Symptoms: Amnesia, anxiety, bloodshot/watery eyes, dilated pupils, disorientation, hallucinations, headache, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased mucous production, hemolysis, loss of balance, loss of motor control, numbness, pain in nose, perspiration, salivation, tingling, violent sneezing, weakness.
Duration of Symptoms: 15 minutes - 3 hours
Rate of Poison: Rapid
Causes Death: Possibly
Treatment: Fluid replacement, IV therapy.
The yopo plant has been used as a hallucinogen in South American regions. Typically, yopo is chewed like tobacco.
Photo: Karen - Flickr
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Seeds often contain the chemical responsible to cause hallucinations when chewed.
Photo: Vojtěch Zavadil - Wikimedia Commons
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Molecular structure of Bufotenine (PubChem)
Bufotenine, also known as N,N-dimethyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, is an indolealkylamine. The chemical structure of bufotenine is similar to that of DMT and is a potential isomer to that of psilocin. Approximately 200-300 mg/kg can result in cardiac arrest in rodents, resulting in fatalities.
Level of Toxin: Seeds - 7.4%
Impacting Dosage: 8 - 100 mg (greater than could be life-threatening).
DMT, also known as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a tryptamine alkaloid substance that causes a psychedelic reaction to occur. This substance is formed naturally in many organisms, including humans. DMT is located within the neurotransmitters of the human brain and is metabolized by tryptamine-N-methyltransferase.
Level of Toxin: 0.16 - 75% in seeds, 8% in pods, 12 - 49% in leaves, 5% in twigs. 5 - 42% in bark, 2% in roots. 100% in snuff form.
Impacting Dosage: 0.4 mg/kg; 50 mg
Molecular structure of DMT (PubChem)
5-MeO-DMT is a psychedelic tryptamine, though the psychadelic effects are not as strong compared to other components. The compound is extremely unstable, causing a rapid degradation and short period of effects.
Level of Toxin: 0.4% in seeds
Impacting Dosage: 2 - 30 mg
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-6-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-beta-carboline.
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Elaeagnine
Leucoanthocyanin
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-oxide
Saponarentin
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-6-methoxy-2-methyl-beta-carboline
5-Methoxy-N-methyltryptamine
Harmaline
Leucopelargonidol
N-Methyltryptamine
Tryptoline
2,9-dimethyltryptoline
Bufotenin N-oxide
Harmine
MTHC
Orientin
Viterine
2-methyltryptoline
Catechol
Homoorientine
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
p-Benzoquinone Sorgoleone
Parts of Plant: Beans, seeds.
Contact Hazard: None known
Animals Affected: Cattle, rodents
*Historically used for ritualistic and religious purposes. Typically taken as a snuff.
Parts of Plant: Bark, seeds
Properties: Antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, enema, hemostatic, narcotic, prophylactic, stimulant.
Components: Cardiac glycosides, tannins (proanthocyanidin)
Antidote: None
Preparation: Decoction, snuff, syrup
Fever: Snuff
South America: Used medicinally during ancient times and in the 15th - 16th centuries.
Apoplexy: Ground up seeds into a powder (snuff).
Asthma: Bark, gum
Bronchitis: Plant softened in cachaça and wine.
Bruises: Gum
Cough: Bark
Diarrhea: Bark
Dysentery: Bark
Flatulence: Bark
Hemorrhage: Bark
Gonorrhea: Gum
Influenza: Plant softened in cachaça and wine.
Lung Infection
Pneumonia: Bark, gum
Respiratory Disease: Bark and seeds
Ulcers: Gum
Wounds: Bark and seeds
South America
Parts of Plant: Bark
Nutrients:
Minerals: Calcium
Proteins: Tannin
Taste: Not known
WARNING: Consumption of excessive amount of seeds could result in life-threatening issues.
None known
None known
Illustration of Yopo by Unknown Author
License: Creative Commons Share-Alike 3.0
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Anadenanthera
Other Names: Angico, Calcium Tree, Cohoba, Jopo, Jungle Juice, Mopo, Nopo, Parica.
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Bloom Colours: Pale Yellow, White
Bloom Time: September - December
Type: Perennial
Height: 60 - 88 feet
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Habitat: Drainage areas, forests, rocky fields
Origin: Caribbean, South America
States: None known
Provinces: None known
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Date of page creation: December 20, 2022
Updated page: March 21, 2023