of ayahuasca

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges involved in detecting ancient ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic drink from the Amazon region, which is prepared using Banisteriopsis caapi liana and other plants, by utilizing advanced analytical techniques. The presence of harmine and harmaline in Andean archaeological findings has led certain authors to speculate that the Banisteriopsis liana may have been the source plant responsible for their occurrence. Consequently, the utilization of this liana can be traced back to at least 500 CE. However, a combination of archaeological, ethnobotanical, biochemical and analytical chemistry considerations has rendered uncertain the true origins of the presence of harmine and harmaline in ancient mummies and artifacts. Thus, the archaeological evidence does not convincingly prove the ancient usage of ayahuasca.